EP4CE15E22C8N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 15K LE, 144-EQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP4CE15E22C8N β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.47 | $22.47 |
| 10 | $20.84 | $208.40 |
| 100 | $19.05 | $1,905.00 |
| 500 | $17.4 | $8,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.95 | $15,950.00 |
EP4CE15E22C8N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect. FPGAs belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and sit within the hierarchy of digital integrated circuits. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGAs can be reconfigured in-system to implement custom digital logic, DSP pipelines, memory controllers, and interface protocols, making them ideal for prototyping and low-to-medium volume designs.
Key features of the EP4CE15E22C8N include 15,408 logic elements (LEs), 516,096 bits (63 Kbytes) of embedded SRAM, 56 embedded 18x18 hardware multipliers, 4 general-purpose PLLs, and 20 global clock networks. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and other I/O standards through 81 user I/O pins. Static power consumption is optimized through Cyclone IV E's low-power process technology targeting under 1.5W typical static power.
Architecturally, the EP4CE15E22C8N uses a 60nm low-power CMOS process and the LUT-based logic fabric shared across the Cyclone IV E family. Memory blocks (M9K) deliver true dual-port operation at up to 300 MHz, and the 18x18 multipliers support DSP operations such as FIR filters and FFTs without consuming general logic.
Typical applications include industrial control and motor drives, video processing and display controllers, automotive infotainment prototypes, communications protocol bridges, and general-purpose glue logic replacement. Designers also use the EP4CE15E22C8N for PCIe endpoint soft IP (Gen1 capable) when paired with external transceivers.
When designing with this device, plan power sequencing (1.2V core before 2.5V/3.3V I/O), use the Quartus Prime design suite for synthesis and place-and-route, and ensure the exposed thermal pad on the EQFP-144 is soldered to a thermal ground plane for adequate heat dissipation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone IV alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CE15E22C8N 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 EP4CE15E22C8N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Configuration Modes, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CE15E22C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$105.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE15E22I7N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4CE22E22C8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4CE10E22C8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE10E22I8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$20.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE15E22C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone IV E |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 15,408 |
| Embedded Memory (Bits) | 516,096 |
| Embedded Memory (Kbits) | 504 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 56 |
| General Purpose PLLs | 4 |
| User I/O Pins | 81 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) |
| Speed Grade | 8 |
| Package | 144-pin EQFP (Enhanced QFP) with Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Process Technology | 60 nm low-power CMOS |
| Configuration Method | SRAM-based, AS / PS / JTAG |
EP4CE15E22C8N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 7 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 11 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 12 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 14 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 16 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 17 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 20 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 23 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 24 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 25 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 26 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 28 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 30 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 31 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 32 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 33 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 34 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 35 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 36 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 37 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 38 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 39 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 40 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 41 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 42 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 43 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 44 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 45 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 46 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 47 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 48 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 49 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 50 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 51 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 52 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 53 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 54 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 55 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 56 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 57 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 58 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 59 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 60 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 61 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 62 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 63 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 64 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 65 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 66 | VCCIO4 β I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 67 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 68 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 69 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 70 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 71 | VCCIO4 β I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 72 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 73 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 74 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 75 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 76 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 77 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 78 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 79 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 80 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 81 | VCCIO4 β I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 82 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 83 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 84 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 85 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 86 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 87 | VCCIO5 β I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 88 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 89 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 90 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 91 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 92 | VCCIO5 β I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 93 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 94 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 95 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 96 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 97 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 98 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 99 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 100 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 101 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 102 | VCCIO5 β I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 103 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 104 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 105 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 106 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 107 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 108 | VCCIO6 β I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 109 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 110 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 111 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 112 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 113 | VCCIO6 β I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 114 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 115 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 116 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 117 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 118 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 119 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 120 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 121 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 122 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 123 | VCCIO6 β I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 124 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 125 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 126 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 127 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 128 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 129 | VCCIO7 β I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 130 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 131 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 132 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 133 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 134 | VCCIO7 β I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 135 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 136 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 137 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 138 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 139 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (1.2V) |
| Pin 140 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 141 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 142 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 143 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 144 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 8) |
Typical Applications
EP4CE15E22C8N is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing and Display Controllers, Communications Protocol Bridges, Automotive Infotainment Prototyping, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Industrial Automation and PLCs, LED Display and Lighting Controllers.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP4CE15E22C8N is well suited to industrial motor control and drive systems where precise PWM generation, encoder feedback processing, and real-time control loops are required. Its 15,408 logic elements and 56 embedded 18x18 multipliers support field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms, SVPWM modulators, and digital filter implementations without exhausting logic. The 4 general-purpose PLLs allow flexible clock generation for multiple PWM channels and encoder interfaces, while 516 Kbits of embedded SRAM provide buffering for control loops and lookup tables. The commercial 0-85C operating range covers most factory-floor enclosures; for harsher environments, the EP4CE15E22I7N industrial variant is pin-compatible. Compared with discrete MCU solutions, the FPGA delivers deterministic latency and parallel processing of multiple axes simultaneously.
