EP20K600CF1020C9 - APEX 20KC FPGA 600K Gates 250MHz 1020-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EP20K600CF1020C9 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $245 | $245.00 |
| 10 | $225 | $2,250.00 |
| 50 | $205 | $10,250.00 |
| 100 | $185 | $18,500.00 |
| 500 | $165 | $82,500.00 |
EP20K600CF1020C9 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnect that can be reconfigured by the end user after manufacturing. APEX 20KC belongs to the broader PLD (Programmable Logic Device) hierarchy - PLD -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> high-density SRAM FPGA - and sits between simple glue-logic CPLDs and ASIC-class structured ASICs, offering hundreds of thousands of gates without NRE charges. APEX 20KC combines Look-Up Table (LUT) logic with embedded ESB (Embedded System Block) memory and a four-level hierarchical copper interconnect for high performance.
Key features include PCI SIG compliance (PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 at 33 or 66 MHz, 32 or 64 bits, 3.3 V operation), support for DDR SDRAM and ZBT SRAM high-speed external memories, a four-level hierarchical interconnect for predictable timing closure, MultiVolt I/O for mixed-voltage rails, and built-in support for 32-bit and 64-bit datapath operation. The device also integrates ESBs that can be configured as dual-port RAM, FIFO, CAM, or ROM, simplifying complex memory subsystems.
The APEX 20KC architecture pairs MegaLAB structures (groups of logic elements with shared interconnect) with a copper four-level routing hierarchy that achieves 250 MHz core speeds while maintaining high utilization. The CMOS SRAM-based configuration cell allows unlimited reconfiguration, while the 1.8 V VCCINT reduces dynamic power versus older 2.5 V APEX 20K parts. Each ESB provides up to 2,048 bits of memory, and the four-level interconnect (MegaLAB, LAB, row, and column) enables predictable timing closure for wide datapath designs.
Typical applications include PCI bus interface cards, telecommunications line cards, DSP co-processing accelerators, high-speed memory interfaces (DDR SDRAM / ZBT SRAM controllers), industrial imaging and video processing pipelines, and prototyping bridges to structured ASICs. Its 600K-gate capacity and PCI compliance make it especially suited for legacy 32/64-bit add-in card designs.
When designing with this part, note that the FC-FBGA-1020 package requires careful PCB layout with microvia or via-in-pad technology for reliable assembly, and the 1.8 V core rail must be decoupled with high-frequency ceramics placed within 5 mm of each supply ball. Configuration data should be sourced from a dedicated PROM such as the Altera EPC16 to guarantee reliable single-supply power-on behavior.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K600CF1020C9 — 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 EP20K600CF1020C9 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Process Technology, Speed Grade, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K600CF1020C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$92 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K600CF1020C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$212.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K600CB652C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1320 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K600CB652C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$105 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K400CF672C9
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$390.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K600CF1020C9 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX 20KC |
| Logic Elements | 24,320 |
| System Gates | 600,000 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Embedded Memory (ESB) | Configurable dual-port RAM / FIFO / CAM / ROM |
| Process Technology | 0.15 µm CMOS |
| Internal Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.8 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V (MultiVolt) |
| User I/O Pins | 588 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 4 |
| Total I/O Count (in/out) | 580 / 580 |
| Package | 1020-ball FC-FBGA (33 x 33 mm, 1.00 mm pitch) |
| JESD-30 Package Code | S-PBGA-B1020 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 85°C (TJ) |
| PCI Compliance | PCI Local Bus Spec Rev 2.2 (33/66 MHz, 32/64-bit, 3.3 V) |
| External Memory Support | DDR SDRAM, ZBT SRAM |
EP20K600CF1020C9 s-pbga-b1020 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K600CF1020C9 (s-pbga-b1020 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 EP20K600CF1020C9.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K600CF1020C9 is suitable for 6 applications: PCI Bus Interface Card, DDR SDRAM Memory Controller, Telecommunications Line Card, DSP Co-Processing Accelerator, Industrial Imaging Pipeline, ASIC Prototype / Structured ASIC Bridge.
PCI Bus Interface Card
The EP20K600CF1020C9 is ideal for PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 interface cards because it is PCI SIG compliant at 33 or 66 MHz and supports both 32-bit and 64-bit datapaths at 3.3 V. Its 588 user I/O pins comfortably host 64-bit PCI data/address plus sideband signals, while the 250 MHz core clock enables single-cycle PCI target/ master response with deterministic latency. Place the FPGA between the PCI edge connector and downstream ASIC or DSP, using one ESB block as a transaction FIFO and the four-level hierarchical interconnect to close timing on the 66 MHz 64-bit bus. Compared to discrete ASIC glue, the APEX 20KC allows in-system firmware updates and PCI power-management state machine modifications without mask respin.
Recommended
DDR SDRAM Memory Controller
The EP20K600CF1020C9 suits high-speed DDR SDRAM controller designs because its 250 MHz core and MultiVolt I/O can directly interface to DDR SDRAM at 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V logic levels with zero external level shifters. Use the embedded ESB blocks as dual-port read/write FIFOs to isolate the memory datapath from the application logic, while the four-level hierarchical interconnect lets you close timing on 200 MHz+ DDR data capture paths. The 588 I/O pins accommodate 64-bit DDR data plus control, address, and mask signals without multiplexing. This application is common in telecom line cards and high-performance DSP co-processors that require deterministic, low-latency memory access.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card
The EP20K600CF1020C9 fits telecom line card aggregation designs because it offers 600K gates of logic for serial-to-parallel conversion, framing, and protocol termination in a single device. Its PCI bus compliance allows direct connection to a host backplane, while the embedded ESBs implement per-channel elastic FIFOs and lookup tables for OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) functions. The MultiVolt I/O interfaces directly to 1.8 V framers and 3.3 V TDM buses, eliminating level-shifters on densely populated line card PCBs. Designers appreciate the four-level hierarchical interconnect for predictable timing closure across wide TDM buses operating at 77.76 MHz or higher.
