EP2C5F256C8 - Cyclone II FPGA 4,608 LEs 256-BGA | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP2C5F256C8 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $29.8 | $2,980.00 |
| 500 | $26.5 | $13,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $23.9 | $23,900.00 |
EP2C5F256C8 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, I/O cells, and routing interconnects that engineers can program after manufacture using a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between fixed-function ASICs (high NRE, low unit cost at volume) and microcontrollers (sequential, software-driven). The Cyclone II series specifically targets the low-cost end of the FPGA market, replacing discrete logic ICs and offering more flexibility than CPLDs at price points that approach mid-range microcontrollers.
Key features of the EP2C5F256C8 include 4,608 LEs, 119,808 embedded RAM bits organized into M4K memory blocks, 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers for moderate DSP workloads, and four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL-2, and SSTL-18 I/O standards with hot-socketing capability, enabling safe insertion into a powered backplane. Configuration can be loaded from a passive serial (PS) flash, JTAG, or Altera EPCS configuration device.
Architecture-wise, the Cyclone II family uses a 90 nm low-k dielectric process and an SRAM-based configuration cell (volatile configuration that must be loaded at every power-up). Logic elements contain a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, a carry chain for fast arithmetic, and a dedicated register chain. The MultiTrack interconnect fabric delivers predictable timing closure, and the LAB (Logic Array Block) groups 16 LEs for efficient local routing.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-end software-defined radio (SDR) front ends, education and development kits, communications bridge logic, and consumer electronics glue logic. The 158 user I/O count also makes it suitable for legacy parallel-bus interfacing in factory automation equipment.
When designing with the EP2C5F256C8, ensure the Quartus II design tool targets a 'C8' speed grade device and select the FBGA-256 package option. Power supply decoupling requires multiple 0.1 µF and 10 µF ceramic capacitors near each VCCINT and VCCIO pin. The configuration scheme (AS, PS, JTAG) must be selected via MSEL pins at board reset.
This page synthesizes Intel / Altera datasheet specs, distributor stock and pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Cyclone II family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C5F256C8 — 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 EP2C5F256C8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, Family, PLLs.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C5F256C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5F256C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5F256C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5F256C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5F256C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5F256I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5F256C8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone II |
| Family | Cyclone II FPGA |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 4,608 |
| Total RAM Bits | 119,808 bits |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 13 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| User I/O Pins | 158 |
| Package | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.2 V |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) | 1.5 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (bank-dependent) |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Configuration Memory | SRAM (volatile) |
| Speed Grade | C8 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EP2C5F256C8 256-lbga (fineline bga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C5F256C8 (256-lbga (fineline bga) 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 EP2C5F256C8.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C5F256C8 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Pipelines, Software-Defined Radio Front End, FPGA Education and Development Boards, Communication Bridge and Glue Logic, Consumer Electronics Custom Logic.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C5F256C8 fits industrial motor-control applications because of its 13 dedicated 18x18 multipliers for real-time PID math, 158 user I/O pins for encoder feedback and power-stage gate-driver control, and four PLLs for jitter-free PWM generation. Compared with a microcontroller, the FPGA executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops with deterministic latency, avoiding software interrupt jitter. Power dissipation at typical 50 MHz logic utilization remains under 1.5 W on the 1.2 V core, manageable with copper-pour-only cooling in IP65 enclosures. Designers commonly pair it with the EPCS4 serial configuration device for autonomous power-up in motor-drive inverters and servo amplifiers.
Recommended
Video Processing Pipelines
The EP2C5F256C8 supports video processing applications such as camera image pipelines, HDMI/DVI pass-through buffering, and VGA timing generation. Its 119,808 bits of embedded M4K RAM buffer 720p line-scan images, while 158 I/O pins drive 24-bit RGB buses plus HSYNC/VSYNC. The four PLLs synthesize pixel clocks from low-cost reference oscillators, and the 13 multipliers handle 3x3 convolution kernels at full HD frame rates. Designers port reference designs from the Altera Video and Image Processing Suite to the EP2C5F256C8 for low-cost, low-power consumer DVRs and inspection cameras.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio Front End
The EP2C5F256C8 is widely deployed in low-end software-defined radio (SDR) receivers where its 4,608 logic elements implement custom I/Q demodulation, digital down-conversion, and channelization filters at sample rates up to 80 MSPS. The 13 multipliers enable polyphase filter-bank channelization, and the four PLLs generate multiple clock domains for ADC and DAC synchronization. Compared with high-speed ASIC SDRs, the Cyclone II delivers hardware reprogrammability for protocol experimentation in amateur radio, signal intelligence training, and academic wireless labs.
Recommended
FPGA Education and Development Boards
The EP2C5F256C8 powers low-cost FPGA development kits and university teaching laboratories because of its low unit cost and Cyclone II compatibility with free Quartus II Web Edition software. Its 4,608 LEs give students ample capacity for multi-week HDL coursework covering FSMs, FIFOs, custom processors (Nios II soft-core), and bus-protocol implementations. The 256-ball FBGA exposes 158 user I/O to breadboard-friendly 0.1-inch headers via on-board level shifters, simplifying curriculum lab exercises from blinking LEDs to UART-based SoCs.
