EP20K400CB652I8N - 400K Gate APEX 20KC FPGA BGA-652 | Altera
MPN: EP20K400CB652I8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $185 | $185.00 |
| 10 | $165 | $1,650.00 |
| 100 | $145 | $14,500.00 |
| 500 | $128 | $64,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $115 | $115,000.00 |
EP20K400CB652I8N Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as block RAM, PLLs, and I/O serdes. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The APEX 20KC family specifically targets high-density, system-on-a-chip (SoC) integration by combining LUT-based logic with embedded memory and a fast MultiCore interconnect.
Key features include 16,640 logic elements, 1664 macrocells, 488 user I/O pins, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for dual-port RAM, ROM, or CAM, and four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The device supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, and differential I/O standards through its MultiVolt I/O architecture, allowing 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V interfacing from a single 1.8 V core.
Architecturally, the APEX 20KC uses a four-input LUT combined with adjacent ESBs that can be configured as 4 Kbit dual-port RAM blocks. The MultiCore interconnect delivers predictable timing across the device, while the four PLLs support frequency synthesis, phase shifting, and clock de-skew across up to eight clock domains per quadrant.
Typical applications include telecom line cards, high-speed data acquisition, ASIC prototyping, glue logic for microprocessor-based systems, and industrial control. Designers use the Altera Quartus II design suite (version supporting APEX 20KC) to compile and configure the device via JTAG or passive serial.
When designing with this part, ensure proper decoupling on each power pin pair, place the JTAG header within 50 mm of the TDI/TMS pins, and use controlled-impedance traces on high-speed LVDS pairs. The 1.8 V core and selectable I/O voltage require careful power-sequencing to avoid latch-up during board bring-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative cross-references, and practical PCB design notes for sourcing and second-sourcing the EP20K400CB652I8N - information not aggregated on any single distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K400CB652I8N — 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 EP20K400CB652I8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, System Gates, Logic Elements.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K400CB652I7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$149.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652C9N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$195 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$155 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$158 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652I8ES
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$86 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400BI652-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$108.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CB652I8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX 20KC |
| Logic Elements | 16,640 |
| System Gates | 400,000 |
| Macrocells | 1664 |
| Number of User I/O | 488 |
| Number of PLLs | 4 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 301.21 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.15 µm CMOS |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V |
| I/O Voltage (MultiVolt) | 1.5 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature (Industrial) | -40°C to +100°C |
| Speed Grade | 8 |
| Package | 652-pin BGA |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Interface | JTAG / Passive Serial |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
| Design Tool | Altera Quartus II (APEX 20KC support) |
EP20K400CB652I8N 652-pin bga Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K400CB652I8N (652-pin bga 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 EP20K400CB652I8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K400CB652I8N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom Line Card Interface Logic, ASIC Prototyping Platform, Industrial Motor Control and Drive Logic, High-Speed Data Acquisition Front-End, Legacy Military / Avionics Retrofit, Network Switch Fabric Glue Logic.
Telecom Line Card Interface Logic
The EP20K400CB652I8N fits telecom line-card interface logic because its 400K system gates accommodate multi-channel framer/mapper glue logic, while the four PLLs provide the multiple clock domains required for TDM backplane timing. With 488 user I/Os and MultiVolt support, the device bridges 1.8 V internal cores to 3.3 V or 2.5 V bus interfaces on the same die without external level shifters. Industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +100°C) ensures operation in controlled-environment central offices. Designers typically place the FPGA between a network processor and SERDES framer ICs, using embedded system blocks as elastic FIFOs for clock-domain crossing.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping Platform
For ASIC prototyping, the EP20K400CB652I8N offers 16,640 logic elements and 1664 macrocells - enough capacity to map mid-complexity ASIC netlists using LUT-by-LUT or slice-based partitioning. The 652-ball BGA exposes 488 I/Os, allowing connection to surrounding memory and bridge chips. Designers often use multiple EP20K400CB652I8N devices on a multi-FPGA prototyping board to emulate an ASIC's full gate count. APEX 20KC silicon retains predictable MultiCore interconnect timing, which simplifies static timing analysis versus modern FPGA fabrics.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Control and Drive Logic
The EP20K400CB652I8N serves industrial motor-control applications where its industrial temperature grade, four PLLs, and high I/O count simplify multi-axis drive electronics. Up to 488 user I/Os allow direct connection to PWM channels, encoder feedback, and fault lines, while PLLs synthesize the high-resolution switching frequencies required for field-oriented control (FOC) loops. Embedded system blocks (ESBs) implement quadrature decoder counters without consuming logic cells. The 1.8 V core reduces dynamic power versus the older 2.5 V APEX 20K predecessor, easing thermal design in sealed IP65 enclosures.
