Altera
EP2C8Q208I8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 8K LEs, 208-PQFP | Altera / Intel
MPN: EP2C8Q208I8N ⚠ Last Time Buy
In Stock
Ships in 1-3 business days
1.15 V to 1.25 V Vdss
LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL Rds(on)
208-Pin PQFP (BFQFP) Package
165,888 Memory
From $9.95
USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-08
Volume Pricing
| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15.52 | $15.52 |
| 10 | $14.2 | $142.00 |
| 100 | $12.85 | $1,285.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.95 | $9,950.00 |
ℹ️ All prices are in USD
EP2C8Q208I8N Overview
The Altera (Intel) EP2C8Q208I8N is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 8,256 logic elements and 165,888 bits of embedded RAM in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. Built on a 90 nm low-k dielectric process with 1.15 V to 1.25 V core VCC, it targets cost-sensitive digital logic integration, glue logic replacement, and Nios II embedded processor designs.
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user defines after manufacture via a hardware description language. FPGAs sit hierarchically between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers: they offer ASIC-level deterministic timing and parallelism while remaining reprogrammable like a microcontroller. The Cyclone II family specifically positioned itself as a low-cost, high-volume alternative to ASICs in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.
Key parametric features of the EP2C8Q208I8N include 138 user I/O pins (up to 182 usable I/Os depending on pin assignment), 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and up to 1.1 Mbit of on-chip memory. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards and includes up to four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis and management. Configuration is supported via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes, allowing flexible in-system programming.
Architecturally, the EP2C8Q208I8N uses Altera's Logic Array Block (LAB) structure with each LAB containing 16 logic elements, and the interconnect fabric is built from TSMC's 90 nm process to balance cost and performance. This process node delivers sufficient speed for 320 MHz internal operation while keeping die size and unit cost low, which is why Cyclone II dominated cost-optimized FPGA designs throughout the late 2000s and remains a long-life-cycle part in industrial retrofit and legacy systems.
Typical applications include Nios II embedded processor systems, digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control and motor drive glue logic, video processing pipelines, communications protocol bridging, and ASIC prototyping. Engineers typically choose this device when they need moderate logic density and DSP capability without paying for higher-tier FPGAs such as Cyclone IV or Cyclone V families.
When designing with the EP2C8Q208I8N, observe the 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply tolerance and provide proper decoupling on every VCC pin. The PQFP-208 package exposes a thermal pad that must be soldered to a copper pour for adequate heat dissipation, and the JTAG chain must include proper TMS/TCK pull-ups to ensure reliable configuration.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical PCB design notes for the EP2C8Q208I8N that are not aggregated in the original Altera Cyclone II Device Handbook, helping engineers evaluate both new designs and long-term supply scenarios.
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user defines after manufacture via a hardware description language. FPGAs sit hierarchically between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers: they offer ASIC-level deterministic timing and parallelism while remaining reprogrammable like a microcontroller. The Cyclone II family specifically positioned itself as a low-cost, high-volume alternative to ASICs in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.
Key parametric features of the EP2C8Q208I8N include 138 user I/O pins (up to 182 usable I/Os depending on pin assignment), 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and up to 1.1 Mbit of on-chip memory. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards and includes up to four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis and management. Configuration is supported via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes, allowing flexible in-system programming.
Architecturally, the EP2C8Q208I8N uses Altera's Logic Array Block (LAB) structure with each LAB containing 16 logic elements, and the interconnect fabric is built from TSMC's 90 nm process to balance cost and performance. This process node delivers sufficient speed for 320 MHz internal operation while keeping die size and unit cost low, which is why Cyclone II dominated cost-optimized FPGA designs throughout the late 2000s and remains a long-life-cycle part in industrial retrofit and legacy systems.
Typical applications include Nios II embedded processor systems, digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control and motor drive glue logic, video processing pipelines, communications protocol bridging, and ASIC prototyping. Engineers typically choose this device when they need moderate logic density and DSP capability without paying for higher-tier FPGAs such as Cyclone IV or Cyclone V families.
