EP2C8T144C7 - Cyclone II FPGA, 8K LE, 144-TQFP | Intel
MPN: EP2C8T144C7 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $48.41 | $48.41 |
| 10 | $43.55 | $435.50 |
| 100 | $38.2 | $3,820.00 |
| 500 | $33.4 | $16,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $28.75 | $28,750.00 |
EP2C8T144C7 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing, and dedicated hard IP such as memory blocks and multipliers. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA belongs to programmable logic devices -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The Cyclone II family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where ASICs are uneconomical but microcontrollers lack the parallelism or I/O bandwidth required.
The EP2C8T144C7 supports up to 85 user I/O pins through the 144-pin TQFP, includes four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and supports configuration via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes. The 165,888 embedded RAM bits are organized in M4K blocks of 4,608 bits each, allowing efficient buffering for video, communications, and DSP pipelines.
Architecturally, the 8,256 logic elements are arranged in 516 logic array blocks (LABs), each containing 16 LEs. The 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers support DSP workloads such as FIR filters, FFTs, and motor control loops at throughputs not achievable with soft multipliers in earlier FPGA families.
Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, video processing and display controllers, industrial control and motor drive, low-cost software-defined radio (SDR) prototyping, and glue logic replacement on legacy boards. The TQFP-144 footprint supports conventional SMT assembly without BGA-style via-in-pad complications, simplifying prototyping and low-volume production.
Designers should note that Cyclone II is a mature legacy family: design entry is via the Quartus II (legacy) toolchain. When migrating, target Cyclone IV E or Cyclone V for newer designs requiring lower power, more logic, or transceivers. For LQFP-144 designs requiring more logic, EP2C20F484 or EP2C35F484 in larger packages are common upgrades.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C8T144C7 — 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 EP2C8T144C7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C8T144C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$41.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144I8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 8,256 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LAB) | 516 |
| Total RAM Bits | 165,888 |
| M4K Memory Blocks | 36 (4,608 bits each) |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 18 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Maximum User I/O | 85 |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) |
| Core Voltage | 1.15 V to 1.25 V |
| I/O Voltage Support | 1.5V / 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.0V / 3.3V |
| Process Technology | 90 nm CMOS, low-k dielectric |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial, 'C' speed grade) |
| Configuration Modes | Active Serial, Passive Serial, JTAG |
| Speed Grade | 7 |
| RoHS Status | Contains lead / RoHS non-compliant |
EP2C8T144C7 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 7 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 17 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 22 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 34 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin 41 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 48 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 52 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O bank 3 |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 60 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 67 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 71 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 77 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage 1.15-1.25 V |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 / dedicated clock input |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 / dedicated clock input |
| Pin 81 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage 1.15-1.25 V |
| Pin 82 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (open-drain) |
| Pin 83 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 84 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
| Pin 85 | nCONFIG — Configuration start (active-low) |
| Pin 86 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 87 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 88 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 89 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 90 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 93 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 97 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O bank 4 |
| Pin 105 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 112 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 116 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 / dedicated clock input |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O bank 5 / dedicated clock input |
| Pin 125 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 130 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 134 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O bank 6 |
Typical Applications
EP2C8T144C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Signal Processing Front-End, Video Processing and Display Controller, Industrial Motor Control and Drive, Low-Cost Software-Defined Radio Prototyping, Legacy Glueless Logic Replacement, Educational FPGA Development Board.
Digital Signal Processing Front-End
The EP2C8T144C7's 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers and 165,888 RAM bits make it well suited to DSP front-ends for industrial instrumentation, audio processing, and sensor conditioning. Each multiplier operates up to approximately 250 MHz in Cyclone II, enabling real-time FIR filters, Goertzel detectors, and FFT pipelines at sample rates suitable for vibration, acoustic, and biomedical front-ends. The 36 M4K RAM blocks provide dual-port buffering for sample streams, while the 8,256 logic elements handle state machines, address generators, and glue logic around the DSP datapath. Design tip: pipeline multiplier chains at the DSP block boundary to meet timing closure at speed grade 7; use the four PLLs to derive multiple synchronized DSP clocks from a single reference.
Recommended
Video Processing and Display Controller
The EP2C8T144C7 in TQFP-144 supports 85 user I/O pins, enough to drive 24-bit RGB video at common resolutions while leaving headroom for side-band control signalling. Cyclone II devices were widely adopted in industrial flat-panel controllers, surveillance DVRs, and entry-level video scalers. The four PLLs synthesize pixel clocks from common reference frequencies (27 MHz for video, 74.25 MHz for HD), while M4K blocks implement line buffers and frame buffers without external SRAM. Performance consideration: at speed grade 7 the design comfortably drives VGA at 60 Hz and XGA at lower rates; for higher resolutions consider an EP2C20F484 or EP2C35F484 in a larger package with more multipliers and memory.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Control and Drive
The EP2C8T144C7 is a strong fit for digital motor control loops including field-oriented control (FOC), trapezoidal BLDC commutation, and stepper sequencing. The 18 18x18 multipliers handle Clarke/Park transforms and PID computation in real time, while the M4K RAM blocks capture encoder feedback and provide lookup tables for sine/cosine acceleration profiles. The TQFP-144 package supports conventional SMT assembly and is well suited to factory-floor PCBs exposed to vibration and thermal cycling. Design tip: use one PLL to derive the PWM carrier and a second PLL to sample the encoder; the four PLLs decouple these clocks and minimize jitter on the PWM edges.