Recommended
High-Speed Data Acquisition Front-End
The EP20K400CB652I8N suits high-speed data-acquisition front-ends because its 301.21 MHz internal frequency, large ESB-based dual-port memory, and 488 I/Os support parallel ADC/DAC interfaces with on-chip buffering. Engineers route LVDS or LVTTL ADC data into the FPGA, perform real-time DSP in dedicated logic, and stream results over an external bus. Four PLLs derive the ADC sampling clock, FPGA core clock, and a phase-aligned output clock for downstream DAC channels from one low-jitter reference. The BGA-652 package provides ample ground balls for the controlled-impedance routing required by high-speed LVDS.
Recommended
Legacy Military / Avionics Retrofit
The EP20K400CB652I8N is widely used in fielded avionics and military systems where its industrial temperature range, BGA-652 footprint, and JTAG-based in-system reprogrammability make it ideal for sustainment and obsolescence-management programs. Aerospace integrators reuse existing PCB layouts while modernizing the FPGA bitstream to add new functionality. The 0.15 µm CMOS process provides proven radiation tolerance for non-geosynchronous missions, and the four PLLs support the multiple clock domains required by MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and custom serial links. Long-term aftermarket support remains active through 2026 and beyond.
Recommended
Network Switch Fabric Glue Logic
The EP20K400CB652I8N excels as switch-fabric glue logic in legacy Ethernet and Fibre Channel switches where it bridges line-card ASICs to backplane SERDES. The 488 user I/Os and LVTTL/LVCMOS I/O flexibility allow connection to multi-voltage PHYs without external translators, while the four PLLs synthesize per-port transmit clocks. ESBs implement the small elastic FIFOs required to absorb jitter between switch fabric and line-card domains. Industrial temperature grade supports use in NEBS-compliant central-office chassis. The 652-ball BGA provides robust mechanical and thermal performance for forced-air-cooled systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K400CB652I8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K400CB652I7 | EP20K400CB652C9N | EP20K400CB652C8N | EP20K400CB652C7N | EP20K400CB652I8ES | EP20K400BI652-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 652-pin BGA | 652-pin BGA - same | 652-pin BGA - same | 652-pin BGA - same | 652-pin BGA - same | 652-pin BGA - same | 652-pin BGA - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Elements | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 7 (slightly slower) | 9 (slightly faster) | 8 (same) | 7 (slower) | 8 (same) | 2 (older speed-bin scheme) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (ES sample) | Industrial (BGA-ind) |
| User I/O Count | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| PLL Count | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade at speed grade 8 (vs EP20K400CB652C9N)
- Faster timing closure than speed grade 7 (vs EP20K400CB652I7)
- Drop-in compatible with engineering-sample variant (vs EP20K400CB652I8ES)
Design Notes
EP20K400CB652I8N requires a clean 1.8 V core supply capable of delivering up to ~2 A under worst-case toggle activity (estimated: 16,640 LEs at 50% toggle rate with typical APEX 20KC current draw of ~120 µA per LE). Use a buck regulator with at least 30% headroom and follow it with a ferrite bead plus 100 µF bulk + 0.1 µF + 1 nF decoupling network placed within 5 mm of each VCC/GND ball pair. Sequence VCCINT before VCCIO to avoid I/O latch-up.
The 652-ball BGA (likely 1.0 mm pitch) requires laser-drilled microvias and 4-6 layer stack-up with continuous ground planes under the device. Escape-route the outer rows with dog-bone fan-out and stitch ground vias around the perimeter. For LVDS pairs, route length-matched (within 150 mil) differential traces over a continuous ground reference; keep stubs under 50 mil. Place the JTAG header within 50 mm of the TDI/TMS/TCK/TDO balls to ensure signal integrity.
Do not confuse EP20K400 (2.5 V core, APEX 20K) with EP20K400C/E (1.8 V core, APEX 20KC/20KE) - the core voltage difference makes them incompatible on the same PCB. The 'I8' suffix denotes industrial temperature and speed grade 8; speed grade numbers are inverted versus modern Altera (lower number = faster in legacy 20K). Quartus II v9.0 or earlier is required - newer Quartus Prime does not support APEX 20KC. Confirm date code on obsolete-stock parts; avoid components with unknown provenance.
Estimated: at full toggle activity and 1.8 V core, the EP20K400CB652I8N dissipates approximately 1.5 W to 2 W typical, 3 W worst case. With a 652-ball BGA θJA of roughly 15-20 C/W on a 6-layer PCB, junction rise is 22-60 C above ambient. For enclosed industrial enclosures, derate ambient by 10-15 C or add a small heatsink bonded to the package top with thermal epoxy. The exposed die area on the BGA top surface provides a thermal attach point.
Compliance Information
Compliance status for the EP20K400CB652I8N was not present in the verified web data. APEX 20KC devices predate widespread RoHS adoption (2006), so many lots were originally SnPb; modern aftermarket inventory may include both lead-free and leaded variants. Always request a manufacturer's Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from the distributor before placing orders for regulated markets.