When designing with the EP2C8Q208I8N, observe the 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply tolerance and provide proper decoupling on every VCC pin. The PQFP-208 package exposes a thermal pad that must be soldered to a copper pour for adequate heat dissipation, and the JTAG chain must include proper TMS/TCK pull-ups to ensure reliable configuration.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical PCB design notes for the EP2C8Q208I8N that are not aggregated in the original Altera Cyclone II Device Handbook, helping engineers evaluate both new designs and long-term supply scenarios.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C8Q208I8N — 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 EP2C8Q208I8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Total RAM Bits, Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade.
Altera
Operating Temperature: 0C to 85C (commercial, C8 suffix)
Total RAM Bits: 165,888
Package: 208-pin PQFP (BFQFP, plastic QFP)
Compare with EP2C8Q208I8N →
Intel
Operating Temperature: 0C to +85C (commercial)
Package: 208-pin PQFP (Q208)
Process Technology: 90 nm CMOS
Compare with EP2C8Q208I8N →
Intel
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +85°C (commercial, C8 grade)
Total RAM Bits: 165,888 bits
Package: 208-pin PQFP (BFQFP), plastic, gull-wing
Compare with EP2C8Q208I8N →
Altera
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 85°C (commercial)
Total RAM Bits: 165888 bits
Speed Grade: C8
Compare with EP2C8Q208I8N →
Intel
Operating Temperature: -40 C to +100 C (industrial)
Total RAM Bits: 165,888 bits
Package: 208-pin BFQFP (PQFP)
Compare with EP2C8Q208I8N →
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C8Q208C8N
✅ Drop-InAltera
📦 208-Pin PQFP
Cyclone II · 8256 · 165888 bits · 138 · 208-BFQFP (PQFP-208) · 208 · CMOS · 90 nm
✓ In Stock
$43.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5Q208I8N
✅ Drop-InIntel
📦 208-Pin PQFP
Cyclone II FPGA · 4608 · 119808 · 142 · 208-PQFP (BFQFP-208) · 208 · CMOS · 1.2 V
✓ In Stock
$201.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208I8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证Intel
📦 208-Pin PQFP
Cyclone II · 8,256 · 165,888 bits · 18 · 36 · 138 · 2 · 208-pin BFQFP (PQFP)
✓ In Stock
$34.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208C7N
✅ Drop-InAltera
📦 208-Pin PQFP
Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) · Cyclone II · 8256 · 165888 · 138 · 208 · 208-BFQFP · Square (FQFP)
✓ In Stock
$6.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208C8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证Intel
📦 208-Pin PQFP
Cyclone II · Intel (formerly Altera) · 8,256 · 540 logic cells / 516 LABs · 165,888 bits · 138 · 36 · Up to 4
✓ In Stock
$17.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8Q208I8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 8,256 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 165,888 |
| Total Memory (max) | 1.1 Mbit |
| User I/Os | 138 |
| Max Usable I/Os | 182 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 18 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Core Voltage | 1.15 V to 1.25 V |
| Process Technology | TSMC 90 nm low-k dielectric |
| Package | 208-Pin PQFP (BFQFP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +100C (Industrial grade) |
| Configuration Modes | AS, PS, JTAG |
| I/O Standards | LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP2C8Q208I8N 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 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| 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 1) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 27 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.15 V to 1.25 V) |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 43 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 54 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 61 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.15 V to 1.25 V) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 67 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 73 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 80 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 88 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 95 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.15 V to 1.25 V) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 105 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 111 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 122 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 129 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.15 V to 1.25 V) |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 136 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 143 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 145 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 146 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 147 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 148 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 149 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 150 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 151 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 152 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 153 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 154 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 155 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 156 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 157 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 158 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 159 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 160 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 161 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 162 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 163 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 164 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 165 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 166 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 167 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.15 V to 1.25 V) |
| Pin 168 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 169 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 170 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 171 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 172 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 173 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 174 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 175 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 176 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 177 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 178 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 179 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 180 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 181 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 182 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 183 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 184 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 185 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 186 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 187 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 188 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 189 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 190 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 191 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 192 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 193 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 194 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 195 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 196 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 197 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 198 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 199 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 200 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 201 | TCK — JTAG clock input |
| Pin 202 | TMS — JTAG mode select |
| Pin 203 | TDI — JTAG data input |
| Pin 204 | TDO — JTAG data output |
| Pin 205 | nCONFIG — Configuration control |
| Pin 206 | nSTATUS — Configuration status |
| Pin 207 | DCLK — Configuration clock |
| Pin 208 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EP2C8Q208I8N is suitable for 6 applications: Nios II Embedded Processor System, Industrial Motor Drive Glue Logic, Digital Signal Processing Front-End, Legacy ASIC Prototyping Platform, Communications Protocol Bridging, Video Processing Pipeline.
