EP20K60EQC208-3N - APEX 20KE FPGA 60K Gates 148 I/O | Intel
MPN: EP20K60EQC208-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $77.41 | $77.41 |
| 10 | $70.15 | $701.50 |
| 100 | $63.87 | $6,387.00 |
| 500 | $58.02 | $29,010.00 |
| 1,000 | $53.33 | $53,330.00 |
EP20K60EQC208-3N Overview
An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing a fabric of programmable logic elements, embedded memory, and general-purpose I/O that can be configured after manufacturing to implement digital logic circuits. Unlike fixed-function ASICs or ASSPs, FPGAs allow engineers to change the hardware design through configuration files, enabling rapid prototyping and field-hardware revisions. FPGAs sit within the broader programmable-logic hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. APEX-20KE was Altera/Intel s MultiCore architecture family that integrated look-up-table logic, product-term macrocells, and embedded RAM on a single chip.
The EP20K60EQC208-3N key features include 2,560 logic elements, 32,768 embedded RAM bits, and 148 user I/O pins in a compact 208-pin QFP. According to the search data, it has a maximum internal frequency of 182 MHz for the -3 speed grade, a 3.56 ns propagation-delay class, and commercial 0 C to +85 C operating temperature range. The pin-and-lead-free suffix N means this device uses lead-free solder finish. The 1.8 V core reduces dynamic power relative to older 2.5 V or 3.3 V programmable-logic families while retaining compatibility with intellectual-property cores from the APEX era.
The APEX-20KE architecture combines a look-up-table-based FPGA granularity with embedded system-level blocks, allowing designs such as protocol bridges, DSP front ends, and memory controllers to be implemented in one component. The 148 user I/Os provide considerable parallel connectivity for glue logic replacement in legacy systems. Because this is an SRAM-based FPGA, it must be configured at power-up from an external configuration device or host processor. The -3 speed grade is a moderate-speed bin intended for cost-sensitive applications that do not require the fastest -1X performance.
Typical applications include telecom line-card interface logic, industrial machine control, video timing/format conversion, medical imaging signal conditioning, and data-acquisition front ends where a reprogrammable Altera-compatible footprint is needed. Designers should respect the 1.8 V core-power pin count and place decoupling capacitors close to every VCC and VCCIO pin. The enable/configuration pins must be pulled according to the APEX 20K configuration guidance. For new designs, this part is a legacy device and may not be recommended; check current Intel/Altera lifecycle or choose modern equivalents when feasible.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Altera/Intel APEX-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K60EQC208-3N — 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 EP20K60EQC208-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Core Supply Voltage, Logic Elements / Cells, Process Technology, Typical Gates.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K60EQC208-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$128 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQC208-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$42.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQC208-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQC208-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$65.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQC208-1X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$36 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EQI208-2X
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQC208-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| FPGA Family | APEX-20KE |
| Typical Gates | 60000 |
| Logic Elements | 2560 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 32768 |
| User I/O Count | 148 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8 V |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 182 MHz (speed grade -3) |
| Propagation Delay | 3.56 ns |
| Package Code | FQFP / BFQFP |
| Number of Pins | 208 |
| Terminal Form | GULL WING |
| Package Shape | SQUARE |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Lead Finish | Lead-free (N suffix) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
EP20K60EQC208-3N square Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K60EQC208-3N (square 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 EP20K60EQC208-3N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K60EQC208-3N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom Line-Card Interface Logic, Industrial Machine Control and Glue Logic, Medical Imaging Signal-Conditioning FPGA, Video Timing and Format Conversion, Data-Acquisition Front-End Controller, Secure Communications and Protocol Bridging.
