EP2C5T144I8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 4,608 LEs, 144-LQFP | Intel
MPN: EP2C5T144I8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19.71 | $19.71 |
| 10 | $17.74 | $177.40 |
| 100 | $15.77 | $1,577.00 |
| 500 | $13.8 | $6,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.83 | $11,830.00 |
EP2C5T144I8 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated silicon resources such as block RAM, DSP blocks, and PLLs. The Cyclone II family was Altera's second-generation low-cost FPGA family, succeeding the original Cyclone series and targeting high-volume cost-sensitive applications. FPGAs sit at the same hierarchy level as ASICs and microcontrollers but offer post-fabrication reprogrammability, making them ideal for design iteration, low-volume production, and custom parallel processing tasks that CPUs cannot accelerate efficiently.
Key features of the EP2C5T144I8 include up to 89 user I/O pins supporting multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, LVDS), two general-purpose PLLs for clock management, embedded multipliers (13 18x18 multipliers), and configuration via Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), or JTAG. The 144-LQFP package offers 0.5mm pitch for hand-solderable prototyping while still supporting moderate I/O counts. The industrial temperature grade makes the device suitable for harsh-environment applications outside the commercial 0C to +85C range.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, factory automation, video processing pipelines, low-cost digital signal processing, and legacy industrial control replacements. The device is supported by Altera/Intel Quartus II design software (legacy versions) for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Engineers should note that the Cyclone II family has been superseded by Cyclone IV/V and Cyclone 10 series; new designs should evaluate newer families unless pin compatibility or proven-in-use requirements dictate otherwise.
When designing with this device, verify JTAG chain integrity before board bring-up, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed within 5mm of each VCC pin, and confirm that the configuration mode (AS/PS/JTAG) matches the chosen configuration memory device. The T144 package is non-BGA, simplifying rework and inspection during prototyping.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C5T144I8 — 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 EP2C5T144I8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C5T144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C8
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$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C7N
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$12.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C7
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$8.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5AT144A7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144I8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements | 4,608 |
| Total RAM Bits | 119,808 |
| User I/O Count | 89 |
| Number of Logic Blocks / Cells | 312 |
| Number of Gates | 5,000 |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 13 |
| Number of PLLs | 2 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Package Type | 144-LQFP (T144) |
| Package Pin Count | 144 |
| Package Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Junction Temperature Range | -40C to +100C |
| Process Technology | 90 nm CMOS (TSMC low-k) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP2C5T144I8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 21 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 33 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 41 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 56 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 61 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 69 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 70 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 71 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 72 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 73 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 74 | CONFIG_DONE — Configuration done (open drain) |
| Pin 75 | DCLK — Configuration clock |
| Pin 76 | DATA0 — Configuration data input 0 |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 79 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 89 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 97 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 111 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 119 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 134 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 139 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
Typical Applications
EP2C5T144I8 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Legacy Factory Automation Controllers, Video Format Conversion and Image Processing, Low-Cost Digital Signal Processing, Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic, Aerospace and Defense Avionics Databuses, Test and Measurement Front-End.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C5T144I8 fits industrial motor control applications because its 4,608 logic elements and 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers handle multi-axis PWM generation, Hall-sensor decoding, and field-oriented control (FOC) math within a single chip. The industrial -40C to +100C temperature grade ensures reliable operation inside IP54 motor cabinets where ambient can reach +60C. Its 89 user I/O pins accept the typical encoder, PWM, fault, and SPI-isolator channels of a 3-axis drive without external bus expanders. The 1.2V core plus independent VCCIO banks let the FPGA interface to 3.3V gate drivers, 5V Hall sensors, and 1.8V ADCs on the same board. Two PLLs produce the carrier frequencies required for space-vector modulation. For comparison, the Lattice ECP5-25 would offer lower power but lacks the T144 footprint that enables simple hand-rework in motor-repair shops.
Recommended
Legacy Factory Automation Controllers
The EP2C5T144I8 is well-suited to legacy factory automation retrofits because the T144 LQFP package allows hand-soldering during field repairs and the 4608-LE capacity fits ladder-logic emulation, Modbus/Profibus framing, and sensor debounce for compact PLC replacements. The industrial temperature grade survives the +50C panel-cabinet environments typical of automotive and packaging plants. The 1.2V core with selectable VCCIO banks lets the FPGA talk to 24V opto-isolated I/O modules via simple resistor dividers. Quartus II legacy support remains available, so existing customer bitstreams can be ported without software retooling. The 119 Kbits of embedded RAM are sufficient for circular process-data buffers without external SRAM. Compared to a Cortex-M4 MCU, the FPGA handles parallel bit-banged protocols like SPI + UART + I2C simultaneously without CPU overhead.
Recommended
Video Format Conversion and Image Processing
The EP2C5T144I8 supports mid-resolution video processing such as BT.656 to RGB conversion, deinterlacing, and on-screen-display (OSD) overlay because the 13 18x18 multipliers and 119 Kbits of block RAM implement a 3x3 convolution kernel and a 720x480 frame buffer in real time. The 89 user I/O pins accommodate parallel 8-bit video buses plus control signals for HDMI transmitters and LCD timing controllers. Two PLLs derive the 27 MHz pixel clock and 74.25 MHz TMDS clock from a single 27 MHz crystal. The industrial temperature range enables outdoor digital-signage and security-camera housings. The T144 footprint simplifies hand-prototyping for small-batch video walls. A larger Cyclone IV EP4CE10 would be required for full-HD multi-window compositing, but the EP2C5T144I8 handles SD/standard-definition with margin.
