EP20K400GC655-3 - 400K Gate APEX-20KC FPGA 655-BCPGA | Intel
MPN: EP20K400GC655-3 ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $478.48 | $478.48 |
| 10 | $430 | $4,300.00 |
| 100 | $385 | $38,500.00 |
| 500 | $350 | $175,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $310 | $310,000.00 |
EP20K400GC655-3 Overview
What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array is a programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital logic circuits after manufacture. FPGAs sit within the broader semiconductor hierarchy of programmable logic -> PLD -> programmable logic IC -> digital IC -> semiconductor. The APEX-20KC family specifically targets SOPC integration, embedding both LUT and product-term logic with on-chip memory, an architecture that bridges traditional CPLDs and high-density FPGAs.
Key features of the EP20K400GC655-3 include 212,992 total RAM bits organized in EAB (Embedded Array Block) memory, 16,640 logic elements (LEs), MultiVolt I/O support for interfacing with 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V systems, and high-bandwidth LVDS capability via the 1.8 V core. The device supports in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG and supports configuration via passive serial, passive parallel synchronous/asynchronous, and active serial modes. Internal pull-up resistors and hot-socketing capability simplify multi-FPGA board designs.
The 655-BCPGA pin-grid ceramic package is rated for industrial temperature range -40C to +85C and provides superior thermal and mechanical reliability for demanding applications. CPGA packaging allows inspection of die attach quality, a property valued in military, aerospace, and high-reliability industrial programs. Designers targeting APEX-20KC should use the Quartus II development environment (version 4.2 or later) or legacy Altera MAX+PLUS II for design entry, synthesis, place-and-route, and verification.
Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, DSP co-processing, high-speed data-path bridges, military secure-communications equipment, and industrial control systems. The combination of 1.8 V low-power core, multi-voltage I/O, embedded memory, and LVDS signaling positions this device at the intersection of high-throughput data acquisition and SOPC integration.
When designing with the EP20K400GC655-3, allocate sufficient decoupling across VCCINT and VCCIO rails, provide a clean clock distribution network, and verify the JTAG chain topology. Note that APEX-20KC is a mature, legacy family; new designs should weigh modern Cyclone or Stratix equivalents unless socket-compatible replacement is required.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K400GC655-3 — 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 EP20K400GC655-3 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package Type, Family, Mounting Type, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K400GC655-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$80 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$135 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-2X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$175 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-1X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$193.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-2V
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$92.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX-20KC |
| Family | APEX 20K |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Logic Elements | 16640 |
| Total RAM Bits | 212992 |
| Number of Gates | 400000 |
| Supply Voltage - Core | 1.71 V to 1.89 V (1.8 V nominal) |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | MultiVolt I/O: 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Maximum Frequency | 167 MHz (per FPGAkey) |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Package / Case | 655-BCPGA |
| Supplier Device Package | 655-CPGA (62.48 x 62.48 mm) |
| Speed Grade | -3 (slowest grade in family) |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 3.6 ns (per Microchip USA listing) |
| JTAG Support | IEEE 1149.1 Boundary-Scan |
| Configuration Modes | Passive Serial, Passive Parallel Sync/Async, Active Serial |
EP20K400GC655-3 655-cpga (62.48 x 62.48 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K400GC655-3 (655-cpga (62.48 x 62.48 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 EP20K400GC655-3.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K400GC655-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line Cards, DSP Co-Processing and Acceleration, High-Speed Data Path Bridges, Military and Aerospace Secure Communications, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Telecommunications Line Cards
The EP20K400GC655-3 fits telecom line-card applications because its 400K gates, 212 Kbit embedded RAM, and MultiVolt I/O enable direct interface to 3.3 V/5 V backplane logic without level shifters. The APEX-20KC MultiCore architecture combines LUT logic for data-path functions with product-term logic for control-plane state machines, reducing the need for companion CPLDs. The 655-BCPGA ceramic package provides the long-term reliability required for carrier-grade equipment operating continuously at elevated temperatures. The 1.8 V core keeps power dissipation manageable even at full utilization, important for densely-populated line-card designs.
Recommended
DSP Co-Processing and Acceleration
The EP20K400GC655-3 serves as a DSP co-processor in systems requiring custom filtering, FFT engines, or video/image processing offload from a host processor. With 16,640 logic elements and 212 Kbit of dual-port RAM organized in EABs, the device can implement moderate-complexity DSP datapaths at 167 MHz system clock. The MultiCore LUT + product-term + memory mix lets designers optimize for both arithmetic pipelines and control state machines. Embedded multiplier blocks (where present in the silicon) accelerate MAC operations, offloading compute-intensive loops from the host DSP or CPU.