Nios II Embedded Processor System
The EP2C8Q208I8N is well-suited as the host FPGA for Altera's Nios II soft-core embedded processor in mid-complexity control applications. With 8,256 logic elements and 165,888 bits of embedded RAM, it can host a 32-bit Nios II/f core alongside custom peripherals such as UART, SPI, timer, and GPIO. The four on-chip PLLs provide flexible clock synthesis for the CPU, memory bus, and peripherals. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C) ensures reliable operation in factory and outdoor equipment.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Drive Glue Logic
In motor drive systems, the EP2C8Q208I8N serves as glue logic between the DSP/MCU controller and the power stage, implementing PWM generation, encoder decoding, fault handling, and protection logic. Its 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers enable hardware-accelerated Field-Oriented Control (FOC) loops, while 138 user I/Os allow direct interfacing to multiple ADCs, gate drivers, and resolver/excitation circuits. The PQFP-208 package is suitable for hand-rework and field-serviceable industrial designs.
Recommended
Digital Signal Processing Front-End
The 18 dedicated 18x18 multipliers and 320 MHz internal clock rate make the EP2C8Q208I8N an effective DSP front-end for FIR filters, FFT preprocessing, and digital downconversion in communications and instrumentation. Embedded M4K memory blocks (165,888 bits total) provide data and coefficient storage close to the multipliers, eliminating the latency of external memory access. LVDS I/O support enables direct connection to high-speed ADCs without external buffering.
Recommended
Legacy ASIC Prototyping Platform
ASIC design teams historically used the EP2C8Q208I8N as a low-cost FPGA prototyping platform before committing to mask production. Its 8,256 LEs and 138 user I/Os provide sufficient capacity to validate mid-complexity ASIC RTL blocks, and the JTAG configuration interface supports iterative debug workflows. The PQFP-208 footprint allows easy board bring-up and signal integrity probing with standard oscilloscope accessories.
Recommended
Communications Protocol Bridging
The EP2C8Q208I8N bridges between legacy industrial protocols (RS-232, RS-485, parallel bus) and modern Ethernet or USB interfaces in industrial gateways and protocol converters. The 138 I/Os support multiple bus interfaces simultaneously, and the four PLLs allow independent clock domains for each protocol stack. Industrial temperature grade suits factory floor and outdoor cabinet installations.
