EP20K60EQC208-1X FPGA - 60K Gate 250MHz, 1.8V | Intel
MPN: EP20K60EQC208-1X ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $55 | $55.00 |
| 10 | $50 | $500.00 |
| 100 | $45 | $4,500.00 |
| 500 | $42 | $21,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $38.5 | $38,500.00 |
| 3,000 | $36 | $108,000.00 |
EP20K60EQC208-1X Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and embedded memory that the designer configures after manufacturing. FPGAs sit above complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) in capacity and are used to implement parallel logic, protocol bridging, DSP pipelines, and system-on-a-chip solutions. The EP20K60EQC208-1X belongs to the APEX 20K family, which Altera positioned as a system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) platform combining look-up-table logic, product-term structures, and memory resources on a single 1.8V device. Understanding this hypernym is important because FPGA selection is driven by gates, logic elements, RAM bits, I/O count, package, speed grade, and configuration options rather than a single datasheet parameter.
Key features of the EP20K60EQC208-1X include its 60K-gate capacity, 2,560 logic elements, 148 user I/O pins, and 32,768 RAM bits. The listed 250MHz internal frequency and 0.22um CMOS process allow it to handle moderately fast parallel data paths in legacy industrial and communication boards. Its 208-pin PQFP package provides a practical pin count for board routing, and the commercial 0C to 85C temperature range covers indoor and telecom equipment environments. The -1X speed designation represents the fastest ordering-code class visible in the fetched listings, making it preferable where timing closure is tight.
Architecturally, the APEX 20KE family was one of Altera's first MultiCore-based FPGA families, integrating look-up-table logic, product-term logic, and embedded memory resources. The 1.8V core voltage reduces power compared with earlier 2.5V and 3.3V FPGAs while retaining I/O flexibility for legacy 3.3V and 2.5V interfaces when VCCIO is correctly configured. The 2,560 logic elements can be used as synchronous counters, state machines, datapath FIFO controllers, or small parallel multipliers, while the RAM bits support FIFO buffers and register files without consuming external SRAM. Because the device is not in active production today, exact timing models should be taken from the archived APEX 20K device handbook and validated in the Altera/Intel Quartus version that supports this device family.
Typical applications for the EP20K60EQC208-1X include communications line-card bridging, industrial control logic, legacy test and measurement pattern generation, high-speed data buffering, video scan conversion, and medical front-end interfacing. Its 148 user I/Os make it useful for connecting parallel buses, memories, and peripheral controllers on legacy 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V boards. For new designs, the device is usually selected only when form-fit-function replacement or supply continuity is required; otherwise a modern FPGA offers greater density and lower power.
A key design consideration is that EP20K60EQC208-1X must be configured after power-up from an external EPC2 or EPC16 configuration device, or through JTAG, since SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration on power loss. The 1.8V core voltage must be supplied separately from the I/O voltage, and all VCC/GND pins require correct decoupling. If a board already uses an APEX 20K 208-pin PQFP footprint, the -1 and -2 speed variants listed on this page can serve as drop-in supply-chain alternatives after timing verification.
This page synthesizes distributor inventory, same-family drop-in alternatives, practical design guidance, and cross-reference information that is not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet. It is intended to help engineers identify replacements, avoid obsolete-part pitfalls, and understand where the EP20K60EQC208-1X still fits in legacy system maintenance and repair.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K60EQC208-1X — 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 EP20K60EQC208-1X (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Supply Voltage, Operating Temperature, Typical Gates, Family, Logic Elements / Cells.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K60EQC208-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQC208-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$65.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQC208-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$53.33 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQI208-2X
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQI208-1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQC208-1X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | APEX 20KE |
| Typical Gates | 60K gates |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 2560 cells |
| Total RAM Bits | 32768 bits |
| User I/Os | 148 pins |
| Internal Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8 V |
| Technology Process | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Package | 208-Pin PQFP (BFQFP) |
| Package Pin Count | 208 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to 85C |
| Speed Grade | -1X |
| Base Product Number | EP20K60 |
| Datasheet Length | 117 pages (fetched reference) |
EP20K60EQC208-1X 208 pins Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K60EQC208-1X (208 pins 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 EP20K60EQC208-1X.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K60EQC208-1X is suitable for 6 applications: Communications Line Card Protocol Bridging, Industrial Control and Motion Logic, Legacy Test and Measurement Pattern Generator, High-Speed Data Buffering and Preprocessing, Medical Imaging Front-End Interface, Broadcast and Video Scan Conversion.
