EP4CE6E22I7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs 144-EQFP | Intel
MPN: EP4CE6E22I7N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.5 | $10,500.00 |
EP4CE6E22I7N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic functionality is defined by the user via a hardware description language and configuration bitstream, rather than fixed at the factory. Positioned in the system hierarchy, FPGAs sit between programmable microcontrollers (software-driven, lower throughput) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs, fixed-function, higher NRE). The Cyclone IV E family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where ASIC-like density is unnecessary but microcontrollers cannot meet parallelism, throughput, or custom I/O requirements.
Key features of the EP4CE6E22I7N include 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits embedded RAM, 91 user I/O pins, two PLLs, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL. The device operates across the industrial temperature range of -40C to +100C (I7 grade), supports serial configuration via EPCS or JTAG, and integrates 4 Kbits of user flash memory for non-volatile storage of configuration or user data.
Architecturally, the Cyclone IV E series uses 4-input look-up tables (LUT4) as the basic logic element, with each LE containing a register and dedicated carry chain logic for arithmetic operations. The device includes a global clock network supporting up to 20 clock pins and a flexible memory block architecture supporting true dual-port, single-port, shift-register, and ROM modes.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost ASIC prototyping, LED display controllers, and consumer electronics interfaces. The wide operating temperature range makes the I7N grade suitable for industrial control and factory automation environments. When designing with this FPGA, plan for a configuration source (EPCS flash or JTAG), adequate decoupling on each VCCINT/VCCIO rail (0.1 uF ceramic per pin plus bulk capacitance), and thermal management for designs approaching the maximum toggle rate.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CE6E22I7N — 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 EP4CE6E22I7N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Speed Grade, PLLs, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CE6E22C7N
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View Datasheet →EP4CE6E22C8N
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View Datasheet →EP4CE6E22I7
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View Datasheet →EP4CE10E22I7N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4CE6E22C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →EP4CE6E22I7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone IV E |
| Logic Elements | 6,272 (6K) |
| Embedded Memory | 270 Kbits |
| User I/O Pins | 91 |
| PLLs | 2 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 maximum |
| Configuration Logic Blocks (CLBs) | 392 |
| User Flash Memory | 4 Kbits |
| Process Technology | 60 nm low-power |
| Package Type | 144-pin EQFP (Plastic Enhanced QFP) Exposed Pad |
| Package Dimensions | 22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +100C (Industrial I7) |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.15 V to 1.25 V (core) |
| I/O Standards Supported | LVTTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, SSTL, HSTL, PCI |
| Configuration Method | Serial (EPCS), JTAG, Passive Serial (PS) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Lead-Free) |
EP4CE6E22I7N 22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CE6E22I7N (22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch 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 EP4CE6E22I7N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CE6E22I7N is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Bridge, ASIC Prototyping Platform, LED Display Controller, Consumer Electronics Interface Hub, Test and Measurement Front-End, Industrial Communication Gateway.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP4CE6E22I7N fits industrial motor control applications because its 91 user I/Os accommodate multi-axis PWM generation, encoder feedback (QEP), and SPI/I2C communication to gate drivers and sensors simultaneously. The two integrated PLLs generate the high-frequency clocks needed for precise PWM edge alignment at switching frequencies above 20 kHz, while the 6K logic elements provide headroom for state-machine-based commutation control and field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms. Its industrial -40C to +100C temperature rating supports factory floor deployment.
Recommended
Video Processing Bridge
The EP4CE6E22I7N serves as a video format bridge (e.g., RGB to LVDS, parallel CMOS to HDMI pre-encode) because its LVDS I/O support and 270 Kbits of embedded RAM enable line-buffer-based pixel-rate conversion. The 91 user I/Os are sufficient for 24-bit parallel RGB plus sync signals and an LVDS output channel, and the 4-input LUTs efficiently implement chroma interpolation and timing generator state machines. Typical use cases include legacy industrial camera interfaces to modern flat-panel displays.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping Platform
The EP4CE6E22I7N is well-suited for ASIC prototyping and FPGA-based pre-silicon validation because its 6K LEs and 270 Kbits block RAM let engineers map medium-complexity ASIC blocks (DMA engines, peripheral controllers, glue logic) to real hardware for software bring-up. The JTAG-based configuration and Quartus Prime toolchain enable rapid design iteration, while the 144-pin EQFP package supports standard 0.5 mm pitch PCB fabrication without BGA escape routing complexity. The industrial temperature range also permits in-vehicle and outdoor prototype validation.
Recommended
LED Display Controller
The EP4CE6E22I7N drives LED matrix displays (advertising panels, stadium scoreboards) because its 91 user I/Os can scan-multiplex up to 12 rows with 8-bit color depth per channel at video refresh rates. The 270 Kbits of embedded RAM serves as frame buffer for text and graphics overlay, while the two PLLs generate the precise scan-rate clocks that prevent flicker. The exposed-pad EQFP package handles the thermal load of continuous high-toggle-rate operation at full I/O utilization.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Interface Hub
The EP4CE6E22I7N functions as a consumer interface hub because its multi-standard I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, SSTL) bridges sensors, displays, and external memory in set-top boxes, smart appliances, and gaming peripherals. The 6K logic elements implement USB-to-parallel bridges, I2S audio routing, and SPI/I2C master controllers without external microcontrollers. The industrial temperature grade supports white-goods and automotive aftermarket applications.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Front-End
The EP4CE6E22I7N serves as a customizable test-and-measurement front-end (logic analyzer pre-processor, protocol sniffer, signal-conditioning gate array) because its 472.5 MHz internal performance captures and decodes high-speed serial protocols like SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN simultaneously. The 270 Kbits embedded RAM stores captured trace data, and the 91 I/Os accept multiple probe channels. Designers use Quartus Prime to implement custom protocol analyzers tailored to specific DUT interfaces.
