EP2C20F256C7 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE 152 I/O | Altera
MPN: EP2C20F256C7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $72.5 | $72.50 |
| 10 | $68.87 | $688.70 |
| 100 | $64.5 | $6,450.00 |
| 500 | $59.95 | $29,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $55.28 | $55,280.00 |
EP2C20F256C7 Overview
An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnects that can be configured after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital circuits. In the system hierarchy, an FPGA sits above standard-cell ASICs as a reconfigurable logic platform; it is a member of the programmable logic device family, which includes CPLDs and complex PLDs, and is widely used to implement glue logic, interface bridging, DSP data paths, and soft-core processors.
Key differentiators of the EP2C20F256C7 include its balance of logic density and I/O count, with 18,752 logic elements and 152 user I/O arranged in a 256-ball package. The Cyclone II family is built on a 90 nm low-k dielectric process, helping to keep cost and power low while delivering adequate performance for cost-sensitive applications. The device integrates 26 embedded 18-bit x 18-bit multipliers and four PLLs, making it suitable for simple DSP and clock-managed designs without external PLL components.
Architecturally, the Cyclone II core uses a 1.2 V supply with programmable I/O banks that support common single-ended and differential standards. The C7 suffix denotes a commercial temperature grade and speed grade 7. Its configuration is loaded from an external configuration device or host through JTAG, active serial, or passive serial modes, giving designers flexible in-system update options.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, protocol bridging, video interface conversion, test and measurement, and as a cost-effective vehicle for prototyping or replacing custom ASICs. The 152 I/O pins in the F256 footprint are sufficient for parallel buses and modular peripheral expansion.
A practical design consideration is that this non-N part should be used only where lead-bearing solder is acceptable; for RoHS-marketed systems, select the EP2C20F256C7N or another N-suffixed variant. Good 1.2 V core decoupling and a defined power-up sequence are also essential for reliable FPGA configuration.
This page synthesizes distributor stock status, pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes, providing actionable selection information that is not commonly available in a single datasheet listing.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C20F256C7 — 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 EP2C20F256C7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package, Speed Grade, Total RAM Bits, Embedded Multipliers (18x18).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C20F256C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$38.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F256C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$41.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F256I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$43.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F256C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F256I7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C20F256C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | FPGA - Field Programmable Gate Array |
| Series | Cyclone II |
| Number of Logic Elements | 18752 |
| Total RAM Bits | 239616 |
| Number of User I/O | 152 |
| Number of Embedded Multipliers | 26 (18-bit x 18-bit) |
| Number of PLLs | 4 |
| Maximum Internal Clock Frequency | 402.58 MHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage Support | 3.3 V / 2.5 V / 1.8 V / 1.5 V |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Speed Grade | 7 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (C suffix) |
| Package / Case | 256-LBGA (FBGA) |
| Number of Pins / Balls | 256 |
| Configuration Modes | JTAG, Active Serial, Passive Serial |
EP2C20F256C7 256-lbga (fbga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C20F256C7 (256-lbga (fbga) 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 EP2C20F256C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C20F256C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Protocol and Interface Bridging, Industrial Motor Control, Video and Image Interface Conversion, Test and Measurement Data Acquisition, Embedded Processor and SoC Glue Logic, Legacy ASIC Replacement and FPGA Prototyping.
Protocol and Interface Bridging
Protocol bridging applications require flexible I/O and enough logic to adapt legacy 3.3 V buses to newer memory or serial interfaces. The EP2C20F256C7 provides 152 user I/O on a 256-ball FBGA, which is sufficient to multiplex UART, SPI, I2C, 8-bit parallel and simple memory interfaces without external level translators. Its 18,752 logic elements and 239,616 RAM bits can implement FIFO buffers, protocol state machines and small packet processors. The 402.58 MHz internal clock capability is more than adequate for bridging 50–100 MHz bus domains, while the four PLLs help align clock domains. For 3.3 V legacy logic, verify each I/O bank VCCIO assignment in Quartus Pin Planner before layout.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Control
Industrial motor control needs deterministic parallel I/O for encoder inputs, PWM generation, and protection logic. The EP2C20F256C7's 152 user I/O can connect directly to gate-driver interfaces, current-sense ADCs and resolver/encoder decode circuits. Its embedded 18-bit x 18-bit multipliers help execute scalar or simple vector math, while 18,752 logic elements can host multiple PWM timers and fault-handling state machines. The 1.2 V core keeps power dissipation manageable in sealed controllers, and the 90 nm Cyclone II process offers proven industrial reliability in the commercial temperature range. Add an external ADC or comparator for overcurrent shutdown and use the PLLs to generate switching-synchronized clocks.
