EP2C20Q240C8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LE | Intel
MPN: EP2C20Q240C8 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $61.65 | $61.65 |
| 10 | $58.5 | $585.00 |
| 100 | $55.1 | $5,510.00 |
| 500 | $49.6 | $24,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $46.2 | $46,200.00 |
EP2C20Q240C8 Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be configured after manufacturing; the Cyclone II family is Altera/Intel's low-cost, high-volume FPGA line built for logic-intensive but cost-sensitive applications. It sits hierarchically under programmable logic devices and integrates configurable logic blocks, embedded RAM, and I/O elements. Understanding Cyclone II as an FPGA rather than a fixed-function ASIC helps designers recognize that the same EP2C20Q240C8 can be reconfigured in-system for motor control, video processing, or communications bridging simply by loading a new bitstream.
Key differentiating specifications of EP2C20Q240C8 include 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded memory, and 142 user I/O pins configured in the 240-pin PQFP. DigiKey and FindIC parametric listings identify a typical internal operating frequency of about 402.58 MHz and a 1.2 V core supply. The Cyclone II family also provides enough logic capacity for soft processors and DSP datapaths while maintaining a low-cost footprint. Because this is a commercial-temperature part, the device is rated for 0°C to +85°C and is intended for equipment that does not require extended industrial temperature operation.
The EP2C20Q240C8 is fabricated on a 90 nm CMOS process, which was the mainstream low-cost process node of the Cyclone II generation and accounts for the device's moderate static and dynamic power compared with later families. The part is a member of the 18,752-logic-element Cyclone II density tier; it uses a conventional SRAM-based FPGA architecture that must be configured at power-up from an external configuration device, typically an Altera/Intel EPCS serial flash. The architecture includes row and column routing, I/O buffers, and embedded memory blocks that provide the 239,616 bits used for FIFOs and small buffers.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video and image processing, communications line bridging, and test-and-measurement front ends. In each case, the 18,752 LEs can absorb moderate combinational logic and state machines, while the 142 I/O pins let the FPGA connect to sensors, ADCs, DACs, memory devices, and backplane buses. The 1.2 V core keeps power manageable in fan-cooled or naturally ventilated enclosures, and the commercial temperature range suits many indoor equipment installations.
From a design standpoint, budget for a clean 1.2 V core supply, one or more I/O-bank supplies, and a configuration device because EP2C20Q240C8 is usually configured from an EPCS serial flash or through JTAG. Because no N suffix appears in the part number, the package finish is not explicitly identified as lead-free in the available listings; choose EP2C20Q240C8N when lead-free/RoHS assembly is required.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, application guidance, and practical power/configuration notes that are not all collected in the manufacturer datasheet. The data was last verified on 2026-09-08 from distributor and cross-reference listings, giving engineers a single decision point for legacy Cyclone II designs.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C20Q240C8 — 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 EP2C20Q240C8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Logic Elements, Maximum Internal Frequency, Operating Temperature, Package Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C20Q240C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20Q240C7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C20Q240I8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C20Q240C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C20Q240I8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C20Q240C8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Series | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements | 18,752 |
| Total Embedded RAM Bits | 239,616 bits |
| User I/O Count | 142 |
| Package / Case | 240-BFQFP / PQFP-240 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Manufacturing Process | 90 nm CMOS |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 402.58 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to +85°C |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
EP2C20Q240C8 240-bfqfp / pqfp-240 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C20Q240C8 (240-bfqfp / pqfp-240 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 EP2C20Q240C8.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C20Q240C8 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Image Processing, Communications Interface Bridging, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, FPGA Prototyping and Education, Custom Display and Panel Timing Controllers.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C20Q240C8 brings 18,752 logic elements and 142 I/O pins to multi-axis motor control platforms, making it suitable for implementing space-vector PWM, field-oriented control, and commutation state machines in one programmable device. Its 1.2 V core and commercial temperature range support cost-sensitive drives installed in controlled indoor cabinets. The FPGA can receive encoder/index pulses and current-sense ADC outputs, process the control law, and generate six-step or SVPWM gating signals with deterministic timing. A parallel or serial configuration device stores the bitstream while the 142 I/O accommodate feedback interfaces, host communication, and fault inputs. Compared with a pure MCU approach, the FPGA gives faster, more repeatable PWM timing and easier expansion for multiple motor axes; designers should verify that the commercial 0C to +85C range is sufficient for the final enclosure environment.
Recommended
Video Image Processing
For standard-definition video and imaging pipelines, EP2C20Q240C8 provides 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, which can be partitioned into line buffers or small frame stores for convolution, chroma resampling, and simple overlays. The 142 I/O pins connect to video decoders, DDR/DDR2 memory, LVDS receivers, or display controllers. Because the device is an FPGA, designers can implement multiple parallel pixel-processing stages that operate at the 27 MHz or 74.25 MHz pixel rates common in SD and ED video systems. The 18,752 LEs are enough for 3x3 filters, color-space conversion, and timing-generation logic. A 1.2 V core supply keeps power modest in camera or machine-vision systems. When image sizes grow or simultaneous multi-channel streams are needed, designers may select the FBGA siblings with the same LE count for improved package thermal characteristics and board routing options.