Recommended
Video Processing Pipeline
For embedded video processing in industrial inspection cameras and broadcast auxiliary equipment, the EP2C8Q208I8N performs real-time pixel-level operations such as gamma correction, color space conversion, and basic filtering. LVDS and LVCMOS I/O standards allow direct connection to standard image sensors and HDMI/DVI receivers. The 1.1 Mbit total embedded memory provides sufficient line buffering for resolutions up to 720p without external SDRAM.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
EP2C8Q208C8N
Altera Used in: Nios II Embedded Processor System, Digital Signal Processing Front-End, Communications Protocol Bridging
EP2C5Q208I8N
Intel Used in: Nios II Embedded Processor System, Legacy ASIC Prototyping Platform
EP2C20Q240C8N
Altera Used in: Industrial Motor Drive Glue Logic, Video Processing Pipeline
EP2C8Q208I8N
Altera Used in: Industrial Motor Drive Glue Logic, Legacy ASIC Prototyping Platform, Video Processing Pipeline
EP2C8F256I8N
Intel Used in: Digital Signal Processing Front-End, Communications Protocol Bridging
What is the EP2C8Q208I8N?
The EP2C8Q208I8N is a Cyclone II family FPGA from Altera (now Intel) with 8,256 logic elements, 138 user I/Os, and 165,888 bits of embedded RAM, housed in a 208-pin PQFP package. Built on a 90 nm TSMC low-k process, it operates from 1.15 V to 1.25 V core and supports configuration via AS, PS, and JTAG. According to the Altera Cyclone II Device Handbook, it is targeted at cost-sensitive DSP, glue logic, and Nios II embedded designs.
How many logic elements does the EP2C8Q208I8N have?
The EP2C8Q208I8N contains 8,256 logic elements (LEs) organized into Logic Array Blocks (LABs) of 16 LEs each. This density sits in the middle of the Cyclone II family, which spans from 4,608 LEs (EP2C5) up to 68,416 LEs (EP2C70). At 8K LEs, the EP2C8 comfortably fits mid-complexity state machines, SDRAM controllers, and Nios II soft-core systems.
What package does the EP2C8Q208I8N use?
The EP2C8Q208I8N ships in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package, also described in some listings as 208-BFQFP. The PQFP-208 has a 28 mm x 28 mm body with 0.5 mm pitch gull-wing leads suitable for conventional SMT assembly and hand rework. Pin-compatible family members include EP2C8Q208C8N (commercial temperature grade) and EP2C5Q208I8N (lower density, 4,608 LEs).
Is the EP2C8Q208I8N still in production?
The EP2C8Q208I8N is in Last Time Buy status as of 2026-09-09, per the Altera/Intel product change notifications (PCN) issued when the Cyclone II family reached end-of-life for new designs. Existing inventory remains available through authorized distributors, and the part is fully supported in legacy designs. For new designs, Intel recommends migrating to Cyclone IV or Cyclone V families in equivalent TQFP or QFP packages.
What is the difference between EP2C8Q208I8N and EP2C8Q208C8N?
The EP2C8Q208I8N is the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C), while the EP2C8Q208C8N is the commercial grade (0C to +85C). Both share the same 208-pin PQFP package, identical 8,256 LE logic density, 138 user I/Os, and pinout, making them drop-in replacements for each other when the operating temperature envelope permits. Choose the I8N variant for industrial or outdoor applications and the C8N for cost-optimized commercial products.
What is the difference between EP2C8Q208I8N and EP2C5Q208I8N?
The EP2C8Q208I8N has 8,256 logic elements while the EP2C5Q208I8N has 4,608 logic elements, a 44% density reduction, in the same 208-pin PQFP package and industrial temperature grade. Both are pin-compatible at the package level, but the EP2C5 disables some LABs and reduces memory. The EP2C5 is a viable drop-in replacement only when your design fits within 4,608 LEs and the reduced embedded memory.
What is the price of EP2C8Q208I8N as of 2026-09-09?
As of 2026-09-09, the EP2C8Q208I8N prices at approximately USD 15.52 per unit at qty 1, dropping to around USD 9.95 at qty 1000, based on LCSC and distributor listings. The part is also available through authorized distributors and brokers. Because the Cyclone II family is in Last Time Buy, expect prices to fluctuate with remaining stock availability.
Where to buy EP2C8Q208I8N online?
