EP2C8T144C6 - Cyclone II FPGA, 8K LE, 144-LQFP | Intel (Altera)
MPN: EP2C8T144C6 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $53.57 | $53.57 |
| 10 | $48.2 | $482.00 |
| 100 | $38.1 | $3,810.00 |
| 500 | $31.45 | $15,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $22.62 | $22,620.00 |
EP2C8T144C6 Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard-IP blocks such as embedded RAM, PLLs, and (in modern families) transceivers and DSP slices. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices -> PLD -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit, and they are typically deployed between microcontrollers (for highly parallel or latency-critical workloads) and ASICs (for high-volume fixed-function logic). The Cyclone II family was Altera's first 90 nm low-cost FPGA family, succeeding the original Cyclone series and predating Cyclone III/IV/V.
Key features of the EP2C8T144C6 include 8,256 logic elements arranged in 516 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers that support DSP-style operations up to 250 MHz, and 36 M4K RAM blocks (4,608 bits each) for distributed buffering. The device integrates four general-purpose PLLs for clock generation, de-skew, and frequency synthesis, and exposes up to 85 user I/Os that support LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and other single-ended and differential I/O standards. Configuration is loaded via the dedicated JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface or the Altera serial configuration (AS) / passive parallel (PP) modes.
Architecturally, the EP2C8T144C6 uses a Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic fabric with four-input LUTs feeding a dedicated carry chain for fast arithmetic, complemented by a sea of M4K memory blocks arranged in columns between LAB (Logic Array Block) rows. The hard multipliers are placed adjacent to LAB rows to support DSP-style MAC operations without consuming general fabric, which historically made Cyclone II popular for video, motor-control, and low-cost signal-processing designs.
Typical applications include industrial motor-control and PLC logic, video-processing front-ends (deinterlacing, scaling, format conversion), low-cost DSP pipelines, embedded control planes for printers/scanners/medical instruments, glue logic replacement around microprocessors and ASICs, and educational/hobbyist platforms where 144-LQFP is hand-solderable. The 144-pin LQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch and 22 mm x 22 mm body, making it compatible with conventional SMT assembly lines.
When designing with this device, pay attention to I/O bank voltage grouping, pin assignment for JTAG (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO), and configuration scheme selection. Use the Quartus II design software (last released for Cyclone II around v13.0) for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure; later Quartus versions drop Cyclone II support. Plan for 1.2 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O bank supplies, and adequate decoupling close to each supply pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers quickly evaluate the EP2C8T144C6 for both new designs and legacy board re-spins.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C8T144C6 — 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 EP2C8T144C6 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Speed Grade, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C8T144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$41.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144I8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 8,256 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB) | 516 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 165,888 |
| Embedded RAM Blocks | 36 M4K blocks (4,608 bits each) |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 18 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| User I/O Pins (max) | 85 |
| Maximum User I/O (this package) | 85 |
| Process Technology | 90 nm CMOS |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V (typical) |
| Speed Grade | 6 |
| Operating Temperature Range | Commercial (0C to +85C) |
| Package | 144-pin LQFP (TQFP), 22x22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), Altera AS / PS / PP |
| Design Software | Quartus II (v13.0 SP1 recommended) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (per distributor listing) |
EP2C8T144C6 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 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply (2.5V/3.3V) |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 16 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 21 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 25 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 34 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 39 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 43 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 48 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 52 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 57 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 61 | VCCIO7 — I/O bank 7 supply |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 66 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 70 | VCCIO8 — I/O bank 8 supply |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 75 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 76 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 77 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 78 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 79 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 80 | nCE — Chip Enable (active low) |
