EP2C20F484C7 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE 484-BGA | Intel
MPN: EP2C20F484C7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26.62 | $26.62 |
| 10 | $24.85 | $248.50 |
| 100 | $22.4 | $2,240.00 |
| 500 | $20.1 | $10,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.95 | $18,950.00 |
EP2C20F484C7 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect. Unlike a fixed-function ASIC, an FPGA's logic, memory, and I/O behavior can be redefined after manufacture via a configuration bitstream. FPGAs occupy a unique tier in the system hierarchy: programmable logic -> application-specific integrated circuit -> semiconductor device -> integrated circuit. They sit above microcontrollers in computational density and below ASICs in per-unit cost.
Key features include 18,752 logic elements arranged in 4-input look-up tables, 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, SDR SDRAM, and QDRII SRAM. The 484-FBGA package exposes 315 general-purpose I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards, enabling high-bandwidth parallel interfaces.
The Cyclone II family is fabricated on a 90 nm process technology and uses a SRAM-based configuration cell. Design entry uses the Quartus II (legacy) or Quartus Prime Lite toolchain with Verilog HDL, VHDL, or schematic capture. Each logic element contains a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, a carry chain for arithmetic, and a register chain for shift operations.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost prototyping platforms, protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C to Ethernet), LED display controllers, and educational FPGA development boards where designers value the combination of high logic capacity and low unit cost.
When designing, allocate sufficient configuration memory bandwidth (typically an EPCS serial flash device) and provide robust decoupling near the BGA power balls. The 484-FBGA requires at least 4 PCB layers with microvia fan-out for the 1.0 mm pitch ball array.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison data, and practical design notes for the Cyclone II family not always collected in a single datasheet excerpt.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C20F484C7 — 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 EP2C20F484C7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, Configuration Modes, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C20F484C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$68.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$65.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C15AF484I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$38.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C15AF484C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484I8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$49.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 18,752 |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 239,616 bits |
| Number of I/O Pins | 315 |
| Number of Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 1,170 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 52 |
| Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) | 4 |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Package | 484-FBGA (FineLine BGA), 1.0 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
| Speed Grade | 7 (lowest cost Cyclone II) |
| Configuration Method | SRAM, serial or parallel via EPCS / EPC |
| I/O Standards Supported | LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, PCI |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| RoHS Status | Non-Compliant (legacy Altera) |
EP2C20F484C7 484-fbga (fineline bga), 1.0 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C20F484C7 (484-fbga (fineline bga), 1.0 mm pitch 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 EP2C20F484C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C20F484C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Bridge, Low-Cost Prototyping Platform, Industrial Protocol Bridge, LED Display Controller, Educational FPGA Development Board.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C20F484C7 is well suited for industrial motor control applications because of its 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 4 PLLs, and 315 user I/Os enabling multi-axis motor control. The Cyclone II FPGA can simultaneously handle encoder feedback (QEP), PWM generation, current sensing ADC interfacing, and CAN/Ethernet protocol bridging. With 18,752 logic elements, designers can implement field-oriented control (FOC) state machines for up to 3 axes within 60-70% utilization, leaving headroom for safety logic. The commercial 0°C to +85°C operating range suits factory floor enclosures with moderate thermal management.
Recommended
Video Processing Bridge
The EP2C20F484C7 handles video format conversion and bridging tasks using its parallel LVDS I/O capability and 239 Kbits of embedded RAM for line buffers. The device supports input formats including RGB, YCbCr, and BT.656 at up to 1080p resolution, while output to HDMI, DVI, or LVDS panels uses external serializer ICs. Cyclone II clock management supports pixel clock rates up to 148.5 MHz with sub-pixel de-interlacing algorithms. The 484-FBGA package exposes sufficient I/O for parallel RGB888 plus sideband control signals without multiplexing.
Recommended
Low-Cost Prototyping Platform
The EP2C20F484C7 historically powered the Altera Cyclone II FPGA Development Board (DE2) and remains popular in university and maker communities for low-cost FPGA learning and prototyping. With 18,752 LEs, designers can exercise Verilog HDL or VHDL designs, custom IPs, and RISC-V soft cores such as the PicoRV32. The device's low unit cost and mature Quartus II toolchain support make it accessible for teaching digital logic design. Most designs at this educational level utilize 30-50% of available LEs and under 30% of M4K memory blocks.
Recommended
Industrial Protocol Bridge
The EP2C20F484C7 acts as a multi-protocol bridge converting between industrial communication standards such as UART, SPI, I2C, Modbus RTU, CAN, and Ethernet/IP. With 18,752 logic elements, designers can implement multiple protocol stacks concurrently plus packet buffering logic. The 4 PLLs enable independent clock domains for each protocol interface, while the 315 user I/Os accommodate parallel connections to multiple peripheral buses. Industrial applications include PLC backplane bridging, sensor hub aggregation, and machine-to-machine (M2M) gateway designs.