Recommended
Video Processing and Display Controllers
The EP4CE15E22C8N serves video processing pipelines including HDMI/DVI passthrough, color-space conversion, scaling, and overlay generation. Its 81 user I/Os support LVDS and LVCMOS interfaces commonly used for TFT LCD panels and camera sensors, while 516 Kbits of embedded memory buffer video line data efficiently. The 18x18 hardware multipliers accelerate FIR filters for image sharpening and noise reduction. Designers typically instantiate soft IP for I2C, SPI, and CSI/DSI bridges, leveraging the FPGA's reconfigurability to support multiple display resolutions. With 4 PLLs, pixel clocks from 25 MHz to 148.5 MHz are easily generated. The EQFP-144 exposed pad aids thermal dissipation when the device operates continuously at full video bandwidth.
Recommended
Communications Protocol Bridges
For communications equipment, the EP4CE15E22C8N bridges between protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet MAC, PCIe Gen1 endpoint, and custom industrial buses. Its 15,408 LEs accommodate soft IP cores for Ethernet MAC and PCIe Gen1 (with external transceivers), while the 56 hardware multipliers support forward error correction and encryption. The 4 PLLs provide independent clock domains for each interface, eliminating the need for external clock buffers. Designers frequently use this device as a flexible protocol converter in industrial gateways, telecom line cards, and embedded networking modules where standard ASSPs cannot meet specific customer requirements. The SRAM-based configuration enables field upgrades over JTAG or via serial flash.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Prototyping
In automotive infotainment development, the EP4CE15E22C8N provides the FPGA fabric for prototyping head-unit interfaces, CAN/LIN gateway logic, and audio/video routing before ASIC tape-out. The 15,408 LEs and 56 multipliers support MP3/AAC decoding, sample-rate conversion, and simple graphics overlay. I/O flexibility allows simultaneous connection to LVDS displays, MOST network bridges, and traditional analog audio codecs. Note that the C8N is commercial-grade; production automotive designs require the AEC-Q100 qualified variants from the Cyclone IV automotive family. The 144-pin EQFP footprint simplifies bench-top prototype construction and rework, which is critical during iterative infotainment development cycles.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP4CE15E22C8N is a strong fit for test and measurement equipment such as logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and data acquisition systems. Its 81 user I/Os provide multiple parallel probe channels at speeds up to 200 MHz per pin using LVDS, while embedded memory captures long waveform records. Designers implement custom trigger logic, pattern generators, and statistics counters using the 15,408 LEs. The 4 PLLs synthesize multiple sample-clock phases from a single reference oscillator, simplifying clock-tree design. Reconfigurability allows the same hardware to support multiple test standards as protocols evolve, reducing total cost of ownership for instrument manufacturers.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and PLCs
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and distributed I/O systems benefit from the EP4CE15E22C8N's deterministic logic, robust I/O count, and industrial-capable operating temperature. The 81 user I/Os accommodate multiple 24V-tolerant digital inputs and relay outputs when paired with external driver ICs, while 15,408 LEs implement ladder-logic-equivalent sequential control and PID loops. The 56 multipliers accelerate DSP-based signal conditioning for analog I/O modules. The 4 PLLs synchronize multiple communication interfaces including EtherCAT, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP using soft IP cores. Compared with microcontroller-based PLCs, the FPGA delivers deterministic cycle times and parallel execution across multiple I/O banks, critical for high-speed automation lines.