| Pin 81 | nCONFIG — Configuration (active low) |
| Pin 82 | VCCINT — Core supply 1.2V |
| Pin 83 | VCCINT — Core supply 1.2V |
| Pin 84 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 85 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select 0 |
| Pin 86 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select 1 |
| Pin 87 | MSEL2 — Configuration mode select 2 |
| Pin 88 | DCLK — Configuration clock (PS/PP modes) |
| Pin 89 | nCSO — Chip select out (AS mode) |
| Pin 90 | ASDO — Active serial data out |
| Pin 91 | DATA0 — Configuration data 0 |
| Pin 92 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 93 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done |
| Pin 94 | VCCINT — Core supply 1.2V |
| Pin 95 | VCCINT — Core supply 1.2V |
| Pin 96 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 105 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 110 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 114 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 120 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 123 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 129 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 132 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply |
| 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 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 137 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 140 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
Typical Applications
EP2C8T144C6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Front-End, Embedded Glue Logic Replacement, Low-Cost DSP Pipeline, Educational / Hobbyist FPGA Platform, Legacy Board Re-Spin / Long-Life Industrial System.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C8T144C6 is well suited to industrial motor control and PLC logic where parallel PWM generation, encoder feedback processing, and deterministic I/O timing must coexist on a single low-cost device. Its 18 hardware 18x18 multipliers run up to ~250 MHz, enough for field-oriented control (FOC) loops on small three-phase PMSM and BLDC motors. The four on-chip PLLs let designers derive multiple PWM-aligned clocks (e.g., 50 MHz system clock + 100 MHz PWM carrier) from a single crystal. With 85 user I/Os in the 144-LQFP package, the EP2C8T144C6 can directly interface Hall sensors, QEI encoders, gate drivers, and isolated communication ports. Compared to an MCU + CPLD combo, a single Cyclone II reduces BOM, latency, and design complexity for multi-axis drives.
Recommended
Video Processing Front-End
The EP2C8T144C6 has long been a workhorse for cost-sensitive video front-ends: deinterlacing, scaling, color-space conversion, and format transcoding between ITU-R BT.656, VGA, and HDMI/DVI consumer streams. Its 165,888 bits of M4K memory act as line buffers and frame-rate conversion FIFOs, while the parallel fabric easily handles Bayer demosaicing or chroma upsampling at SD and low-resolution HD rates. The 144-LQFP's 85 I/Os expose enough pins for 24-bit RGB plus control, or for 16-bit ITU-656 with margin. For designs porting from a working Cyclone II reference, the EP2C8T144C6 keeps the original bitstream-compatible pinout for fast re-spin and supports the legacy Quartus II 13.0 SP1 toolchain for IP reuse.
Recommended
Embedded Glue Logic Replacement
The EP2C8T144C6 is a common replacement for aging discrete logic, PALs, GALs, and small CPLDs when designs grow beyond ~128 macrocells. With 8,256 LEs and 165,888 RAM bits, the device absorbs large state machines, address decoding, bus arbitration, and interrupt-aggregation glue in a single chip - eliminating four to six 74-series packages per board. The 1.2 V core with 2.5 V / 3.3 V I/O banks makes it easy to bridge between legacy 3.3 V peripherals and newer 1.8 V processors on the same PCB. Because the 144-LQFP is hand-solderable and uses standard 0.5 mm pitch assembly, it's also friendly to low-volume and hobbyist boards.
Recommended
Low-Cost DSP Pipeline
The EP2C8T144C6's 18 hardware 18x18 multipliers and 36 M4K blocks deliver up to ~18 GMACs of integer throughput, enough for audio-band DSP, FFTs up to 1K points, FIR / IIR filters, and modest image-processing kernels. Designs that previously required a dedicated DSP chip can drop into the EP2C8T144C6 when the algorithm fits 8K LEs. The M4K blocks double as coefficient ROM, delay lines, and window-function storage. With four PLLs, designers can generate independent sample-rate clocks for CODEC interfaces (I2S, TDM) alongside the system clock. The 144-LQFP's 85 I/Os comfortably route a 24-bit audio bus plus memory-mapped control registers.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist FPGA Platform
The EP2C8T144C6 is a popular FPGA on university and maker dev boards because the 144-LQFP is 0.5 mm-pitch, hand-reworkable, and accepts standard 4-layer PCBs without microvia or via-in-pad - lowering lab fabrication cost. Quartus II Web Edition (free) plus the 13.0 SP1 toolchain supports the entire Cyclone II family with full Verilog / VHDL synthesis, ModelSim-Altera simulation, and SignalTap logic analysis. With 8K LEs, 85 I/Os, and 165 Kbit RAM, students can implement CPU cores (NIOS II, RISC-V RV32I), peripherals, and modest graphics demos on a single chip. The wide third-party ecosystem of Cyclone II reference designs accelerates coursework and thesis projects.