Telecom Line-Card Interface Logic
The EP20K60EQC208-3N suits telecom line cards where legacy framers, mappers, and backplane bus interfaces require programmable protocol bridging. Its 148 user I/O pins allow parallel connection to multiple serial/parallel interface devices, while 32,768 RAM bits implement small FIFO buffers or rate-matching queues. The 1.8 V core and 0.22 um CMOS process keep switching power lower than older 5 V programmable logic. In a typical line card, the FPGA is configured from an EPC/EPCS configuration PROM and performs address decoding, status monitoring, and bus translation between a host CPU and line-interface ICs. The 182 MHz maximum internal frequency is sufficient for most STS/STM and T1/E1 bridge applications; designers should check the actual parallel bus rate during timing closure. Because the APEX-20KE is a legacy family, this application is best suited to installed-base maintenance and repair rather than new high-volume designs.
Recommended
Industrial Machine Control and Glue Logic
In industrial control systems, EP20K60EQC208-3N can replace multiple 74-series glue-logic devices and small microcontrollers, integrating motor-control decode, encoder interfaces, and safety interlock logic into one 208-pin QFP. The 148 user I/Os are ideal for connecting to optocouplers, relay drivers, and sensor input arrays. Its 0C to +85C commercial temperature range fits indoor control cabinets and factory-floor controllers that do not need automotive-grade cold operation. The FPGA's programmable logic elements allow fast parallel processing of quadrature encoder counts, while embedded RAM words can store small lookup tables for motion profiles. Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose configuration on power-off, the design must include an external configuration device controlled by the system reset. This is an appropriate drop-in repair path for legacy APEX-20KE industrial boards, but for new equipment, a modern FPGA or CPLD with lower power would be preferred.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Signal-Conditioning FPGA
The EP20K60EQC208-3N can perform preprocessing, timing generation, and interface buffering in ultrasound and X-ray imaging front ends where moderate logic density and 148 parallel I/O are valuable. Its 32,768 embedded RAM bits support line buffers and coefficient storage for simple digital filters, while the reprogrammable fabric allows channel-count or algorithm changes without PCB rework. The 3.56 ns propagation-delay class provides predictable combinational paths for synchronous ADC data capture and sensor array scanning. In a medical imaging chain, this FPGA would sit between analog-front-end ADCs and a host DSP/processor, formatting data and generating CCD or transducer drive pulses. Low 1.8 V core operation helps reduce localized heating in equipment with sealed enclosures. Although not safety-certified, the part can be used in non-life-support diagnostic equipment with appropriate system-level verification. For new medical products, modern FPGAs with integrated SERDES and lower-power technology should be considered over this legacy part.
Recommended
Video Timing and Format Conversion
EP20K60EQC208-3N is used in legacy video-processing boards for scan-rate conversion, pixel-format packing, and timing synchronization. The 2,560 logic elements can implement simple line-doublers, color-space converters, and VGA timing generators, while the user I/O count connects to video ADCs, DACs, and frame-buffer memory. Embedded RAM bits store horizontal line delays for filtering and blanking insertion. The FPGA's parallel architecture supports simultaneous multiple video-stream timing paths, but the 182 MHz speed grade is more suited to standard-definition and lower-resolution pixel rates than high-end 4K processing. Engineers can load different video-interface personalities into the same -3N device, avoiding dedicated ASIC re-spins. One caveat is that the APEX-20KE family has no native LVDS or high-speed transceivers, so external SERDES devices are needed for gigabit video links. This makes the part most suitable for legacy repair and embedded video modules rather than new high-bandwidth designs.
Recommended
Data-Acquisition Front-End Controller
The EP20K60EQC208-3N can coordinate data-acquisition systems that sample multiple analog channels, buffer results, and transfer them to a host microcontroller. Its 148 user I/O pins can drive parallel ADCs and DACs, control analog multiplexers, and generate sample clocks. The 32,768 RAM bits allow small circular buffers to absorb burst data before DMA transfer. The 1.8 V core and 0.22 um process produce a low-power general-purpose capture platform, although the reset and configuration overhead must be managed by a supervising host. In lab instruments and automated test equipment, this FPGA can implement trigger logic, timestamping, and channel sequencing with deterministic propagation delay. Since the -3N variant is lead-free, it can be used in RoHS-conscious repair applications. For new test instruments, an FPGA with integrated highspeed ADC interfaces and more block RAM would simplify the design.