Recommended
LED Display and Lighting Controllers
Large LED video walls and architectural lighting installations use the EP4CE15E22C8N to drive thousands of pixels with precise timing. The 81 user I/Os and high-speed LVDS support multiplexed LED panel drivers, while the 516 Kbits of embedded memory buffer scan-line data for refresh. Designers implement gamma correction, color calibration, and dithering using the hardware multipliers and LUTs. Multiple PLLs generate independent pixel clocks for cascaded panels. The FPGA's reconfigurability enables firmware updates for new video standards or panel resolutions in deployed installations without hardware changes. The exposed thermal pad on the EQFP-144 package supports continuous operation at high pixel-refresh rates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CE15E22C8N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CE15E22C7N | EP4CE15E22I7N | EP4CE22E22C8N | EP4CE10E22C8N | EP4CE10E22I8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-pin EQFP (E22) | 144-pin EQFP (E22) - same | 144-pin EQFP (E22) - same | 144-pin EQFP (E22) - same | 144-pin EQFP (E22) - same | 144-pin EQFP (E22) - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Elements | 15,408 | 15,408 | 15,408 | 22,320 | 10,320 | 10,320 |
| Embedded Memory (Bits) | 516,096 | 516,096 | 516,096 | 594,432 | 423,936 | 423,936 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 56 | 56 | 56 | 66 | 46 | 46 |
| User I/O Pins | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 7 (faster) | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C | -40C to +100C (Industrial) | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | -40C to +100C (Industrial) |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| General-Purpose PLLs | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard low-cost FPGA with mature toolchain (vs Xilinx Spartan-6 XC6SLX9)
- Scalable within same package footprint (vs EP4CE10E22C8N)
- Backward-compatible density upgrade path (vs EP4CE22E22C8N)
- Industrial temperature variant available pin-compatible (vs EP4CE15E22I7N)
Design Notes
The EP4CE15E22C8N requires two supply rails: VCCINT (1.2V core) and VCCIO (per-bank I/O voltages, typically 1.2V/1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V). According to the Cyclone IV Device Handbook, VCCINT must ramp monotonically and reach 90% of nominal before any VCCIO bank is powered; failure to follow this sequence can cause high inrush current and potential device latch-up. Use a power sequencer IC or RC delay network to enforce the order. Decoupling: place 0.1uF and 10uF ceramic capacitors within 5mm of every VCCINT and VCCIO pin pair, with the exposed thermal pad tied to a continuous ground plane for both electrical and thermal dissipation.
The EQFP-144 exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a PCB thermal land connected to the inner ground plane via a 4x4 via array (0.3mm via diameter, 1.0mm pitch). Estimated: with a typical 4-layer PCB (1oz copper) the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) is approximately 18 C/W, supporting about 2.5W dissipation at 85C ambient. Without the thermal pad soldered, theta_JA rises above 35 C/W and continuous operation at high toggle rates will trigger the on-die thermal sensor, causing the device to enter self-protection mode and reduce performance.
PCB layout for the EP4CE15E22C8N requires careful attention to differential pair routing for LVDS signals (100 ohm differential impedance, matched within 5 mils), length matching for clock signals (within 50 mils across banks), and isolation of analog/digital grounds when mixing LVDS and analog signals. Use the Quartus Prime pin planner tool to validate I/O placement and bank voltage compatibility before finalizing layout. The 144-pin EQFP package has a 0.5mm pitch which requires 4-mil trace/space rules at minimum; many designers use 6-layer stackup with dedicated ground/power planes to achieve signal-integrity targets without impedance discontinuities.
Common pitfalls when designing with the EP4CE15E22C8N include: (1) leaving unused I/O pins floating - all unused pins must be set to tri-state with weak pull-up enabled in the Quartus Prime device configuration; (2) exceeding maximum LVDS toggle rates (typically 840 Mbps per channel) without proper signal-integrity analysis; (3) ignoring configuration mode selection - the MSEL[2:0] pins must be tied to the correct logic levels for AS (Active Serial), PS (Passive Serial), or JTAG mode before power-up; (4) using too many global clock networks - Cyclone IV E supports only 20 global clocks; exceeding this requires regional clock networks with reduced skew performance.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Altera/Intel product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose EP4CE15E22A7N automotive variant for AEC-Q100 applications. Lead-free (Pb-free) and halogen-free per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL3 classification.
