EP4CE6F17C8N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6.3K LE, 256-BGA | Altera
MPN: EP4CE6F17C8N β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.5 | $22.50 |
| 10 | $20.25 | $202.50 |
| 100 | $17.85 | $1,785.00 |
| 500 | $15.5 | $7,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $13.75 | $13,750.00 |
EP4CE6F17C8N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, I/O cells, and dedicated hard IP such as block RAM and DSP multipliers. FPGAs sit within the broader programmable logic device (PLD) hierarchy, occupying the same role as ASICs but offering post-fabrication re-programmability. Cyclone IV E belongs to Altera's low-cost FPGA family, optimized for volume production with the lowest power consumption in its class, typically below 1.5 W in static mode.
Key features include 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits embedded RAM, 15 dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers, two PLLs, and 179 maximum user I/Os. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards with on-chip termination (OCT). Configuration options include JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes. The 256-ball FBGA package provides excellent signal integrity for high-speed designs while enabling compact PCB layouts.
Technically, the EP4CE6F17C8N uses a 60 nm low-k dielectric process with a 1.2 V core supply and 2.5 V/3.3 V/1.8 V/1.5 V I/O standards. The architecture separates logic, routing, and DSP blocks, enabling deterministic timing closure through Altera/Intel Quartus II design software. Built-in support for Nios II embedded processors allows soft-core CPU integration without external components. The Cyclone IV E family is widely used in industrial control, video processing, and communications infrastructure.
Typical applications include motor control and drive electronics, video surveillance and image processing, industrial Ethernet gateways, LED display controllers, and portable medical devices. Its low power consumption and high logic density make it ideal for portable instrumentation, automotive infotainment prototypes, and consumer electronics requiring flexible logic integration.
When designing with this FPGA, careful attention must be paid to power rail sequencing, decoupling capacitor placement near each power pin, and thermal management via the exposed pad of the FBGA package. Designers should use Intel Quartus Prime software for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis. Verification of pinout compatibility against the FPGA's data sheet is essential before PCB fabrication.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Cyclone IV E family, application examples, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CE6F17C8N 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 EP4CE6F17C8N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade, PLLs, Configuration Modes.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CE6F17C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.6 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6F17I7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6F17C8LN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6E22C8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6F17C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE10F17C8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE6F17C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera (Intel) |
| Series | Cyclone IV E |
| Device Family | Cyclone IV E (EP4CE6) |
| Logic Elements | 6,272 LE |
| Embedded Memory | 270 Kbits |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 15 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 179 |
| PLLs | 2 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Process Technology | 60 nm low-power |
| Package | 256-ball FBGA (F17, 17x17 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) |
| Speed Grade | C8 |
| Configuration Modes | JTAG, AS, PS, FPP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP4CE6F17C8N 256-ball fbga (f17, 17x17 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CE6F17C8N (256-ball fbga (f17, 17x17 mm) 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 EP4CE6F17C8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CE6F17C8N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Surveillance and Image Processing, Industrial Ethernet Gateway, LED Display Controller, Portable Medical Device Controller, Consumer Electronics Prototyping.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP4CE6F17C8N fits industrial motor control because its 15 dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers execute field-oriented control (FOC) math in single clock cycles, while 270 Kbits of embedded RAM buffer ADC current samples and PWM duty tables. Designers implement SVPWM generation, encoder quadrature decoders, and PI controller loops in fabric for sub-microsecond loop periods. The 1.2 V core supply and 60 nm low-power process keep total power under 1.5 W even at full DSP utilization. The 256-ball FBGA exposes 179 user I/Os, sufficient for multi-axis drives connecting to power module gate drivers, Hall/encoder sensors, and isolated communication interfaces. Industrial-grade variants like EP4CE6F17I7N extend this to harsh environments.
Recommended
Video Surveillance and Image Processing
The EP4CE6F17C8N handles entry-level video processing pipelines such as motion detection, video scaling, and basic image enhancement. Its 6,272 logic elements implement Sobel edge detection, median filtering, and color space conversion in real time at common CIF/D1 resolutions. The 270 Kbits of block RAM holds line buffers for 2D convolution kernels without external SDRAM for moderate resolutions. LVDS I/O support enables direct connection to CMOS image sensor parallel interfaces. Cyclone IV E's low static power is critical in always-on PoE-powered cameras where thermal budgets are tight.
Recommended
Industrial Ethernet Gateway
The EP4CE6F17C8N implements deterministic industrial Ethernet protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, or EtherNet/IP slave stacks in fabric. Its 179 user I/Os accommodate dual MII/RGMII PHY interfaces plus SPI/UART host connections, while 270 Kbits of RAM buffer packet queues and process image memory. The two on-chip PLLs generate the precise clock frequencies required for PHY link timing and processor cores. Real-time operating system (RTOS) and protocol stack fit within the 6,272 LEs with room for application-specific custom logic on top.
