EP2C8T144I8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 8256 Cells, 144-LQFP | Intel
MPN: EP2C8T144I8 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30.13 | $30.13 |
| 10 | $27.8 | $278.00 |
| 100 | $25.4 | $2,540.00 |
| 500 | $23.1 | $11,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $21.5 | $21,500.00 |
EP2C8T144I8 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device built from an array of programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and embedded memory blocks that can be customized by the end user after manufacturing. Cyclone II belongs to the low-cost programmable logic -> FPGA -> programmable logic device -> integrated circuit hierarchy, designed to deliver ASIC-like density at ASIC-like unit cost for high-volume applications. FPGAs occupy the same role in system architecture as an ASIC but offer in-field reconfigurability, parallel logic execution, and deterministic hardware timing.
Key features of the EP2C8T144I8 include up to 402.58 MHz internal operation, 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers suitable for DSP functions, and up to 516 configurable logic blocks (CLBs) implemented using a 90-nm CMOS process. The device also supports up to 165888 RAM bits organized into M4K memory blocks, and offers four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management and frequency synthesis. The 144-LQFP package uses plastic gull-wing leads and a 1.0 mm pitch, which is compatible with low-cost PCB manufacturing.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, communication protocol bridging, low-cost DSP functions, and glue logic replacement. The Cyclone II family is widely used in cost-sensitive designs where designers want FPGA flexibility but must meet tight BOM targets.
When designing with the EP2C8T144I8, ensure that all four PLL analog supply pins (VCCA_PLL) are properly decoupled and that the JTAG chain is accessible in production for in-system programming. Multiple I/O voltage banks allow mixed-voltage interfacing (3.3 V, 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 1.5 V) within the same device without external translator ICs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across DigiKey, Mouser, LCSC, and Octopart, drop-in Cyclone II alternatives sharing the same TQFP-144 footprint, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original Cyclone II datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2C8T144I8 — 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 EP2C8T144I8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Embedded Multipliers (18x18), Operating Temperature, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2C8T144I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$41.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144I8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C5T144I8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP2C8T144I8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone II |
| Logic Elements | 8256 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) | 516 |
| Total RAM Bits | 165888 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 18 |
| User I/O Count | 85 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP-144) |
| Process Technology | 90 nm CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Speed Grade | I8 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 402.58 MHz |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead Pitch | 1.0 mm |
EP2C8T144I8 144-lqfp (tqfp-144) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP2C8T144I8 (144-lqfp (tqfp-144) 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 EP2C8T144I8.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP2C8T144I8 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Pipelines, Communication Protocol Bridging, Low-Cost DSP Functions, Glue Logic Replacement, Embedded Display Controllers.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP2C8T144I8 is widely deployed in industrial motor control for AC induction motors, BLDC motors, and stepper motor drives. The 8256 logic elements support Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms including Park/Clarke transforms, PI controllers, and SVM modulators. The 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers enable high-throughput matrix math for current/torque loops without offloading to external DSPs. The 4 PLLs generate the high-frequency PWM carrier clocks (typically 10-50 kHz switching frequency with sub-microsecond timing resolution) from a single low-frequency reference. The 85 user I/Os accommodate multi-axis designs with 3-phase PWM outputs, encoder feedback inputs (QEP), Hall sensor interfaces, and protection signals (overcurrent, overtemperature). Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) ensures operation in factory floor environments.
Recommended
Video Processing Pipelines
The EP2C8T144I8 serves as a low-cost video bridge in surveillance, broadcast, and consumer video products. Its 165888 RAM bits accommodate line buffers for deinterlacing, scaling, and color space conversion; each M4K block holds a full 720p scan line at 32 bits per pixel. The 402.58 MHz internal performance supports real-time processing of standard-definition and 720p HD video streams, with throughput headroom for 1080p processing in compressed formats. Embedded multipliers enable 2D FIR filtering for noise reduction and sharpening. The 85 user I/Os handle parallel BT.656 / BT.1120 video buses, I2C control for video codecs, and parallel RGB/LVDS display interfaces. For cost-sensitive designs, the EP2C8T144I8 enables a single-chip video processing solution that previously required a dedicated ASSP.
Recommended
Communication Protocol Bridging
The EP2C8T144I8 excels as a multi-protocol bridge in industrial and embedded systems, converting between UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, USB, and custom protocols in a single chip. Its 8256 LEs support soft IP cores for UART (16C750-compatible), SPI master/slave, I2C master/slave, CAN 2.0B controllers, and even lightweight Ethernet MACs. The 165888 RAM bits provide packet buffering for protocol translation without external memory. The 4 PLLs generate precise clock outputs for synchronous serial interfaces (SPI, UART with baud rate accuracy) and asymmetric rates. Industrial temperature rating makes it suitable for factory floor protocol gateways and industrial IoT bridges that convert legacy RS-485 to Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP.