Recommended
Communication Bridge and Glue Logic
The EP2C5F256C8 fits communication bridge designs such as UART/SPI/I2C-to-parallel converters, custom bus multiplexers, and protocol translation between industrial fieldbuses. With 158 user I/O and Quartus II IP cores for UART, SPI, I2C, PCI, and CAN, designers replace multiple discrete CPLDs and bus-switch ICs with a single reprogrammable device. The 4,608 LEs handle concurrent protocol engines, and the 119 Kbit RAM buffers packet payloads at line rates up to 100 Mbps, making the part ideal for legacy factory automation retrofits.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Custom Logic
The EP2C5F256C8 fits consumer electronics designs such as gaming peripherals, custom LED controllers, and home-entertainment accessories where its 4,608 LEs deliver sufficient capacity for color-space conversion, audio mixing, and user-interface state machines. The 158 I/O drive key-scanning matrices, RGB LED strings, and multiple serial peripherals concurrently, while the low 1.2 V core voltage keeps idle power under 200 mW. Compared with discrete glue-logic ICs, the Cyclone II shortens time-to-market by letting engineers iterate functionality via firmware updates without board respins.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C5F256C8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C5F256C8N | EP2C5F256C7N | EP2C5F256C6 | EP2C5F256C7 | EP2C5F256C6N | EP2C5F256I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) - same | 256-LBGA (FineLine BGA) - same |
| Logic Elements | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs |
| User I/O Pins | 158 | 158 | 158 | 158 | 158 | 158 | 158 |
| Speed Grade | C8 (fastest) | C8 | C7 | C6 | C7 | C6 | I8 (industrial temp) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | -40C to +100C |
| Lead Finish | Leaded (Pb) | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Leaded (Pb) | Leaded (Pb) | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Lead-free (Pb-free) |
| Embedded RAM | 119,808 bits | 119,808 bits | 119,808 bits | 119,808 bits | 119,808 bits | 119,808 bits | 119,808 bits |
| Embedded Multipliers | 13 (18x18) | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $38.50 | $39.20 | $34.50 | $30.80 | $33.20 | $31.50 | $48.00 |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest C8 commercial speed grade in the EP2C5 family (vs EP2C5F256C7N (C7 speed grade))
- RoHS lead-free compliance of N-suffix variant supports global product shipping (vs EP2C5F256C8 (leaded))
- Industrial temperature range of I8N variant supports harsh environments (vs EP2C5F256C8 (commercial 0C to +85C))
Design Notes
The EP2C5F256C8 requires multiple decoupling capacitors per VCCINT and VCCIO bank. Place one 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor adjacent to every VCCINT pin and one 0.1 µF + 10 µF bulk capacitor at each VCCIO bank. Estimated core current at full 4,608-LE utilization with 50 MHz clock is around 300 mA on the 1.2 V rail; add 25% margin for inrush during configuration. According to the Cyclone II handbook, bulk-decoupling with 47 µF tantalum near the regulator prevents supply droop during simultaneous SRAM block writes.
The 256-ball FineLine BGA requires a 4-layer or higher PCB stack-up with a continuous ground plane beneath the device for thermal dissipation and signal-integrity return paths. Use 0.5 mm ball pitch with 0.25 mm via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out. Match all differential-pair traces to 100 Ω differential impedance and single-ended traces to 50 Ω. According to the Altera Cyclone II hardware design guidelines, decoupling capacitor placement within 100 mils of each VCCINT pin is mandatory for clean JTAG configuration.
A common pitfall is selecting the wrong MSEL configuration-mode setting: MSEL[2..0] pins must be tied to VCCIO or GND per the configuration scheme (AS, PS, JTAG). Do not leave MSEL floating. Another pitfall is omitting the POR delay capacitor on nCONFIG - according to the Cyclone II datasheet, nCONFIG must be held low during power-up until all rails stabilize. Always verify the configuration file version matches the silicon revision using Quartus II programmer before final assembly.
Route global clock nets (CLK0..CLK15) on inner signal layers with controlled impedance to minimize skew. Place PLL components within 1 cm of their associated PLL pins, and shield the analog VCCA_PLL pins with a ferrite bead to the digital 1.2 V rail. According to Cyclone II hardware design notes, leaving VCCA_PLL unfiltered introduces 5-10 ps of deterministic jitter into high-speed transceivers, which is unacceptable for DDR memory interfaces.
Compliance Information
EP2C5F256C8 is leaded (Pb-bearing) and NOT RoHS compliant; choose EP2C5F256C8N for RoHS-compliant design. AEC-Q100 not qualified; for automotive-grade, consider EP4CE6E22C8N from Cyclone IV family instead.
