EP20K400CF672C9 - APEX-20K 400K Gates FPGA, 672-FBGA | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP20K400CF672C9 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $650.66 | $650.66 |
| 10 | $585.59 | $5,855.90 |
| 100 | $520.53 | $52,053.00 |
| 250 | $455.46 | $113,865.00 |
| 500 | $390.4 | $195,200.00 |
EP20K400CF672C9 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed to implement custom digital logic functions after manufacturing. The APEX-20K family uses a MultiCore architecture that combines fine-grain LUT logic with coarse-grain embedded system blocks (ESBs), placing the device within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic: CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA -> Programmable Logic Device (PLD) -> semiconductor. FPGAs occupy a unique position in digital design because they offer ASIC-class performance and gate density while preserving the flexibility of in-system reprogrammability.
Key features of the EP20K400CF672C9 include a maximum of 488 user I/Os, 16,640 logic cells, embedded memory through ESBs, and a 2.5V core supply voltage per the APEX-20KC specification. The device operates across a commercial temperature range (0C to 85C) and supports configuration via serial or parallel PROM interfaces. The 672-FBGA package uses a 27 mm x 27 mm body with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, suitable for high-density PCB designs where signal integrity and routing escape demand a large ball grid array footprint.
Architecturally, the APEX-20K MultiCore combines LUT-based logic elements with embedded array blocks (EABs) that can implement dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO, and CAM functions. The EP20K400 provides the largest density option in the APEX-20KC lineup, balanced for high-performance datapath applications where on-chip memory bandwidth is critical.
Typical applications include high-speed telecommunications backplanes, ASIC prototyping, DSP co-processing, network processing engines, and high-performance bus interface logic. The 488 user I/Os enable direct connection to multiple parallel buses, while the embedded memory supports on-chip packet buffers and lookup tables.
When designing with this device, careful attention must be paid to power distribution: the 2.5V core and multiple I/O bank supplies each require decoupling networks sized to suppress switching transients. Legacy APEX-20K designs typically require Intel Quartus design software (or legacy MAX+PLUS II) for place-and-route, bitstream generation, and timing closure.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in speed-grade and temperature-grade alternatives from the same APEX-20K family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K400CF672C9 — 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 EP20K400CF672C9 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K400CF672C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$68.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$108 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C8ES
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$158.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C8AA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$145 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$195 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C7ES
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$152 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C9 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX-20KC |
| Logic Family / Architecture | MultiCore (LUT + ESB) |
| System Gates | 400,000 |
| Logic Cells / Elements | 16,640 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 488 |
| Package / Case | 672-BBGA, FCBGA |
| Supplier Device Package | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) |
| Ball Pitch | 1.0 mm |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Internal Maximum Frequency | 368 MHz |
| Propagation Delay | 2.5 ns |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) |
| Embedded Memory | Embedded System Blocks (ESB) |
| Configuration Method | Serial / Parallel PROM |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant (legacy) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EP20K400CF672C9 672-fbga (27x27 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K400CF672C9 (672-fbga (27x27 mm) 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 EP20K400CF672C9.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K400CF672C9 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Backplane Interface, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, High-Speed DSP Co-Processing, Network Processing Engine (NPE), Industrial Control and Test Equipment, Legacy MIL/Aerospace Form-Fit-Function Replacement.
Telecommunications Backplane Interface
The EP20K400CF672C9's 488 user I/Os are essential for backplane designs that must connect to multiple parallel buses, serializer/deserializer (SERDES) companion devices, and clock distribution networks in a single device. Its 16,640 logic cells and embedded system blocks (ESB) provide on-chip dual-port RAM for packet buffering at line-rate speeds, while the 2.5V core and LVTTL/LVCMOS-compatible I/O banks interface directly to legacy telecom backplane logic levels. Placed at the heart of an ATM switch or SONET framer card, the FPGA implements link-layer processing and per-port statistics counters that would otherwise require multiple ASICs.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
With 400,000 system gates and 16,640 logic cells, the EP20K400CF672C9 offers enough capacity to emulate large ASIC designs for pre-silicon validation. Engineers map RTL into MultiCore LUTs and ESBs to verify functional correctness at near-ASIC clock rates, using the device's 488 I/Os to connect to real-world peripherals and test fixtures. The 27 mm x 27 mm FBGA package supports high-speed signal integrity on multi-layer PCBs. Compared to ASIC fabrication, the FPGA-based prototype can be re-spins in hours rather than weeks, dramatically reducing time-to-market for complex SoC designs.
Recommended
High-Speed DSP Co-Processing
The EP20K400CF672C9 implements parallel datapath arithmetic for DSP co-processing functions such as FIR filtering, FFT butterflies, and correlation engines. Its ESB memory blocks provide dual-port RAM for coefficient storage and delay lines, eliminating the need for external SRAM and reducing board complexity. With a 368 MHz internal maximum frequency, the device sustains multi-tap filter throughput suitable for radar, software-defined radio, and baseband signal processing. System architects pair the EP20K400 with a host DSP or microcontroller to offload compute-intensive kernels, freeing the host for control-plane tasks.
