EP20K60EQC240-1X - APEX-20KE FPGA, 60K Gates, 240-PQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP20K60EQC240-1X β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $95 | $95.00 |
| 10 | $82 | $820.00 |
| 100 | $71.5 | $7,150.00 |
| 500 | $64 | $32,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $58 | $58,000.00 |
EP20K60EQC240-1X Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between simple PLDs/CPLDs and fixed-function ASICs. The APEX-20KE family specifically targets high-density, high-performance designs where on-chip memory and DSP-style arithmetic matter, bridging the gap between traditional glue logic and full custom silicon.
Key features of the EP20K60EQC240-1X include up to 250 MHz internal operation, MultiCore architecture integrating embedded memory with LUT logic, in-system programmability via SRAM configuration, and 196 maximum user I/Os in the BGA variant. The '1X' speed grade places the part in Altera's commercial performance tier with 1.72 ns propagation delay. The 'E' suffix denotes the enhanced APEX-20KE revision with improved memory and I/O features over the original APEX-20K family.
The architecture combines four-input LUTs with embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory and DSP functions. Each EAB can be configured as RAM, ROM, or multiplier blocks, allowing the device to absorb soft-core processors, FIFOs, and signal-processing datapaths directly into the fabric. The 1.8V core and MultiVolt I/O support interface to 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V systems without external level translation.
Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, networking equipment, industrial control and automation, ASIC prototyping, and DSP front-end preprocessing. The combination of dense logic and embedded memory is well suited for protocol conversion, packet processing, and custom glue logic in mid-volume designs.
When designing with this part, verify that your Quartus version still targets the legacy APEX-20KE device family, as newer Quartus releases have dropped legacy device support. Also confirm package availability - this device is in EOL/Obsolete status per industry sources, so design-in for new products is discouraged unless a long-life agreement exists.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K60EQC240-1X β 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 EP20K60EQC240-1X (same form factor and footprint).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K60EQC240-1
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQC240-1N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQC240-3N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XCV100E-6PQG240C
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XCV50E-6PQG240I
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQC240-1X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Intel / Altera |
| Series | APEX-20KE |
| Device Type | FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| Logic Gates | 60K |
| Logic Cells / Elements | 2560 |
| Macros / Logic Blocks | 256 |
| User I/Os | 151 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 1.89 V (1.8 V nominal) |
| Internal Frequency | 160 MHz (max) |
| Propagation Delay | 1.72 ns |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Package | 240-PQFP (240-BQFP), 32x32 mm |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to 85C (Commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Memory | SRAM (volatile) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
EP20K60EQC240-1X 240-pqfp (240-bqfp), 32x32 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K60EQC240-1X (240-pqfp (240-bqfp), 32x32 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 EP20K60EQC240-1X.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K60EQC240-1X is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line Card Logic, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Industrial Control and Automation, Custom DSP Front-End Preprocessing, Networking Equipment and Protocol Bridging, Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment.
Telecommunications Line Card Logic
The EP20K60EQC240-1X's 60K gates and 151 user I/Os make it a fit for telecom line cards requiring custom framing, channelized E1/T1 aggregation, or protocol-conversion glue logic between framers and backplane serializers. Its MultiCore architecture integrates embedded array blocks (EABs) that absorb FIFOs and small TCAM-like lookup tables directly into the fabric, reducing external memory cost. The 1.72 ns propagation delay and 160 MHz internal frequency support common 155 Mbps telecom data rates without timing closure headaches. The 1.8V core plus MultiVolt I/O allows direct interface to 3.3V framer ASICs and 5V legacy bus interfaces without level shifters, simplifying board layout in NEBS-compliant chassis.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
The EP20K60EQC240-1X is widely used as an ASIC prototype vehicle because the APEX-20KE architecture lets designers partition a planned ASIC into multiple FPGAs for early software development and hardware verification. Its 2560 logic elements with embedded EABs accurately model the timing and memory structure of common ASIC libraries, giving confidence before tape-out. The SRAM-based configuration supports unlimited design iteration without programming hardware, and the JTAG interface allows in-system debug while the prototype runs at near-ASIC speed. The 240-PQFP package suits prototype boards with standard socket footprints, enabling fast board spins and reuse across projects.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
Industrial control systems benefit from the EP20K60EQC240-1X's 0 to 85C commercial temperature range, robust CMOS design, and ability to integrate custom motor-control state machines alongside encoder counters, PWM generators, and fieldbus protocol bridges. The MultiVolt I/O interfaces directly to 24V-referenced opto-isolated inputs through external clamping, reducing BOM count versus discrete logic implementations. The 151 I/Os comfortably handle multi-axis servo controllers with quadrature decoding and limit-switch monitoring on a single device. Long-life industrial customers value the device's proven reliability, though designers should plan migration paths to MAX 10 or Cyclone IV for new platforms given the obsolete lifecycle status.
