EP2C35U484C7 - Cyclone II FPGA, 33K LE, 484-FBGA | Altera/Intel
MPN: EP2C35U484C7 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $151.16 | $151.16 |
| 10 | $142.5 | $1,425.00 |
| 100 | $128 | $12,800.00 |
| 250 | $118 | $29,500.00 |
| 500 | $108.5 | $54,250.00 |
EP2C35U484C7 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device consisting of an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, DSP blocks, and programmable I/O cells interconnected by a routing fabric. FPGAs sit in the hierarchy: programmable logic -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit. They are widely used for parallel digital signal processing, custom interfaces, prototyping ASICs, and glue logic where fixed-function ASSPs cannot meet timing, throughput, or interface requirements. The Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications with low-to-moderate logic density needs.
Key features of the EP2C35U484C7 include 33,216 logic elements, 4 PLLs for clock synthesis and skew management, 35 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP workloads, 483,840 total RAM bits distributed across M4K memory blocks, and 322 general-purpose I/Os supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards. Per Altera documentation, the device also supports PCI 32/64-bit at 33/66 MHz and 133 MHz PCI-X operation through external PHYs and MegaCore IP, plus external PCI Express x1 with an Altera MegaCore function and TI PHY companion.
Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation, video processing and image pipelines, communication infrastructure (bridges, routers), test and measurement instrumentation, and embedded control designs requiring custom high-speed parallel interfaces. The 322 user I/Os make it especially attractive for designs that need to aggregate many parallel sensors, displays, or legacy buses.
When designing with this device, ensure robust decoupling on every VCC and VCCIO pin (per Cyclone II Handbook guidelines), respect the maximum I/O count when planning pin assignments, and use the Quartus II design suite (the original toolchain) for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. The 484-FBGA package requires careful PCB layout with proper via-in-pad or dog-bone fanout, controlled-impedance traces for high-speed I/O, and adequate ground flooding for signal integrity.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C35U484C7 β 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 EP2C35U484C7 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Speed Grade, Configuration Modes, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C35U484C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$115.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35U484C6
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$106.22 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35F484C8N
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$65 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35F484C7N
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$85.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35F484C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$54.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35F484C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$118.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35F484C8
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$28.9 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35F484I7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$26.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP2C35U484C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 33,216 |
| Total RAM Bits | 483,840 bits |
| User I/O Count | 322 |
| Number of Logic Blocks / Logic Cells | 2,076 (per digchip listing) |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 35 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Process Technology | 90 nm CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C (commercial 'C' grade) |
| Internal Frequency (max) | 402.58 MHz |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Package | 484-FBGA (FineLine BGA, UBGA-484) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Lead-free / Compliant per Altera product page |
| Speed Grade | 7 (fastest commercial for this device) |
| I/O Standards Supported | LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, PCI |
| PCI Support | PCI 32/64-bit @ 33/66 MHz; PCI-X 133 MHz (with PHY) |
EP2C35U484C7 484-fbga (fineline bga, ubga-484) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C35U484C7 (484-fbga (fineline bga, ubga-484) 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 EP2C35U484C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C35U484C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing and Image Pipeline, Communication Infrastructure Bridge, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Embedded Control and Custom I/O Aggregation, PCI-Based Add-In Card Design.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C35U484C7 is well-suited for multi-axis industrial motor control and drive systems, where its 33,216 logic elements, 35 embedded 18x18 multipliers, and 4 PLLs can implement field-oriented control (FOC), PWM generation, encoder feedback processing, and safety logic in a single device. With 322 user I/Os, it can aggregate multiple encoder interfaces, Hall sensors, and gate-driver signals for three or more motor axes simultaneously, replacing multiple MCUs. Per Cyclone II handbook guidance, the DSP blocks and parallel logic fabric deliver deterministic microsecond-class control loops required for servo drives. Compared with microcontroller-based solutions, this FPGA offers deterministic timing and parallel processing that scales linearly with axis count. Pair with EPCQ or EPCS configuration memory and isolated gate drivers for a complete drive.
Recommended
Video Processing and Image Pipeline
The EP2C35U484C7's 483,840 bits of embedded RAM and 322 user I/Os make it a strong fit for real-time video processing pipelines including scaling, deinterlacing, color-space conversion, and overlay generation. The M4K memory blocks provide efficient line buffers for HD-resolution video, while the DSP blocks can implement real-time filters at pixel clock rates. Per Altera's Cyclone II reference designs, the device supports common video standards including BT.656, BT.1120, and LVDS-based flat-panel interfaces. Compared with ASSP video processors, the FPGA offers pixel-level algorithmic customization. Place input decoders, scaler, mixer, and output formatter in parallel pipeline stages without CPU overhead.
Recommended
Communication Infrastructure Bridge
The EP2C35U484C7 serves as a flexible protocol bridge in telecom and networking equipment, converting between legacy parallel buses, custom high-speed serial interfaces, and modern packet-based protocols. Its 322 I/Os handle multiple bus widths in parallel while the 4 PLLs generate the required clock domains for independent interface rates. Per Altera documentation, the device supports PCI 32/64-bit at 33/66 MHz and PCI-X 133 MHz operation with appropriate MegaCore IP, plus LVDS links for chip-to-chip or backplane connectivity. Compared with fixed-function ASSP bridges, this FPGA allows custom protocol additions and field upgrades. Useful for migrating from EOL bridge ASICs without full PCB redesign.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP2C35U484C7 supports custom test and measurement platforms including logic analyzers, protocol exercisers, and arbitrary waveform generators where high I/O count, parallel logic capacity, and deterministic timing are critical. The 322 user I/Os can sample or drive dozens of test channels simultaneously, while 35 embedded 18x18 multipliers enable on-chip DSP for stimulus generation or response analysis. Per the Cyclone II handbook, the device's PCI interface allows direct insertion into PC-based test cards. The FPGA can implement custom serial protocols, parallel bus masters, or pattern generators with nanosecond timing accuracy, replacing discrete TTL/CMOS test logic with a single reprogrammable device.
