EP2A40B724C8N - APEX II 1.5M Gates FPGA, 724-FCBGA | Altera / Intel
MPN: EP2A40B724C8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $285 | $285.00 |
| 10 | $256.5 | $2,565.00 |
| 100 | $228 | $22,800.00 |
| 250 | $213.75 | $53,437.50 |
| 500 | $199.5 | $99,750.00 |
EP2A40B724C8N Overview
What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device containing an array of configurable logic blocks, embedded memory, routing resources, and I/O elements that can be rewired by the end user. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable-logic hierarchy (FPGA -> PLD -> programmable logic IC -> digital semiconductor). The APEX II family from Altera (later acquired by Intel) is positioned for high-density, multi-standard communications infrastructure, video processing, and high-performance DSP front-ends where ASIC NRE is not justified.
Key features of the EP2A40B724C8N include 1.5M system gates, 38,400 logic elements, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for RAM/ROM, True-LVDS differential signaling support, a 0.15-micron process, and a 1.5V core supply. The architecture combines look-up-table-based logic with multi-level FastTrack routing, allowing predictable timing closure at frequencies well above 100 MHz on critical paths.
From a technical perspective, the APEX II architecture uses a hybrid LUT/PLD cell with dedicated carry chains for arithmetic, dedicated I/O structures with on-chip termination, and phase-locked loops for clock management. The 724-pin FCBGA package offers controlled-impedance signal paths required for LVDS and SSTL I/O standards at speeds up to 840 Mbps per channel.
Typical applications for the EP2A40B724C8N include telecommunications line cards, baseband processing, custom DSP coprocessors, high-speed serial protocol bridging, and industrial control with real-time signal conditioning. It is also used in image processing pipelines and high-speed data acquisition systems.
When designing with this device, allocate sufficient PCB layers for power and ground planes to deliver the multi-rail supplies (VCCINT 1.5V, VCCIO 3.3V/2.5V, VCCP, VCCPD). Use the Altera Quartus II toolchain for synthesis and place-and-route; timing constraints must be carefully managed for >200 MHz paths. This part is mature/EOL - confirm lifecycle status with the franchised distributor before committing to new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing snapshots, same-package alternatives from the Altera/Intel APEX II family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2A40B724C8N — 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 EP2A40B724C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package, Series, System Gates, Propagation Delay.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2A40B724C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$175 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2A40B724C8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$615 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2A40B724C8ES
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$162 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2A40B724C7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$650 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2A40B724C7ES
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$155 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2A40B724C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera / Intel |
| Series | APEX II |
| Family | APEX II |
| Device Logic Units | 38400 |
| System Gates | 1.5 M |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 376 MHz |
| Propagation Delay | 1.78 ns |
| Process Technology | 0.15 um CMOS |
| Nominal Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.5 V |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.425 V to 1.575 V |
| Package Type | FCBGA-724 |
| Number of Pins / Balls | 724 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Product Status | Discontinued |
EP2A40B724C8N fcbga-724 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2A40B724C8N (fcbga-724 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 EP2A40B724C8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2A40B724C8N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line Cards, Baseband Signal Processing, Custom DSP Coprocessors, Image Processing Pipelines, High-Speed Protocol Bridging, Industrial Control and Data Acquisition.
Telecommunications Line Cards
The EP2A40B724C8N fits telecom line-card designs where multi-channel serializer/deserializer glue logic and custom packet-processing datapaths are required. With 38,400 logic cells and 1.5M system gates on a 1.5V core, the device can host custom framer, deframer, and traffic-shaping logic alongside ASSP companion devices, while the 724-ball FCBGA exposes enough LVDS-capable I/O for parallel backplane interfaces. True-LVDS and SSTL I/O standards let designers terminate differential buses directly on-chip. Designers must allocate 8-layer PCB stack-up for power, ground, and matched-length differential traces.
Recommended
Baseband Signal Processing
The 1.5M gates and dedicated carry chains of the EP2A40B724C8N make it a strong fit for baseband processing blocks in wireless infrastructure - digital filtering, FFT/iFFT pipelines, channelization, and symbol mapping. The 376 MHz internal FMAX supports multi-symbol processing at common LTE/UMTS chip rates without external DSP chips. Embedded system blocks (ESBs) provide fast on-chip scratch memory for coefficient storage. Quartus II synthesis and the Altera DSP Builder flow accelerate development.
