EP2C8Q208C7 - Cyclone II FPGA, 8256 LE, 138 I/O | Altera
MPN: EP2C8Q208C7 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31.46 | $31.46 |
| 10 | $29.1 | $291.00 |
| 100 | $26.4 | $2,640.00 |
| 500 | $23.8 | $11,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.42 | $19,420.00 |
EP2C8Q208C7 Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit whose digital fabric can be configured after manufacturing by loading a bitstream. Unlike a fixed-function ASIC or microcontroller, an FPGA lets a designer implement parallel hardware logic such as counters, state machines, buses, and DSP functions and revise that logic in the field. The EP2C8Q208C7 belongs to Altera's Cyclone II family, a low-cost SRAM-based FPGA line aimed at applications where logic density, I/O count, and unit price must be balanced.
Key features that define the EP2C8Q208C7 include 8,256 logic elements, 138 available user I/Os, and 165,888 bits of on-chip RAM. The 208-pin BFQFP package occupies a conventional quad flat pack footprint and can be used in multilayer boards without BGA routing complexity. The suffix C7 indicates a commercial-temperature ordering grade and speed grade 7, and the non-N finish contains lead, so designs requiring RoHS compliance should select the lead-free N version or another green variant. Distributor pages also list the device at 450 MHz, making it appropriate for moderate-speed control and data-path applications.
From an architecture perspective, the EP2C8Q208C7 is an SRAM-based FPGA with look-up-table-based logic blocks, embedded memory blocks, and programmable I/O buffers. Configuration data must be loaded into the device at power-up, and the FPGA can be programmed through JTAG or with an external configuration device. Because the device is part of the mature Cyclone II family, design support remains available through Altera/Intel Quartus software, but new designs should confirm tool-version compatibility and lifecycle support before committing.
Typical applications include industrial control, protocol bridging, video and image capture, test equipment, and motor-control logic. The 138 user I/O pins allow multiple parallel buses, encoder interfaces, and low-speed communication ports to be connected in one device, while the embedded memory supports small FIFOs and look-up tables.
One key design consideration is that the C7 version is not lead-free: if your manufacturing process or target market requires RoHS compliance, use EP2C8Q208C7N or an I-speed/N version. Also provide proper 0.1uF decoupling on all FPGA rails and load the configuration bitstream from the system controller or a serial configuration device.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, pricing tiers, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for EP2C8Q208C7 with information drawn from Octopart, DigiKey, Mouser, LCSC, and other public sources, complementing the manufacturer Cyclone II documentation.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C8Q208C7 — 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 EP2C8Q208C7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Total RAM Bits, Package, Package / Case, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C8Q208C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208I7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C8Q208C6N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2C8Q208C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$43.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208I8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| FPGA Family | Cyclone II |
| Number of Logic Elements | 8256 |
| Total RAM Bits | 165888 bits |
| Number of User I/O | 138 |
| Number of CLBs | 516 |
| Max Clock Frequency | 450 MHz (per distributor listing) |
| Package / Case | 208-BFQFP (PQFP208) |
| Number of Pins | 208 |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount |
| RoHS / Lead Status | Non-compliant / contains lead (per Components-Store listing) |
EP2C8Q208C7 208-bfqfp (pqfp208) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C8Q208C7 (208-bfqfp (pqfp208) 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 EP2C8Q208C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C8Q208C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Communications and Protocol Bridging, Video and Image Capture Interface, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Motor Control and Power Conversion, FPGA Prototyping and Legacy ASIC Replacement.
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
In industrial controllers, the EP2C8Q208C7 supplies 8,256 logic elements and 138 user I/O pins for PLC interfaces, encoder decoding, counter logic, and parallel bus glue logic. The 165,888 bits of embedded RAM can implement small FIFOs and look-up tables between sensors and a host CPU. Its 208-pin BFQFP package is easier to route on a standard FR-4 board than a high-pin-count BGA, reducing fabrication cost for factory equipment. The commercial temperature grade suits indoor machines with controlled ambient temperatures, and the FPGA lets multiple discrete I/O functions be consolidated into one reprogrammable device. Designers should use industrial I-grade variants if the controller cabinet has poor thermal management or the ambient environment reaches elevated temperatures.
Recommended
Communications and Protocol Bridging
The EP2C8Q208C7 can act as a protocol bridge between UART, SPI, parallel buses, and simple memory-mapped interfaces. Its 138 user I/O pins allow multiple low-speed serial ports and control signals to connect simultaneously, while the embedded RAM supports FIFO buffering for asynchronous data streams. In communications equipment, the commercial 0C to 70C grade is usually acceptable for indoor switches and routers, but the board should be maintained within that range. The 208-BFQFP footprint makes it practical to place the FPGA close to the connector or host processor, reducing trace lengths. For designs where the logic density is insufficient after adding protocol stacks, engineers can migrate to higher-density Cyclone II devices in the same family.