Recommended
LED Display Controller
The EP4CE6F17C8N drives multi-million-pixel LED video walls by handling high-speed pixel shifting, gamma correction, and refresh-rate conversion. Each FPGA channel outputs LVDS pairs to LED driver chips, and the 179 user I/Os support 60+ data channels at 24-bit color depth. The 15 hardware multipliers accelerate brightness compensation calculations while 270 Kbits of RAM buffers scan-line information. Its low power extends operating life in always-on digital signage installations.
Recommended
Portable Medical Device Controller
Medical device prototypes leverage the EP4CE6F17C8N's low 1.2 V core power consumption for battery-powered designs like portable patient monitors or point-of-care diagnostics. The 6,272 LEs implement sensor fusion algorithms for pulse oximetry, ECG signal conditioning, and TFT display driving within a single chip. The 270 Kbits of embedded RAM stores waveform history without external memory. Industrial-temperature variants support clinical environments with strict reliability requirements.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Prototyping
The EP4CE6F17C8N enables fast prototyping of consumer peripherals such as smart-home hubs, gaming accessories, and wearable controllers. Its Nios II soft-core processor support allows quick CPU integration for IoT control logic, while programmable fabric handles custom sensor interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART bridges). The 256-ball FBGA fits within space-constrained wearable form factors, and the C8 speed grade is sufficient for typical consumer clock rates below 100 MHz.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CE6F17C8N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CE6F17C7N | EP4CE6F17I7N | EP4CE6F17C8LN | EP4CE10F17C8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 256-ball FBGA (F17, 17x17 mm) | 256-ball FBGA (F17) - same | 256-ball FBGA (F17) - same | 256-ball FBGA (F17) - same | 256-ball FBGA (F17) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Logic Elements | 6,272 LE | 6,272 LE | 6,272 LE | 6,272 LE | 10,320 LE (+65%) |
| Embedded Memory | 270 Kbits | 270 Kbits | 270 Kbits | 270 Kbits | 414 Kbits |
| 18x18 Multipliers | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 23 |
| Speed Grade | C8 | C7 (faster) | I7 (industrial temp) | C8L (industrial temp) | C8 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +85C |
| PLLs | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-density, lowest-cost member of Cyclone IV E with full package compatibility (vs EP4CE10F17C8N)
- C8 speed grade optimizes cost vs performance tradeoff (vs EP4CE6F17C7N)
- Commercial temperature rating for indoor consumer applications (vs EP4CE6F17I7N)
Design Notes
The EP4CE6F17C8N requires multiple power rails: 1.2 V core, 2.5 V analog PLL supply, and bank-specific VCCIO voltages (1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V). Use a power sequencing controller to ensure the core ramps before I/O supplies. Decoupling: place 0.1 uF X7R capacitors within 3 mm of every power pin, plus 10 uF bulk capacitors per power rail. Estimated: at typical 50% toggle activity with all 15 multipliers running, total core current reaches ~500 mA.
Although the Cyclone IV E is low-power (typically under 1.5 W static), thermal management matters for industrial designs. The 256-ball FBGA's exposed center balls provide thermal conduction; connect them to a large ground/power pour on inner PCB layers with thermal vias. Estimated: at 85C ambient and full DSP utilization, junction temperature may approach 95C - verify with the Quartus PowerPlay analyzer before finalizing layout.
FBGA routing requires microvia or via-in-pad technology for the 1.0 mm ball pitch. Use 4+ PCB layers with dedicated ground and power planes to maintain signal integrity on high-speed LVDS pairs. Length-match differential pairs to within 0.13 mm (5 mil) per the Altera pin connection guidelines. Place configuration flash (EPCS or compatible) within 25 mm of the FPGA for reliable Active Serial configuration.
Do not assume JTAG configuration without verifying MSEL pin settings - the EP4CE6F17C8N defaults to Active Serial mode at power-up. Confirm CONFIG_DONE and nSTATUS behavior with proper pull-up resistors. Lock configuration by tying nCE low and nCONFIG high at power-up. For multi-FPGA designs, daisy-chain JTAG correctly using TMS/TCK fanout.
Place clock input pins on dedicated CLK pins to access global clock networks. Differential clocks (LVDS) must enter on DIFFCLK-capable pins. Group high-speed I/O on adjacent banks to simplify length matching. Leave at least 1 mm clearance between FBGA perimeter and other components to allow rework. Reference the Cyclone IV E handbook pin connection guidelines for unused-pin termination requirements.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by 'N' suffix per Altera ordering code convention. AEC-Q100 not applicable for FPGAs (automotive grade variants have separate ordering codes). Halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in retrieved data.
