EP20K400CB652C8N - APEX 20KC 400K Gates FPGA BGA-652 | Intel
MPN: EP20K400CB652C8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $245 | $245.00 |
| 10 | $225 | $2,250.00 |
| 100 | $198 | $19,800.00 |
| 500 | $175 | $87,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $155 | $155,000.00 |
EP20K400CB652C8N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks (LUTs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnect into a single semiconductor die. Within the broader taxonomy, the EP20K400CB652C8N sits as: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The APEX 20KC family introduced MultiCore architecture integrating look-up table (LUT) logic with embedded system blocks, enabling system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration supporting PCI Local Bus 2.2 at 33/66 MHz and external DDR SDRAM / ZBT SRAM memories.
Key features include 25-35% higher design performance versus the APEX 20KE predecessor, pin-compatible migration from APEX 20KE devices, embedded memory blocks, and a high-performance low-power copper interconnect. The 652-ball BGA package supports up to 488 I/O lines enabling wide parallel buses, and the 2.5 ns propagation delay combined with 301.21 MHz internal operation delivers deterministic timing for high-throughput datapaths.
The EP20K400CB652C8N implements a MultiCore architecture that combines four-input LUT logic with embedded system blocks (ESBs) usable as dual-port RAM, ROM, or content-addressable memory. The 0.15-micron copper process reduces interconnect resistance, improving timing closure and lowering power dissipation compared to aluminum-interconnect predecessors. Combined with 502 user I/Os, this architecture targets bandwidth-bound applications such as telecom line cards and custom processor peripherals.
Typical applications include high-speed data acquisition front-ends, telecom protocol bridges (UTOPIA, POS-PHY), custom PCI bus interfaces, DDR SDRAM controllers, and legacy industrial control processors. The wide I/O count and embedded memory also make this part suitable for image processing pipelines and protocol-conversion ASIC replacements in long-lifecycle defense and medical equipment.
When designing with this part, engineers should use the legacy Altera Quartus II design software (versions 9.0 and earlier support APEX 20KC) since the family predates Intel Quartus Prime. Verify JTAG chain configuration carefully because APEX 20KC uses 2.5 V I/O rather than modern 1.8/1.5 V standards. PCB layout must allocate ground-return vias beneath the BGA to maintain signal-integrity on the 488 I/O lines.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, comparison parameters, and practical design notes not aggregated on the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select and qualify long-lifecycle APEX 20KC designs.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K400CB652C8N — 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 EP20K400CB652C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Series, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K400CB652C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$158 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652C7ES
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$215 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400EBC652-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$142 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400BI652-2V
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$84.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400BI652-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$108.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX 20KC |
| Device Logic Elements | 16640 |
| System Gates | 400000 |
| Process Technology | 0.15 um CMOS, all-layer copper |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8 V (1.71 V to 1.89 V) |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| User I/Os | 502 |
| Programmable I/O Lines | 488 |
| Inputs | 484 |
| Outputs | 480 |
| Propagation Delay | 2.5 ns |
| Internal Operating Frequency | 301.21 MHz |
| Package | BGA-652 |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C |
| PCI Support | PCI Local Bus 2.2, 33/66 MHz, 32/64-bit |
| Memory Support | DDR SDRAM, ZBT SRAM |
| Architecture | MultiCore (LUT + embedded system blocks) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
EP20K400CB652C8N bga-652 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K400CB652C8N (bga-652 package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EP20K400CB652C8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K400CB652C8N is suitable for 7 applications: High-Speed Data Acquisition Front-End, Telecom Protocol Bridge (UTOPIA / POS-PHY), Custom PCI Bus Interface, DDR SDRAM Memory Controller, ASIC Replacement in Long-Lifecycle Industrial Systems, Image Processing Pipeline, Legacy Defense / Avionics Display Controller.