Communications Line Card Protocol Bridging
The EP20K60EQC208-1X is well suited to communications line-card bridging because its 148 user I/O pins can connect multiple parallel bus segments while its 2,560 logic elements implement protocol framing, status counters, and glue logic. The 32,768 RAM bits provide small FIFO or mailbox buffers between clock domains, and the listed 250MHz internal frequency gives headroom for aggregate parallel data movement. In a typical legacy line card, the FPGA sits between a backplane bus, a network processor, and control logic, translating parallel command/status signals without burdening the host CPU. Designers should place it near the bus transceivers and configure I/O standards to match the board's VCCIO. Because this is a 1.8V-core device, a separate low-noise core rail is required for reliable operation.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Motion Logic
EP20K60EQC208-1X can serve as a legacy industrial logic coprocessor, implementing encoder counters, PWM generators, interlock state machines, and parallel I/O expansion in fielded control equipment. The 2,560 logic elements are sufficient for moderate-speed motion-control state machines, while the 1.8V core keeps power lower than older 5V PLDs. Its 148 user I/Os allow direct connection to optocoupler arrays, relay drivers, and legacy 8/16-bit microcontroller buses with appropriate level shifting. In an industrial context, the commercial 0C to 85C temperature range limits it to indoor cabinet installations; for wider temperature environments, an EQI industrial-temperature variant should be used. Engineers must ensure the configuration bitstream is stored in external EPC2 or EPC16 memory and reloaded on every power cycle.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Pattern Generator
In test and measurement equipment, the EP20K60EQC208-1X can generate parallel digital patterns, trigger sequences, and data-capture state machines without the latency of a software-driven processor. The 148 user I/Os connect directly to DAC/ADC data buses, comparator banks, and front-panel multiplexers, while the embedded RAM bits store small pattern tables and capture buffers. Its 250MHz internal frequency supports high-speed internal state updates, although external I/O timing depends on the selected interface standard and board layout. For legacy ATE systems already designed around APEX 20K devices, this FPGA is an economically attractive maintenance replacement when the original -1X or -1 grade part is unavailable. Keep the configuration device and JTAG chain on the same test card so field personnel can reload firmware through the existing boundary-scan interface.
Recommended
High-Speed Data Buffering and Preprocessing
EP20K60EQC208-1X can perform real-time data buffering and simple preprocessing between high-speed ADCs, DSPs, or memory buses. Its 32,768 RAM bits create FIFOs and line buffers that absorb burst data, while the logic elements implement alignment, byte-lane reassignment, and simple parity/CRC checks. The 148 user I/O pins are generally sufficient for a parallel data path plus control signals, and the 1.8V core helps minimize heat in a densely populated board. When the FPGA is used as a coprocessor, the host DSP or microcontroller can initialize descriptor registers through a simple parallel interface, and the FPGA can assert an interrupt when a buffer is full. The exact data width and bus protocol must be designed from scratch because APEX 20K devices do not have dedicated high-speed serial transceivers.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Front-End Interface
Although the EP20K60EQC208-1X is not a modern medical-grade FPGA, it was historically used in ultrasound, CT, and MRI front-end acquisition boards to collect parallel sensor data and feed DSP pipelines. The 2,560 logic elements can establish acquisition timing, generate address sequences, and perform simple offset/gain correction, while the 32,768 RAM bits store short line buffers before the data is handed to a DSP or host interface. The 148 user I/Os are useful for connecting linear-array sensors, ADCs, and external SRAM devices. Medical equipment designers should carefully assess the device's obsolete supply status, date-code consistency, and compliance documentation before using it in a new medical system. For servicing existing fielded equipment, maintaining a stock of verified-date-code parts is more important than parametric feature expansion.