Recommended
Low-Cost DSP Functions
The EP2C8T144I8 implements cost-optimized DSP functions where a dedicated DSP processor would be overkill. Its 18 embedded 18x18 multipliers enable FIR filters, IIR filters, FFTs up to 1024 points, and basic convolutions at sample rates above 100 MSPS. The 165888 RAM bits hold coefficient tables and data buffers for streaming DSP. Industrial motor control, audio processing (filters, equalizers, dynamics), and basic image processing fit well within the 8256-LE capacity. For audio applications, the FPGA can implement sample-rate converters, mixers, and basic codecs. The 402.58 MHz performance supports real-time processing of multi-channel audio at 192 kHz with sufficient timing margin. Compared to a dedicated DSP, the FPGA offers lower latency and parallel processing of multiple DSP streams.
Recommended
Glue Logic Replacement
The EP2C8T144I8 replaces dozens of 74-series TTL/CMOS glue logic ICs in complex embedded systems, reducing board area, BOM cost, and inventory complexity. Its 85 user I/Os handle complex address decoding, bus multiplexing, interrupt aggregation, and timing logic that would otherwise require 5-15 discrete logic ICs. The FPGA can absorb multiple functions (bus arbitration, FIFO buffering, custom state machines) into a single 144-pin LQFP, replacing an entire logic island on the PCB. Reconfigurability allows late-stage design changes without PCB rework - a critical advantage in product development cycles. The 8256-LE capacity supports complex glue logic for SoC-based designs where the SoC's native I/O or timing does not match peripheral requirements.
Recommended
Embedded Display Controllers
The EP2C8T144I8 implements custom display controllers for LCD, OLED, and segmented displays in industrial HMIs, medical devices, and automotive aftermarket products. The 85 user I/Os accommodate 16-bit/18-bit/24-bit parallel RGB interfaces, SPI/QSPI display controller interfaces, and backlight PWM control. The 165888 RAM bits provide frame buffering for small displays and character/font ROM for segmented and dot-matrix LCDs. The 4 PLLs generate precise pixel clocks for non-standard display timings. Industrial temperature rating supports outdoor HMI panels and factory-floor operator interfaces. For cost-sensitive products where an ASSP display controller does not exist, the EP2C8T144I8 enables a custom display controller at lower unit cost than ASIC development.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2C8T144I8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2C8T144I8N | EP2C8T144C8N | EP2C8T144C8 | EP2C5T144I8N | EP2C5T144I8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same |
| 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 |
| Logic Elements | 8256 | 8256 - same | 8256 - same | 8256 - same | 4608 - smaller | 4608 - smaller |
| RAM Bits | 165888 | 165888 - same | 165888 - same | 165888 - same | 119808 - smaller | 119808 - smaller |
| User I/Os | 85 | 85 - same | 85 - same | 85 - same | 89 - more | 89 - more |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) - same | 0C to +85C (Commercial) - limited | 0C to +85C (Commercial) - limited | -40C to +85C (Industrial) - same | -40C to +85C (Industrial) - same |
| Lead Finish | Lead-bearing | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Lead-bearing | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Lead-bearing |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-bearing vs lead-free finish for legacy compatibility (vs EP2C8T144I8N)
- Industrial temperature range for harsh environments (vs EP2C8T144C8N)
- Highest LE density in 144-LQFP Cyclone II family (vs EP2C5T144I8N)
Design Notes
The EP2C8T144I8 requires multiple supply rails: VCCINT (1.2 V core), VCCIO (1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V per I/O bank), VCCA_PLL (analog PLL 1.2 V), and VCCD_PLL (digital PLL 1.2 V). Per Cyclone II handbook, VCCA_PLL must be powered up before or simultaneously with VCCINT to prevent latch-up; a ferrite bead or filter is recommended between VCCA and VCCD_PLL. Decoupling: place 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors within 100 mils of each VCCINT pin, and 0.1 uF within 50 mils of each VCCIO pin. Use a dedicated ground plane under the device for noise isolation.
The 144-LQFP package with 1.0 mm pitch is suitable for 4-layer PCB manufacturing at standard 0.2 mm trace/space rules. Per Cyclone II PCB layout guidelines, all four PLL analog supply pins (VCCA_PLL1-4) require guard rings with via stitching to the analog ground plane. JTAG pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) should be routed with 4 mil traces and length-matched within 1 inch to support reliable configuration. The exposed thermal pad on the bottom of the LQFP should be soldered to a thermal copper pour for heat dissipation.
Common pitfalls when designing with EP2C8T144I8: (1) Connecting JTAG pins incorrectly - nSTATUS and nCONFIG must be pulled up to VCCIO of the configuration bank; (2) Forgetting MSEL pin settings - MSEL[2:0] must match the configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG, or Fast Passive Parallel); (3) Using single-ended clock inputs without AC coupling - LVDS clock inputs require 100-ohm termination; (4) Exceeding absolute maximum ratings - VCCINT must never exceed 1.25 V or device damage will occur. Refer to the Cyclone II handbook section on configuration for detailed guidance.
Compliance Information
EP2C8T144I8 uses lead-bearing finish (non-N variant) and is NOT RoHS compliant. Choose EP2C8T144I8N for RoHS-compliant designs. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable for FPGAs in industrial/consumer markets; not applicable for FPGAs in this Cyclone II family.
