EP20K400GI655-2 - APEX 20K 400K Gate FPGA | Altera | 655-BGA
MPN: EP20K400GI655-2 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $285 | $285.00 |
| 10 | $255 | $2,550.00 |
| 100 | $220 | $22,000.00 |
| 500 | $195 | $97,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $175 | $175,000.00 |
EP20K400GI655-2 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows engineers to implement custom digital logic via a configuration bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM. APEX 20K devices combine look-up tables (LUTs), product-term logic, and embedded memory blocks (ESBs) on a single die, blurring the line between traditional PLD and gate-array architectures. The hierarchy is FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. This makes EP20K400GI655-2 suitable for high-density glue logic, bus interfaces, and pre-ASIC prototyping where mask-programmed alternatives are not yet justified.
Key features include a 400K-gate logic capacity, 16,640 logic elements, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for on-chip memory, a MultiCore architecture mixing LUT and product-term logic, in-system programmability via JTAG, and full JTAG boundary-scan support (IEEE 1149.1). The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+, making it adaptable to mixed-voltage system designs. The -2 speed grade positions it in the middle of the APEX 20K speed portfolio.
Architecturally, APEX 20K uses Altera's MultiCore logic element array with 2,560 logic elements per row in the largest devices, connected via a continuous FastTrack interconnect. Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) provide True Dual-Port RAM, single-port RAM, ROM, and CAM (Content-Addressable Memory) functions, with each ESB configurable up to 2 Kbits. The configuration bitstream is loaded serially via passive serial, passive parallel, or via a configuration EPROM such as the EPC16 or EPC8.
Typical applications for EP20K400GI655-2 include telecommunications line cards and cross-connects, PCI bus bridging and protocol conversion, ASIC prototyping, network processor glue logic, industrial control with custom state machines, and military/aerospace systems requiring high gate counts at industrial temperature grades. The 655-pin SPGA package is through-hole or socketed, allowing field upgrades and rework in legacy platforms.
When designing with EP20K400GI655-2, pay attention to the configuration scheme (select EPC configuration device or JTAG), bank I/O voltage references (VREF pins per bank), decoupling strategy (one 0.1 uF per VCC pin plus bulk), and thermal dissipation in enclosed chassis. The APEX 20K family predates Cyclone and Stratix; many designers migrate to EP2C or EP4CE equivalent Cyclone parts for new designs, but EP20K400GI655-2 remains in service for legacy platform sustainment.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K400GI655-2 — 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 EP20K400GI655-2 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Family, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Propagation Delay.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K400GI655-1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$195 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GI655-1V
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$155 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GI655-1X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$160 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$80 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-2N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$127.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GC655-2V
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$92.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400GI655-2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera Corporation |
| Series | APEX 20K (EP20K400) |
| Device Type | Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) |
| Typical Gate Count | 400,000 gates |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 16,640 |
| Maximum User I/O | 496 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 6 |
| Number of Terminals | 655 |
| Package | SPGA-655 (47 mm x 47 mm) |
| Nominal Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.375 V to 2.625 V |
| Propagation Delay | 3.1 ns (typical) |
| Technology | CMOS SRAM |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole / Socket |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | 1 (per Altera family) |
| Configuration Method | JTAG, Passive Serial, Passive Parallel |
| I/O Standards Supported | LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+ |
| Embedded Memory | Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (legacy Altera APEX 20K family) |
EP20K400GI655-2 spga-655 (47 mm x 47 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K400GI655-2 (spga-655 (47 mm x 47 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 EP20K400GI655-2.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K400GI655-2 is suitable for 6 applications: ASIC Prototyping, Telecommunications Line Card Glue Logic, PCI Bus Bridge and Protocol Conversion, Industrial Control State Machines, Network Processor Interfacing, Aerospace and Defense Digital Systems.
ASIC Prototyping
The EP20K400GI655-2's 400,000-gate capacity and 16,640 logic elements make it a classic choice for ASIC prototyping and pre-silicon validation. Designers partition target ASIC logic across one or more APEX 20K devices using Altera's MultiCore architecture, which mixes LUT and product-term logic to emulate a wide range of gate-array and standard-cell netlists. The -2 speed grade at ~3.1 ns propagation delay is fast enough to exercise most ASIC IP at functional speed, and the 496 user I/O pins accommodate wide data buses and parallel ASIC interfaces. Configuration via JTAG supports rapid in-system iteration, while the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) allows verification across commercial and extended conditions. Source: Altera APEX 20K device handbook.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Glue Logic
In legacy telecom systems, the EP20K400GI655-2 served as high-density glue logic on line cards, interfacing TDM backplanes, framers, and network processors. Its 496 user I/O pins handle multi-bus bridging (UTOPIA, POS-PHY, H.110), and the embedded system blocks (ESBs) provide true dual-port RAM for cell buffering. The 2.5 V core and PCI-compatible I/O standards simplify interfacing with 3.3 V network processors of the era. The industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation in central-office environments. APEX 20K devices remain in service for legacy telecom sustainment where re-architecting around Cyclone or Stratix is not cost-effective.