Recommended
Secure Communications and Protocol Bridging
EP20K60EQC208-3N can serve as a programmable bridge in secure communications modules, connecting encryption cores, microcontrollers, and serial transceivers while providing isolated timing and control-plane logic. The 60K-gate density permits implementing simple AES or CRC acceleration assist blocks and interface state machines, although cryptographic algorithm speeds may be less than silicon dedicated crypto engines. The 148 user I/O and 1.8 V core make it possible to cross voltage domains with level shifters and connect to standard UART, SPI, and parallel security peripherals. In defense and infrastructure applications, the reprogrammability of SRAM FPGAs is both an advantage, allowing key-management personalities to be loaded, and a risk, since configuration data can be intercepted; use encrypted bitstream or external secure configuration circuits. This is a legacy part, so it is best used in existing system maintenance and modernization programs rather than new secure designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K60EQC208-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K60EQC208-3 | EP20K60EQC208-2N | EP20K60EQC208-2X | EP20K60EQC208-2 | EP20K60EQI208-2X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-208 / BFQFP-208 | PQFP-208 / BFQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 / BFQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 / BFQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 / BFQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 / BFQFP-208 - same |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Elements | 2560 | 2560 | 2560 | 2560 | 2560 | 2560 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 32768 | 32768 | 32768 | 32768 | 32768 | 32768 |
| User I/O Count | 148 | 148 | 148 | 148 | 148 | 148 |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 182 MHz (-3) | 182 MHz (-3) | 200 MHz (-2N) | 200 MHz (-2X) | 200 MHz (-2) | 200 MHz (-2X, industrial) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | Industrial temperature range |
| Lead Finish | Lead-free (N suffix) | Tin-lead (no N) | Lead-free (N suffix) | Tin-lead (no N) | Tin-lead (no N) | Tin-lead (no N) |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-free N-suffix option directly supports RoHS-oriented assembly (vs EP20K60EQC208-3)
- Lower speed-grade bin offers conservative timing for legacy interfaces (vs EP20K60EQC208-2X)
- Only intended for 0C to +85C commercial environments (vs EP20K60EQI208-2X)
Design Notes
The EP20K60EQC208-3N requires a 1.8 V core supply. According to the APEX-20K family, every VCC pin should have a 0.1 uF high-frequency ceramic capacitor and at least one 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board level. If I/O banks use a separate VCCIO, place a dedicated low-ESR capacitor on each VCCIO plane. Do not power the core from the same noisy switching rail without an LC filter. This device is designed for 1.8 V operation, and accidental connection to 2.5 V or 3.3 V on core pins can damage the FPGA.
APEX-20KE devices are SRAM-based FPGAs, so EP20K60EQC208-3N loses its configuration on every power cycle. The design must include an external configuration device or host-driven configuration sequence at reset. Ensure the CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, and DCLK pins are connected per the Altera/Intel configuration guidelines. Do not leave configuration pins floating, especially in no-lead or socketed prototypes. A missing pull-up on nCONFIG is a common failure that prevents the FPGA from starting after power-up, making the board appear dead even though the power supply is good.
The 208-pin PQFP/BFQFP package uses exposed gull-wing leads around a square body. For reliable soldering, follow the qualified reflow profile recommended by Altera/Intel for the lead-free finish. Keep the stencil aperture for each pin consistent with the pad footprint in the APEX-20KE package drawing. Place via-in-pad sparingly for QFP routing and ensure all ground pins connect directly to the ground plane with low inductance. Since the fetched data did not include package dimensions, obtain the official APEX-20K datasheet before creating the PCB land pattern.
Compliance Information
The N suffix in Altera/Intel ordering indicates lead-free finish. The fetched data did not contain an explicit RoHS/REACH conformity statement for this APEX-20KE legacy device.
