EP4CE40F29C9L - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 39.6K LE, 780-FBGA | Altera
MPN: EP4CE40F29C9L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $89.5 | $89.50 |
| 10 | $81.2 | $812.00 |
| 100 | $73.4 | $7,340.00 |
| 500 | $65.9 | $32,950.00 |
| 1,000 | $58.75 | $58,750.00 |
EP4CE40F29C9L Overview
What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect, designed to be reconfigured by the customer after manufacture. FPGAs occupy a position in the digital IC hierarchy between standard logic ICs and ASICs: more flexible than fixed-function ASICs, faster and more deterministic than microcontrollers for parallel workloads, and re-programmable unlike mask-ROM devices. Cyclone IV E devices specifically target cost- and power-sensitive high-volume applications.
Key features of the EP4CE40F29C9L include 39,600 logic elements, 274 M9K memory blocks providing 1,161,216 bits total (1136 Kbits of true dual-port RAM), 116 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP workloads, four general-purpose PLLs with fractional output, 532 maximum user I/Os supporting multiple I/O standards (LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL), and 20 global clock networks. The device is fabricated on a 60 nm low-power process and supports configuration via JTAG, AS, PS, and FPP modes using industry-standard EPCS or EPCQ serial configuration devices.
The Cyclone IV E architecture uses Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic elements, dedicated DSP blocks for arithmetic, true dual-port M9K memory blocks, and per-lane I/O registers. The high I/O count combined with 116 hardware multipliers makes the EP4CE40F29C9L well-suited to medium-density parallel processing, video bridging, and industrial motor control where cost-per-logic-element dominates over raw performance. The -9 speed grade places it in the fastest bin of the Cyclone IV E family.
Typical applications include industrial machine vision and image processing, motor control and encoder interfacing, video format conversion and bridging, low-cost ASIC prototyping, motor drive and inverter control, factory automation PLCs, and embedded display controllers. The combination of 116 multipliers and a rich IP ecosystem (DDR2/DDR3 controllers, Ethernet MACs, PCI Express soft IP) makes it broadly applicable in cost-sensitive designs.
When designing with the EP4CE40F29C9L, ensure proper decoupling per Cyclone IV hardware design guidelines (typically 100 nF + 10 uF per power rail), respect JTAG chain integrity for configuration, and select a compatible configuration device such as EPCS16 or EPCQ16. The 780-ball FBGA requires reflow soldering and X-ray inspection, so PCB assembly process capability must be qualified before volume production. Thermal management is generally passive thanks to the low 60 nm process power, but junction temperature must still be verified via the Intel PowerPlay early power estimator.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Cyclone IV E family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CE40F29C9L — 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 EP4CE40F29C9L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Configuration Modes, Operating Temperature, Speed Grade, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CE40F29C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$104.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C8LN
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Contact for price
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C8L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$78.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$55.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$73.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$77.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C9L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV E |
| Logic Elements | 39,600 |
| Embedded Memory | 1,161,216 bits (1136 Kbits, M9K blocks: 274) |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 116 |
| Maximum User I/O Pins | 532 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| Process Technology | 60 nm low-power CMOS |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Speed Grade | -9 (fastest) |
| Temperature Grade | C9L (Commercial, 0C to +85C) |
| Package | 780-ball FBGA (FineLine BGA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA, requires reflow) |
| Configuration Modes | JTAG, AS, PS, FPP |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / RoHS compliant |
| Marketing Status | Active (Cyclone IV E in production per Intel product page) |
EP4CE40F29C9L 780-ball fbga (fineline bga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CE40F29C9L (780-ball fbga (fineline bga) 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 EP4CE40F29C9L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CE40F29C9L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Machine Vision and Image Processing, Motor Control and Encoder Interfacing, Video Format Conversion and Bridging, Low-Cost ASIC Prototyping, Industrial Communication Gateways, LED Video Wall and Display Controllers.
Industrial Machine Vision and Image Processing
The EP4CE40F29C9L fits industrial camera and machine vision systems because of its 116 embedded 18x18 multipliers for real-time pixel processing, 274 M9K memory blocks (1,161,216 bits) for line buffers, and 532 user I/Os for parallel image sensor interfaces such as LVDS or sub-LVDS. Designers can absorb Bayer-to-RGB conversion, basic filtering, and edge detection into fabric without an external DSP. The 1.2 V core and 60 nm low-power process keep board thermal load moderate for fan-less industrial PCs.
Recommended
Motor Control and Encoder Interfacing
The EP4CE40F29C9L supports 3-phase motor control loops and high-resolution encoder capture in industrial drives. Its 116 hardware multipliers handle Park/Clarke transforms and PID control loops for field-oriented control; the 4 PLLs generate precise PWM-aligned clocks; and the 532 I/Os accept multiple incremental encoder inputs (A/B/Z plus index). The Cyclone IV E architecture provides deterministic latency critical for current-loop control at 20 kHz.