Recommended
Embedded Control and Custom I/O Aggregation
The EP2C35U484C7 acts as an I/O aggregator and custom peripheral controller in embedded systems, offloading complex or high-speed tasks from a host CPU/MCU. The 322 user I/Os allow connection to legacy parallel buses, custom sensor arrays, multiple displays, and keypad/button matrices while 4 PLLs generate independent timing for each peripheral. Per Altera documentation, the device's LVDS support enables high-speed communication with modern image sensors and high-resolution ADCs. Compared with discrete CPLDs or GPIO expanders, the Cyclone II provides substantial logic for state machines, FIFOs, and protocol handling. Suitable for industrial controllers and medical-device front-ends.
Recommended
PCI-Based Add-In Card Design
The EP2C35U484C7 is a strong fit for legacy PCI add-in cards in industrial PCs, data-acquisition systems, and custom accelerators where the PCI interface is supported natively. Per the Cyclone II handbook, the device implements PCI 32/64-bit at 33/66 MHz and PCI-X 133 MHz with Altera MegaCore IP, providing deterministic bus mastering without external bridge chips. The remaining logic capacity implements custom data processing, DMA engines, or protocol logic. With 322 user I/Os, the device can also expose rear-panel I/O via the card bracket, supporting dense analog and digital interfaces. Compared with fixed-function PCI bridge ASICs, this FPGA is reprogrammable for evolving requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C35U484C7 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C35U484C6N | EP2C35F484C7N | EP2C35F484C8N | EP2C35F484I7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 484-FBGA (UBGA-484) | 484-FBGA (UBGA-484) - same | 484-FBGA (FineLine) - similar | 484-FBGA (FineLine) - similar | 484-FBGA (FineLine) - similar |
| Brand | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel - same | Altera / Intel - same | Altera / Intel - same | Altera / Intel - same |
| Logic Elements | 33,216 | 33,216 | 33,216 | 33,216 | 33,216 |
| Total RAM Bits | 483,840 | 483,840 | 483,840 | 483,840 | 483,840 |
| User I/O | 322 | 322 | 322 | 322 | 322 |
| Speed Grade | 7 (fastest commercial) | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 (industrial temp) |
| 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) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Per Altera (lead-free option) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade in 484-ball UBGA commercial temperature variant (vs EP2C35U484C6N)
- Ultra FineLine BGA with finer 0.8 mm pitch vs standard FineLine 1.0 mm (vs EP2C35F484C7N)
- Commercial 0-85 C temperature range (vs industrial variants) (vs EP2C35F484I7N)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 100% logic utilization and 322 I/Os toggling at 100 MHz, the EP2C35U484C7 typically draws 1.5-2.5 W from the 1.2 V VCCINT rail plus additional VCCIO current proportional to toggle frequency. Use a star-topology power distribution with decoupling capacitors placed adjacent to every supply pin: 0.1 uF ceramic for each VCC/VCCIO and bulk tantalum or polymer (47-100 uF) on the regulator outputs. Refer to Cyclone II Device Handbook Section 2 for the per-bank decoupling recommendations. Without adequate decoupling, simultaneous-switching noise (SSN) can couple into adjacent pins and corrupt LVDS or PCI signaling.
The 484-ball FineLine BGA (UBGA-484) package requires careful PCB layout with via-in-pad or dog-bone fanout. Signal layers should reference continuous ground planes to control impedance for LVDS and 66 MHz PCI signals. Per JEDEC JESD51 and Altera application notes, maintain a minimum 4-layer stackup with dedicated ground and power planes. Place configuration memory (EPCS16/EPCS64) within 4 inches of the FPGA to meet tCFGM AX specifications and ensure reliable AS configuration mode boot. Route JTAG TCK with a series 33 ohm terminator near the FPGA to suppress ringing on the programming clock.
Do not leave VCCIO banks floating - each bank requires its own supply even if unused, or the I/O pins will drive indeterminate states and may damage inputs. When using the PCI 66 MHz interface, ensure VCCIO for that bank is set to 3.3 V per Cyclone II handbook and add the recommended 25-ohm series termination on the PCI bus. A common mistake is confusing the 'U' (Ultra FineLine BGA, 0.8 mm pitch) suffix with 'F' (FineLine BGA, 1.0 mm pitch) - both are 484-ball but have different footprints and are NOT PCB-compatible. Verify ball pitch before reusing layouts between EP2C35U and EP2C35F variants.
Estimated: at 2 W total dissipation and theta_JA of approximately 15-20 C/W for the UBGA-484 package on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, junction-to-ambient rise is roughly 30-40 C above ambient. For commercial grade (0 C to +85 C), keep ambient below 55 C if running at full speed to maintain margin. For higher-power designs (high toggle rate, all 322 I/Os active), add thermal vias under the package center array and consider a small heatsink for sustained operation. Use Quartus II PowerPlay early estimator to model power before final layout.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Altera/Intel product page. 'C' in part suffix indicates commercial temperature grade (0 C to +85 C). For lead-free finish, select 'N' suffix variant. AEC-Q100 not applicable for FPGAs. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data.
