EP4CE40F29I8N - 39.6KLE Cyclone IV E FPGA, 780-BGA | Altera
MPN: EP4CE40F29I8N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $178.5 | $178.50 |
| 10 | $168.2 | $1,682.00 |
| 100 | $155.8 | $15,580.00 |
| 500 | $142.4 | $71,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $129.9 | $129,900.00 |
EP4CE40F29I8N Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing to implement any digital logic function. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy (FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor), offering parallel processing, high-speed I/O, and reconfigurable logic blocks that outperform fixed-function ASICs in prototyping and low-to-mid volume production. The Cyclone IV E series specifically targets cost-sensitive applications that still require FPGA performance.
The EP4CE40F29I8N operates from a 1.0V to 1.2V core supply with separate 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.0V, and 3.3V I/O bank supplies, supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, LVDS, LVPECL, and PCI/PCI-X I/O standards. It features 8 user I/O banks, 4 PLLs for clock management, 20 global clock networks, and 532 maximum user I/Os. The device supports commercial (0C to +85C), industrial (-40C to +100C), and extended industrial temperature grades, with the I8N suffix indicating industrial grade with lead-free 780-FBGA packaging.
Internally, the EP4CE40F29I8N uses a TSMC 60nm low-k dielectric process, which contributes to its low static and dynamic power consumption. The logic array consists of Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each containing 16 Logic Elements (LEs) that combine a 4-input LUT, programmable register, carry chain, and register chain. Embedded memory is provided as M9K blocks (9 Kbits each) totaling 116 blocks, plus MLAB blocks for distributed RAM. The 116 18x18 multipliers enable DSP functions including FIR filters and FFT butterflies without consuming logic resources.
Typical applications for the EP4CE40F29I8N include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, communication protocol bridges (UART, SPI, I2C to Ethernet or PCIe), test and measurement instrumentation, and LED video wall controllers. Its combination of 532 I/Os, embedded multipliers, and high-density logic makes it well-suited for parallel data acquisition systems and custom interface bridging in industrial automation.
When designing with this FPGA, ensure proper decoupling: 1uF and 0.1uF capacitors should be placed adjacent to each power pin, with a 10uF bulk capacitor for each supply rail. The 780-FBGA package requires a multilayer PCB with microvia or via-in-pad technology for reliable assembly. JTAG programming via the Altera USB-Blaster or compatible programmer is recommended for development, with Active Serial configuration from a serial flash for production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package Cyclone IV E drop-in alternatives, and practical design considerations not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CE40F29I8N — 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 EP4CE40F29I8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Process Technology, Configuration Modes, Core Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CE40F29I8LN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$150 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29I8L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$91.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29I7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$124 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$104.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE40F29C8LN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →LFE5U-45F-8BG256C
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4CE40F29I8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV E |
| Logic Elements | 39,600 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 1,161,216 |
| Embedded Memory Blocks (M9K) | 116 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 116 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 532 |
| User I/O Banks | 8 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| Package | 780-BGA (FBGA, F29) |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +100C) |
| Core Voltage | 1.0 V to 1.2 V |
| I/O Standards | LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, LVDS, LVPECL, PCI/PCI-X |
| Configuration | JTAG, Active Serial, Active Parallel |
| Process Node | 60 nm TSMC low-k |
EP4CE40F29I8N 780-bga (fbga, f29) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CE40F29I8N (780-bga (fbga, f29) 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 EP4CE40F29I8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CE40F29I8N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Bridge, Communication Protocol Bridge, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, LED Video Wall Controller, Data Acquisition System.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP4CE40F29I8N's industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C), 116 embedded 18x18 multipliers, and 4 PLLs make it ideal for closed-loop motor control applications including field-oriented control (FOC) for PMSM and AC induction motors. The 532 user I/Os accommodate multi-axis encoder inputs (QEP), PWM outputs, and resolver excitation circuitry, while the M9K blocks store commutation tables and feedback history. Its 39,600 LEs implement full state-space controllers and SVPWM modulators with deterministic latency.
Recommended
Video Processing Bridge
The EP4CE40F29I8N's 116 18x18 multipliers and 1.16 Mbit embedded memory are well-matched to video processing functions including scaling, color space conversion, and frame rate conversion. The 532 I/Os support parallel RGB/YCbCr interfaces up to 1080p, while the 4 PLLs generate pixel clocks for HDMI/DVI output. Industrial grade allows deployment in digital signage and broadcast equipment operating outside climate-controlled environments.
