EP2SGX90FF40C4N - 90nm Stratix II GX FPGA 90,960 LEs | Altera
MPN: EP2SGX90FF40C4N β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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EP2SGX90FF40C4N Overview
What is an FPGA? A field-programmable gate array is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing, hard IP blocks (transceivers, memory, DSP slices), and I/O cells that the designer programs after manufacture. FPGAs sit above microcontrollers and ASICs in the reconfigurable-logic taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Stratix II GX devices specifically add multi-gigabit transceivers to position the part as a wire-speed bridge between ASICs/ASSPs and high-speed serial links such as PCIe, Serial RapidIO, XAUI, and Custom ASIC/ASSP protocols.
Key specifications include 4.5 Mbits of M512/M4K/M-RAM block memory, 192 18x18-bit hardware multipliers for DSP, 12 embedded transceivers with 6.375 Gbps maximum data rate, and 8 PLLs for clock management. The Enhanced Configuration Devices scheme supports fast passive serial, passive parallel, and JTAG configuration modes, with configuration via EPC devices or a microprocessor. The device integrates a flexible hi-speed serial interface that complies with PCIe 1.0a, Serial RapidIO 1.2, XAUI, and CEI-6G standards.
Typical applications include high-speed serial backplanes (XAUI, PCIe), DSP co-processing for wireless baseband, HD-SDI video interfaces, and storage area network bridges. Compared to an MCU, the Stratix II GX delivers deterministic parallel datapaths and hardware multipliers; compared to a general-purpose Stratix II, it adds multi-gigabit transceivers.
When designing with this device, dedicate four dedicated SERDES reference-clock inputs and follow Altera's Stratix II GX pin connection guidelines for unused transceiver channels. Maintain the 1.2 V core rail within Β±5% and provide a clean 2.5 V PLL analog supply, as PLL noise directly impacts jitter performance.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in same-package alternatives drawn from the Site MPN list, and practical design notes that supplement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP2SGX90FF40C4N β 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 EP2SGX90FF40C4N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Mounting Type, Package, DSP Blocks, Logic Array Blocks (LABs), Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP2SGX90FF1508C4N
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View Datasheet βEP2SGX90FF1508C4ES
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View Datasheet βEP2SGX90FF1508C4NGB
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2SGX90F1508C4N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP2S90F1508C4N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
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View Datasheet βEP2SGX90FF40C4N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Stratix II GX |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 90,960 |
| Process Technology | 90 nm |
| Maximum Transceiver Data Rate | 6.375 Gbps |
| Transceiver Count | 12 |
| Total Embedded Memory | 4.5 Mbits (M512/M4K/M-RAM) |
| DSP Block Count (18x18 multipliers) | 192 |
| PLL Count | 8 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.2 V core / 2.5 V PLL analog |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial (C4) |
| Package | 1,508-ball FC-FBGA (FF1508) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Mode | Enhanced Configuration (EPC), Passive Serial/Parallel, JTAG |
| High-Speed Serial Standards | PCIe 1.0a, Serial RapidIO 1.2, XAUI, CEI-6G |
EP2SGX90FF40C4N Pin Configuration
| Pin BGA-1 | VCCIO_1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin BGA-754 | GND β Common ground (multiple balls per quadrant) |
| Pin BGA-755 | VCCINT β 1.2 V core supply |
| Pin BGA-1000 | VCCA_PLL β 2.5 V PLL analog supply |
| Pin BGA-1001 | GNDA_PLL β PLL analog ground |
| Pin BGA-1508 | NC β Not connected (no internal bond) |
Typical Applications
EP2SGX90FF40C4N is suitable for 7 applications: PCIe 1.0a Endpoint Card, XAUI 10G Ethernet Backplane Bridge, Wireless Baseband DSP Co-Processor, HD-SDI Video Router / Switcher, Serial RapidIO Switch / Endpoint, Storage Area Network Bridge (Fibre Channel / SAS), Test & Measurement Instrumentation Front-End.
PCIe 1.0a Endpoint Card
The EP2SGX90FF40C4N's 12 embedded transceivers at up to 6.375 Gbps make it a fit for PCIe 1.0a x4 endpoint cards in workstation add-in hardware. With 90,960 logic elements the fabric can host a soft PCIe IP core plus DMA engine and user application logic. Place the device on a 1.2 V core rail with a clean 2.5 V PLL analog supply and follow Altera's Stratix II GX pin connection guidelines for PCIe reference-clock inputs. Compared to an external PHY, the integrated transceivers save board area and reduce jitter from the SERDES-to-MAC interface. Design risk is dominated by PCB stack-up for 2.5 Gbps TX/RX pairs and AC-coupling capacitor selection.