Recommended
Communications Interface Bridging
EP2C20Q240C8 fits communications bridging and protocol-conversion boards that aggregate UART, SPI, I2C, parallel FIFO, and simple serial links. Its 142 I/O pins allow separate voltage banks for 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V interfaces, enabling level translation between a host processor and legacy peripherals. The embedded memory acts as packet FIFOs, flow-control buffers, or descriptor queues, while the 18,752 LEs implement protocol state machines without consuming external logic. The Cyclone II architecture is deterministic, which helps maintain bounded latency for time-sensitive packets. The 1.2 V core makes the device compatible with low-cost 90 nm power supplies already used in industrial gateways. Because this is a commercial-temperature FPGA, the intended installation should be indoors or in conditioned telecom shelves; otherwise, the industrial I8 variant is a pin-to-pin drop-in replacement.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench instruments and data-acquisition front ends can use EP2C20Q240C8 to implement triggering, decimation, sequence control, and simple digital signal processing near the analog front end. The FPGA's 142 I/O pins connect to high-speed ADCs, DACs, multiplexers, and front-panel interfaces, while 18,752 LEs handle comparator logic, state machines, and calibration arithmetic. Embedded RAM buffers 239,616 bits of acquired data or stores small lookup tables. The 0C to +85C commercial temperature range is typical for benchtop test gear, and the 1.2 V core voltage minimizes heat inside enclosed instruments. Since the device is SRAM-based, JTAG configuration allows rapid firmware iteration during product development. When an instrument is deployed in a production floor with wide temperature swings, select EP2C20Q240I8 or EP2C20Q240I8N, which are pin-compatible Cyclone II parts with industrial temperature range.
Recommended
FPGA Prototyping and Education
EP2C20Q240C8 is well suited for training boards, breadboard-level FPGA prototypes, and ASIC pre-verification because the 240-pin PQFP is easy to hand-solder with a fine-pitch process and the device is supported by Intel/Altera legacy design flows. Students can implement soft processors, basic RISC cores, UART generators, LED controllers, and simple VGA timing with 18,752 logic elements. The 142 I/O pins allow most expansion headers used on development boards to be connected directly. Configuration through JTAG or an EPCS serial flash keeps the learning curve low. The commercial-temperature rating is acceptable for classroom environments, and the 1.2 V core can be generated from a single 3.3 V input using a low-cost LDO or buck regulator. Educators should keep legacy Quartus/Altera tooling versions available because modern Intel FPGA tools may require migration utilities for older Cyclone II devices.
Recommended
Custom Display and Panel Timing Controllers
The EP2C20Q240C8 can generate custom display timing, panel initialization sequences, and pixel-format conversion for small LCD or LED panel interfaces. Its embedded RAM supports small line buffers for scan-rate conversion or gamma lookup tables, while 142 I/O pins connect to RGB TTL panels, LVDS transmitters, or SPI-controlled timing controllers. The 18,752 LEs are sufficient to implement blanking generators, pattern generators, and simple image-test overlays. Because panel timing is often defined in nanoseconds, an FPGA gives designers the precise counter-based timing control needed for stable images. The 1.2 V core keeps the controller operating at low power, which is valuable in compact consumer displays. Designers should select the I8 version if the display module is installed in an ambient-temperature environment above 85C, as the pinout is identical to the C8.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C20Q240C8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C20Q240C8N | EP2C20Q240C7 | EP2C20Q240I8 | EP2C20Q240C7N | EP2C20Q240I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-240 (240-BFQFP) | PQFP-240 (240-BFQFP) | PQFP-240 (240-BFQFP) | PQFP-240 (240-BFQFP) | PQFP-240 (240-BFQFP) | PQFP-240 (240-BFQFP) |
| Brand | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera |
| Logic Elements | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 | 18,752 |
| Total RAM Bits | 239,616 | 239,616 | 239,616 | 239,616 | 239,616 | 239,616 |
| User I/O Count | 142 | 142 | 142 | 142 | 142 | 142 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (I suffix) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (I suffix) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Not indicated by N suffix | Yes (N suffix) | Not indicated by N suffix | Not indicated by N suffix | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Cost-optimized commercial speed grade 8 in a legacy PQFP package (vs EP2C20Q240C7)
- Non-N legacy part for boards already qualified to tin-lead assembly (vs EP2C20Q240C8N)
- Commercial-temperature grade lowers cost for indoor equipment (vs EP2C20Q240I8)
Design Notes
The EP2C20Q240C8 core operates from a 1.2 V supply. In a Cyclone II FPGA, the core supply must be clean and well-regulated because switching noise can affect performance and configuration reliability. Use a low-noise LDO or buck converter rated for at least the estimated core current; the exact current depends on logic utilization and clock frequency and can be estimated with the Intel/Altera Cyclone II power calculator. Place 100 nF ceramic capacitors close to every core VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the power entry point. Since the verified web data does not provide a maximum core current figure, size the regulator conservatively and validate it with a thermal measurement on the prototype.
Because Cyclone II is an SRAM-based FPGA, the EP2C20Q240C8 must be configured after every power-up. Altera/Intel configuration devices such as EPCS4 or EPCS16 are commonly used for active serial configuration. Set the MSEL pins to the active-serial mode and connect nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE with the recommended pull-up resistors from the Cyclone II Device Handbook. Leaving MSEL pins floating or using an unsupported configuration mode can prevent the FPGA from entering user mode. The layout should include a JTAG header for debug and boundary-scan testing.
The 240-pin PQFP package uses fine 0.5 mm pitch leads, so the PCB land pattern should follow the manufacturer footprint recommendation. Route the 1.2 V core and I/O supplies as dedicated planes or wide traces to reduce resistance and inductance. Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the VCC and GND pins on the same side of the board, using vias directly to the planes. Because 142 I/O pins can switch simultaneously, add series resistors where needed to reduce ground bounce and EMI. A solder stencil aperture slightly smaller than the pad is recommended for fine-pitch assembly.
Compliance Information
The EP2C20Q240C8 does not carry an N suffix, which normally indicates a lead-free finish in Altera/Intel part numbering. However, the provided web data does not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, or conflict-mineral status. For lead-free assembly, use the EP2C20Q240C8N variant.
