EP2C20F484C8N - 18,752 LE Cyclone II FPGA 484-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EP2C20F484C8N ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $28.75 | $2,875.00 |
| 250 | $26.1 | $6,525.00 |
| 500 | $23.95 | $11,975.00 |
EP2C20F484C8N Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory/DSP blocks that engineers can reconfigure after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices -> programmable logic -> digital logic ICs -> integrated circuits, offering hardware-level parallelism that microcontrollers and DSPs cannot match. The Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive high-volume applications by stripping away high-speed transceivers while retaining ample logic, memory, and DSP resources.
Key features include 18,752 Logic Elements (LEs), 52 embedded M9K memory blocks (315 Kbits total), 26 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and 315 maximum user I/O pins. The device is built on a low-power 90 nm process with 1.2 V core operation and supports multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL via dedicated True-LVDS circuitry.
The Cyclone II architecture uses a four-input look-up table (LUT) based logic element, embedded memory that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or shift registers, and dedicated hardware multiplier blocks. The 315 Kbits of M9K block RAM deliver up to 250 MHz operation, while the 26 18x18 multipliers support up to 250 MHz DSP throughput, making the device suitable for parallel signal processing pipelines. Configuration is handled via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG modes with built-in decompression.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing and display controllers, automotive infotainment subsystems, telecommunications line cards, and consumer electronics requiring custom glue logic. The Cyclone II is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded vision, software-defined radio front-ends, and protocol bridging applications.
When designing with this part, ensure the 484-ball FBGA land pattern is manufactured on a multilayer PCB with matched-impedance traces and 0.8 mm or finer pitch assembly capability. Thermal management is straightforward since the device typically dissipates under 1.5 W in normal operation. Quartus II design software (legacy 13.0sp1 or earlier) is required for synthesis and place-and-route.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone II and Cyclone IV alternatives, package-level pinout data, and practical FPGA design notes not consolidated on a single manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C20F484C8N — 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 EP2C20F484C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Speed Grade, Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C20F484C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$68.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$42.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$49.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$65.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20F484C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements | 18,752 |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 239,616 (315 Kbits) |
| Logic Array Blocks | 18752 |
| Number of I/O | 315 |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 18752 |
| Embedded Memory (M9K blocks) | 52 blocks (315 Kbits) |
| Number of Multipliers (18x18) | 26 |
| Number of PLLs | 4 |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 402.58 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Speed Grade | 8 |
| Package | 484-ball FBGA |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per distributor listing) |
| Configuration Method | Passive Serial / Active Serial / JTAG |
EP2C20F484C8N 484-ball fbga Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C20F484C8N (484-ball 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 EP2C20F484C8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C20F484C8N is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing and Display Controllers, Automotive Infotainment Subsystems, Software Defined Radio Front-End, Custom Protocol Bridging and Glue Logic, Embedded Vision Pre-Processing, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C20F484C8N is well suited to industrial motor control thanks to its 18,752 logic elements and 26 embedded 18x18 multipliers, which deliver the parallel arithmetic needed for field-oriented control (FOC) loops and space-vector PWM generation. Its 4 PLLs synthesize the multiple clock domains required by encoder interfaces, ADC sampling, and PWM channels without external clock-generator ICs. The 315 Kbits of M9K block RAM buffer ADC sample streams and reference trajectory tables on-chip, eliminating external SRAM in cost-sensitive drives. Commercial 0C-85C operation covers factory-floor enclosures, and the 484-ball FBGA supports dense BGA PCB designs typical of compact motor-drive boards.
Recommended
Video Processing and Display Controllers
The EP2C20F484C8N excels in video format conversion and display controller designs because its 315 user I/O pins can drive 24-bit RGB plus control and clock signals directly to LVDS-based LCD panels. The 26 hardware 18x18 multipliers accelerate deinterlacing and scaling kernels, while 315 Kbits of embedded RAM act as line buffers for video pipelines up to 1080p. The 4 PLLs generate pixel clocks from common video reference frequencies (27 MHz, 74.25 MHz, 148.5 MHz) without external clock chips. This combination replaces several discrete video decoder, scaler, and timing-controller ICs, reducing BOM cost in digital signage and surveillance DVR applications.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Subsystems
The EP2C20F484C8N powers automotive infotainment subsystems by handling CAN/LIN bus bridging, audio routing, and rear-seat display driving in parallel. Its 18,752 logic elements implement multiple protocol stacks and DSP audio filters concurrently, while the 52 M9K memory blocks store audio buffers and lookup tables for graphic rendering. The 4 PLLs derive audio I2S clocks (44.1/48/96 kHz) and reference clock outputs for companion codecs. Designers use the industrial-temperature variant EP2C20F484I8N (same FBGA footprint) for under-dash installations where ambient temperatures exceed the commercial 85C ceiling.
Recommended
Software Defined Radio Front-End
The EP2C20F484C8N acts as a digital down-conversion and decimation stage in software-defined radio receivers, where its 26 hardware 18x18 multipliers implement parallel FIR and CIC filter chains. The 315 Kbits of M9K block RAM hold coefficient tables and FIFO sample buffers between the ADC interface and a downstream processor or DSP. The 4 PLLs synthesize baseband, IF, and ADC sampling clocks with low jitter, critical for preserving signal-to-noise ratio. Commercial 0C-85C operation covers indoor base-station and bench-instrument environments, and the 484-ball FBGA supports the high pin density needed for LVDS ADC interfaces.