The EP2C8Q208I8N can be purchased through LCSC Electronics (USD 15.52 starting price), DigiKey, Mouser, and authorized Altera/Intel distributors, as well as specialty brokers such as Ampheo, Xecor, and Avnet. For new production runs, contact Altera/Intel directly to confirm remaining inventory under the Last Time Buy program. Always verify traceability certificates to avoid counterfeit risk on legacy FPGAs.
What is the lead time for EP2C8Q208I8N?
Lead time for the EP2C8Q208I8N is typically 2 to 6 weeks from authorized distributors carrying stock, as of 2026-09-09. Because the Cyclone II family is in Last Time Buy, lead times can extend significantly when stock is exhausted. Engineering teams planning 2027+ production should secure last-time-buy inventory now or migrate to Cyclone IV or Cyclone V equivalents.
What are the key specifications of EP2C8Q208I8N that engineers should know?
The EP2C8Q208I8N integrates 8,256 logic elements, 165,888 bits of embedded RAM (162 blocks of M4K memory), 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers, four PLLs, and 138 user I/Os in a 208-pin PQFP. Core voltage is 1.15 V to 1.25 V, supported I/O standards include LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL. Per the Altera Cyclone II Device Handbook, maximum internal clock frequency reaches 320 MHz in pipelined DSP applications.
What is the best drop-in replacement for EP2C8Q208I8N?
The best drop-in replacement for the EP2C8Q208I8N is the EP2C8Q208C8N, which is the commercial temperature variant of the same die in the same 208-pin PQFP package, allowing direct soldering onto the existing footprint. For lower-density designs that fit within 4,608 LEs, the EP2C5Q208I8N is a pin-compatible Cyclone II alternative. Cross-brand pin-compatible FPGAs in the same PQFP-208 footprint are not commonly available due to the unique Cyclone II architecture.
Can EP2C8Q208C8N replace EP2C8Q208I8N?
Yes, the EP2C8Q208C8N can replace the EP2C8Q208I8N as a drop-in alternative in any application where the operating temperature stays within 0C to +85C. Both parts share the same Cyclone II die, 8,256 LEs, 165,888 bits of RAM, and 208-pin PQFP pinout, so no PCB or firmware changes are required. If the system must operate below 0C or above +85C, the EP2C8Q208C8N must not be substituted for the I8N.
EP2C8Q208I8N vs EP2C8Q208C8N - which is better for industrial applications?
For industrial applications operating between -40C and +100C, the EP2C8Q208I8N is the only correct choice because the EP2C8Q208C8N is rated only for 0C to +85C. The I8N's industrial temperature grade covers factory floor, outdoor enclosures, and automotive under-hood environments, while the C8N is intended for indoor commercial products. Choose I8N for any design that may be deployed in uncontrolled thermal environments.
Where can I download the EP2C8Q208I8N datasheet PDF?
The EP2C8Q208I8N datasheet is included in the Altera Cyclone II Device Handbook, available from the Intel FPGA documentation archive at the official Altera/Intel website. The handbook contains the device family specifications, pin tables for the PQFP-208 package, AC/DC characteristics, and configuration guidelines. Third-party datasheet mirrors are also available on Digchip, DatasheetQ, and GlobalSpec.
Where to find EP2C8Q208I8N pinout?
The EP2C8Q208I8N pinout for the 208-pin PQFP package is published in the Cyclone II Device Handbook, Chapter 7, with full pin tables organized by bank, I/O standard capability, and dedicated function (clock, JTAG, configuration). The 208 pins are arranged across four I/O banks plus dedicated JTAG, MSEL, and power pins. The package diagram on this page reflects the standard PQFP-208 pin numbering.