Recommended
High-Speed Data Path Bridges
The EP20K400GC655-3 is well-suited as a high-speed protocol-bridging device because its MultiVolt I/O supports 1.8/2.5/3.3/5 V signaling on a per-bank basis, eliminating external level shifters when bridging between legacy 5 V peripherals and modern low-voltage processors. LVDS I/O capability enables low-EMI point-to-point links at hundreds of megabits per second. The 16,640 logic elements and abundant EAB memory support protocol state machines with deep FIFOs, while the 655-BCPGA package's superior signal integrity at high edge rates helps maintain timing margins.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Secure Communications
The EP20K400GC655-3 in 655-BCPGA ceramic packaging is widely deployed in military secure-communications equipment because ceramic PGA provides the ruggedness, hermeticity, and inspectability required by MIL-PRF-38535 and similar specifications. The device's 1.8 V core reduces heat generation in sealed enclosures, while MultiVolt I/O simplifies interface to legacy 5 V MIL-STD-1553 and RS-422 transceivers. Long-term supply is guaranteed by Rochester Electronics, Intel's authorized long-term storage partner, which maintains factory-traceable inventory for defense programs.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
The EP20K400GC655-3 supports industrial control systems where deterministic real-time response, multi-voltage I/O interfacing, and long-term supply stability matter. Its MultiCore architecture lets a single FPGA handle both fast logic for encoder feedback / PWM generation and slower product-term logic for safety interlocks. The 655-BCPGA package, while larger than modern BGA packages, allows easy rework and inspection in low-volume industrial systems. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating covers factory-floor and outdoor cabinet environments.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP20K400GC655-3 fits test-and-measurement instrument designs where complex timing, deep capture memory, and parallel DSP processing are required. Its 212 Kbit embedded RAM can buffer instrument samples, while the 16,640 logic elements implement custom trigger logic, pattern generation, and protocol-aware analysis. The 1.8 V core and MultiVolt I/O enable direct interface to modern high-speed ADCs and DACs as well as legacy 5 V instrumentation buses. The 655-BCPGA ceramic package supports long product lifecycles typical of capital-equipment vendors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K400GC655-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K400GC655-2 | EP20K400GC655-1 | EP20K400GC655-2X | EP20K400GC655-1X | EP20K400GC655-2V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 655-BCPGA (62.48x62.48 mm) | 655-BCPGA - same | 655-BCPGA - same | 655-BCPGA - same | 655-BCPGA - same | 655-BCPGA - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Series / Family | APEX-20KC | APEX-20KC | APEX-20KC | APEX-20KC | APEX-20KC | APEX-20KC |
| Speed Grade | -3 (slowest) | -2 (mid) | -1 (fastest) | -2 + extended temp | -1 + extended temp | -2 + lead-free |
| Logic Elements | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 | 16640 |
| Total RAM Bits | 212992 | 212992 | 212992 | 212992 | 212992 | 212992 |
| Core Voltage | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | Extended (-40C to +100C or military) | Extended (-40C to +100C or military) | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Highest logic-element density in 655-BCPGA package (vs EP20K300EBC652-3)
- MultiVolt I/O supporting 1.8 V to 5 V (vs EPF10K100EBC356-1 (FLEX 10K family))
- Mature long-term supply chain via Rochester Electronics (vs Cyclone EP1C20F400C8 (newer family))
Design Notes
The EP20K400GC655-3 requires a low-noise 1.8 V core supply (VCCINT) plus separate VCCIO rails for each I/O bank. Decouple VCCINT with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed as close to the package as possible, plus bulk 100 uF tantalum or polymer capacitors at the regulator output. The VCCIO pins must each be tied to the desired I/O voltage (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V) and decoupled locally. Poor decoupling on VCCINT can cause CRC errors during configuration and intermittent logic-element failures at high toggle rates.
The 655-BCPGA ceramic package provides excellent thermal performance, but at full 16,640-LE utilization and high toggle rates, junction temperature can still exceed the 85C industrial limit without proper airflow. Estimate power using the Quartus II PowerPlay analyzer for your specific design; APEX-20KC at 167 MHz with typical designs draws 1.5-3 W of core power. Add a heatsink or forced-air cooling if junction temperature exceeds 70C in worst-case ambient conditions. The ceramic PGA allows direct heatsink attachment with thermal compound.
The 655-BCPGA package has pins on a 2.54 mm (100 mil) pitch arranged in a 26x26 pin-grid array minus corners. The PCB must have plated-through holes sized for the 0.51 mm (20 mil) pin diameter with 1.0 mm finished hole. Use a socket (e.g., 3M Textool or Yamaichi IC149) if design rework is expected - the ceramic PGA withstands only a limited number of insertion cycles. Provide 4 or more PCB ground layers for clean return paths, and route all high-speed LVDS pairs with 100 ohm differential impedance and matched lengths within 1 mm.
Do not confuse the APEX-20KC (1.8 V core) with the original APEX-20K (2.5 V core) - although both use the same 655-BCPGA package outline, the silicon is different and substituting one for the other will cause permanent damage. Configuration files are NOT interchangeable between the two families because the bitstream formats differ. Always verify the speed grade (-1/-2/-3) matches your timing requirements; the -3 grade has roughly 40% lower Fmax than the -1 grade for the same design, so timing closure may not be achievable in slow grades.
Compliance Information
APEX-20KC predates current RoHS compliance reporting requirements. The -V variants (e.g., EP20K400GC655-2V) typically indicate lead-free finishes but explicit RoHS/REACH certification documents must be requested from the distributor at order time. The legacy Altera product line is now supported by Rochester Electronics for long-term supply; contact them for full compliance documentation.
