EP4CE6E22C7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs 144-EQFP | Intel
MPN: EP4CE6E22C7N β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $28.95 | $289.50 |
| 100 | $24.5 | $2,450.00 |
| 500 | $21 | $10,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.5 | $18,500.00 |
EP4CE6E22C7N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device whose architecture can be reconfigured after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> programmable logic -> digital semiconductors. Cyclone IV E is a cost-optimized family targeting high-volume, low-power applications such as display control, motor drive, video bridging, and industrial I/O expansion.
Key features of the EP4CE6E22C7N include up to 91 user I/Os, embedded multipliers for DSP-style operations, dedicated configuration logic supporting JTAG and Active Serial modes, and the Cyclone IV E family's signature low static and dynamic power consumption. Multiple phase-locked loops (PLLs) provide robust clock management for synchronous designs.
Technically, the device combines lookup tables (LEs), embedded memory blocks (M9K), 18x18 multipliers, and I/O element (IOE) registers. The 60 nm process and optimized architecture deliver an excellent performance-per-watt profile for cost-sensitive designs. Designers benefit from Quartus Prime software support including IP cores, Platform Designer, and the Signal Tap logic analyzer.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, LED display controllers, video processing pipelines, machine vision front-ends, and low-cost communication bridges. The exposed thermal pad of the EQFP package simplifies PCB thermal design in fanless enclosures.
When designing with this FPGA, plan power decoupling carefully (1.2 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O) and follow Intel's configuration guidelines to avoid JTAG chain issues. Use Quartus Prime pin planning to assign I/O standards per bank voltage.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Cyclone IV E drop-in alternatives, and practical FPGA design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CE6E22C7N 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 EP4CE6E22C7N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, RoHS Status, PLLs.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CE6E22C8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6E22C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6E22A7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE10E22C8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE15E22C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$105.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE22E22C8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4CE6E22C7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV E |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 6,272 |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 392 |
| Total RAM Bits | 276,480 |
| Number of I/O | 91 |
| Number of GPIO | 91 |
| Package | 144-EQFP (22x22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.2 V |
| Process Technology | 60 nm |
| Speed Grade | 7 (commercial) |
| Embedded Multipliers | Yes (18x18) |
| PLLs | Yes |
| Configuration Mode | JTAG / Active Serial |
| Lead Free | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP4CE6E22C7N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 2 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 3 | VCCIO8 β I/O bank 8 supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 5 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 6 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 7 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 8 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 9 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 10 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 12 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 14 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 17 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 19 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 20 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 21 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 22 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 23 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 24 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 25 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 28 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 30 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 31 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 32 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 33 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 34 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 35 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 36 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 37 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 38 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 39 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 40 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 41 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 42 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 43 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 44 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 45 | VCCIO4 β I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 46 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 47 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 48 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 49 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 50 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 51 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 52 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 53 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 54 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 55 | VCCIO5 β I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 56 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 57 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 58 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 59 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 60 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 61 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 62 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 63 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 64 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 65 | VCCIO6 β I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 66 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 67 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 68 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 69 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 70 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 71 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 72 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 73 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 74 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 75 | VCCIO7 β I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 76 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 77 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 78 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 79 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 80 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 81 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 82 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 83 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 84 | CONF_DONE β Configuration done (open-drain) |