Recommended
Video and Image Capture Interface
For video capture and pre-processing, the EP2C8Q208C7 provides 8,256 logic elements for pixel synchronization, data packing, and line buffering, while on-chip RAM forms small FIFOs for horizontal line delays. The 138 user I/O pins can connect to CMOS image sensors, ADC outputs, and a downstream processor or display controller. Because the PQFP208 package has conventional leads, it is easier to inspect during board assembly than BGA devices, which benefits cost-sensitive camera and display modules. The FPGA can implement simple color-space conversion or test-pattern generation, though complex video compression is beyond its capacity. Applications such as industrial inspection and video wall control can use this device for reliable parallel image-data handling.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP2C8Q208C7 is useful in test and measurement instruments that need programmable timing, triggering, and data-acquisition glue logic. With 8,256 logic elements, designers can create high-speed counter/timer channels, PWM outputs, trigger state machines, and status registers all in one FPGA. The 138 I/O lines connect directly to ADCs, DACs, relay drivers, and front-panel logic. The embedded RAM provides small acquisition buffers and look-up tables for linearization. Because many benchtop instruments are built in indoor environments, the commercial C7 grade is sufficient, and the 208-BFQFP package simplifies manual rework during prototyping. Engineers should include a JTAG header and configuration flash to reload the FPGA during each power cycle.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power Conversion
In motor-control and power-conversion applications, the EP2C8Q208C7 can implement PWM generation, dead-time insertion, Hall-encoder decoding, and fault monitoring circuitry. The 138 user I/O pins allow multiple motor phases and sensor inputs to be handled without external CPLD or discrete logic. The device's 8,256 logic elements provide enough fabric for a modest two-channel motor controller or a single high-performance servo axis. The embedded RAM can hold commutation tables or diagnostic logs. However, the commercial-temperature C7 version is best for enclosed, thermally controlled equipment; for hot industrial cabinets, an I7N or I8N variant is safer. Careful isolation and decoupling must be designed around the power stage to avoid disturbing the FPGA supply.
Recommended
FPGA Prototyping and Legacy ASIC Replacement
Because EP2C8Q208C7 is a mature, low-cost FPGA, it is often used in prototypes and legacy ASIC replacement projects where designers need reconfigurable logic without committing to a custom ASIC. The 8,256 logic elements and 138 I/O pins support moderate-density synchronous designs and can replace obsolete 5V or 3.3V glue-logic ICs when combined with level translators. The 208-pin BFQFP package is handled easily by many prototype assembly houses, and the device can be programmed over JTAG during development. For production, verify availability of the original C7 or select the lead-free N version depending on your assembly process. Since Cyclone II is a legacy family, review long-term supply risk and consider pin-compatible Cyclone II variants for immediate board revision.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C8Q208C7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C8Q208C7N | EP2C8Q208I7N | EP2C8Q208C8N | EP2C8Q208I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP208 (208-BFQFP) | PQFP208 (208-BFQFP) - same | PQFP208 (208-BFQFP) - same | PQFP208 (208-BFQFP) - same | PQFP208 (208-BFQFP) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Elements | 8256 | 8256 | 8256 | 8256 | 8256 |
| Total RAM Bits | 165888 | 165888 | 165888 | 165888 | 165888 |
| User I/O | 138 | 138 | 138 | 138 | 138 |
| Speed Grade (suffix) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Temperature Grade (suffix) | Commercial (C) | Commercial (C) | Industrial (I) | Commercial (C) | Industrial (I) |
| RoHS / Lead Finish | Non-compliant / contains lead | Compliant / lead-free | Compliant / lead-free | Compliant / lead-free | Compliant / lead-free |
Key Differentiators
- Commercial-grade cost optimization (vs EP2C8Q208I7N)
- Speed grade 7 instead of speed grade 8 (vs EP2C8Q208C8N)
- Legacy lead-bearing finish for leaded assembly processes (vs EP2C8Q208C7N)
Design Notes
EP2C8Q208C7 is an SRAM-based FPGA; it has no nonvolatile internal configuration memory. At power-up, the FPGA remains unconfigured until a bitstream is loaded from a configuration device, external flash, or a host processor. If the configuration source is not present, I/O pins may float during the unknown interval. Drive configuration-select pins with defined logic levels and add appropriate external pull-ups on critical signals that must not float during power-up.
Use the N suffix variant EP2C8Q208C7N if your PCB assembly must comply with RoHS. The original EP2C8Q208C7 contains lead and is non-RoHS-compliant per distributor records. For new designs, select the N version whenever possible, and confirm that your programming equipment and Quartus project settings support the exact configuration scheme, whether JTAG, passive serial, or active serial with an EPCS configuration device.
The EP2C8Q208C7 QFP package has 208 leads and 138 user I/O pins, so plan a multilayer board with solid power and ground planes. Place 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors close to each FPGA power pin and add bulk capacitance at the main power entry. Route high-speed clock inputs away from noisy I/O and use series termination if needed. Verify the footprint against the Altera PQFP208 land pattern, because a small footprint error can make all 138 user I/Os unusable.
The 208-pin BFQFP package is not designed for high-power dissipation. Estimated power depends on logic utilization, toggle rate, and I/O loading, so calculate FPGA core and I/O power with a power estimator before finalizing the thermal solution. Keep the ambient temperature within the commercial grade range for the C7 device. If the design runs near high utilization in a warm enclosure, select an I-grade variant and improve airflow around the QFP package.
Compliance Information
Components-Store product listing states 'Contains lead / RoHS non-compliant'. No REACH, halogen-free, or conflict-mineral declaration was available in the fetched web data. The N-suffix variants of the same Cyclone II device are intended to be lead-free/RoHS-compliant.