Recommended
XAUI 10G Ethernet Backplane Bridge
The EP2SGX90FF40C4N provides four XAUI lanes running at 3.125 Gbps each, aggregating to 10 Gbps full-duplex for switch backplanes and ATCA chassis. The 12 transceivers enable two independent XAUI ports plus a management lane on a single device. With 192 hardware multipliers and 4.5 Mbits of block memory, the fabric can implement 10G MAC plus framer plus on-chip statistics counters. Designers should isolate the 2.5 V PLL analog supply and use differential reference clocks with controlled impedance routing. Compared to merchant 10G Ethernet MAC ASICs, this part offers reconfigurable protocol adaptation and post-silicon field upgrades.
Recommended
Wireless Baseband DSP Co-Processor
The EP2SGX90FF40C4N's 192 18x18-bit hardware multipliers and 4.5 Mbits of block memory accelerate 3G/4G baseband signal processing, including FFT/iFFT, channel estimation, and turbo decoding. A single device can host multiple parallel DSP pipelines while the SERDES channels backhaul digitized I/Q to a host ASIC. At a 90 nm process node, power per DSP op is higher than modern 28/40 nm parts, so thermal management on the 1,508-ball BGA is critical. Place decoupling on every VCC pin and use at least eight ground balls per quadrant. The C4 commercial speed grade is sufficient for most baseband clock rates below 200 MHz.
Recommended
HD-SDI Video Router / Switcher
Broadcast video routers benefit from the EP2SGX90FF40C4N's 12 transceivers at up to 6.375 Gbps, supporting HD-SDI (1.485 Gbps) and 3G-SDI (2.97 Gbps) rates for matrix switching fabrics. The 90,960 logic elements host an embedded crosspoint switch and embedded audio de-embedding cores. The FF1508 FC-FBGA package provides robust thermal performance and signal integrity for high-speed serial I/O in 1 RU broadcast equipment. Compared to a pure ASIC crosspoint, this part adds flexible protocol support (SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, and async mapping) on a single device, reducing BOM and time-to-market for new video formats.
Recommended
Serial RapidIO Switch / Endpoint
Embedded computing systems using Serial RapidIO 1.2 interconnect can leverage the EP2SGX90FF40C4N for endpoint bridging, switch fabric prototyping, or DSP aggregation backplanes. The 6.375 Gbps transceivers support SRIO x1/x4 lanes operating at 1.25/2.5/3.125 Gbaud, and the logic fabric hosts the logical SRIO transport layer with embedded flow control. Compared to dedicated SRIO switch ASICs, this FPGA allows custom protocol extensions and on-chip analytics. Designers must budget PCB routing for 100 ohm differential pairs and isolate SRIO clocks from noisy data switchers to meet SRIO jitter masks.
Recommended
Storage Area Network Bridge (Fibre Channel / SAS)
Storage bridges for Fibre Channel 4G/8G or SAS 3G/6G can be prototyped on the EP2SGX90FF40C4N using its embedded transceivers and DSP-rich fabric for protocol translation. With 90,960 LEs and 192 multipliers, the device can run multiple protocol engines concurrently. The 1,508-ball FC-FBGA package's thermal envelope suits 1U/2U storage chassis. Compared to bridge ASICs, this FPGA gives OEMs a single platform for multiple storage protocols (FC, SAS, SATA), reducing qualification time and inventory. Note that for 8G Fibre Channel the SERDES must be configured for 8.5 Gbps, exceeding the part's 6.375 Gbps limit; choose EP2SGX130 family for 8G FC.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation Front-End
The EP2SGX90FF40C4N's 12 transceivers serve as the high-speed digitizer / serializer front-end in bench-top test equipment such as protocol analyzers, BERT testers, and logic-analyzer probe heads. The logic fabric hosts custom trigger logic, real-time protocol decoding, and statistical analysis. The 1.2 V core draws modest power compared to modern 28 nm parts, simplifying lab PSU design. Compared to fixed-function protocol-analyzer ASICs, this FPGA supports field-upgradeable protocols and customer-driven measurement IP. Designers should keep all unused transceiver channels powered-down and follow the Stratix II GX handbook to suppress TX/RX common-mode noise in sensitive probe environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP2SGX90FF40C4N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP2SGX90FF1508C4N | EP2SGX90FF1508C4 | EP2SGX90FF1508C4ES | EP2SGX90F1508C4N | EP2S90F1508C4N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | FF1508 (1,508-ball FC-FBGA) | FF1508 (1,508-ball FC-FBGA) - same | FF1508 (1,508-ball FC-FBGA) - same | FF1508 (1,508-ball FC-FBGA) - same | FF1508 (1,508-ball FC-FBGA) - same | FF1508 (1,508-ball FC-FBGA) - same |
