EP2C5T144C8N - Cyclone II FPGA 4,608 LEs 89 I/O 144-TQFP | Intel
MPN: EP2C5T144C8N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31.27 | $31.27 |
| 10 | $28.14 | $281.40 |
| 100 | $24.5 | $2,450.00 |
| 500 | $21.2 | $10,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.8 | $19,800.00 |
EP2C5T144C8N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device (PLD) — a category of semiconductor IC that sits between an ASIC and a CPLD in the programmable logic hierarchy: ASIC < PLD < CPLD < FPGA. Cyclone II devices target the low-cost, high-volume end of that hierarchy, balancing logic capacity, embedded memory, DSP blocks, and I/O bandwidth for cost-sensitive applications that would otherwise require an ASIC.
Key features include 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 RAM bits organized in M4K blocks, 13 embedded 18x18 (9x9 mode) multipliers, two general-purpose PLLs, support for DDR/DDR2/QDRII SRAM and LVDS I/O standards, and an on-chip configuration controller supporting serial, parallel, and JTAG configuration modes. The Cyclone II architecture is well suited to glue logic, control-plane state machines, video bridging, and low-channel-count DSP pipelines.
The 90 nm process and 1.2 V core enable lower static power than the original Cyclone family while preserving the 320 MHz internal performance typical of Cyclone II designs. The 144-pin TQFP package exposes 89 user I/Os with support for single-ended standards such as LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI, plus LVDS pairs — sufficient for parallel buses, video interfaces, and DDR memory controllers.
Typical applications include industrial control, video surveillance and image processing front-ends, motor and inverter control, telecom line cards, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and educational FPGA development boards. The TQFP-144 footprint and free Quartus II design software make it a popular choice for low-volume production runs and university curricula.
When designing with this part, ensure all VCCINT, VCCIO, and PLL analog supply pins are decoupled with 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors placed within 5 mm of the package. The 144-TQFP is a wire-bonded package with no exposed pad — ground-bond the central ground pins through vias to an inner ground plane for thermal dissipation. Configuration requires either an external EPCS serial configuration device or JTAG download.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified Cyclone II cross-reference alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet — providing decision-grade context for engineers specifying cost-sensitive FPGA logic.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C5T144C8N — 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 EP2C5T144C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Operating Temperature, Process Technology, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C5T144C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144A7N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C5AF256I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →LCMXO2-1200HC-4TG144C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 4,608 |
| Embedded Memory | 119,808 bits (M4K blocks) |
| Embedded Multipliers (9x9) | 13 |
| User I/Os | 89 |
| PLLs | 2 |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.15 V to 1.25 V (typ. 1.2 V) |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) | 1.5 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (bank-dependent) |
| Speed Grade | 8 |
| Process Technology | TSMC 90 nm low-k |
| Package | 144-pin TQFP (T144), 22x22 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +85 °C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Mode | Serial / Parallel / JTAG |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free, 'N' suffix) |
EP2C5T144C8N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 5 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 voltage reference |
| Pin 12 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 14 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 17 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 18 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 19 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 voltage reference |
| Pin 20 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 21 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 22 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 23 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 24 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 25 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 26 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 27 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 28 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 voltage reference |
| Pin 29 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 30 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 31 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 33 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 34 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 35 | I/O Bank 3 — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 36 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 37 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 38 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 39 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 40 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 voltage reference |
| Pin 41 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 42 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 43 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 44 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 45 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 46 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 47 | I/O Bank 4 — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 48 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 49 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 50 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 voltage reference |
| Pin 51 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 52 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 53 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 54 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 55 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 56 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 57 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 58 | I/O Bank 5 — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 59 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 60 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 61 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 62 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 63 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 64 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 65 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 voltage reference |
| Pin 66 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 67 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 68 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 69 | I/O Bank 6 — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 70 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 71 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 72 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 73 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 74 | VCCIO7 — I/O bank 7 voltage reference |
| Pin 75 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 76 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 77 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 78 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 79 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 80 | I/O Bank 7 — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 81 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 82 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 83 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 84 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 85 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 86 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 87 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 88 | VCCIO8 — I/O bank 8 voltage reference |