Recommended
Video and Image Interface Conversion
Video interface conversion requires parallel capture, line buffering, and timing generation, which map directly to FPGA resources. The EP2C20F256C7's 239,616 RAM bits can hold several line buffers or small frame regions, while 18,752 logic elements implement resampling filters, color-space conversion and simple scaling. Its 152 I/O can accept LVCMOS or LVDS-style video data using external LVDS transceivers, because the Cyclone II has no high-speed serial transceivers on this package. The four PLLs are useful to generate pixel clocks and synchronization signals. For standard-definition and low-resolution VGA-class video, this FPGA provides a low-cost bridge between legacy imaging sensors and digital displays.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Data Acquisition
In test and measurement instruments, an FPGA is used for digital trigger logic, time stamping, acquisition sequencing and interface control. The EP2C20F256C7 provides enough logic to implement multi-channel acquisition state machines and trigger patterns. Its 239,616 RAM bits can buffer short bursts of data before transfer to a host processor. The 152 I/O lines can connect directly to high-speed SAR ADCs, DACs and comparator outputs, while PLLs produce sample clocks. Because the commercial C-grade part operates over a 0 to +85C range, it is well suited for benchtop instruments. For portable or field instruments, choose the industrial I-suffix alternative.
Recommended
Embedded Processor and SoC Glue Logic
Many embedded systems use an FPGA to connect a processor to custom peripherals, memory-mapped registers, and external bus adapters. The EP2C20F256C7 can host a small soft-core processor such as Nios II and still leave logic for custom register banks and bus bridges. Its 18,752 logic elements are enough for a compact processor core, UARTs, SPI masters, and interrupt controllers, while the 239,616 RAM bits provide program and data memory for lightweight applications. The 152 I/O allow connection to SRAM, Flash and application-specific ASICs. Use the JTAG configuration interface during software debugging and an active serial EPCS chip to load the final bitstream at power-up.
Recommended
Legacy ASIC Replacement and FPGA Prototyping
The EP2C20F256C7 is often chosen to replace obsolete ASICs or ASSPs because it is programmable and available from distributors. It can emulate multiple discrete logic chips, memory controllers and simple state machines in one device, reducing part count. Its 152 I/O are especially useful when a legacy ASIC has parallel address/data buses. Designers can prototype RTL in Quartus and then move to a production FPGA with the same pinout. The 90 nm Cyclone II process is mature, and older devices have good documentation and reference designs. For lead-free production, select the N-suffixed part or verify the final board finish is compatible with the selected package.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C20F256C7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C20F256C7N | EP2C20F256C6N | EP2C20F256I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 256-LBGA (FBGA) | 256-LBGA (FBGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FBGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FBGA) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Logic Elements | 18752 | 18752 | 18752 | 18752 |
| Total RAM Bits | 239616 | 239616 | 239616 | 239616 |
| User I/O | 152 | 152 | 152 | 152 |
| Speed Grade | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (C) | Commercial (C) | Commercial (C) | Industrial (I) |
| RoHS / Lead-Free Suffix | No N suffix (not confirmed RoHS) | N suffix | N suffix | N suffix |
Key Differentiators
- Legacy SnPb-compatible BGA version (vs EP2C20F256C7N)
- Default -7 speed grade balances cost and performance (vs EP2C20F256C6N)
- Narrow commercial temperature range is suitable for indoor equipment (vs EP2C20F256I8N)
Design Notes
The EP2C20F256C7 requires a 1.2 V VCCINT supply. For a design that switches heavily across 18,752 logic elements, estimate core current by running a power analyzer in Quartus rather than assuming a fixed value. Use a low-impedance 1.2 V rail with bulk capacitance near the BGA and 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors distributed around the package. Estimatated total power is typically under 1 W for medium-utilization logic, but actual current depends on toggle rate and clock frequency. Provide separate VCCIO supplies for each bank at 3.3 V, 2.5 V, 1.8 V or 1.5 V according to the I/O standard.
Place the FPGA close to its configuration device and connect the active serial data and clock traces with controlled impedance if possible. Keep 1.2 V core trace width at least 10 mils for low voltage drop and use multiple vias to the inner BGA balls. Route the JTAG chain to a standard 10-pin header for programming. For the 256-ball FBGA, avoid routing signals to inner balls from only one side; use a fan-in/fan-out via pattern that follows the Intel/Altera layout guidelines. If the design uses the C7 non-N package, verify that the board assembly finish is compatible with SnPb or leaded BGA solder.
A common issue with Cyclone II FPGAs is attempting to program an N-suffixed vs non-N property incorrectly or using an incompatible configuration device. The EP2C20F256C7 does not include the N suffix; if your BoM requires RoHS, use EP2C20F256C7N. Also verify the speed-grade and temperature-grade selections in the Quartus device assignment: a -7 commercial device cannot meet the same timing as a -6 or industrial-temperature variant. Confirm the configuration voltage and MSEL pins before powering the board, and check that no I/O pin exceeds the absolute maximum rating for the selected I/O bank supply.
Compliance Information
The EP2C20F256C7 part number does not include Altera/Intel's N lead-free suffix, suggesting the original tin-lead/SnPb-compatible option. No explicit RoHS/REACH certificate was present in the 2026-09-08 web search results. Use EP2C20F256C7N when RoHS/lead-free compliance is required.