High-Speed Data Acquisition Front-End
The EP20K400CB652C8N's 502 user I/Os and 16,640 logic elements make it well-suited for parallel ADC/DAC data-acquisition front-ends operating at 33-66 MHz. The MultiCore architecture integrates LUT logic with embedded system blocks usable as dual-port FIFO buffers between the ADC and a downstream DSP or processor. The 2.5 ns propagation delay and 301.21 MHz internal frequency support deterministic timing closure on wide datapaths. Compared with discrete glue-logic implementations, this single-chip approach reduces board area and improves EMC by collapsing parallel buses onto one device. PCI 2.2 compliance enables direct interfacing to backplane-based instrumentation. Companion parts include the AD9226 ADC and TI TMS320C6713 DSP.
Recommended
Telecom Protocol Bridge (UTOPIA / POS-PHY)
The EP20K400CB652C8N is widely deployed in telecom line cards as a UTOPIA Level 2 / POS-PHY protocol bridge between PHY devices and network processors. Its 502 I/Os accommodate the wide parallel ATM/Packet datapaths typical of multi-PHY aggregation, while embedded system blocks implement header-inspection CAMs at line rate. The 0.15-um copper interconnect delivers low jitter on 33/66 MHz parallel buses. The device is suitable for legacy DSLAM, optical line termination, and 3G base-station backhaul equipment where long product lifecycles justify sustaining an obsolete part. Companion MPNs include the IXF1100 UTOPIA-PHY and PowerQUICC II network processors.
Recommended
Custom PCI Bus Interface
The EP20K400CB652C8N is fully compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 for 3.3-V operation at 33 or 66 MHz and 32 or 64 bits, making it ideal as a custom PCI target or master on legacy host boards. The 488 programmable I/O lines easily accommodate a 64-bit PCI bus plus sideband signals. Embedded system blocks implement scatter-gather DMA engines without external glue logic. This combination is widely used in industrial control, medical imaging, and defense systems where PCI remains the standard host interface. A companion MPN is the PCI9052 PCI target controller for non-PCI hosts, or direct PCI bus mastering from this APEX device.
Recommended
DDR SDRAM Memory Controller
The EP20K400CB652C8N supports DDR synchronous DRAM and ZBT static RAM external memory interfaces, enabling high-throughput external memory controllers in legacy compute systems. With 502 I/Os, the device can drive a 64-bit-wide DDR data bus plus full command/address, while embedded system blocks implement FIFO buffering between the FPGA fabric and the DRAM. The 2.5 ns propagation delay is sufficient for 133 MHz DDR operation. This makes the part suitable for memory-prototyping boards, traffic-shaping engines, and protocol-analyzer applications. Companion memory MPNs include MT46V32M16 DDR SDRAM and Cypress CY7C1370D ZBT SRAM.
Recommended
ASIC Replacement in Long-Lifecycle Industrial Systems
The EP20K400CB652C8N is widely used as an ASIC replacement in industrial automation, military, and medical systems requiring 10-20 year product lifecycles. Because custom ASIC NRE costs are prohibitive at low volumes, the FPGA's 400K gates and 16,640 logic elements can absorb the functionality of a mid-complexity gate array. Embedded system blocks implement ROM-tables, register files, and small FIFOs, while the 488 I/O lines reproduce ASIC pad-ring signals exactly. The 0-85 C commercial temperature range satisfies most indoor industrial environments. Companion MPNs include the MAX3221 RS-232 transceiver and ADM485 RS-485 transceiver for industrial fieldbus interfaces.
Recommended
Image Processing Pipeline
The EP20K400CB652C8N's 16,640 logic elements and embedded memory are sufficient to implement image-processing pipelines such as Bayer demosaicing, color-space conversion, and Sobel edge detection on VGA-resolution streams. The 502 I/Os accommodate parallel image-sensor interfaces (e.g., Camera Link base configuration) plus output buses to a display controller or compression engine. Embedded system blocks implement line buffers in dual-port RAM, eliminating external SRAM. The 301.21 MHz internal frequency supports real-time processing at 30 fps for VGA-class streams. Companion MPNs include the MT9V032 image sensor and SAA7121 video encoder.