Recommended
Custom Protocol Bridging and Glue Logic
The EP2C20F484C8N is a cost-effective replacement for multiple discrete CPLD and buffer ICs when a system requires bridging between incompatible interfaces such as I2C to SPI, UART to USB, or custom parallel buses. With 315 user I/O pins and 18,752 logic elements, designers can implement deep FIFOs, handshaking logic, and bus-width converters in a single device. The 4 PLLs allow independent clock domains on each interface side, eliminating metastability risk. The 484-ball FBGA footprint supports high-density PCBs typical of telecommunications line cards and industrial gateway designs.
Recommended
Embedded Vision Pre-Processing
The EP2C20F484C8N runs embedded vision pre-processing pipelines such as Sobel edge detection, thresholding, and image resizing directly attached to CMOS image sensors. Its 26 hardware 18x18 multipliers accelerate convolutional kernels at low clock rates, while the 52 M9K memory blocks implement line buffers and small frame buffers without external SDRAM for VGA-resolution streams. The 4 PLLs derive the pixel clock from the sensor and supply independent clocks to a downstream ARM processor or DSP. Designers prototyping embedded cameras value the FPGA's reconfigurability, allowing algorithm updates in the field without board rework.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP2C20F484C8N serves as the digital heart of bench-top test instruments where it generates stimulus waveforms, captures response data, and implements protocol-aware analysis. Its 18,752 logic elements implement deep pattern generators and signature analyzers, while the 315 Kbits of M9K block RAM capture long acquisition records at full sample rate. The 4 PLLs drive arbitrary clock domains needed for serial protocol decoding (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN). Commercial 0C-85C operation and the 484-ball FBGA package suit compact bench-instrument form factors, and the device's reconfigurability lets one hardware platform support multiple instrument personalities.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C20F484C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C20F484C6N | EP2C20F484C7N | EP2C20F484I8N | EP2C20F484C8 | EP2C20F484C6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 484-ball FBGA (F484) | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Logic Elements | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 6 (faster Fmax) | 7 (intermediate) | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | -40C to +100C (Industrial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) |
| Embedded Memory | 315 Kbits (52 M9K blocks) | 315 Kbits (52 M9K blocks) | 315 Kbits (52 M9K blocks) | 315 Kbits (52 M9K blocks) | 315 Kbits (52 M9K blocks) | 315 Kbits (52 M9K blocks) |
| 18x18 Multipliers | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| User I/O Pins (max) | 315 | 315 | 315 | 315 | 315 | 315 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced logic and DSP density for cost-sensitive designs (vs EP2C5F256 (smaller Cyclone II cousin))
- Last-time-buy Cyclone II inventory still broadly available (vs EP3C5/EP3C16 Cyclone III (newer family))
- Pin-compatible speed-grade scaling inside the same family (vs EP2C20F484C6N (faster C6 speed grade))
Design Notes
The 484-ball FBGA package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch. Design the PCB land pattern with non-solder-mask-defined (NSMD) pads and microvia-in-pad or via-on-pad construction to improve assembly yield and reduce voiding. Match impedance of LVDS pairs to 100 ohm differential and route clock traces with length matching within 25 mils to maintain signal integrity at 402 MHz. Provide a solid ground plane beneath the BGA and stitch vias around the perimeter to control return paths.
The Cyclone II core runs from 1.2 V with separate PLL analog supply (VCCA_PLL) and I/O supply rails (VCCIO). Decouple each rail with 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to each supply pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor per supply domain. Tie VCCA_PLL to a clean 1.2 V filtered through a ferrite bead to minimize PLL jitter. The device typically draws under 1.5 W in normal operation, so thermal management rarely requires a heatsink on the 484-FBGA package.
Common pitfalls when using the EP2C20F484C8N: (1) choosing the wrong configuration mode - JTAG for development, Active Serial (AS) with EPCS flash for production; (2) leaving CONFIG_DONE or nSTATUS floating - both must be pulled to VCCIO with a 10 kohm resistor and observed in software; (3) mixing I/O standards on the same bank - all pins in an I/O bank must use the same VCCIO reference; (4) forgetting the CRC error check in the Quartus II programmer when programming via JTAG, which can mask bitstream corruption.
Place the EPCS configuration flash within 4 inches of the FPGA DATA, DCLK, and ASDO pins, and keep these traces away from switching power and high-frequency signal nets. Use a 4-layer PCB stack-up with continuous ground plane on layer 2 directly beneath the BGA, VCC plane on layer 3, and signal routing on top and bottom. For multi-clock designs, group related clock nets in the same region of the FPGA to minimize skew between PLL outputs and minimize global clock resource contention.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and lead-free status confirmed by distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser). AEC-Q100 is not applicable for FPGAs in this family. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified web data; recommend confirming with manufacturer datasheet before halogen-sensitive designs.