Recommended
PCI Bus Bridge and Protocol Conversion
The EP20K400GI655-2 is well-suited to PCI 32/64-bit bus bridging, protocol conversion, and custom peripheral controller implementation. Its 496 user I/O pins easily accommodate the 64-bit PCI bus (50+ signals) plus auxiliary state and DMA interfaces, and the device's PCI-compliant I/O banks handle the 33 MHz / 66 MHz bus speeds reliably. The MultiCore architecture lets designers mix hard bus bridges with soft DMA engines and FIFOs in the same device, while the 16,640 logic elements implement full-featured protocol stacks. Embedded System Blocks provide the FIFO buffers required for zero-wait-state burst transfers.
Recommended
Industrial Control State Machines
EP20K400GI655-2 serves as a flexible platform for industrial controllers implementing complex state machines, motor-control loops, and multi-axis timing. The APEX 20K product-term logic is particularly efficient for encoding wide state machines used in PLC implementations. Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) covers factory-floor environments. The 16,640 logic elements accommodate full PID loops, encoder interfaces, and custom communication stacks in one device. JTAG-based in-system programming simplifies field firmware updates on installed equipment.
Recommended
Network Processor Interfacing
The EP20K400GI655-2 acts as a companion coprocessor to network processors (e.g., Intel IXP1200, AMCC nP7xxx) implementing custom queuing, traffic shaping, and protocol offload. The 496 user I/O and PCI support allow direct connection to the network processor's data and control planes, while embedded system blocks (ESBs) provide true dual-port CAM and RAM for table lookup offload. The -2 speed grade handles line-rate processing at OC-48 / 2.5 Gbps speeds when properly pipelined. APEX 20K glue logic remains common in legacy telecom packet processors.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Digital Systems
The industrial-temperature EP20K400GI655-2 sees extended use in defense and aerospace digital systems, particularly legacy platforms requiring high gate counts and long-life support. Aerospace integrators value the APEX 20K's mature toolchain (Quartus II 13.0 / 14.0), predictable performance, and availability through qualified-supplier channels. The 655-pin SPGA package supports the high pin counts required for VME/PCI interfaces and parallel sensor aggregation. Upgrades to Cyclone or newer families require full re-certification on many platforms, so EP20K400GI655-2 remains in service for sustainment through the 2030s.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K400GI655-2 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K400GI655-1 | EP20K400GC655-2 | EP20K400GC655-2N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | SPGA-655 (47x47 mm) | SPGA-655 (47x47 mm) - same | SPGA-655 (47x47 mm) - same | SPGA-655 (47x47 mm) - same |
| Speed Grade | -2 (mid range) | -1 (faster) | -2 (mid range) | -2 (mid range) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Logic Capacity | 400K gates / 16,640 LEs | 400K gates / 16,640 LEs | 400K gates / 16,640 LEs | 400K gates / 16,640 LEs |
| Maximum User I/O | 496 | 496 | 496 | 496 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V (2.375-2.625 V) | 2.5 V (2.375-2.625 V) | 2.5 V (2.375-2.625 V) | 2.5 V (2.375-2.625 V) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs EP20K400GC655-2)
- Mid-range -2 speed grade balances cost and performance (vs EP20K400GI655-1)
- High pin-count SPGA-655 package for maximum connectivity (vs EP20K400FC672 series)
Design Notes
APEX 20K devices require 2.5 V for both VCCINT (core) and VCCIO (I/O). Decoupling strategy per Altera APEX 20K design guidelines: place one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor within 100 mils of every VCCINT/VCCIO pin, plus bulk 33-100 uF tantalum at the supply entry. The device can draw 500-1500 mA of core current depending on logic utilization. Estimated power: with 50% utilization at typical toggle rates, plan for ~3-5 W dissipation; the SPGA-655 package requires thermal vias and copper pour for reliable operation above 2 W.
The 47 mm x 47 mm SPGA-655 footprint uses staggered pins on a 100 mil (2.54 mm) grid. Routing escape from the inner rows requires either a multi-layer PCB (8+ layers) or via-in-pad technology. Source: Altera APEX 20K Device Handbook. Inner rows may be assigned to global clock and configuration signals to simplify breakout. Reserve dedicated ground islands under the package and stitch the inner power/ground balls with 4-layer board layers.
The MSL-1 rating applies only to unopened dry-pack. After exposure to ambient humidity, the SPGA-655 must be re-baked per JEDEC J-STD-033 (125C for 24 hours) to avoid package cracking during reflow. Configuration EPROM (EPC16/EPC8) selection must match bitstream size (~1.3 Mbits for EP20K400). The nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins require 10 kohm pull-ups; failure to pull up nCONFIG prevents configuration initialization.
Estimated: at 50% logic utilization with industrial switching activity, the EP20K400GI655-2 dissipates approximately 3-5 W. With proper 4-layer PCB and copper thermal pad, theta_JA is around 18-22 C/W in still air. Junction temperature rise above ambient should stay below 50C for industrial-grade operation. Add airflow of 100-200 LFM for sealed enclosures. Source: Altera APEX 20K datasheet thermal characteristics.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status were not present in the verified web data; set to unknown. EP20K400GI655-2 is a legacy Altera APEX 20K family part. AEC-Q100 does not apply to FPGAs (use this standard for automotive ICs). The X-suffix variants (e.g., EP20K400GI655-1X) typically denote lead-free finishes.
