EP2C8T144C8N - Cyclone II FPGA 8256 LE TQFP-144 | Intel
MPN: EP2C8T144C8N ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $63.97 | $63.97 |
| 10 | $58.4 | $584.00 |
| 100 | $51.75 | $5,175.00 |
| 500 | $46.2 | $23,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $41.5 | $41,500.00 |
EP2C8T144C8N Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable semiconductor device whose logic function is defined after manufacturing by a user-supplied bitstream. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. They are chosen over application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) when design revisions, parallel processing, or hardware-acceleration flexibility are required. Cyclone II FPGAs specifically balance cost, logic density, and embedded memory for cost-sensitive applications.
Key features include 8,256 logic elements organized into 516 configurable logic blocks, 165,888 bits of embedded memory (M4K blocks), up to 182 usable I/O pins (package-limited to 85 on this 144-pin TQFP), embedded multipliers (18x18), two PLLs per device, and Cyclone II configuration via serial or parallel configuration schemes. The 90 nm process technology keeps unit cost low while supporting up to 1.1 Mbits of embedded memory at the family level.
The EP2C8T144C8N supports up to 320 MHz internal operation with on-chip PLL clock management. The 144-pin TQFP package is a surface-mount plastic thin quad flat pack without an exposed pad, simplifying PCB assembly but limiting it to moderate thermal dissipation. This device is pin-compatible with the EP2C8T144I8N (industrial temperature grade variant), enabling a single PCB to serve multiple end-market grades.
Typical applications include digital signal processing, video bridging, industrial control logic, low-cost ASIC prototyping, consumer electronics glue logic, and embedded display controllers. Designers also use Cyclone II FPGAs as a prototyping step before migrating to higher-density Cyclone III/IV/V parts.
When designing with this device, ensure that all VCCINT and VCCIO rails have proper decoupling (0.1 uF plus bulk capacitors per Quartus II pin connection guidelines) and that JTAG configuration pins are accessible for in-system programming. Consider the EP2C5T144C8N for lower-density designs to reduce cost, or migrate upward to EP2C20F256C8N if logic density outgrows the EP2C8.
This page synthesizes authorized distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from the Altera Cyclone II Device Handbook - giving engineers actionable selection guidance not found on individual distributor product pages.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C8T144C8N — 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 EP2C8T144C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Process Technology, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C8T144I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$28.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 8,256 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks | 516 |
| Embedded Memory | 165,888 bits (162 Kbit) |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 36 |
| User I/O Count | 85 |
| PLL Count | 2 |
| Core Voltage VCCINT | 1.15 V to 1.25 V (typ. 1.2 V) |
| I/O Voltage VCCIO | 1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V (bank-based) |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Max Internal Frequency | 320 MHz |
| Configuration Scheme | Serial / Parallel / JTAG |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial, suffix C) |
| Package | TQFP-144 (T144), 22x22 mm, 0.5mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EP2C8T144C8N 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 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 voltage supply |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 voltage supply |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 voltage supply |
| 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 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 38 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 39 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 40 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 41 | nCONFIG — Configuration start (active low) |
| Pin 42 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 43 | CONFIG_DONE — Configuration complete |
| Pin 44 | DCLK — Configuration clock |
| Pin 45 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
| Pin 46 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 47 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 48 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select 0 |
| Pin 49 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select 1 |
| Pin 50 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 voltage supply |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 58 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 voltage supply |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 62 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 70 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 73 | PLL1_OUTp — PLL1 output (positive) |