Recommended
Custom DSP Front-End Preprocessing
The APEX-20KE's embedded array blocks (EABs) operate as multipliers and small dual-port RAMs, making the EP20K60EQC240-1X a viable host for custom FIR filters, FFT pre-processing, and audio sample-rate conversion stages. EAB-based multipliers avoid the deep LUT trees that bottleneck traditional FPGA DSP datapaths, freeing logic for control state machines and memory arbitration. With 60K gates and multiple EABs, the device handles moderate-order filters and small FFT cores that previously required dedicated DSP chips. Designers should evaluate the EAB count against the target filter taps and confirm timing closure in Quartus at the target clock rate before committing to a design.
Recommended
Networking Equipment and Protocol Bridging
Mid-range networking gear such as protocol converters, media gateways, and small Ethernet switches historically used the EP20K60EQC240-1X to bridge between MII/RMII PHYs, SPI-managed transceivers, and CPU buses. The 151 I/Os accommodate multiple MAC interfaces alongside management EEPROM emulation and status LED banks. EAB blocks act as efficient packet buffers and FIFO memories, replacing external SRAM in cost-sensitive designs. MultiVolt I/O connects directly to 3.3V PHY devices and 5V legacy serial interfaces. For modern replacements, look at Cyclone IV EP4CE6F17 with hardware Ethernet MACs, but the EP20K60EQC240-1X remains in service in legacy installations.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment
Test instruments including logic analyzer back-ends, custom pattern generators, and modular ATE systems have long used the EP20K60EQC240-1X as a flexible stimulus-and-response engine because of its SRAM reconfigurability, allowing test engineers to load new patterns between units under test without hardware changes. The 1.8V core and MultiVolt I/O simplify integration with mixed-vintage analog front-ends and 5V test fixtures. The 240-PQFP package is breadboard-friendly and supports hand-prototype rework. Many legacy instruments remain in service, and the EP20K60EQC240-1X continues to be sourced for repair and life-extension contracts through brokers and authorized aftermarket suppliers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K60EQC240-1X β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K60EQC240-1 | EP20K60EQC240-1N | EP20K60EQC240-3N | EP20K60EQC208-1X | XCV100E-6PQG240C | XCV50E-6PQG240I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-PQFP (240-BQFP) | 240-PQFP - same | 240-PQFP - same | 240-PQFP - same | 208-PQFP (different package, NOT pin-compatible) | 240-PQFP - same | 240-PQFP - same |
| Brand | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Xilinx | Xilinx |
| Logic Family / Series | APEX-20KE (MultiCore) | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | Virtex-E | Virtex-E |
| Logic Gates | 60K | 60K | 60K | 60K | 60K | 100K (+67%) | 50K (-17%) |
| User I/Os | 151 | 151 | 151 | 151 | ~143 (smaller package) | ~158 | ~158 |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Speed Grade | -1 (1.72 ns) | -1 | -1N (industrial) | -3N (faster, industrial) | -1X | -6 | -6 industrial |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to 85C (Commercial) | 0C to 85C | -40C to 100C (Industrial) | -40C to 100C (Industrial) | 0C to 85C | 0C to 85C (C suffix) | -40C to 100C (I suffix) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete / EOL | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- MultiCore architecture with embedded array blocks (vs XCV50E-6PQG240I (Xilinx Virtex-E))
- Larger 240-PQFP package availability vs 208-PQFP (vs EP20K60EQC208-1X)
- Lead-free 'X' terminal finish (vs EP20K60EQC240-1)
Design Notes
The EP20K60EQC240-1X is obsolete per Altera/Intel product lifecycle data as of 2026-09-08. Before starting any new design, confirm that the target board has long-life support (Rochester Electronics or similar) and that your engineering team can validate the bitstream against an APEX-20KE-compatible Quartus version. Modern Quartus Prime releases have dropped APEX-20KE support, so older Quartus II 9.0/9.1 or service packs may be required - retain the toolchain and license for the lifetime of the product.
The 240-PQFP package requires careful power distribution - place 1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VCCINT (1.8V) and VCCIO pin, and add bulk 100uF tantalum or polymer capacitors on the main supply rails. Per Altera APEX-20KE layout guidelines, dedicate a continuous ground plane on the layer directly beneath the PQFP to manage the SSO (simultaneous switching output) noise that can otherwise corrupt the 1.72 ns timing budget.
Estimated: at 160 MHz internal operation with 32-bit buses switching simultaneously, SSO-induced ground bounce on the PQFP lead frame can shift logic levels by 200-400 mV. Use 4-layer PCB stack-up with a dedicated ground plane, keep I/O traces under 50 mm when possible, and add 22-33 ohm series resistors on clock outputs to dampen ringing. Confirm timing margins on all global clock networks in the Quartus timing analyzer with slow-corner (1.71V, 85C) and fast-corner (1.89V, 0C) models.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance inferred from the 'X' suffix denoting lead-free terminal finish per Altera's legacy suffix convention. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade FPGA. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not explicitly stated in available manufacturer data and are listed as unknown.