Recommended
Industrial Communication Gateway
The EP4CE6E22I7N powers industrial communication gateways (Modbus, CAN, RS-485 to Ethernet bridges) because its 91 user I/Os accept multiple fieldbus channels simultaneously and its 6K LEs implement the protocol stacks plus TCP/IP offload. Two PLLs generate independent clocks for each bus segment, eliminating crosstalk and jitter issues. The industrial -40C to +100C temperature range supports deployment in factory cabinets, substation equipment, and outdoor industrial enclosures without thermal derating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CE6E22I7N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CE6E22C7N | EP4CE6E22C8N | EP4CE6E22I7 | EP4CE10E22I7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Logic Elements | 6,272 (6K) | 6,272 (6K) - same | 6,272 (6K) - same | 6,272 (6K) - same | 10,320 (10K) - 65% more |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial I7 (-40C to +100C) | Commercial C7 (0C to +85C) | Commercial C8 (0C to +85C) | Industrial I7 (-40C to +100C) - same | Industrial I7 (-40C to +100C) - same |
| Speed Grade | -7 | -7 - same | -8 (faster) | -7 - same | -7 - same |
| User I/O | 91 | 91 - same | 91 - same | 91 - same | 91 - same |
| Embedded RAM | 270 Kbits | 270 Kbits - same | 270 Kbits - same | 270 Kbits - same | 414 Kbits - 53% more |
| PLLs | 2 | 2 - same | 2 - same | 2 - same | 2 - same |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Lead-Free (N suffix) | Lead-Free (N suffix) | Lead-Free (N suffix) | Contains lead (no N suffix) | Lead-Free (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade in 144-pin EQFP (vs EP4CE6E22C7N)
- 65% more logic density option in same package (vs EP4CE10E22I7N)
- Wire-bondable EQFP vs BGA-only higher-density parts (vs EP4CE6F17I7N (256-BGA))
Design Notes
The EP4CE6E22I7N requires four separate power rails: VCCINT (1.2V core, up to 500 mA typical), VCCIO (1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V per bank, up to 200 mA per bank), VCCA (2.5V PLL analog supply), and VCCD_PLL (1.2V PLL digital supply). Decouple each VCCINT pin with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the regulator. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a ground plane with thermal vias (9 vias in a 3x3 grid, 0.3 mm drill) to achieve the rated theta-JA of approximately 28 C/W.
Route all differential pairs (LVDS, SSTL) with 100 ohm differential impedance and length matching within 150 mils. Separate analog VCCA and digital VCCINT planes with a ground moat; never route digital signals over the analog PLL power region. The 144-pin EQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch leads - use a 4-layer PCB with 0.5 oz copper and 0.2 mm trace/space rules. Add a ground ring around the exposed pad connected to the inner ground plane via thermal vias to improve EMI and thermal performance.
For standalone boot, connect a serial configuration flash (EPCS4 or larger) to the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins (DATA0, DCLK, nCSO, ASDO). The MSEL[2:0] pins must be pulled to specific logic levels (00 for Active Serial, 01 for Passive Serial, 10 for JTAG) to select the configuration mode. Add a JTAG header (10-pin 0.1 inch dual-row) for in-system programming and debugging. The nCONFIG pin must be pulled high to VCCIO via a 10 kohm resistor to enable configuration at power-up.
Estimated: At maximum toggle rate with all 91 I/Os switching at 100 MHz and 15 pF load, the EP4CE6E22I7N dissipates approximately 1.5W. Without thermal management, junction temperature rises 42C above ambient (1.5W x 28 C/W). For industrial -40C to +100C operation, the maximum ambient temperature with continuous full I/O utilization is approximately 58C. Reduce toggle frequency, lower I/O voltage, or add forced-air cooling if ambient exceeds 58C in your enclosure. The exposed pad MUST be soldered to a copper pour of at least 1 square inch for thermal relief.
Do not leave MSEL pins floating - undefined configuration mode will cause the device to fail initialization. Do not connect VCCA and VCCD_PLL to switching regulators; use low-noise LDOs (e.g., LT1963 or similar) to avoid PLL jitter. Do not drive I/O pins before VCCIO has reached its operating voltage, or the I/O buffers may latch-up. Always download the latest Quartus Prime device support file from Intel's website, as older Quartus versions may not recognize the I7N industrial speed grade correctly.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Intel/Altera product page. Lead-free indicated by N suffix in part number. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data; marked unknown. AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA not qualified to automotive discrete IC standard; see Cyclone IV E automotive variants if required).