Recommended
Custom DSP Coprocessors
The EP2A40B724C8N serves as a flexible coprocessor attached to a host processor or DSP, offloading compute-intensive kernels such as convolution, Viterbi decoding, or image preprocessing. The 1.5V core and 0.15-micron process keep dynamic power manageable, while the 724-ball FCBGA exposes sufficient parallel bus width for high-throughput host-side DMA. Multi-level FastTrack routing provides predictable timing for deeply pipelined datapaths.
Recommended
Image Processing Pipelines
The EP2A40B724C8N is well-matched to image-processing pipelines that require on-the-fly Bayer demosaicing, color-space conversion, and scaling at video rates. Its embedded memory blocks serve as line buffers, while LVDS I/O pairs accept high-speed camera-link inputs. At 376 MHz internal frequency the device can sustain multi-megapixel throughput at 60 fps with adequate pipelining. Designers should consider parallel DDR memory controllers instantiated in the FPGA fabric.
Recommended
High-Speed Protocol Bridging
The EP2A40B724C8N is frequently used to bridge between legacy parallel buses, custom serial protocols, and ASSP devices lacking a direct interface. LVDS transceivers (up to 840 Mbps per channel in APEX II) allow SPI-4.2, SGMII-equivalent bridges, and RapidIO-like parallel interfaces to be implemented. The 724-ball FCBGA exposes the wide data buses needed for multi-channel bridging in a single device.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Data Acquisition
In industrial control and high-speed data acquisition, the EP2A40B724C8N provides deterministic real-time processing for high-channel-count ADC interfaces, encoder feedback, and EtherCAT-like fieldbus glue logic. Industrial-grade parts in the APEX II family (EP2A25F672I8N) extend operating temperature ranges, while commercial variants like the EP2A40B724C8N are sufficient for controlled-environment factory-floor enclosures. Watchdog and fail-safe state machines can be hardened in fabric.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2A40B724C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2A40B724C7N | EP2A40B724C8 | EP2A40B724C8ES | EP2A40B724C7 | EP2A40B724C7ES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel |
| Package | FCBGA-724 | FCBGA-724 - same | FCBGA-724 - same | FCBGA-724 - same | FCBGA-724 - same | FCBGA-724 - same |
| System Gates | 1.5 M | 1.5 M | 1.5 M | 1.5 M | 1.5 M | 1.5 M |
| Logic Cells | 38,400 | 38,400 | 38,400 | 38,400 | 38,400 | 38,400 |
| Speed Grade | -8 | -7 | -8 | -8 | -7 | -7 |
| Core Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.15 um CMOS | 0.15 um CMOS | 0.15 um CMOS | 0.15 um CMOS | 0.15 um CMOS | 0.15 um CMOS |
| Max Internal Frequency | 376 MHz | Slightly lower than 376 MHz (speed grade -7) | 376 MHz | 376 MHz | Slightly lower than 376 MHz (speed grade -7) | Slightly lower than 376 MHz (speed grade -7) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Speed grade -8 chosen over -7 (vs EP2A40B724C7N)
- Same die across all C8 variants (vs EP2A40B724C8ES)
- 724-ball FCBGA matches modern layout tooling (vs EP2A40B652C8)
Design Notes
The EP2A40B724C8N requires multiple supply rails: VCCINT (1.5V nominal, 1.425V-1.575V), VCCIO (per-bank, 3.3V or 2.5V), VCCP, and VCCPD. Place bulk decoupling capacitors (10uF tantalum or ceramic) close to each supply pin, plus 0.1uF and 0.01uF high-frequency ceramics. Use a 4-layer PCB with dedicated power and ground planes to minimize inductance and support the multi-rail demand. Estimated: each VCCINT pin can source/sink tens of mA; sum across all pins before sizing planes.
The 724-ball FCBGA package demands a controlled-impedance PCB stack-up and microvia technology for fan-out from the inner ball grid. Match differential pair lengths to within 150 mil for LVDS links at >500 Mbps, and use length-matching for DDR-style source-synchronous buses. Place series-termination resistors within 200 mil of driver outputs. Keep all decoupling within 100 mil of the BGA balls. Confirmed via the Altera APEX II hardware design guidelines.
Do not confuse the speed-grade suffix -8 with an 8-bit bus width or an 8-channel device; -8 denotes the slowest APEX II speed grade within this density, while -7 is faster. Also avoid mixing JTAG voltage levels (VCCPD) with VCCIO when chaining devices - this can damage the configuration circuitry. Always program the configuration mode (passive serial, JTAG, etc.) correctly in Quartus II before power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings. Other compliance attributes not stated in the verified data and remain unknown. AEC-Q100 not applicable to FPGAs.