Recommended
Legacy Board Re-Spin / Long-Life Industrial System
The EP2C8T144C6 is a frequent choice for sustaining production of long-life industrial systems (factory automation, test equipment, medical instrumentation) where the original Cyclone II design must remain bitstream-stable for 10-20 years. Its 144-LQFP footprint allows drop-in use of existing PCB designs when modernizing from PAL/GAL or older FPGAs. For systems already at end-of-life, the EP2C8T144C8N and EP2C8T144C7N provide pin-compatible, RoHS-compliant replacements with only a bitstream recompile. Industrial-temperature variants (I-suffix) extend operating range to -40C to +100C, suitable for outdoor enclosures and factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C8T144C6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C8T144C8N | EP2C8T144C7N | EP2C8T144I8N | EP2C5T144C8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP) | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same |
| Logic Elements | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 4,608 (-44%) |
| Speed Grade | 6 | 8 (faster) | 7 (faster) | 8 (faster) | 8 (faster) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial 0C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +100C | Commercial 0C to +85C |
| RoHS / Pb-free | Non-compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant |
| Embedded RAM (bits) | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 119,808 (-28%) |
| Multipliers (18x18) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 13 (-28%) |
Key Differentiators
- 8K logic elements at sub-$30 unit price in 1k volume (vs EP2C5T144C8N)
- Pin-compatible Pb-free / RoHS-compliant speed grade -8 variant (vs EP2C8T144C8N)
- Industrial temperature variant on same footprint (vs EP2C8T144I8N)
Design Notes
The EP2C8T144C6 requires separate VCCINT (1.2V core) and VCCIO (per-bank, typically 2.5V or 3.3V) supplies. Per Cyclone II Device Handbook, the VCCINT pins must be decoupled with 0.1uF + 10uF capacitors placed as close to the package as possible; missing or undersized decoupling causes logic errors and I/O timing failures. Each VCCIO bank (1 through 8) also requires its own decoupling network; do not share bulk capacitors across banks.
The 144-LQFP package uses 0.5 mm lead pitch with 22x22 mm body. Per Cyclone II layout guidelines, use at least 4 PCB layers with a dedicated ground plane directly under the package; route all high-speed signals on inner layers with controlled impedance. Provide a continuous ground ring around the LQFP leads and stitch vias every 100-150 mil around the periphery to minimize ground bounce.
Configuration mode selection via MSEL[2:0] must match the selected configuration scheme (AS, PS, or JTAG-only). Floating MSEL pins cause configuration failures. The nCONFIG and nSTATUS pins are open-drain and require 10 kohm pull-ups to VCCIO. Do not tie CONF_DONE low during configuration; ensure the serial configuration flash (e.g., EPCS4) is properly powered before VCCINT ramps.
Differential I/O pairs (LVDS) require matched-length routing with 100 ohm differential impedance; place LVDS pairs on the same PCB layer to avoid via stubs. Clock inputs (CLK[0..3]) should be routed with controlled impedance and kept away from switching I/O lines. Use the Quartus II Pin Planner with the I/O Assignment Analysis tool to verify bank-voltage compatibility before fabrication.
Compliance Information
RoHS non-compliant per distributor listings (Altera / Intel marking without N-suffix indicates Pb-bearing). REACH compliance status confirmed via Intel product declaration. AEC-Q100 not applicable for FPGAs in this class. For RoHS-constrained designs, use EP2C8T144C8N or EP2C8T144C7N instead.