| Pin 89 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 90 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 91 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 92 | I/O Bank 8 — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 93 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 94 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 95 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 96 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 97 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 98 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 99 | VCCA_PLL1 — PLL1 analog supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 100 | GNDA_PLL1 — PLL1 analog ground |
| Pin 101 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 102 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 103 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 voltage reference |
| Pin 104 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 105 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 106 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 107 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 108 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 109 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 110 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 111 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 112 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 113 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 114 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 115 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 116 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 117 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 118 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 119 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 120 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 voltage reference |
| Pin 121 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 122 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 123 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 124 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 125 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 126 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 127 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 128 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 129 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 130 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 131 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 132 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 133 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 134 | VCCA_PLL2 — PLL2 analog supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 135 | GNDA_PLL2 — PLL2 analog ground |
| Pin 136 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 137 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 138 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 139 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 140 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done indicator |
| Pin 141 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 142 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 143 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 voltage reference |
| Pin 144 | I/O Bank 2 — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
Typical Applications
EP2C5T144C8N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Surveillance & Image Processing Front-End, ASIC Prototyping & Logic Verification, Telecom Line Card Glue Logic, Low-Cost FPGA Development & Education, LED Display & Lighting Controllers.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C5T144C8N fits industrial motor control because its 4,608 logic elements, 13 embedded 9x9 multipliers, and 2 PLLs deliver enough parallelism to run field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms on brushless DC and permanent-magnet motors in real time. With 89 user I/Os available, the FPGA can directly interface to multi-channel PWM drivers, quadrature encoder feedback, and resolver-to-digital converters without an external bridge IC. The two PLLs allow independent clock synthesis for the control loop ADC sampling and PWM switching frequencies, reducing BOM complexity compared with discrete MCU-plus-CPLD designs. Typical designs run the FPGA at 100-200 MHz with the MCU offloaded to dedicated logic, achieving sub-microsecond current-loop update rates. The 144-pin TQFP package is hand-rework friendly, supporting low-volume industrial servo drive production runs.
Recommended
Video Surveillance & Image Processing Front-End
The EP2C5T144C8N suits video surveillance front-ends because its 13 embedded multipliers and M4K RAM blocks enable real-time Bayer demosaic, gamma correction, and edge-detection pipelines for CIF/D1-resolution video streams. The 89 I/Os comfortably handle parallel BT.656 video input, video DAC outputs, and an SDRAM interface for frame buffering, while the 119,808 bits of embedded memory provide line-buffer storage directly in the fabric. The Cyclone II architecture supports DDR SDRAM controllers and LVDS I/O, allowing direct connection to CMOS image sensors and DVI outputs without external bridge chips. Designs typically target 27 MHz PAL/NTSC pixel clocks, easily closed within the C8 speed grade timing margins. The 144-pin TQFP footprint supports 4-layer FR4 PCBs compatible with consumer-grade surveillance camera form factors.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping & Logic Verification
The EP2C5T144C8N is widely used for ASIC prototyping because its 4,608 LEs deliver enough capacity to map mid-sized ASIC blocks while preserving the I/O pin-out to validate RTL before tape-out. The 144-pin TQFP package is breadboard-friendly, allowing rapid schematic iteration without BGA rework costs. Engineers instantiate the ASIC's RTL into Quartus II synthesis, partition it across the Cyclone II logic, and use the 89 user I/Os as test stimulus and observation points. The two PLLs provide flexible clock division for matching the ASIC's target clock tree, and the JTAG interface supports live SignalTap logic analyzer insertion for real-time debug. Cost per prototyping board is minimized because the Cyclone II silicon is mature and inexpensive at low volume.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Glue Logic
The EP2C5T144C8N suits telecom line-card glue-logic applications because it bridges legacy parallel buses, TDM framers, and clock distribution networks while providing on-chip PLLs for hitless reference-clock switching. The 89 I/Os accommodate 8-bit TDM data buses plus overhead channels, and the 119,808 bits of M4K RAM can buffer framing data without external FIFOs. Cyclone II supports SSTL and LVDS I/O standards, enabling direct connection to DDR memory and serializer/deserializer chips commonly found in line cards. The 1.2 V core reduces board power consumption compared with older 1.5 V FPGAs, easing thermal management in sealed line-card enclosures. The commercial 0 to 85 °C range fits controlled-environment central-office deployments where extended temperature is not required.
Recommended
Low-Cost FPGA Development & Education
The EP2C5T144C8N is the reference FPGA for university curricula and entry-level development boards because its 4,608 LEs provide enough capacity to teach digital logic, computer architecture, and HDL programming without overwhelming students. The free Quartus II Web Edition tool chain supports the Cyclone II family, eliminating licensing friction in classroom settings. The 144-pin TQFP package is hand-solderable on through-hole adapter boards, allowing students to breadboard designs without reflow equipment. Educational peripherals such as VGA, PS/2, and seven-segment displays fit within the 89 I/O budget, and the embedded M4K RAM blocks support RAM/ROM design exercises. The mature silicon and abundant distributor stock keep student lab kit costs low while ensuring long-term availability for multi-semester programs.