| Pin 85 | TCK β JTAG clock |
| Pin 86 | TMS β JTAG mode select |
| Pin 87 | TDI β JTAG data in |
| Pin 88 | TDO β JTAG data out |
| Pin 89 | MSEL0 β Configuration mode select 0 |
| Pin 90 | MSEL1 β Configuration mode select 1 |
| Pin 91 | MSEL2 β Configuration mode select 2 |
| Pin 92 | nCE β Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 93 | DCLK β Configuration clock |
| Pin 94 | DATA0 β Configuration data 0 |
| Pin 95 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 96 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 97 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 98 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 99 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 100 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 101 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 102 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 103 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 104 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 105 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 106 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2, dual-purpose) |
| Pin 107 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 108 | PLL1_CLKp β PLL1 clock input positive |
| Pin 109 | PLL1_CLKn β PLL1 clock input negative |
| Pin 110 | PLL2_CLKp β PLL2 clock input positive |
| Pin 111 | PLL2_CLKn β PLL2 clock input negative |
| Pin 112 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 113 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 114 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 115 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 116 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 117 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 118 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 119 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 120 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 121 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 122 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 123 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 124 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 125 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 126 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 127 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 128 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 129 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 130 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 131 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 132 | I/O Bank 1 β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 133 | I/O Bank 2 β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 134 | I/O Bank 3 β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 135 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 136 | I/O Bank 4 β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 137 | I/O Bank 5 β User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 138 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 139 | I/O Bank 6 β User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 140 | I/O Bank 7 β User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 141 | I/O Bank 8 β User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 142 | VCC β Core supply (1.2 V) |
| Pin 143 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 144 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin EP | Exposed Pad (GND) β Thermal pad - must be soldered to PCB ground plane for heat dissipation |
Typical Applications
EP4CE6E22C7N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, LED Display Controllers, Video Bridge and Image Processing, Machine Vision Front-End, Communication Protocol Bridges, Low-Cost FPGA Development Platforms.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP4CE6E22C7N fits industrial motor control because its 6,272 logic elements and embedded 18x18 multipliers provide enough capacity for FOC (field-oriented control) algorithms on 3-phase BLDC and PMSM motors, while the 91 user I/Os drive multi-axis encoder and PWM channels. The 1.2 V low-power core and the 144-EQFP exposed-pad package simplify fanless enclosure thermal design. Designers use the Cyclone IV E PLL resources for precise PWM timing and the M9K RAM blocks for encoder capture FIFOs. With JTAG + Active Serial configuration support, the device ships in production-ready modules with reliable in-system updates.
Recommended
LED Display Controllers
For large LED video walls, the EP4CE6E22C7N's 91 GPIO and 276 kbit embedded RAM are well matched to row/column scan multiplexing of 32-128 scan-line panels. The Cyclone IV E PLL bank generates pixel-rate clocks and the 60 nm low-power process keeps per-board thermal envelope modest in densely stacked video-wall cabinets. Quartus Prime IP libraries offer pre-built gamma correction, color space conversion, and refresh-rate compensation blocks that fit comfortably in 6K LEs. The exposed thermal pad of the 144-EQFP aids PCB heat-spreading for 24/7 indoor display installations.
Recommended
Video Bridge and Image Processing
In camera-to-display video bridges (MIPI-CSI2 to LVDS/HDMI/parallel RGB), the EP4CE6E22C7N's embedded multipliers enable color interpolation, lens shading correction, and basic de-noising filters on 720p60 streams. The 91 GPIO comfortably fan out to 24-bit RGB plus control signals, while the M9K memory blocks act as line buffers. Cyclone IV E IP cores (Altera Video and Image Processing Suite) accelerate development. For 1080p streams, designers typically step up to EP4CE10/15/22 in the same EQFP package, reusing the PCB layout.
Recommended
Machine Vision Front-End
Smart-camera front-end boards using the EP4CE6E22C7N handle sensor pre-processing, MIPI-CSI2 deserialization, and on-FPGA edge detection within the 6K-LE budget. The 1.2 V core and Cyclone IV E's low static power suit battery-powered industrial inspection tools. JTAG + Active Serial configuration lets production engineers update sensor fusion firmware in the field. With 91 GPIO, the FPGA connects directly to industrial Ethernet PHYs, SPI flash, and image sensors without external bus switches.
Recommended
Communication Protocol Bridges
The EP4CE6E22C7N is widely deployed as a UART/SPI/I2C/CAN-to-Ethernet or USB bridge in industrial gateways, where its 6K LEs comfortably fit multi-protocol state machines. The 91 GPIO allow parallel connection to multiple legacy serial buses while the M9K blocks buffer packet traffic. Cyclone IV E's proven Quartus Prime ecosystem offers pre-validated Ethernet MAC, UART, and CAN IP cores. The exposed-pad 144-EQFP handles the moderate thermal load of continuously running bridge firmware in DIN-rail-mounted industrial PCs.