Recommended
Communication Protocol Bridge
The EP4CE40F29I8N bridges UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, RS-485, and Ethernet protocols in industrial gateways and protocol converters. Its 4 PLLs support multiple baud-rate reference clocks simultaneously, while 116 M9K blocks implement deep FIFOs for protocol buffering. The 532 I/Os interface to dozens of downstream sensors and actuators, and the industrial temperature grade suits factory floor deployment. Designers commonly instantiate soft IP cores like Altera Triple-Speed Ethernet MAC and CAN controllers.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EP4CE40F29I8N delivers the high I/O count (532), embedded multipliers (116), and wide temperature range required for modular instruments such as digitizers, pattern generators, and protocol analyzers. The 39,600 LEs implement custom DSP and triggering logic, while M9K blocks buffer capture data. Industrial grade enables portable or field-deployed test equipment. The 4 PLLs synchronize with external reference clocks and trigger systems.
Recommended
LED Video Wall Controller
The EP4CE40F29I8N's high I/O count (532) and high-speed transceivers via LVDS pairs enable driving large LED video walls with hundreds of data lines per panel. The 116 embedded 18x18 multipliers perform gamma correction and color calibration, while 1.16 Mbit of embedded memory buffers multiple scan-line frames. Industrial grade supports outdoor or semi-outdoor installations where temperatures can exceed commercial grade limits. The 4 PLLs generate pixel clocks up to 150 MHz.
Recommended
Data Acquisition System
The EP4CE40F29I8N's 532 I/Os interface to parallel ADC/DAC arrays in multi-channel data acquisition systems for sonar, vibration monitoring, and scientific instrumentation. The 116 M9K blocks (9 Kbit each) implement deep FIFO memories for sample buffering, while 116 18x18 multipliers execute digital down-conversion and FFT pre-processing. Industrial temperature grade suits factory and field deployments where ambient conditions exceed commercial grade. The 4 PLLs generate multiple synchronized sample clocks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CE40F29I8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CE40F29I8LN | EP4CE40F29I8L | EP4CE40F29I7N | EP4CE40F29C8N | EP4CE40F29C8LN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 780-BGA (F29) | 780-BGA (F29) - same | 780-BGA (F29) - same | 780-BGA (F29) - same | 780-BGA (F29) - same | 780-BGA (F29) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same |
| Logic Elements | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 | 39,600 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 1,161,216 | 1,161,216 | 1,161,216 | 1,161,216 | 1,161,216 | 1,161,216 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 | 116 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) |
| Lead-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Unit Price (qty-1) | $178.50 | $179.80 | $176.20 | $148.40 | $142.80 | $144.50 |
Key Differentiators
- Same-package lead-free variant with no electrical difference (vs EP4CE40F29I8LN)
- Industrial vs commercial temperature grade (vs EP4CE40F29I7N)
- Lowest-cost 40KLE Cyclone IV E option (vs EP4CE115F29I7N)
Design Notes
The 780-FBGA package uses 1.0 mm ball pitch, which requires multilayer PCB design with HDI (High Density Interconnect) technology - specifically microvias or via-in-pad construction. Standard 4-layer FR4 with 0.2 mm vias will not reliably route the inner balls; use a 6-layer or 8-layer stack-up with 0.1 mm laser-drilled microvias at the BGA pads. Per IPC-7351 and Altera Cyclone IV E hardware guidelines, allocate at least 4 routing layers plus continuous ground and power planes for signal integrity.
Decoupling is critical for FPGA power integrity. Place a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor adjacent to every VCCINT, VCCA, and VCCD_PLL pin, plus a 1 uF X5R bulk capacitor for every 3-4 power pins. Add a 10 uF tantalum or polymer bulk capacitor at each voltage regulator output. Per the Altera Cyclone IV E device handbook, VCCINT (core) should be 1.0-1.2V, VCCA (PLL analog) must be 2.5V, and VCCD_PLL (PLL digital) must be 1.0-1.2V. Power sequencing requires VCCINT before VCCIO to prevent latch-up.
Estimated junction-to-ambient thermal resistance for the 780-FBGA F29 package is approximately 14 C/W with standard 6-layer PCB design (per typical Altera thermal characterization data for 780-BGA packages). For a design dissipating 3W, junction temperature rise is ~42 C above ambient. Industrial grade operation (-40C to +100C) requires junction temperature below 100C - at 70C ambient this leaves only 30C margin, so high-utilization designs may require airflow or heatsink attachment to the package top.
Three common pitfalls with the EP4CE40F29I8N: (1) Using JTAG configuration pins as GPIO after power-up without disabling the JTAG controller via the Altera Quartus device options - this causes configuration failures; (2) Exceeding the LVDS TX maximum data rate of 840 Mbps per channel, which causes signal integrity failures; (3) Driving configuration pins (nCONFIG, MSEL[3:0]) before the 1.0V core rail is stable, causing boot failures. Reference Altera Cyclone IV E Configuration Handbook for proper sequencing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Altera (Intel) Cyclone IV E product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use automotive-grade Spartan-6 or dedicated automotive FPGAs for AEC-Q100 applications. Lead-free 780-FBGA packaging per the 'N' suffix designation.