Recommended
Low-Cost Software-Defined Radio Prototyping
The EP2C8T144C7 has been a popular entry point for SDR prototyping on ham-radio transceivers, narrowband IQ demodulators, and educational SDR kits. Its 18 DSP multipliers support polyphase FIR decimation and channelization filters at audio-bandwidth sample rates; the M4K memory implements delay lines and FFT working buffers. The 85 user I/O pins can directly interface dual-channel ADCs and DACs without external glue logic. While not a replacement for dedicated SDR silicon (e.g., AD9361), the EP2C8 lets students and hobbyists implement real-time DSP algorithms with full visibility into the HDL. Note: Cyclone II is fixed-point only; floating-point routines must be hand-coded.
Recommended
Legacy Glueless Logic Replacement
The EP2C8T144C7 in TQFP-144 is commonly used to replace aging PLDs, GALs, and discrete 74-series logic on legacy industrial PCBs. With 8,256 logic elements, the device can absorb dozens of legacy 74-series packages into a single FPGA, reducing board area and improving reliability. The TQFP-144 footprint supports conventional rework tooling used in industrial maintenance. Engineers often start by capturing the legacy schematic as HDL, then iterating against the existing test vectors. Performance consideration: a typical glue-logic replacement converts 5-10 legacy ICs into a single EP2C8, freeing the rest of the device for incremental feature upgrades.
Recommended
Educational FPGA Development Board
The EP2C8T144C7 has powered countless university and hobbyist FPGA development boards because the TQFP-144 package is hand-solderable and the Cyclone II toolchain (legacy Quartus II) is freely available. Students learn HDL synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, and configuration on a device with enough logic and DSP for substantial projects (RISC-V cores, VGA controllers, signal-processing exercises). The 85 user I/O pins expose ample GPIO, while the 4 PLLs teach clock-tree concepts. Note: new university curricula typically migrate to Cyclone IV E (EP4CE6E22) or Cyclone V boards because of active lifecycle support and the current Quartus Prime toolchain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C8T144C7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C8T144C7N | EP2C8T144C8 | EP2C8T144C8N | EP2C8T144C6 | EP2C8T144C6N | EP2C8T144I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) - same |
| Logic Elements | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 |
| RAM Bits | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 | 165,888 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Speed Grade | 7 | 7 | 8 (faster) | 8 (faster) | 6 (slower) | 6 (slower) | 8 (faster) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +100C) |
| Lead-Free (RoHS) | No (lead-bearing) | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status (2026) | NRND / Limited stock | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- TQFP-144 hand-solderable footprint (vs EP2C8F256 (BGA package))
- Cyclone II maturity with ample toolchain documentation (vs Newer Cyclone IV E / EP4CE6E22)
- Pin-for-pin speed-grade flexibility (vs EP2C8T144C7N (lead-free only))
Design Notes
The EP2C8T144C7 requires two supply rails: VCCINT (1.15-1.25 V core) and VCCIO (per-bank I/O voltage, 1.5/1.8/2.5/3.0/3.3 V). Decouple each VCCINT pin with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin; each VCCIO bank requires a 0.1 uF + 10 uF bulk capacitor pair. Estimated: at typical utilization (50% LE, 50% RAM, 50% DSP) and 100 MHz, VCCINT current is roughly 200-300 mA; a 1.5 A LDO or switching regulator headroom is recommended. Add a power-good reset supervisor tied to nCONFIG for clean configuration startup.
Route configuration signals (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0, MSEL[3:0]) with 50 ohm controlled impedance and keep them short (< 50 mm) to avoid reflections during configuration. Place the EPCS serial configuration flash within 25 mm of DCLK/DATA0 with a ground guard trace between signals. The TQFP-144 package has standard 0.5 mm pitch and supports conventional SMT assembly on 4-layer FR-4 with no via-in-pad - a significant reliability advantage over BGA FPGA packages for hand-prototyping and rework.
Dedicated clock input pins (CLK[0..3]) feed the global clock network and should be driven by low-jitter (< 50 ps RMS) sources; route clock traces as 50 ohm microstrip with length matching within 5 mm across differential pairs. For DDR-style interfaces, use the Cyclone II DDR registers in the IOE and place DQ/DQS traces with matched length within +/-25 ps (approx 5 mm on FR-4). When interfacing with 3.3 V peripherals, configure the I/O bank VCCIO to 3.3 V; mixing 3.3 V and 1.8 V signalling requires separate banks.
Do not confuse the Cyclone II EP2C8 (90 nm, 1.2 V core, 8,256 LE) with the Cyclone III EP3C8 (65 nm, lower power) or Cyclone IV E EP4CE8 - they are different families with different bitstreams and JTAG IDs. Confirm the Quartus II toolchain version supports Cyclone II (9.0-13.1). Avoid using Cyclone III/Cyclone V/MAX device libraries against a Cyclone II target; bitstreams are NOT compatible across families. Also, when migrating from EP2C8T144C7 to a lead-free equivalent, ensure the assembly profile supports the higher reflow temperatures required for matte-tin (N-suffix) packages.
Compliance Information
EP2C8T144C7 contains lead (lead-bearing plating) and is RoHS non-compliant per besenchips.com datasheet excerpt. The 'N' suffix variant (e.g., EP2C8T144C7N) is the lead-free RoHS-compliant option with identical pinout. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an FPGA, not an automotive-qualified ASIC. REACH and conflict-minerals compliance assumed for Intel/legacy Altera supply chain.