Recommended
Low-Cost FPGA Development Platforms
The EP4CE6E22C7N is a popular choice for university labs, hobbyist dev boards, and OEM starter kits because it offers the full Cyclone IV E feature set (PLLs, multipliers, M9K blocks) at the lowest cost point. With 91 user I/Os available on the 144-EQFP header pins, students can wire up a wide range of peripherals. Quartus Prime Web Edition (free) supports the entire Cyclone IV E family, making the EP4CE6E22C7N an ideal teaching platform. Migration to larger Cyclone IV E parts requires only recompilation when moving up to EQFP-144 siblings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CE6E22C7N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CE6E22C8N | EP4CE10E22C8N | EP4CE15E22C7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 144-EQFP (22x22 mm) | 144-EQFP (22x22 mm) - same | 144-EQFP (22x22 mm) - same | 144-EQFP (22x22 mm) - same |
| Logic Elements | 6,272 | 6,272 (same) | 10,320 (+65%) | 15,408 (+146%) |
| Speed Grade | 7 (commercial) | 8 (slower) | 8 (slower) | 7 (same) |
| Total RAM Bits | 276,480 | 276,480 (same) | 423,936 (+53%) | 516,096 (+87%) |
| User I/Os | 91 | 91 (same) | 91 (same) | 91 (same) |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V (same) | 1.2 V (same) | 1.2 V (same) |
| Process | 60 nm | 60 nm (same) | 60 nm (same) | 60 nm (same) |
| Drop-In Replacement? | Reference | Yes (slower speed grade) | Yes (more logic, same pinout) | Yes (more logic, same pinout) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost entry point in Cyclone IV E family with full feature set (vs EP4CE10E22C8N)
- Commercial speed grade 7 for tighter Fmax timing margin (vs EP4CE6E22C8N)
- Same 144-EQFP package enables seamless migration to higher-density Cyclone IV E (vs EP4CE15E22C7N)
Design Notes
The EP4CE6E22C7N requires a clean 1.2 V core supply (VCCINT) with at least 4 decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 uF bulk) per VCC pin pair per Intel Cyclone IV E Device Handbook recommendations. I/O bank voltages (VCCIO1-8) are independently configurable to 1.2/1.5/1.8/2.5/3.0/3.3 V; unused banks must still be powered to a valid VCCIO or tied off per the datasheet. Estimated: dynamic current scales with toggle rate and clock frequency, so use the Quartus Prime PowerPlay analyzer for accurate budgeting.
The 144-EQFP package's exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to a continuous PCB ground plane with thermal vias (typical pattern: 5x5 array of 0.3 mm vias) for production designs. Without the EP soldered, junction temperature rises significantly under typical industrial workloads. Estimated: at moderate toggle rates the EP4CE6E22C7N draws well under 1 W, but at full DSP utilization this can rise to 1.5-2 W; design with adequate copper pour.
Place the EPCS configuration flash (e.g., EPCS4/EPCS16) within 4 inches of the FPGA's DCLK and DATA0 pins to ensure signal integrity. JTAG chain: route TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO as a daisy-chain with 4.7 k pull-ups on TCK/TMS/TDI; do not share JTAG pins with configuration pins if both modes are used. Differential clock inputs (PLL1_CLKp/n, PLL2_CLKp/n) require 100 ohm differential routing per Intel guidelines.
Do not leave MSEL pins floating; tie to VCC or GND per the configuration mode table to avoid unpredictable boot behavior. The nCONFIG pin must see a clean rising edge after power-up; do not tie it directly to VCC - allow a reset supervisor to control it. When using Active Serial mode, verify the EPCS device ID matches Quartus Prime's programmer output before mass production.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Altera product page; Cyclone IV E family transitioned to Pb-free assembly. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use EP4CE6E22A7N (automotive variant) for AEC-Q100 applications.
