EP4CGX150CF23C7N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 149760 LE FBGA-484 | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP4CGX150CF23C7N β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $195.38 | $195.38 |
| 10 | $180.42 | $1,804.20 |
| 100 | $168.75 | $16,875.00 |
| 500 | $152.1 | $76,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $138.95 | $138,950.00 |
EP4CGX150CF23C7N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, dedicated DSP blocks, block RAM, and high-speed I/O on a single semiconductor die. Within the broader programmable-logic taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs, ASICs, and ASSPs as the principal hardware platform for high-density digital design. The Cyclone IV family targets low-power, cost-optimized applications while still offering transceivers in the GX variants, distinguishing them from the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E series.
Key features of the EP4CGX150CF23C7N include 149760 logic elements, 6.635 Mbits of embedded RAM (RAM bits), 270 user I/O pins, 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, a maximum operating frequency of approximately 472.5 MHz, and built-in support for common I/O standards such as LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI/PCI-X, and DDR/DDR2 SDRAM interfaces. The 60 nm process node, 1.2 V core supply, and dedicated PLL blocks deliver a balance of performance and dynamic-power efficiency suitable for cost-sensitive designs.
Architecture highlights include 4 PLLs (up to 6 in some members of the family), embedded multipliers (18 x 18) for DSP, and 9-bit memory logic array blocks. Configuration is supported through standard JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes, allowing flexible in-system programming via the Quartus Prime design software.
Typical applications include industrial machine vision, video surveillance and broadcast bridging, low-cost ASIC replacement, motor control and industrial automation, and PCIe Gen1 endpoint/root-port designs that exploit the integrated transceivers. The wide operating-temperature grade and proven 60 nm process make it a popular choice for production deployments outside of strictly automotive or aerospace domains.
When designing, ensure the FBGA-484 footprint includes adequate via-in-pad escape routing and a minimum 4-layer PCB stack-up for signal integrity on transceiver channels. Use the Quartus Prime PowerPlay analyzer to estimate dynamic power dissipation, and respect the transceiver reference-clock jitter budget for any 3.125 Gbps link.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, FBGA-484 drop-in alternatives, and practical Quartus Prime design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CGX150CF23C7N 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 EP4CGX150CF23C7N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Embedded Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CGX150CF23C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$263.35 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX150CF23C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$210 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX110CF23C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$89.12 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX150CF23C7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV GX |
| Logic Elements | 149760 |
| Logic Array Blocks | 9360 |
| Embedded Memory (RAM bits) | 6635520 (6.635 Mbit) |
| User I/O | 270 |
| Transceivers | 8 channels |
| Transceiver Data Rate | 3.125 Gbps |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 472.5 MHz |
| PLL Count | 4 |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Process Technology | 60 nm |
| Package | FBGA-484 (23 x 23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +85C) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) |
| Configuration Modes | JTAG, AS, PS, FPP |
| Design Software | Quartus Prime |
EP4CGX150CF23C7N fbga-484 (23 x 23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CGX150CF23C7N (fbga-484 (23 x 23 mm, 1.0 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 EP4CGX150CF23C7N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CGX150CF23C7N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Machine Vision and Video Bridging, Low-Cost ASIC Replacement for Industrial Control, PCIe Gen1 Endpoint and Root-Port Designs, Broadcast and Professional Video Processing, Industrial Ethernet Switches and Protocol Bridges, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Machine Vision and Video Bridging
The EP4CGX150CF23C7N's 149760 logic elements, 6.635 Mbit embedded RAM, and 270 user I/O pins make it a strong fit for industrial machine-vision pipelines where Camera Link, MIPI-CSI, or parallel LVDS image sensors must be captured, processed, and forwarded to Gigabit Ethernet or PCIe. The 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers support GigE Vision, USB3.0 PHY bridging, and CoaXPress protocols without an external PHY, reducing BOM cost. Real-time frame buffering uses the embedded block RAM for line-store FIFOs, while the dedicated 18x18 multipliers accelerate Bayer demosaicing and 2D filter kernels. Power consumption stays below 1.5 W typical in commercial-temperature operation.
Recommended
Low-Cost ASIC Replacement for Industrial Control
The Cyclone IV GX EP4CGX150CF23C7N is a drop-in cost-reduction path when a custom ASIC is no longer economical in low-to-mid production volumes. Its 9360 logic array blocks and 4 PLLs deliver deterministic logic for motor-control PWM, encoder feedback, EtherCAT slave processing, and industrial EtherNet/IP state machines. The 60 nm process keeps dynamic power in check, while the FBGA-484 package enables compact controller PCBs with adequate via-in-pad escape for high-speed transceiver routing. Quartus Prime QIP generation accelerates design porting from legacy ASIC netlists.
Recommended
PCIe Gen1 Endpoint and Root-Port Designs
For PCIe Gen1 (2.5 Gbps) endpoint and root-port designs, the EP4CGX150CF23C7N provides the integrated PCIe hard IP block with x1/x4/x8 support via the dedicated transceivers, eliminating the need for an external PCIe PHY. The hard IP block handles transaction layer, data link layer, and physical layer functions, freeing the 149760 logic elements for application logic. Designers can implement NVMe controllers, low-latency data-acquisition cards, or industrial PCIe-to-Ethernet bridges. The Cyclone IV GX PCIe solution is documented in Altera application note AN456.