Recommended
Video Format Conversion and Bridging
The EP4CE40F29C9L bridges between camera ISPs, HDMI receivers, LCD panels, and FPGA video pipelines. With 1,161,216 bits of embedded RAM, it can buffer one or two full 1080p video frames at reduced color depth; with 116 multipliers, scaling and color-space conversion (RGB to YCbCr, etc.) execute in real time. The 532 user I/Os support multiple parallel video interfaces and the LVDS columns needed for flat-panel link-up. Quartus Prime IP for Video and Image Processing accelerates development.
Recommended
Low-Cost ASIC Prototyping
The EP4CE40F29C9L is a popular ASIC prototyping vehicle because of its 39,600 logic elements and 116 DSP blocks - enough to map mid-range ASIC RTL blocks for early software bring-up. Quartus Prime supports industry-standard synthesis flows and the Cyclone IV E family provides broad I/O standard support for emulating external ASIC pins. The 780-FBGA package exposes all 532 I/Os so prototype boards can mirror final ASIC pin counts.
Recommended
Industrial Communication Gateways
The EP4CE40F29C9L serves as a multi-protocol industrial gateway bridging Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and serial fieldbuses. Its 116 multipliers handle CRC and protocol-stack acceleration, while 1,161,216 bits of memory buffer packet bursts. The 4 PLLs synthesize the multiple clock rates needed for PHY interfaces (e.g., 50 MHz RMII, 125 MHz gigabit Ethernet). Quartus Prime Ethernet IP cores integrate cleanly with the embedded memory blocks.
Recommended
LED Video Wall and Display Controllers
The EP4CE40F29C9L drives large LED video walls by combining high I/O count with high-bandwidth memory. The 532 I/Os break out into multiple parallel data streams for HUB75 LED panels; 116 multipliers accelerate gamma correction and color-space conversion; and 1,161,216 bits of M9K memory hold frame buffers and refresh FIFOs. The commercial 0-85C temperature range suits indoor LED installations where reliability and refresh rates above 1920 Hz are required.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CE40F29C9L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CE40F29C8N | EP4CE40F29C8LN | EP4CE40F29C8L | EP4CE40F29C7N | EP4CE40F29C7 | EP4CE40F29C6N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 780-ball FBGA | 780-ball FBGA - same | 780-ball FBGA - same | 780-ball FBGA - same | 780-ball FBGA - same | 780-ball FBGA - same | 780-ball FBGA - same |
| Logic Elements | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 |
| Speed Grade | -9 (fastest) | -8 | -8 | -8 | -7 | -7 | -6 |
| Embedded Memory | 1,161,216 bits | 1,161,216 bits | 1,161,216 bits | 1,161,216 bits | 1,161,216 bits | 1,161,216 bits | 1,161,216 bits |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 |
| Maximum User I/O | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial | Commercial, lead-free | Commercial, lead-free | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Unit Price (USD, 1 pc) | 89.50 | ~82.00 (typically lower than -9 speed grade) | ~82.00 | ~82.00 | ~78.00 | ~78.00 | ~74.00 |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest speed grade in Cyclone IV E family for the 780-FBGA package (vs EP4CE40F29C8N)
- Highest-logic-density 780-FBGA Cyclone IV E option that remains cost-effective (vs EP4CE55F23C8N)
- Commercial temperature grade optimized for non-automotive volume applications (vs EP4CE40F29I9L (industrial variant))
Design Notes
Estimate the EP4CE40F29C9L power budget using the Intel PowerPlay Early Power Estimator before PCB layout. A typical 70% utilization design with 116 multipliers running at 200 MHz and a few DDR2 interfaces draws approximately 1.5-2.0 W on the 1.2 V core. Provide a dedicated 1.2 V LDO or DC-DC regulator with at least 3 A headroom, plus 100 nF decoupling per VCC pin and bulk 10-47 uF decoupling per power rail as per Cyclone IV hardware design guidelines.
The 780-ball FBGA package has 1.0 mm ball pitch and requires 4-6 layer PCB with microvia technology (or laser-drilled stacked vias) for fan-out. Plan escape routing early - the inner balls typically need via-in-pad to escape to inner layers. Use the Cyclone IV device handbook ball map to plan I/O bank placement on the PCB edge, and respect the PLL analog supply (VCC_PLL) filter network (ferrite bead + decoupling caps) for low-jitter clocking.
Do not confuse the C9L suffix across Cyclone IV E variants - the same C9L speed/temperature combination exists on different packages (F23 = 484-ball FBGA, F29 = 780-ball FBGA). Verify the exact package code from the top-line ordering code before PCB layout. Also confirm that JTAG chain integrity is preserved by adding 4.7 kohm pull-ups on TCK and pull-downs on TMS as recommended in the Cyclone IV handbook configuration chapter.
Forced-air cooling is rarely required for the EP4CE40F29C9L due to its 60 nm low-power process, but passive thermal relief matters: provide a continuous ground plane directly under the FBGA for heat spreading and place thermal vias on the BGA balls per the package thermal model. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance for the 780-FBGA is typically 18-22 C/W with adequate copper. Verify with the package thermal characterization report before commercial deployment.
Compliance Information
Lead-free finish and RoHS-compliant per the L suffix in the part number (EP4CE40F29C9L = C9 speed/temp grade, L = lead-free). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the automotive-grade equivalent is EP4CE40F29A9L or similar 'A' suffix variant per Cyclone IV ordering guide.