EP20K60ETC144-1X - 60K-Gate APEX-20KE FPGA, 144-LQFP | Intel/Altera
MPN: EP20K60ETC144-1X ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $245 | $245.00 |
| 10 | $220.5 | $2,205.00 |
| 100 | $196 | $19,600.00 |
| 500 | $171.5 | $85,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $152 | $152,000.00 |
EP20K60ETC144-1X Overview
What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that engineers configure after manufacturing using a hardware-description language such as VHDL or Verilog. FPGAs occupy the hierarchical niche between fixed-function Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and software-driven microcontrollers; they deliver ASIC-class parallel processing performance while retaining full post-fabrication reprogrammability. The APEX-20KE family, introduced by Altera in the late 1990s, was one of the industry's first system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) families combining Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic with embedded memory blocks.
Key features include a 1.8V core supply (operating range 1.71V to 1.89V), four dedicated inputs and 88 I/O pins (92 total user I/Os), 0.22-micron CMOS process technology, and 1.72 ns propagation delay with internal clock rates up to 160 MHz. The MultiCore architecture integrates logic elements, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for RAM and ROM, and FastTrack interconnect for predictable timing closure. The 144-LQFP (20x20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package offers gull-wing leads for reflow soldering on standard FR-4 PCBs.
On the architectural side, the EP20K60E combines distributed LUT-based logic with 16 embedded system blocks of dual-port RAM, each block configurable as 2,048-bit memory. This is the engineering reason the family was marketed as an SOPC platform - the embedded RAM, combined with dedicated clock-management circuitry, allowed single-chip implementation of peripherals, FIFOs, and small microcontrollers. The 92 user I/Os are 5V-tolerant inputs with programmable drive strength and slew-rate control.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, telecommunications glue logic, legacy PCI bridge implementations, network interface glue, and embedded control systems. The 0 to 85 degrees C commercial operating range suits factory-floor and office-equipment use. Hobbyist retro-computing projects also frequently adopt APEX-20KE devices due to their abundant documentation.
When designing with the EP20K60ETC144-1X, observe the 1.8V core supply requirement and provide proper decoupling (100 nF plus 10 uF bulk) near the VCCINT pins. Note that the device is mature, EOL-classified by Intel, and now serviced by authorized distributors such as Rochester Electronics for long-term support. Quartus II is the supported design toolchain.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives from the same APEX-20KE family, and practical legacy-design notes not found in the original datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K60ETC144-1X — 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 EP20K60ETC144-1X (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Speed Grade, Family, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K60EFC144-1X
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EFC144-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EFC144-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EFC144-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$42.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60EFC144-2XN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$152 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K60ETC144-1X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX-20KE |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 2,560 |
| Total Gates | 60,000 |
| Total RAM Bits | 32,768 |
| Number of I/O | 92 |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | 2,560 |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V (1.71 V to 1.89 V) |
| Propagation Delay | 1.72 ns |
| Internal Frequency (Max) | 160 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Package / Case | 144-LQFP |
| Supplier Device Package | 144-TQFP (20x20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Lead Finish / Terminal Form | Gull Wing (LQFP) |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Architecture | MultiCore (SOPC) |
EP20K60ETC144-1X 144-tqfp (20x20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K60ETC144-1X (144-tqfp (20x20 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 EP20K60ETC144-1X.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K60ETC144-1X is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control Logic Replacement, Telecommunications Glue Logic, PCI Bridge / Local-Bus Interface Logic, Retro Computing & Emulation Hardware, Embedded System-on-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) Designs, Network Interface & Protocol Converter Cards.
Legacy Industrial Control Logic Replacement
The EP20K60ETC144-1X is a drop-in replacement for aging industrial controllers where the original Altera APEX-20KE FPGA is failing but the PCB must remain untouched. With 60K gates, 2,560 logic elements, and 92 user I/Os in a 144-LQFP (0.5 mm pitch), the part reflows onto existing land patterns without modification. Its 1.8V core supply (1.71-1.89V tolerance) and 0 to 85 C operating range suit factory-floor enclosures, and 32,768 bits of embedded RAM allow on-chip FIFOs for sensor data buffering. Performance trade-off vs modern FPGAs is significant: expect 160 MHz internal frequency vs 500+ MHz on Cyclone IV/V, but for legacy replacement this part matches the original bitstream timing closure.
Recommended
Telecommunications Glue Logic
The EP20K60ETC144-1X originally targeted telecom glue logic where parallel processing of TDM streams, protocol conversion, and clock-domain crossing were required. Its 92 user I/Os accommodate multi-channel T1/E1 framers, while the 32 Kbit embedded RAM provides elasticity buffers. The MultiCore architecture's FastTrack interconnect delivers predictable timing for synchronous serial links at 160 MHz. Note that for new telecom designs in 2026, modern Cyclone 10 LP or Lattice ECP5 parts offer higher density at one-tenth the price; reserve the EP20K60ETC144-1X for legacy TDM/PBX retrofits where re-validation is impractical.
Recommended
PCI Bridge / Local-Bus Interface Logic
The EP20K60ETC144-1X was widely used in late-1990s and early-2000s designs as a PCI-to-local-bus bridge, where its 92 I/Os accommodated the 32-bit PCI bus plus local-bus address/data and control signals. The 60K-gate capacity is sufficient for full PCI target/initiator state machines, configuration-space header, and FIFOs. Its 1.72 ns propagation delay supports 33 MHz PCI timing with comfortable margin. Modern designs should migrate to PCIe-capable Cyclone V/10 or dedicated PCIe bridges, but the EP20K60ETC144-1X remains relevant for legacy PCI cards installed in industrial PCs and CNC controllers.
