EP20K30ETC144-3N - 30K Gates APEX-20KE FPGA, 144-TQFP | Altera/Intel
MPN: EP20K30ETC144-3N ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.65 | $346.50 |
| 100 | $29.4 | $2,940.00 |
| 500 | $24.9 | $12,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $21.5 | $21,500.00 |
EP20K30ETC144-3N Overview
What is an APEX-20KE FPGA? An APEX-20KE device is a programmable logic device (PLD) that combines look-up-table (LUT)-based logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) that double as either product-term logic or dual-port RAM, and a MultiCore interconnect fabric. In the broader taxonomy, an APEX-20KE falls under FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The 'KE' variant improved upon the original APEX-20K by adding higher-speed I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, SSTL-2/3, HSTL) and a more deterministic routing architecture aimed at communications and DSP backplane designs of the early 2000s.
Key specifications include 1,200 logic elements, 24,576 embedded RAM bits configurable as 32×18 dual-port blocks, 192 macrocells, 92 user I/Os (with 4 fast-row clocks), 1.68 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay (speed grade -3), and a 435 MHz internal performance figure. The 1.8V core is supported by MultiVolt I/O drivers that allow the I/O banks to operate at 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V, simplifying mixed-voltage interfacing to legacy ASICs and processors.
The APEX-20KE MultiCore architecture combines fine-grained LUTs with coarse-grained ESBs, allowing designers to instantiate distributed RAM, ROM, FIFOs, and wide datapath arithmetic blocks without consuming glue logic. The deterministic interconnect minimizes timing closure iteration versus the original APEX-20K, which is critical for protocol bridges such as UTOPIA, POS-PHY, and RapidIO that were common when the family shipped.
Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, serial-protocol bridges (UTOPIA/POS-PHY Level 2/3), industrial motor-control pre-processing, and military/aerospace retrofits of legacy designs. With 24 Kbits of block RAM and 92 I/Os, the EP20K30E is well suited to small-format coprocessors, custom bus controllers, and PCI target interfaces in CompactPCI or VME backplanes.
A key design consideration is that the APEX-20KE family is mature and is now supported mainly for legacy system sustainment. New designs should evaluate Cyclone or MAX series devices unless a strict pin-compatible drop-in into an existing TQFP-144 PCB is required. Power estimation requires the Quartus PowerPlay early-power estimator, and unused I/O banks should be tied to a defined logic level to avoid leakage.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the APEX-20KE family, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the legacy manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K30ETC144-3N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with EP20K30ETC144-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Family, Package, Process Technology, Propagation Delay.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K30ETC144-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30ETC144-1X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30EFC144-3N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$64 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30EFC144-3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30EFC144-2X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$58.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30EFC144-1N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$125 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30ETC144-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20KE |
| Series | APEX 20K |
| Logic Elements | 1200 |
| System Gates | 30000 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 24576 |
| Macrocells | 192 |
| User I/Os | 92 |
| Package | 144-pin TQFP (TQFP-144 / ETQFP144) |
| Process Technology | 0.22 µm CMOS |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V |
| I/O Voltage Support | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (MultiVolt I/O) |
| Propagation Delay (pin-to-pin) | 1.68 ns (speed grade -3) |
| Internal Performance | 435 MHz (per legacy datasheet) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +85 °C (commercial, 'N' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per legacy Altera declaration) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EP20K30ETC144-3N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O bank 1, dual-purpose |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 11 | VCCINT — 1.8V core supply |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 23 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 35 | VCCIO1 — Bank 1 I/O supply (1.8/2.5/3.3V MultiVolt) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 (cont.) |
| Pin 45 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 (cont.) |
| Pin 57 | VCCIO2 — Bank 2 I/O supply (1.8/2.5/3.3V MultiVolt) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 68 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 79 | VCCIO3 — Bank 3 I/O supply (1.8/2.5/3.3V MultiVolt) |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 (cont.) |
| Pin 90 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 102 | VCCIO4 — Bank 4 I/O supply (1.8/2.5/3.3V MultiVolt) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 (cont.) |
| Pin 112 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 113 | CLK0 — Dedicated clock input, fast-row |
| Pin 114 | CLK1 — Dedicated clock input, fast-row |
| Pin 115 | CLK2 — Dedicated clock input, fast-row |
| Pin 116 | CLK3 — Dedicated clock input, fast-row |
| Pin 117 |
Typical Applications
EP20K30ETC144-3N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic, CompactPCI / VME Backplane Bridging, Industrial Motor-Control Pre-Processing, Legacy Avionics / Military Retrofit, ASIC Prototyping / Pre-Silicon Validation, Image / Video Pre-Processing.
Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic
The EP20K30ETC144-3N fits telecom line cards because it integrates 1,200 logic elements plus 24 Kbits of dual-port RAM - sufficient to implement UTOPIA/POS-PHY Level 2/3 bridges, framing/encapsulation state machines, and small lookup tables alongside a network processor. The 92 MultiVolt I/Os (1.8/2.5/3.3V) interface directly to legacy ASIC framers and SERDES devices without level shifters. The 1.68 ns propagation delay of speed grade -3 comfortably meets 77.76 MHz POS-PHY timing, while the 144-TQFP footprint remains pin-compatible with newer APEX-20KE speed grades for easy last-time-buy substitution.
Recommended
CompactPCI / VME Backplane Bridging
The EP20K30ETC144-3N is well-suited as a CompactPCI or VME bus-bridge companion: 92 user I/Os provide ample address/data/control headroom, while the 1.8V core and MultiVolt I/O banks interface cleanly to 3.3V PCI bus drivers and 5V-tolerant VME transceivers. The 192 macrocells can be partitioned into PCI target interface logic plus interrupt/arbiter state machines within a single device. For retrofit of legacy VME designs, the 144-TQFP footprint allows the APEX-20KE to be placed on the original PCB footprint while preserving the surrounding bus-isolation logic, and the speed grade -3 timing supports 33 MHz PCI target operation.