Recommended
LED Display Controller
The EP2C20F484C7 is commonly used as a controller for large multi-panel LED video walls, supporting HUB75 LED panels at millions of pixels per second. Each panel requires 12 data lines plus clock and latch signals, and the EP2C20F484C7's 315 user I/Os support up to 12 panels in parallel. Embedded M4K RAM blocks (239 Kbits total) provide double-buffered frame storage, while 52 multipliers handle brightness correction and gamma mapping in real time. The 4 PLLs generate multiple pixel clock domains for cascading panel chains.
Recommended
Educational FPGA Development Board
The EP2C20F484C7 powered the legendary Altera DE2 development board, which became the de facto reference design for university-level FPGA courses. With 18,752 LEs, 52 multipliers, and 4 PLLs, students can complete projects ranging from 4-bit CPUs to VGA signal generators, custom I2C peripherals, and simple RISC-V implementations. Quartus II Web Edition (free) provides full synthesis, place-and-route, and ModelSim-Altera simulation. The device's commercial temperature range suits classroom lab environments without industrial cooling requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C20F484C7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C20F484C6N | EP2C20F484C6 | EP2C20F484C8N | EP2C15AF484I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 484-FBGA (1.0 mm pitch) | 484-FBGA - same | 484-FBGA - same | 484-FBGA - same | 484-FBGA - same |
| Logic Elements | 18,752 | 18,752 (same die) | 18,752 (same die) | 18,752 (same die) | 15,408 (-18%) |
| Speed Grade | 7 (lowest cost) | 6 (faster, +15% Fmax) | 6 (faster) | 8 (slower, lower cost) | 8 (slower, industrial) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +85°C (Commercial) | 0°C to +85°C (Commercial) | 0°C to +85°C (Commercial) | 0°C to +85°C (Commercial) | -40°C to +100°C (Industrial) |
| Embedded RAM | 239,616 bits (M4K blocks) | 239,616 bits (same) | 239,616 bits (same) | 239,616 bits (same) | 239,616 bits (same) |
| Embedded Multipliers | 52 (18x18) | 52 (same) | 52 (same) | 52 (same) | 52 (same) |
| RoHS Compliance | Non-Compliant | Non-Compliant | Non-Compliant | Compliant (lead-free 'N' suffix) | Compliant (industrial Pb-free) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost Cyclone II speed grade option in 484-FBGA (vs EP2C20F484C6N)
- Maximum I/O count in the Cyclone II family (vs EP2C20F256C8N (256-FBGA))
- Commercial temperature grade at lowest cost (vs EP2C20F484I8N (industrial grade))
Design Notes
Estimated: At typical 1.0V core and 0.4W static + 0.8W dynamic power at 200 MHz, the 484-FBGA junction temperature rise is approximately 25-35°C above ambient with adequate PCB thermal vias. Provide at least 9 thermal vias in the center BGA thermal pad (per Cyclone II handbook recommendation) to maintain junction temperature below 100°C in the commercial 0°C to +85°C range. Industrial-grade variants require additional airflow above 1.5W total power dissipation.
The 484-FBGA uses 1.0 mm ball pitch and requires at minimum a 4-layer PCB with controlled-impedance routing. Per Cyclone II handbook pin-out guidelines, dedicate inner layers to ground and power planes, and use 0.2 mm microvia fan-out for BGA escape routing. Place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every power pin, with bulk 10 µF capacitors at each power rail entry point. Matched-length differential pairs (LVDS) should be length-matched to within 150 mils.
Do not migrate Quartus II bitstreams between Cyclone II and Cyclone III/IV devices - the configuration file formats and SRAM cell architecture differ. Do not exceed VCCINT (1.15V-1.25V) or VCCIO (1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V selectable) absolute maximum values or the device will suffer permanent damage. Note that 'C7' (speed grade 7) is the LOWEST cost grade - if your timing closure is tight, choose 'C6' or 'C8' as appropriate. Configuration must complete within 100 ms or the device may enter error state.
Route dedicated clock inputs (CLK0-CLK15) with 50Ω controlled impedance, length-matched to within 100 mils across all global clock inputs. Place external memory interfaces (DDR/DDR2) on banks 3 and 4 (right side of package) for matched DQS pin assignment. PLL power filtering requires dedicated ferrite bead and 10 µF + 0.1 µF decoupling on each PLL analog supply pin (VCC_PLL).
Compliance Information
Per DigiChip listing: 'Lead Free Status: Contains Lead, RoHS Status: RoHS Non-Compliant'. Original Cyclone II family pre-dates RoHS transition. Choose EP2C20F484C8N (with N suffix) for RoHS-compliant variants in the same 484-FBGA package. AEC-Q100 not applicable - FPGAs are not typically AEC-Q100 qualified at the device level (qualification done at system level).