| Logic Elements | 90,960 | 90,960 | 90,960 | 90,960 | 90,960 | 90,960 |
| Embedded Transceivers | 12 (6.375 Gbps) | 12 (6.375 Gbps) | 12 (6.375 Gbps) | 12 (6.375 Gbps) | 12 (6.375 Gbps) | 0 (no SERDES) |
| Embedded Memory | 4.5 Mbits | 4.5 Mbits | 4.5 Mbits | 4.5 Mbits | 4.5 Mbits | 4.5 Mbits |
| DSP Multipliers (18x18) | 192 | 192 | 192 | 192 | 192 | 192 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| Speed Grade / Temperature | C4 Commercial | C4 Commercial | C4 Commercial | ES Extended | C4 Commercial | C4 Commercial |
| Process Node | 90 nm | 90 nm | 90 nm | 90 nm | 90 nm | 90 nm |
| Lead-Free (N suffix) | Yes (Pb-free) | Yes (Pb-free) | No (SnPb) | Yes (Pb-free) | Yes (Pb-free) | Yes (Pb-free) |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible FF1508 BGA across C4 speed grades (vs EP2SGX90FF1508C4N)
- Pb-free (N suffix) terminations (vs EP2SGX90FF1508C4)
- Embedded SERDES at 6.375 Gbps vs external PHY (vs EP2S90F1508C4N)
Design Notes
The EP2SGX90FF40C4N requires a tightly regulated 1.2 V core supply at Β±5% tolerance and a separate, low-noise 2.5 V analog PLL supply. Estimated: at full fabric utilization (90% LEs, 100% transceiver activity, all 12 SERDES at 6.375 Gbps PRBS31), core current approaches 5-7 A. Decouple every VCC pin with a 0.1 Β΅F X7R plus 10 Β΅F bulk ceramic, and place at least 8 low-ESR decoupling balls per quadrant. Add a ferrite bead isolating the 2.5 V PLL analog rail from switching noise on the 2.5 V I/O rail.
On the 1,508-ball FC-FBGA package, expose at least 100 mmΒ² of copper pour on the top layer for thermal dissipation. Estimated: at 6.5 W core dissipation on a 4-layer 1 oz board, junction temperature rises approximately 25-30 Β°C above ambient with proper airflow. Place NTC thermistors near the BGA center for thermal monitoring, and keep transceiver activity below 70% duty cycle at 6.375 Gbps to avoid hotspot accumulation in the SERDES block.
Route all 12 transceiver channels as 100 Ξ© differential pairs with a continuous reference ground plane on layer 2. Use the Stratix II GX pin connection guidelines to leave unused TX/RX pins unconnected (do not float TX outputs - tie through AC-coupling if needed). Maintain a minimum of 3W spacing between SERDES pairs and any single-ended clock or switching signal. For PCIe and XAUI, route the 100 MHz reference clock with the same length-matching tolerance as the data pairs (β€150 Β΅m).
AC-couple every TX output with 100 nF 0402 X7R capacitors placed within 5 mm of the FPGA ball; long AC-coupling traces degrade 6.375 Gbps eye diagrams. For RX inputs, provide a 0.1 Β΅F to VCCR supply on each RX pin per the datasheet reference schematic. Use 6-layer or 8-layer stack-up with stripline for SERDES pairs longer than 25 mm to suppress radiated EMI from the 6 GHz fundamental.
Do not apply power to VCCINT (1.2 V) before VCCA_PLL (2.5 V) - the datasheet mandates VCCA_PLL β€ VCCINT + 0.5 V at all times for hot-socketing safety. Configure unused transceiver channels to power-down mode via the Quartus II device programming file; leaving them active wastes 50-100 mW per channel. For passive serial configuration, ensure the MSEL pins are strapped for the correct configuration scheme before MSEL[2:0] are sampled at power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance inferred from the 'N' suffix per Altera ordering code convention. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade FPGA (C4 grade), not automotive-qualified. Original Altera (now Intel) manufacturer certificate of compliance recommended for regulated applications.