| Pin 74 | VCCA_PLL1 — PLL1 analog supply |
| Pin 75 | GNDA_PLL1 — PLL1 analog ground |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 79 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 voltage supply |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 91 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 voltage supply |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 107 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 108 | PLL2_OUTp — PLL2 output (positive) |
| Pin 109 | VCCA_PLL2 — PLL2 analog supply |
| Pin 110 | GNDA_PLL2 — PLL2 analog ground |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 114 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 voltage supply |
| 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 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 122 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 126 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 130 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 voltage supply |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 134 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 138 | VCCINT — Core voltage supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 142 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
Typical Applications
EP2C8T144C8N is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Front-End, Industrial Control Logic and Glue Logic, Low-Cost ASIC Prototyping, Video Format Conversion and Display Bridging, Embedded System Bus Interfacing (PCI / ISA / Legacy I/O), Consumer Electronics Display and Control.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Front-End
The EP2C8T144C8N's 36 embedded 18x18 hardware multipliers and 8,256 logic elements make it well suited to DSP front-end tasks such as digital filtering, FFT preprocessing, and modulation/demodulation stages. Compared with a software DSP running on a microcontroller, the FPGA executes multiply-accumulate operations in parallel, reducing filter group delay and freeing the host CPU for control-plane tasks. The two on-chip PLLs generate the multiple clock domains required for ADC sampling and synchronous serial interface framing, while the 85 user I/Os are sufficient to interface with parallel ADCs/DACs in the 8-16 bit range. Designers typically place the EP2C8T144C8N between a high-speed ADC and a downstream processor, consuming roughly 60-70% of available LEs at full DSP pipeline utilization.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic and Glue Logic
The EP2C8T144C8N serves as a flexible industrial control logic IC for factory automation lines, motor control boards, and PLC expansion modules. Its 85 user I/Os support up to 8 encoder counters, 4-6 stepper motor pulse-and-direction pairs, and multiple GPIO banks operating at different VCCIO levels (3.3 V for logic and 5 V via level shifting). The commercial 0C to +85C temperature grade suits cabinet-mounted equipment, while the pin-compatible EP2C8T144I8N serves harsher factory-floor installations. Compared with discrete 74-series glue logic, the EP2C8T144C8N reduces PCB area by 5-10x and allows in-system firmware updates via JTAG, eliminating board respins for logic changes. The two PLLs synthesize independent motor PWM frequencies from a single 50 MHz reference clock.
Recommended
Low-Cost ASIC Prototyping
The EP2C8T144C8N is widely used as a low-cost ASIC prototyping platform before taping out to a foundry. With 8,256 LEs and 165 Kbit of embedded memory, it can host representative subsets of larger ASIC designs, allowing early software development on a real hardware target. The TQFP-144 footprint enables hand-solderable breakout boards for engineering bring-up, and Quartus II synthesis provides a fast path from RTL to bitstream. Compared with ASIC NRE costs of USD 100K-500K plus USD 5-15 per unit, a USD 50-65 EP2C8T144C8N plus its development board delivers engineering samples within days. Designers often prototype at EP2C8 density and migrate to EP2C20 or EP2C70 parts once the RTL footprint is finalized, all within the same Quartus II toolchain.
Recommended
Video Format Conversion and Display Bridging
The EP2C8T144C8N bridges legacy video interfaces such as BT.656, VGA, and LVDS to modern HDMI or MIPI display panels in industrial HMIs and digital signage. The 85 user I/Os accommodate 24-bit RGB parallel video plus HSYNC/VSYNC and clock, while the two PLLs generate pixel clocks from 25 MHz to 148.5 MHz. The 165 Kbit of embedded memory provides line buffers for scaling and color-space conversion without external SRAM, reducing BOM cost. Compared with dedicated video processors costing USD 8-20, the EP2C8T144C8N at USD 50-65 offers a reprogrammable alternative for low-volume HMI products. Quartus II reference designs for VGA-to-DVI conversion provide a starting point for customization.