Recommended
Broadcast and Professional Video Processing
The 8 transceivers at 3.125 Gbps and 270 user I/O of the EP4CGX150CF23C7N suit SDI (SMPTE 259M/292M/424M) and HDMI broadcast interfaces where multiple serial-video streams must be received, processed, and re-transmitted. The 6.635 Mbit embedded RAM buffers video lines, and the 18x18 multipliers accelerate color-space conversion (RGB to YCbCr) and chroma resampling. Designers frequently use the Cyclone IV GX as a cost-effective alternative to mid-range ASICs in studio equipment, video-wall controllers, and multi-viewer processors operating at commercial temperatures.
Recommended
Industrial Ethernet Switches and Protocol Bridges
Industrial Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP require deterministic latency and hardware-accelerated processing - exactly where the EP4CGX150CF23C7N excels. With 8 transceivers supporting 100 Mbit / 1 Gbit Ethernet SGMII or RGMII plus external PHYs, designers can implement managed switches, protocol bridges, and real-time fieldbus gateways. The 60 nm process provides predictable timing closure with Quartus Prime TimeQuest analysis, and the FBGA-484 F23 package leaves sufficient user-I/O for SPI flash, I2C EEPROM, and GPIO interfaces.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement equipment - logic analyzers, protocol exercisers, and arbitrary waveform generators - uses the EP4CGX150CF23C7N to provide flexible digital stimulus, capture, and signal-conditioning paths. The 270 user I/O support LVDS logic-analyzer probes with up to 135 differential pairs, and the 6.635 Mbit RAM captures deep waveform records without external memory. The integrated transceivers enable 3.125 Gbps serial-bus analysis (USB 3.0, PCIe, SATA), and the 4 PLLs generate precisely tuned sample clocks. Commercial temperature grade (0C to +85C) suits lab environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CGX150CF23C7N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CGX150CF23C7 | EP4CGX150CF23C6N | EP4CGX110CF23C7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | FBGA-484 (F23, 23x23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) | FBGA-484 (F23, 23x23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) - same | FBGA-484 (F23, 23x23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) - same | FBGA-484 (F23, 23x23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) - same |
| Logic Elements | 149760 | 149760 | 149760 | 109424 (-27%) |
| Embedded Memory (RAM bits) | 6635520 (6.635 Mbit) | 6635520 (6.635 Mbit) | 6635520 (6.635 Mbit) | 4838400 (4.84 Mbit, -27%) |
| Speed Grade | C7 (commercial) | C7 (commercial) | C6 (slower than C7) | C7 (commercial) |
| Transceivers | 8 channels @ 3.125 Gbps | 8 channels @ 3.125 Gbps | 8 channels @ 3.125 Gbps | 8 channels @ 3.125 Gbps |
| Lead-Free RoHS (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | No (no N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
| Process / Core Voltage | 60 nm / 1.2 V | 60 nm / 1.2 V | 60 nm / 1.2 V | 60 nm / 1.2 V |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible lead-free variant for cost-engineered designs (vs EP4CGX150CF23C7)
- Same-die C6 speed grade for lower power (vs EP4CGX150CF23C6N)
- Lower-density sibling for cost-optimized sub-systems (vs EP4CGX110CF23C7N)
Design Notes
The FBGA-484 F23 package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch on a 23 x 23 mm substrate, which requires a 4-layer PCB stack-up minimum for transceiver reference-clock integrity. Place a continuous ground plane directly beneath the FPGA, and use microvia-in-pad or via-on-pad technology on BGA escape routing. Per Altera Cyclone IV GX hardware design guidelines, dedicate at least 4 PCB layers to GND planes below the BGA to control return-path impedance for the 8 transceiver channels.
Estimated: at typical operating conditions (VCCINT = 1.2 V, junction temp 85C, 50% logic utilization, 8 active transceivers at 3.125 Gbps), total on-chip power dissipation can reach 1.8 to 2.2 W. Use the Quartus Prime PowerPlay Early Power Estimator before PCB layout to size the VCCINT and VCCA regulator heat-sinking. Provide 3-4 low-impedance 0402/0603 decoupling capacitors per VCC pin group, plus 2 bulk 22 uF/47 uF ceramic capacitors near the package. VCCPD (3.3 V) and VCCIO supplies must each be sequenced per Altera POR (power-on-reset) requirements.
Transceiver channel performance at 3.125 Gbps requires matched 100-ohm differential routing with intra-pair skew below 5 mil and length matching to within 150 mil across all 8 channels. Reference-clock inputs (REFCLK) need 50-ohm controlled impedance and an AC-coupling capacitor of 100 nF placed close to the FPGA pin. Use the Altera Cyclone IV GX transceiver user guide and IBIS-AMI models to simulate channel loss against the PCB stack-up. Common pitfall: routing reference clocks over a split reference plane, which causes jitter degradation.
Do not confuse the F23 FBGA-484 package with the F27 FBGA-672 package - they are different footprints and not pin-compatible, even though both house Cyclone IV GX devices. The CF suffix in the ordering code indicates 1.2 V core + 1.5 V/1.8 V/2.5 V/3.3 V VCCIO support; for designs requiring 3.0 V VCCIO only, verify the C8/C9 speed-grade variants. Configuration mode pull-ups on MSEL[3..0] must match the chosen configuration interface (AS x1/x4, PS, FPP, JTAG) - incorrect MSEL settings is a leading cause of configuration failures.
Compliance Information
N suffix denotes JEDEC J-STD-020 compliant Pb-free FBGA-484 package per Altera ordering code conventions. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (commercial/industrial grade only). For automotive AEC-Q100 applications, use Cyclone IV Auto parts or Cyclone V devices.