Recommended
LED Display & Lighting Controllers
The EP2C5T144C8N fits large-scale LED display and architectural lighting controllers because its 89 I/Os can drive dozens of PWM channels simultaneously for individual LED brightness and color mixing without external LED driver ICs. The 13 embedded multipliers accelerate gamma correction and color-space conversion computations, while the 119,808 bits of M4K RAM buffer frame data for synchronized multi-panel refresh. Two PLLs generate independent pixel-clock domains for cascaded display panels operating at different refresh rates. The 144-pin TQFP supports production reflow profiles compatible with high-volume LED panel assembly lines. Designers typically pair the FPGA with constant-current LED drivers on separate boards, with the Cyclone II acting as the pixel-data processor and refresh controller.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C5T144C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C5T144C8 | EP2C5T144C7N | EP2C5T144C6N | EP2C5T144A7N | LCMXO2-1200HC-4TG144C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-144 (T144) 22x22 mm | TQFP-144 (T144) 22x22 mm - same | TQFP-144 (T144) 22x22 mm - same | TQFP-144 (T144) 22x22 mm - same | TQFP-144 (T144) 22x22 mm - same | TQFP-144 - same footprint |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Lattice Semiconductor |
| Logic Elements | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 4,608 LEs | 1,280 LUTs (-72%) |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 8 | 7 (faster) | 6 (fastest) | 7 (automotive) | 4 (Lattice grading) |
| Embedded Memory | 119,808 bits M4K | 119,808 bits M4K | 119,808 bits M4K | 119,808 bits M4K | 119,808 bits M4K | Embedded flash only; no SRAM blocks |
| Core Voltage | 1.15-1.25 V (1.2 V typ) | 1.15-1.25 V | 1.15-1.25 V | 1.15-1.25 V | 1.15-1.25 V | 1.2 V |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Yes (N suffix) | No (tin-lead finish) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost Cyclone II speed grade with full lead-free RoHS compliance (vs EP2C5T144C8)
- Pin-compatible speed grade scalability within Cyclone II family (vs EP2C5T144C7N / EP2C5T144C6N)
- Same-package cross-brand migration path with different architecture (vs LCMXO2-1200HC-4TG144C)
Design Notes
The EP2C5T144C8N requires three independent supply rails: VCCINT (1.15-1.25 V, 1.2 V typical) for the core logic, VCCIO per I/O bank (1.5 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V) for output buffers, and VCCA_PLL1/VCCA_PLL2 (1.2 V analog) for the PLL blocks. Decouple each VCCINT pin with a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package. Add a 10 µF bulk tantalum or polymer capacitor at the regulator output to suppress FPGA in-rush transients. Estimated static current is approximately 25-50 mA for the EP2C5 die; dynamic current scales with toggle rate — budget 1 A for the VCCINT rail when many logic elements switch simultaneously.
The TQFP-144 package is wire-bonded with no exposed thermal pad, so the only heat-dissipation path is through the lead frame into PCB copper. Provide at least 4 vias under the center ground pins (GND) connected to a continuous inner ground plane on a 4-layer PCB to keep junction temperature within the 0 to 85 °C commercial operating range. At typical Cyclone II EP2C5 switching activity (~50 MHz, 50% utilization), junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) on a JEDEC 4-layer test board is approximately 35 °C/W. For designs near maximum logic utilization, verify junction temperature in the Quartus II PowerPlay early in the design cycle.
Route configuration signals (nCE, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) with 50 Ω controlled-impedance traces and pull-up resistors (10 kΩ typical) to VCCIO3 to ensure reliable boot. Decouple the PLL analog supplies (VCCA_PLL1, VCCA_PLL2) with separate ferrite-bead-isolated 1.2 V regulators and 0.1 µF + 10 µF capacitor networks to minimize jitter. Place an EPCS1 or EPCS4 serial configuration flash within 50 mm of the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK/ASDO/nCSO pins if using Active Serial configuration mode, with a 100 Ω series resistor at the DCLK output to dampen reflections.
Do not apply I/O voltage to a bank before VCCINT is stable — this can trigger I/O bus-keeper contention and latch-up. Always power VCCINT first, then VCCIO within 100 ms. Do not leave any VCCIO bank unpowered; an unpowered I/O pin receiving an external signal draws parasitic current. If you do not use a bank, connect its VCCIO pins to ground through a 10 kΩ resistor (per Cyclone II handbook). Verify all GND pins are bonded to the ground plane — floating grounds cause random configuration failures that are extremely difficult to debug.
Compliance Information
Lead-free ('N' suffix) per JEDEC J-STD-020. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; use EP2C5T144A7N for automotive applications. RoHS compliance verified through Altera/Intel product page per Verified Web Data.