Recommended
Broadcast and Video Scan Conversion
EP20K60EQC208-1X can be found in legacy broadcast/video scan-conversion boards where designers implemented line doubling, color-space conversion, and synchronization logic in programmable logic. Its 148 user I/Os connect to digital video buses, FIFO memories, and video decoder/encoder ICs, while the internal RAM bits supply short line delays and coefficient tables. The 250MHz internal frequency is sufficient for pixel rates common in standard-definition and early high-definition formats when used with external frame buffers. The board must manage multiple supply rails: 1.8V core plus I/O voltage matched to the video interface standard. For continued maintenance of installed broadcast systems, the same-package APEX 20K speed and temperature grades listed on this page provide form-fit-function replacement options after timing verification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K60EQC208-1X — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K60EQC208-1 | EP20K60EQC208-2 | EP20K60EQC208-3N | EP20K60EQI208-2X | EP20K60EQI208-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera / Intel | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) |
| Typical Gates | 60K gates | 60K gates (same family) | 60K gates (same family) | 60K gates (same family) | 60K gates (same family) | 60K gates (same family) |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 2560 cells | 2560 cells (same family) | 2560 cells (same family) | 2560 cells (same family) | 2560 cells (same family) | 2560 cells (same family) |
| User I/Os | 148 pins | 148 pins (same family) | 148 pins (same family) | 148 pins (same family) | 148 pins (same family) | 148 pins (same family) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V (APEX 20KE family) | 1.8 V (APEX 20KE family) | 1.8 V (APEX 20KE family) | 1.8 V (APEX 20KE family) | 1.8 V (APEX 20KE family) |
Key Differentiators
- Speed-bin advantage over EP20K60EQC208-1 (vs EP20K60EQC208-1)
- Commercial-temperature cost/performance balance vs EP20K60EQI208-2X (vs EP20K60EQI208-2X)
- True drop-in availability among APEX 20K 208-PQFP variants (vs Cross-brand FPGA replacements)
Design Notes
EP20K60EQC208-1X is a 0.22um 1.8V-core legacy FPGA. Before committing a board to production, estimate core power using the APEX 20K power calculator or a conservative spreadsheet based on logic utilization, toggle rate, and clock frequency. For a 60K-gate device running near 250MHz with high toggle activity, power dissipation may be in the 0.5-1.5W range depending on design density and I/O loading; this is an estimated planning number and should be verified with a real prototype. Provide a low-impedance 1.8V plane and enough vias to keep the supply stable.
Place 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors close to each VCC pin of the 208-pin PQFP package and add one 10uF bulk capacitor near the VCCINT supply entry point. Keep the core 1.8V plane separated from the I/O supply planes to avoid noise coupling through the FPGA substrate. The exposed 208-PQFP land pattern should follow the Intel/Altera recommended package footprint; because this page does not reproduce the 208-pin pinout, use the official archived APEX 20K device handbook for pin names and power-pin assignments before routing.
A common mistake is applying 3.3V to VCCINT on a 1.8V APEX 20KE device. Always separate VCCINT (1.8V) from VCCIO, and set VCCIO to the voltage required by the external interface. Because this FPGA is SRAM-based, a configuration device must reload the bitstream after power-up; configure MSEL pins for the intended EPC2/EPC16 or JTAG mode and do not leave nCONFIG floating. For legacy boards, verify date-code and lead-free finish before soldering into a RoHS-required process, as older APEX devices may not be Pb-free.
Compliance Information
No RoHS/REACH/lead-free statement was included in the fetched datasheet or distributor pages. EP20K60EQC208-1X is a legacy APEX 20KE part; some ordering codes with N suffix are lead-free, but the -1X suffix in the fetched data does not include a lead-finish declaration. Verify the specific date-code and ordering code with the supplier before claiming compliance.