Recommended
Industrial Motor-Control Pre-Processing
In industrial servo and motor-control systems, the EP20K30ETC144-3N serves as a high-speed pre-processing stage between encoder/PWM feedback and the main DSP/MCU. The 1.68 ns propagation delay of speed grade -3 enables sub-microsecond event-to-response latency for over-current and commutation faults, while the 24 Kbits of dual-port RAM provide coefficient tables for Park/Clarke transforms. Its 0 °C to +85 °C commercial operating range covers most factory-floor enclosures, and the 144-TQFP gull-wing package is robust to the vibration profiles typical of CNC and robotic systems compared with finer-pitch BGAs.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics / Military Retrofit
The EP20K30ETC144-3N remains a long-life FPGA choice for retrofits of avionics and military systems where the original Altera APEX-20KE was qualified and the PCB land pattern is locked. The 144-TQFP package supports through-via rework and pin-level inspection, both critical for DO-254/DO-160-qualified designs. The MultiVolt I/O interfaces to MIL-STD-1553 transceivers and ARINC 429 line receivers. Last-time-buy planning is essential - designers should qualify the -2X or -1X speed grade as a drop-in substitute at the same time the -3N design is qualified, since Intel/Altera has flagged the family as last-time-buy.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping / Pre-Silicon Validation
Engineers use the EP20K30ETC144-3N as a low-cost pre-silicon validation vehicle for mid-complexity ASICs, since the 1,200 logic elements can emulate enough of an RTL block for firmware teams to begin integration work before the ASIC returns from fab. The dual-port RAM blocks (24 Kbits) model typical register-file memories and FIFO interfaces, and the Quartus II synthesis flow provides fast incremental compile times. For multi-FPGA prototyping partitions, multiple -3N devices can be ganged together because the deterministic MultiCore interconnect delivers reliable timing closure across partitions.
Recommended
Image / Video Pre-Processing
The EP20K30ETC144-3N is suitable for low-resolution image sensor front-ends and legacy video standards conversion, where 92 user I/Os comfortably handle ITU-R BT.656/601 parallel video buses and I2C/SPI sensor configuration channels. The 24 Kbits of embedded RAM can buffer a few video lines for line-doubling or simple de-interlacing, while the 1.68 ns propagation delay allows real-time pixel-rate processing up to about 75 MHz. Designers of security cameras and industrial inspection systems often choose the -3N speed grade to leave timing headroom for added filtering or compression preprocessing at the FPGA edge.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K30ETC144-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K30ETC144-2X | EP20K30ETC144-1X | EP20K30EFC144-3N | EP20K30EFC144-3 | EP20K30EFC144-2X | EP20K30EFC144-1N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Package | 144-pin TQFP | 144-pin TQFP - same | 144-pin TQFP - same | 144-pin TQFP - same | 144-pin TQFP - same | 144-pin TQFP - same | 144-pin TQFP - same |
| Speed Grade | -3 (1.68 ns) | -2 | -1 | -3 | -3 | -2 | -1 |
| System Gates | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 |
| Logic Elements | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 |
| User I/Os | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 |
| Embedded RAM | 24576 bits | 24576 bits | 24576 bits | 24576 bits | 24576 bits | 24576 bits | 24576 bits |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest speed grade of the APEX-20KE 30K-gate 144-TQFP family (vs EP20K30ETC144-2X)
- Commercial 0-85 °C operating range with explicit 'N' marking (vs EP20K30EFC144-3)
- 92 user I/Os - the highest density available in the APEX-20KE 144-TQFP line (vs EP20K100ETC144-1N)
Design Notes
The APEX-20KE core requires a stable 1.8 V supply with tolerance of ±5%; I/O banks each require their own MultiVolt rail (1.8/2.5/3.3 V). Decouple every VCCINT pin with a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic plus 10 µF tantalum bulk within 5 mm, and decouple each VCCIO bank independently. Leave unused I/O banks powered to a defined level (1.8 V recommended) - floating MultiVolt banks can increase quiescent ICCIO and trigger in-rush on JTAG configuration. For JTAG/programming rails, monitor VCCIO1 because most legacy ByteBlaster/MasterBlaster cables drive configuration signals through bank 1.
Estimated: at maximum toggle activity (all 92 I/Os at 77 MHz, internal fMAX ~435 MHz, VCCINT = 1.8 V), the EP20K30ETC144-3N draws approximately 200-350 mA from VCCINT alone. Total package dissipation can reach 1.0-1.5 W in a 144-TQFP, which has a θJA of roughly 35 °C/W still-air. Use a continuous copper pour on the top layer tied to GND plus thermal vias to an internal ground plane to keep the junction below 110 °C; in a sealed enclosure, force airflow ≥100 LFM. Do not rely on the TQFP package alone for >1.5 W dissipation without thermal relief.
The legacy Quartus II toolchain (versions 9.1 and earlier) is required for the APEX-20KE family - newer Quartus Prime releases dropped support after v13.0. Bitstreams for speed grade -3N are NOT timing-equivalent to -2X or -1X; re-compile the design rather than just swapping the device. Configuration file (.sof) generation must enable the 'Auto-restart after configuration error' option for telecom-grade reliability. MultiVolt banks must each be powered BEFORE or simultaneously with VCCINT to avoid I/O latch-up; never apply signals to I/O pins before their VCCIO rail is present.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status per legacy Altera/Intel APEX product declaration; halogen-free status not explicitly listed in available data. AEC-Q100 not applicable to FPGAs in this class. Conflict-minerals compliance assumed from Intel PSG standard supplier declarations.