Recommended
Low-Cost Digital Signal Processing
The EP2C5T144I8 delivers cost-effective DSP for audio and instrumentation front-ends because the 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers implement FIR filters, FFT butterflies, and sigma-delta modulators at sample rates up to several MSPS. The 4608 LEs accommodate a 256-tap FIR with 16-bit coefficients plus control logic, while the 119 Kbits of RAM store coefficient tables. The two PLLs generate the 48 kHz audio word clock and oversampling MCLK from a 12 MHz reference. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor environmental monitoring and military comms. The T144 LQFP package allows university lab use without BGA rework. The Quartus II DSP Builder toolchain lets engineers generate FIR IP graphically. Compared to a DSP microprocessor, the FPGA achieves deterministic latency and parallel channel processing at lower BOM cost.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic
The EP2C5T144I8 functions as glue logic on telecom line cards because the 4608 LEs are sufficient to bridge TDM/E1 framers to microcontrollers, generate framing pulses, and implement HDLC controllers. The 89 user I/O pins accept parallel HDB3-coded data plus control signals for LIUs (line interface units) without external bus switches. The two PLLs synthesize the 2.048 MHz E1 clock and 8 kHz frame sync from a 19.44 MHz Stratum-3 reference. Industrial temperature grade survives outdoor DSLAM and base-station cabinets. The T144 footprint allows hand-repair in the field. The 1.2V core with selectable I/O banks lets the FPGA talk to 3.3V framers and 5V LIU control registers on the same board. A Cyclone IV would offer lower power but no T144 package for legacy card reuses.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Avionics Databuses
The EP2C5T144I8 supports avionics databus bridging such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and RS-422 protocol conversion because the 4608 LEs and 13 multipliers implement multiple channels of bit-decoding, parity checking, and label matching in parallel. The industrial temperature grade and 90nm CMOS radiation tolerance are suitable for unpressurized avionics bays, though not for full space-grade missions. The 89 user I/O pins accept 4-8 ARINC 429 channels plus discrete flags. The two PLLs derive the 100 kHz and 12.5 kHz ARINC bit rates from a 1 MHz reference. Aerospace distributors like FPGAX stock the EP2C5T144I8 specifically for long-term defense programs. The T144 package allows flight-line rework that is impractical with BGAs. Compared to a dedicated ARINC ASIC, the FPGA lets OEMs update label tables via bitstream revision.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Front-End
The EP2C5T144I8 fits portable test equipment because the 4,608 LEs implement custom trigger logic, protocol decoding (I2C/SPI/UART/CAN), and counter/timer functions that offload the host MCU. The 89 user I/O pins accept high-impedance probes, current-shunt amplifiers, and isolated USB links simultaneously. The two PLLs produce tunable sample clocks for the on-board ADC. The industrial temperature range supports field service in outdoor substations. The T144 footprint simplifies lab-prototype rework and rework for student engineering kits. The 119 Kbits of RAM cache measurement buffers between trigger events. The 1.2V core plus flexible VCCIO banks enable direct interface to 1.8V high-speed ADCs. Compared to a digital oscilloscope ASIC, the FPGA offers unlimited protocol decoders via Quartus II IP cores.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C5T144I8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C5T144C8N | EP2C5T144C7N | EP2C5T144C6N | EP2C5AT144A7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (T144) | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Logic Elements | 4,608 | 4,608 | 4,608 | 4,608 | 4,608 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Automotive (AEC-Q100) |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 8 (slower) | 7 (faster) | 6 (fastest) | 7 |
| User I/O Count | 89 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 89 |
| Total RAM Bits | 119,808 | 119,808 | 119,808 | 119,808 | 119,808 |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade over commercial variants (vs EP2C5T144C8N)
- Hand-solderable T144 LQFP footprint vs BGA alternatives (vs EP2C5F256I8N)
- Cyclone II cost-optimized silicon vs Cyclone IV (vs EP4CE6E22C8N)
Design Notes
The EP2C5T144I8 requires a 1.2V core supply (VCCINT) and 1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V VCCIO bank supplies. Use a low-dropout regulator such as the TI TPS7A4501 for VCCINT and TI TPS7A3001 for VCCIO. Place 100nF decoupling capacitors within 5mm of every VCC pin and add 10uF bulk capacitors at each supply rail entry. Inrush current during configuration can reach several hundred milliamps, so size the regulator for at least 2x the steady-state load.
The 144-LQFP package has 0.5mm pitch leads which are hand-solderable with a fine tip but require careful PCB layout. Use a 4-layer board with a dedicated ground plane under the FPGA and route all clocks on the inner layer with controlled impedance (50 ohm single-ended). Keep JTAG signals (TDI, TMS, TCK, TDO) short and away from switching signals. Add a 4.7k pull-up on nCONFIG and nSTATUS to 3.3V as recommended in the Cyclone II handbook.
Do not leave VCCIO bank supplies floating - every VCCIO pin must be connected to a valid supply even if the bank is unused. Do not exceed 3.3V on any user I/O pin, even briefly, or the I/O drivers will latch up. The configuration mode (AS/PS/JTAG) is selected by MSEL pins - verify MSEL0/MSEL1 strapping before powering up. When migrating from commercial EP2C5T144C8N to the I8 industrial grade, double-check the JTAG chain because some programmers have temperature-grade restrictions.
Place the configuration memory (EPCS4 or EPCS16) within 25mm of the FPGA DATA0/DCLK pins to avoid signal-integrity issues. Add 33-ohm series resistors on DATA0 and DCLK if the configuration memory is more than 50mm away. Use a star-ground topology for analog supplies if the design includes an ADC, and keep PLL analog supply pins (VCCA_PLL) isolated from noisy digital returns with a ferrite bead.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per distributor listings. Standard grade - not AEC-Q100; choose EP2C5AT144A7N for automotive. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the provided data.