Recommended
Network Processing Engine (NPE)
The 488 I/Os of the EP20K400CF672C9 interface to multiple network PHY devices, TCAM lookups, and packet memory buses in a typical NPE design. The on-chip ESBs implement classification tables, hash buckets, and flow-state caches that previously required external SRAM - reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 2.5V core and standard I/O bank voltages match the legacy power architecture used in mid-2000s networking line cards. Placed alongside a network processor unit (NPU), the FPGA offloads header parsing and checksum computation at wire speed.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Test Equipment
The EP20K400CF672C9 functions as a configurable I/O controller in industrial test platforms that aggregate many parallel digital channels, sensors, and actuators. Its 488 I/Os drive dozens of relays, optocouplers, and measurement ADCs while the LUT fabric runs state machines, pattern generators, and BIST engines. The commercial 0C to 85C operating range suits factory-floor enclosures with moderate thermal margins. Designers use the on-chip ESBs for capture-buffer memory, allowing deep trace recording without external RAM.
Recommended
Legacy MIL/Aerospace Form-Fit-Function Replacement
Long-life-cycle aerospace and defense programs require multi-decade component support. The EP20K400CF672C9 is widely used as a form-fit-function replacement for legacy designs originally built around ASICs or earlier-generation FPGAs. Its 672-FBGA footprint matches existing PCB land patterns, and bitstream compatibility within the APEX-20KC family preserves the design investment. Sustainment programs source the part through Rochester Electronics and authorized aftermarket brokers to keep fielded systems operational. Designers targeting new programs should consider Cyclone IV/V or Stratix equivalents.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K400CF672C9 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K400CF672C8N | EP20K400CF672C8 | EP20K400CF672C7 | EP20K400CF672C8ES | EP20K400CF672C7ES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 672-FBGA (27x27 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Speed Grade | C9 (slower) | C8 (faster) | C8 (faster) | C7 (fastest) | C8 (faster) | C7 (fastest) |
| System Gates | 400,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 |
| Logic Cells | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 | 16,640 |
| User I/Os (max) | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 | 488 |
| Core Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost speed grade option in the APEX-20K 400K family (vs EP20K400CF672C8N)
- Largest I/O count in the APEX-20KC 400K family (vs EP20K400CB652I9)
- Commercial temperature grade suits indoor and controlled environments (vs EP20K400CB652I9)
Design Notes
The EP20K400CF672C9 requires a 2.5V VCCINT rail plus per-bank VCCIO supplies - typically 3.3V for LVTTL or 2.5V for LVCMOS. Decoupling strategy: place 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitors within 5 mm of every VCCINT ball, with a bulk 100 uF tantalum or polymer capacitor on each supply rail. Power-on sequencing should bring VCCINT up before VCCIO to avoid latch-up; use a power-supply supervisor with adjustable delay. Estimated: a fully utilized EP20K400 with 50% toggle rate draws approximately 1.5-2.5 A from VCCINT, so design the 2.5V regulator with at least 3 A headroom and 0.5V dropout margin.
The 672-FBGA package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch on a 27 mm x 27 mm body - escape routing demands a high-layer-count PCB (8+ layers) with microvia or staggered via technology to fan out from the inner ball rows. Maintain a continuous ground plane on layer 2 directly beneath the device to control return-path inductance for the high-speed I/O banks. Keep all 1.0 mm pitch BGA pads on a 1:1 ratio with the package - use NSMD (non-solder-mask-defined) pads to maximize solder joint reliability. Thermal management: the FBGA thermal pad (if present) should be soldered to a copper pour with thermal vias to an internal heat-spreading plane.
Configure I/O banks to match the voltage swing of adjacent components; mixing 3.3V LVTTL and 2.5V LVCMOS on adjacent banks is allowed but each bank must have its own VCCIO pin. Enable on-chip series termination (if supported in Quartus pin assignment) for high-speed outputs driving >50 mm traces. For clock inputs, route on an inner stripline layer with controlled impedance (50 ohm single-ended, 100 ohm differential) and keep stubs shorter than 5 mm. JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) should be pulled to their respective banks via 10 kohm resistors and treated as asynchronous boundary-scan signals.
Avoid specifying the EP20K400CF672C9 for new production designs - the part is obsolete at Intel / Altera and long-term supply is limited to authorized aftermarket channels (Rochester Electronics, Micro-Semiconductor, Lisleapex). For ASIC prototyping or new product development, target Stratix II/III, Cyclone IV/V, or MAX V/10 series instead. When migrating bitstreams between speed grades (C9 -> C8 -> C7), verify that timing constraints are re-validated for the new internal frequency margin - faster grades have lower propagation delay but identical logic capacity and I/O count.
Compliance Information
RoHS non-compliant per alterachips.com stock condition data. Lead-bearing termination typical for legacy APEX-20K parts. AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA, not an automotive-grade part). REACH and conflict-minerals status not stated by distributor data.