Recommended
Retro Computing & Emulation Hardware
Hobbyist retro-computing projects frequently adopt the EP20K60ETC144-1X as a reconfigurable logic substrate for emulating vintage CPUs, sound chips, and graphics controllers. Its 60K gates are sufficient for soft-core 68000 or Z80 implementations plus peripheral glue. The 144-LQFP is breadboard-friendly via breakout PCBs, and abundant Quartus II legacy projects are available online. The 5V-tolerant inputs ease interfacing with retro TTL logic. Trade-off: the 1.8V core requires level shifting for 5V peripherals; modern Lattice iCE40 or ECP5 FPGAs in QFN packages offer lower power and 3.3V-native I/O for new retro builds.
Recommended
Embedded System-on-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) Designs
The EP20K60ETC144-1X belongs to the APEX-20KE family, marketed as one of the first SOPC platforms integrating LUT logic with embedded RAM blocks (ESBs) and dedicated clock-management PLL circuitry. Designers can implement soft-core Nios processors plus peripherals in a single 60K-gate device, eliminating external microcontroller glue. The 32 Kbit embedded RAM supports boot ROM, scratchpad memory, and small data buffers. For modern SOPC work, migrate to Cyclone IV/V with current Nios II support; reserve this part only when bitstream-compatibility with legacy Nios toolchains is mandatory.
Recommended
Network Interface & Protocol Converter Cards
The EP20K60ETC144-1X was commonly deployed in network interface cards for protocol conversion between Ethernet, ATM, Frame Relay, and proprietary industrial protocols. Its 92 I/Os accommodate MII/RMII PHY interfaces plus local bus, and the 160 MHz internal frequency supports 100 Mbit Ethernet MAC implementations. The 32 Kbit embedded RAM is sufficient for packet buffers in moderate-throughput designs. For new network interface work, choose Gigabit-Ethernet-capable FPGAs; the EP20K60ETC144-1X is appropriate only for maintaining legacy 10/100 Mbit cards in industrial control networks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K60ETC144-1X — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K60EFC144-1X | EP20K60EFC144-1 | EP20K60EFC144-2 | EP20K60EFC144-2X | EP20K60EFC144-2XN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same |
| Series / Family | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE - same | APEX-20KE - same | APEX-20KE - same | APEX-20KE - same | APEX-20KE - same |
| Total System Gates | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Logic Elements | 2,560 | 2,560 | 2,560 | 2,560 | 2,560 | 2,560 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 32,768 | 32,768 | 32,768 | 32,768 | 32,768 | 32,768 |
| User I/Os | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 |
| Speed Grade | -1X | -1X (same) | -1 (slightly slower) | -2 (faster) | -2X (faster) | -2XN (faster) |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V (1.71-1.89 V) | 1.8 V (1.71-1.89 V) | 1.8 V (1.71-1.89 V) | 1.8 V (1.71-1.89 V) | 1.8 V (1.71-1.89 V) | 1.8 V (1.71-1.89 V) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $245 (as of 2026-09-08) | Similar, last-time-buy | Similar | Similar | Similar | Similar |
Key Differentiators
- Last-time-buy authorized stock availability (vs Modern Cyclone IV/V/10 LP alternatives)
- Drop-in pin compatibility within the APEX-20KE 144-LQFP family (vs BGA-package APEX-20KE variants (e.g. EP20K60EBC356))
- Embedded System Block (ESB) dual-port RAM architecture (vs External SRAM+FPGA two-chip solutions)
Design Notes
The EP20K60ETC144-1X requires a clean 1.8V core supply within the 1.71 V to 1.89 V tolerance window defined in the APEX-20KE datasheet. Place at least one 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VCCINT pin pair, plus one 10 uF tantalum or polymer bulk capacitor near the supply pin. The I/O banks are powered by VCCIO (typically 3.3V for 5V-tolerant legacy designs); provide a separate 3.3V regulator and decouple VCCIO similarly. Estimated core current draw under typical 160 MHz operation is approximately 100-300 mA; verify with the power estimator in Quartus II.
The 144-LQFP package uses a 0.5 mm lead pitch and 20x20 mm body, which is reflow-solderable on standard FR-4 with 1 oz copper. Per the IPC-7351 land-pattern recommendation, design pads approximately 0.27 mm wide with 0.10 mm toe and 0.05 mm heel extensions to ensure reliable solder fillets. Route all signals on inner layers to keep the top layer continuous for ground pour. The exposed thermal pad on this LQFP variant is internal to the package body and does not require PCB connection.
Do not attempt to bitstream-load the EP20K60ETC144-1X with Quartus Prime (modern Intel toolchain) - the APEX-20KE family is supported only by Quartus II versions up to 13.1, after which Intel removed legacy device support. Keep a license-server copy of Quartus II 13.1 service-pack 1 available for legacy builds. Also note: the EP20K60ETC144-1X is classified last-time-buy; do not commit to new high-volume production runs. For multi-year lifecycle support, source through Rochester Electronics' bonded inventory program.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the verified web data for this legacy EOL part. The APEX-20KE family predates widespread RoHS adoption; older lots may be non-compliant. Verify with the specific distributor's certificate of conformance (CoC) before using in RoHS-restricted markets.