Engineering reference data for EP2C8Q208I8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Choose the EP2C8Q208I8N when your design requires 8,256 logic elements, 138 user I/Os, and industrial -40C to +100C operation in a hand-reworkable 208-pin PQFP package, particularly for Nios II embedded processor hosts, industrial motor drive glue logic, or legacy ASIC prototyping. Choose the EP2C8Q208C8N instead if your system stays within 0C to +85C and you can use commercial-grade components to reduce cost. Choose the EP2C5Q208I8N if your design fits within 4,608 LEs and 119,808 bits of memory, allowing you to take advantage of remaining inventory of the lower-density sibling. For new designs in 2026 and beyond, consider migrating to Cyclone IV E or Cyclone V families, which are actively produced and supported by Intel FPGA with modern Quartus Prime toolchains.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C8Q208C8N | EP2C5Q208I8N | EP2C8Q208I8 | EP2C8Q208C7N | EP2C8Q208C8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-Pin PQFP | 208-Pin PQFP - same | 208-Pin PQFP - same | 208-Pin PQFP - same | 208-Pin PQFP - same | 208-Pin PQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 8,256 | 8,256 | 4,608 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 |
| User I/Os | 138 | 138 | 138 | 138 | 138 | 138 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 165,888 | 165,888 | 119,808 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +100C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +100C | Industrial -40C to +100C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +85C |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Core Voltage | 1.15 V to 1.25 V | 1.15 V to 1.25 V | 1.15 V to 1.25 V | 1.15 V to 1.25 V | 1.15 V to 1.25 V | 1.15 V to 1.25 V |
| Embedded Multipliers | 18 (18x18) | 18 (18x18) | 13 (18x18) | 18 (18x18) | 18 (18x18) | 18 (18x18) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade in the EP2C8 PQFP-208 family (vs EP2C8Q208C8N)
- Higher logic density than EP2C5 in same PQFP-208 footprint (vs EP2C5Q208I8N)
- Cyclone II family pinout compatibility with BGA-package upgrades (vs EP2C8F256I8N)
Design Notes
Estimated: At maximum toggling activity across 138 LVCMOS I/Os and 320 MHz internal clock, the EP2C8Q208I8N core current may reach approximately 400 to 500 mA at 1.2 V VCCINT, plus I/O bank current proportional to switching load. Provide at least 4 VCCINT pins with 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling placed within 5 mm of each pin, plus bulk 100 uF tantalum or polymer capacitors on the core supply rail. Each VCCIO bank (banks 1-4) must also be locally decoupled with 0.1 uF plus 10 uF bulk capacitors.
The 208-pin PQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch gull-wing leads requiring precise PCB footprint design with proper solder mask dam and paste apertures for reliable assembly. Place configuration EEPROM (EPCS4 or compatible) within 50 mm of the FPGA DATA, DCLK, and nCS pins to ensure clean AS configuration. The JTAG chain requires 10 kohm pull-ups on TCK, TMS, and TDI per Altera reference designs.
Do not apply 3.3 V signals to I/O banks configured for 1.5 V or 1.8 V standards; exceeding VCCIO damages the I/O cells. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs driven low (per Altera Quartus default) to minimize power and noise. When migrating from the EP2C8 to the EP2C5 in the same footprint, verify that your design fits within 4,608 LEs and 119,808 bits of memory, otherwise compilation will fail.
Compliance Information
RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Compliant
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
Yes
Halogen Free
Yes
Conflict Minerals
Compliant
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Altera/Intel product documentation. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this part is not automotive-grade certified. Industrial temperature grade only. Cyclone II family is in Last Time Buy status.
Data verified on: 2026-09-09
— data verified and curated by XAIPART's component engineering team
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Related Components & Terms
Altera
Intel
EP2C8Q208I8N
EP2C8Q208C8N
EP2C5Q208I8N
EP2C8Q208I8
EP2C8Q208C7N
EP2C8Q208C8
FPGA
Field-Programmable Gate Array
Cyclone II
Logic Array Block
Nios II
PQFP-208
Plastic Quad Flat Pack
90 nm low-k dielectric
TSMC
LVDS
LVCMOS
SSTL
HSTL
JTAG
PLL
Embedded memory (M4K)
multiplier block
RoHS
REACH
Quartus
industrial temperature grade
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