Recommended
DSP Co-Processing Accelerator
The EP20K600CF1020C9 accelerates DSP algorithm blocks because its 24,320 logic elements and 250 MHz core deliver hundreds of GMACs/sec for FIR filters, FFTs, and Viterbi decoders in a single FPGA. The ESBs serve as coefficient ROMs or delay-line RAM, and the four-level interconnect routes wide multiply-accumulate busses efficiently across MegaLAB boundaries. The 1.8 V VCCINT reduces dynamic power versus older APEX 20K parts, allowing sustained operation in fanless industrial chassis. Designers pair the APEX 20KC with a host DSP such as a TI TMS320C6000 series, offloading compute-intensive inner loops to the FPGA via shared memory or PCI bus.
Recommended
Industrial Imaging Pipeline
The EP20K600CF1020C9 serves industrial imaging pipelines because its high gate count and embedded memory enable real-time image preprocessing - Bayer demosaic, color correction, and edge detection - at video rates. The 588 user I/O pins connect directly to Camera Link or LVDS image sensors, while the ESBs implement line buffers and lookup tables for gamma correction. The 250 MHz core and four-level interconnect allow pixel pipelines running at 65 MHz with 3-cycle latency per pixel stage. Compared to fixed-function ISPs, the APEX 20KC lets you reconfigure the pipeline for different sensor resolutions and frame rates without hardware change.
Recommended
ASIC Prototype / Structured ASIC Bridge
The EP20K600CF1020C9 is widely used as a structured-ASIC prototype because its 600K gates closely match the capacity of mid-range ASIC families such as the Altera HardCopy APEX. Designers validate the entire ASIC netlist in-system at 250 MHz before committing to NRE charges, then migrate the verified design to HardCopy for volume production. The four-level hierarchical interconnect provides predictable timing closure that translates directly to the structured ASIC architecture, reducing risk of post-silicon surprises. The FC-FBGA-1020 footprint even shares the same ball pattern as some HardCopy APEX variants, enabling PCB reuse between prototype and production phases.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K600CF1020C9 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K600CF1020C8 | EP20K600CF1020C7 | EP20K600CB652C7 | EP20K400CF672C9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 1020-ball FC-FBGA (33 x 33 mm) | 1020-ball FC-FBGA - same | 1020-ball FC-FBGA - same | 652-ball BGA - different | 672-ball FBGA - different |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Family | APEX 20KC | APEX 20KC | APEX 20KC | APEX 20KC | APEX 20K |
| Logic Elements | 24,320 | 24,320 | 24,320 | 24,320 | 16,640 |
| System Gates | 600,000 | 600,000 | 600,000 | 600,000 | 400,000 |
| Maximum Frequency | 250 MHz (-9 speed grade) | 210 MHz (-8 speed grade) | 180 MHz (-7 speed grade) | 180 MHz (-7 speed grade) | 250 MHz (-9 speed grade) |
| User I/O Pins | 588 | 588 | 588 | 488 | 488 |
| VCCINT / VCCIO | 1.8 V / MultiVolt 1.8-5.0 V | 1.8 V / MultiVolt 1.8-5.0 V | 1.8 V / MultiVolt 1.8-5.0 V | 2.5 V / MultiVolt 2.5-3.3 V |
Key Differentiators
- Highest gate density in the APEX 20KC family (vs EP20K400CF672C9)
- Maximum I/O count via 1020-ball FC-FBGA package (vs EP20K600CB652C7)
- Fastest -9 speed grade within the APEX 20KC family (vs EP20K600CF1020C7)
Design Notes
The 1020-ball FC-FBGA uses a 1.00 mm pitch and requires microvia or via-in-pad PCB technology for reliable assembly. Use 4-6 layer stackup with continuous ground planes under the BGA; power planes should be split for VCCINT (1.8 V) and VCCIO (1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V) domains. Estimated: at 1.00 mm ball pitch, escape routing requires microvias with 100 µm pad diameter - standard 0.4 mm-pitch BGA escape rules do not apply.
Decouple VCCINT with 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of every supply ball, plus 22 µF bulk tantalum or polymer capacitors on each VCCINT island. The 1.8 V rail typically draws 2-4 A under full utilization at 250 MHz; use a switching regulator with ±2% tolerance rather than LDO for thermal efficiency. Estimated: total VCCINT current scales with toggle rate - benchmark ~3 A at 80% utilization, ~5 A at 100% utilization with all ESBs active.
Do not confuse the APEX 20KC (1.8 V VCCINT) with the original APEX 20K (2.5 V VCCINT) - applying 2.5 V to the -C9 part will permanently damage the silicon. Verify configuration PROM compatibility: the EPC16 works for all densities, but legacy EPC2 / EPC8 PROMs may need different programming files. Also note that Quartus II v4.2 or earlier is required for APEX 20KC support; newer Quartus versions have removed the device family.
DDR SDRAM interfaces benefit from source-synchronous timing with the FPGA's PLL-driven clock forwarded to the memory with matched trace length. Use IBIS models for the EP20K600CF1020C9 (Altera published them with the Quartus II v4 release) to simulate signal integrity before committing to layout. For PCI 66 MHz 64-bit operation, keep trace lengths matched within ±50 mils and maintain 50 Ω single-ended impedance to the PCI edge connector.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data; per Altera/Intel product page conventions APEX 20KC parts were generally lead-free but RoHS compliance varied by date code. AEC-Q100 not applicable (commercial-grade 0-85°C part, industrial variants have 'I' suffix).