Recommended
Embedded System Bus Interfacing (PCI / ISA / Legacy I/O)
The EP2C8T144C8N acts as a bus bridge or co-processor in embedded systems requiring legacy interface support that modern microcontrollers no longer provide. Its 85 user I/Os and 320 MHz internal operation are sufficient to implement PCI target interfaces, ISA bus bridges, or parallel ATA interfaces for industrial SBCs and test equipment. The on-chip PLLs generate the precise clock frequencies required by these legacy buses (33.33 MHz PCI, 8.33 MHz ISA), while the 165 Kbit of block RAM implements FIFO buffers without external memory. Compared with discrete PCI interface ICs costing USD 12-25, the FPGA at USD 50-65 provides a fully programmable, in-system upgradeable solution that has kept Cyclone II in production designs long after the family was originally marketed.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Display and Control
The EP2C8T144C8N enables cost-sensitive consumer electronics designs such as digital photo frames, point-of-sale terminals, and small-form-factor media players. Its TQFP-144 package is hand-solderable for low-volume consumer product prototypes, while the 85 user I/Os support touch-panel interfaces, SD card controllers, and LCD timing generation. The two PLLs synthesize pixel clocks for common LCD panels ranging from QVGA (6.25 MHz) to WVGA (40 MHz) without external clock generators. Compared with application processors costing USD 10-30, the EP2C8T144C8N at USD 50-65 is more economical for fixed-function consumer designs where the host CPU is unnecessary. Commercial 0C to +85C temperature operation covers indoor consumer environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C8T144C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C8T144I8N | EP2C8T144C7N | EP2C8T144C8 | EP2C8T144C6N | EP2C8T144C7 | EP2C8T144C6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-144 (T144) | TQFP-144 (T144) - same | TQFP-144 (T144) - same | TQFP-144 (T144) - same | TQFP-144 (T144) - same | TQFP-144 (T144) - same | TQFP-144 (T144) - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Elements | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 | 8,256 |
| Speed Grade | C8 | I8 (industrial temp, equivalent speed) | C7 (slower) | C8 (same speed) | C6 (slowest) | C7 (slower) | C6 (slowest) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Lead Finish | Lead-free (N suffix, RoHS) | Lead-free (N suffix, RoHS) | Lead-free (N suffix, RoHS) | Tin-lead (non-N) | Lead-free (N suffix, RoHS) | Tin-lead (non-N) | Tin-lead (non-N) |
| Embedded Memory | 165,888 bits (162 Kbit) | 165,888 bits | 165,888 bits | 165,888 bits | 165,888 bits | 165,888 bits | 165,888 bits |
| User I/O Count | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
Key Differentiators
- Commercial temperature grade at lower price than industrial EP2C8T144I8N (vs EP2C8T144I8N)
- C8 is the fastest speed grade in the EP2C8T144 TQFP-144 family (vs EP2C8T144C7N)
- Lead-free RoHS-compliant terminal finish (N suffix) (vs EP2C8T144C8)
Design Notes
Estimated: The EP2C8T144C8N core draws approximately 50-300 mA from VCCINT (1.2 V) depending on logic utilization, clock frequency, and toggle rate. Each I/O bank (VCCIO1-VCCIO4) draws 5-50 mA depending on switching activity and load. Design a power supply capable of at least 500 mA on VCCINT plus 100 mA per VCCIO bank. Use a linear regulator (LDO) such as a 1.5 A part for VCCINT, and add 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VCCINT and VCCIO pin per Quartus II pin connection guidelines.
The TQFP-144 package without an exposed thermal pad has a higher junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA approximately 35-45 C/W) than BGA packages with exposed pads. For commercial 0C to +85C operation, ensure total power dissipation stays below approximately 1.0 W without airflow. For designs approaching 1.5 W, add 100 LFM airflow or migrate to the FBGA-256 packaged EP2C8F256C8N, which provides an exposed pad for heatsink attachment.
The TQFP-144 package has 0.5 mm lead pitch - PCB design requires 4-mil (0.1 mm) trace/space rules and 8-mil (0.2 mm) pad-to-trace clearance. Use micro-vias or dog-bone fanouts for inner-row signals. Provide at least 4 power planes (one each for VCCINT, VCCIO, GND, and one split for PLL analog supply isolation) to minimize power-supply-induced jitter on PLL outputs. Route JTAG signals (TMS, TCK, TDO, TDI) with 50 ohm characteristic impedance and keep them away from high-speed switching signals to avoid programming failures.
Do not confuse the EP2C8T144C8N (TQFP-144) with the EP2C8Q208C8N (PQFP-208) - they share silicon but use different packages and pinouts, making PCB migration impossible without redesign. Ensure MSEL pins are correctly strapped for the chosen configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG) per the Cyclone II Device Handbook. Do not leave VCCIO banks floating when not used - tie each VCCIO to VCCINT (1.2 V) or to a valid I/O voltage to avoid I/O buffer instability at power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey product listing (N suffix denotes lead-free finish). AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial/industrial grade FPGA, not automotive-qualified. Last-time-buy status from Intel as of 2026 - new production orders are no longer accepted.