Recommended
Legacy Defense / Avionics Display Controller
In defense and avionics applications, the EP20K400CB652C8N is qualified for cockpit display controllers, radar pre-processors, and MIL-STD-1553 bridges where end-of-life management and obsolescence are major program risks. Its 400K gates accommodate ARINC 429 / MIL-STD-1553 protocol stacks plus display-list generation logic. The BGA-652 package withstands the mechanical shock and vibration of airborne platforms when properly board-mounted. While the part is obsolete commercially, long-lifecycle defense programs often hold buffer stocks. Companion MPNs include the HI-8585 ARINC 429 transceiver and DDC BU-61585 MIL-STD-1553 chip.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K400CB652C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K400CB652C7N | EP20K400CB652C7ES | EP20K400EBC652-2X | EP20K400BI652-2V | EP20K400BI652-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | BGA-652 | BGA-652 - same | BGA-652 - same | BGA-652 - same | BGA-652 - same | BGA-652 - same |
| Family | APEX 20KC | APEX 20KC | APEX 20KC | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Speed Grade | C8 | C7 (slower) | C7 (slower) | -2X (faster than -2) | -2V (industrial) | -2 (industrial) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial 0 to 85 C | Commercial | Extended ES | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial |
| System Gates | 400000 | 400000 | 400000 | 400000 | 400000 | 400000 |
| Logic Elements | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 |
| User I/Os | 502 | 502 | 502 | 502 | 502 | 502 |
| PCI 2.2 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade in the APEX 20KC BGA-652 family (vs EP20K400CB652C7N)
- Newer MultiCore architecture versus APEX 20KE predecessors (vs EP20K400EBC652-2X)
- Lower core voltage reduces power dissipation versus APEX 20KE (vs EP20K400EBC652-2X)
Design Notes
Use legacy Altera Quartus II version 9.0 or earlier for APEX 20KC design entry; modern Intel Quartus Prime does not support this family. Install on Windows 7 or 32-bit XP for project compatibility, since Quartus II 9.0 lacks 64-bit and Windows 10 driver support. Verify JTAG chain configuration carefully because the APEX 20KC device-ID differs from Cyclone and Stratix families - wrong BSDL files will fail JTAG scan.
Allocate ground-return vias directly beneath the BGA-652 footprint to maintain signal-integrity on the 488 I/O lines. The 1.27 mm or 1.0 mm BGA pitch requires laser-drilled microvias or staggered via-in-pad construction to break out the inner rows of balls. Route the 1.8 V core and 2.5 V I/O power planes as separate split planes with stitching capacitors at each supply ball. Use 4-layer or 6-layer stack-up with continuous ground reference beneath high-speed PCI 66 MHz and DDR SDRAM signals.
Estimated: At maximum toggle activity (50% of 488 I/Os at 66 MHz) the APEX 20KC can dissipate up to approximately 2-3 W in a 1.8 V core. The BGA-652 package has a thermal resistance of roughly 15-20 C/W with proper thermal-via array beneath the die. For enclosed industrial enclosures, attach a small heatsink or specify forced-air cooling. The commercial 0-85 C operating range leaves a comfortable margin when ambient stays below 60 C.
Decouple the 1.8 V core supply with one 100 uF bulk tantalum plus 10 uF ceramic per regulator and one 0.1 uF X7R ceramic at every VCCINT ball. Decouple each VCCIO bank separately, since mixed 2.5 V and 3.3 V banks are common in PCI 2.2 designs. Sequence the 1.8 V core rail before the 2.5 V I/O rail to prevent I/O driver latch-up at power-up. Hold the nCONFIG pin low until both rails are stable.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the verified web data for EP20K400CB652C8N. As a part originally released before RoHS took effect, early date codes are likely non-compliant; later date codes may be compliant. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade FPGA, not an automotive-qualified part.
