EP4CGX30BF14C7N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 30K LEs, 169-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EP4CGX30BF14C7N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $79.688 | $79.69 |
| 10 | $71.72 | $717.20 |
| 100 | $63.75 | $6,375.00 |
| 250 | $59.77 | $14,942.50 |
| 500 | $55.78 | $27,890.00 |
EP4CGX30BF14C7N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and embedded memory/DSP slices that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs occupy the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs) within the digital logic family, sitting above CPLDs in density and feature richness, and they are widely used for digital signal processing, high-speed serial interfacing, custom bus bridging, and prototype ASIC replacement. The Cyclone IV GX family specifically targets cost- and power-sensitive applications that still need 3.125 Gbps transceivers.
Key features of the EP4CGX30BF14C7N include up to 3.125 Gbps transceiver support, dedicated hardware multipliers for DSP, embedded 9-bit multipliers, configurable PLLs for clock management, and a wide range of I/O standards (LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, PCI). The device supports passive serial, fast passive serial, JTAG, and AS/AP configuration modes, with 8 dedicated configuration pins. Cyclone IV GX also provides built-in transceiver physical coding sublayer (PCS) and PMA blocks for protocols such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, and CPRI.
The architecture combines four-input look-up tables (LUTs) with adjacent registers per logic element, distributed and block RAM (M9K) memory for flexible buffering, and DSP blocks optimized for 18x18 multipliers. The 169-ball FineLine BGA (14x14 mm) package exposes 4 transceiver channels and supports both 3.3 V and 2.5 V I/O bank supplies through dedicated VCCIO pins.
Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation backplanes, video surveillance and image processing bridges, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, motor control and encoder interfaces, and software-defined radio (SDR) front-end pre-processing. The integrated transceivers also suit low-density wireless backhaul, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) optical line terminals, and broadcast video transport.
When designing with this FPGA, plan power sequencing for VCCINT (1.2 V core), VCCIO (per-bank I/O), and VCCA/VCCP (PLL and transceiver analog supplies) with strict ramp-ordering to avoid latch-up. Quartus II or Intel Quartus Prime provides the development flow, IP library, and synthesis support required to compile and program the device via JTAG.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers quickly evaluate the EP4CGX30BF14C7N for their next design.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CGX30BF14C7N — 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 EP4CGX30BF14C7N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Transceivers, Embedded Multipliers (18x18).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CGX30BF14C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$43.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C6N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$25.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14I7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$69.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14A7N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4CGX30BF14C7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV GX |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 29,440 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 1840 |
| Total Memory Bits | 1,105,920 bits |
| Embedded Memory | M9K blocks |
| Maximum User I/O | 72 |
| I/O Standards | LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, PCI |
| Process Technology | 60 nm |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.2 V |
| Package | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) |
| Speed Grade | 7 (commercial) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +85°C (commercial C) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Modes | Passive Serial, Fast Passive Serial, JTAG, AS, AP |
| DSP Blocks | Embedded 18x18 multipliers |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Supply Voltage | 1.2 V core, 2.5 V / 3.3 V I/O (per bank) |
EP4CGX30BF14C7N 169-lbga (fineline bga, 14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CGX30BF14C7N (169-lbga (fineline bga, 14x14 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 EP4CGX30BF14C7N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CGX30BF14C7N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Video Surveillance and Image Processing Bridges, Low-Cost PCIe Endpoint Cards, Motor Control and Encoder Interfaces, Software Defined Radio Front-End Pre-Processing, Broadcast Video Transport and Routing.
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
The EP4CGX30BF14C7N fits factory automation backplanes because its 29,440 logic elements provide ample capacity for EtherCAT, PROFINET, or custom fieldbus protocol bridging, while the integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers simplify real-time Ethernet uplinks. With 72 user I/O pins in the 169-LBGA package, designers can interface directly to TTL/CMOS sensors, motor encoder feedback, and 24 V optically isolated inputs through level shifters. The 60 nm Cyclone IV GX architecture draws under 1.5 W in typical configurations, enabling fanless DIN-rail designs. Quartus Prime supports industrial IP cores (EtherCAT slave controller, PROFINET IO device) for direct synthesis.
Recommended
Video Surveillance and Image Processing Bridges
The EP4CGX30BF14C7N's embedded M9K memory blocks (totaling 1,105,920 bits) act as line buffers for image pipelines, while DSP blocks implement 18x18 multipliers for real-time color-space conversion and edge detection. The integrated transceivers accept MIPI-CSI-2 adapters or GigE Vision data streams at up to 3.125 Gbps, and 72 I/O pins connect to parallel CMOS image sensors and HDMI output bridges. Designers typically use the F14 package's transceiver channels as uplink to a host processor while keeping baseband image processing local. Industrial vision systems benefit from the device's commercial 0C-85C operating range for indoor enclosures.
Recommended
Low-Cost PCIe Endpoint Cards
The Cyclone IV GX family includes hard PCIe Gen1 IP blocks that EP4CGX30BF14C7N exposes through its integrated transceivers, enabling x1 endpoint cards for low-bandwidth data acquisition, custom instrumentation, or NVMe controller development. The hard IP eliminates soft-logic PCIe synthesis overhead, freeing the 29,440 LEs for application code. The 169-LBGA package leaves all four transceiver channels accessible for PCIe plus auxiliary serial links. Quartus Prime provides PCIe Compiler wizard that generates compliant TLPs and handles electrical constraint matching.
Recommended
Motor Control and Encoder Interfaces
The EP4CGX30BF14C7N suits multi-axis servo drives by providing LVDS-capable I/O for high-speed encoder feedback (EnDat 2.2, BiSS, Tamagawa) and PWM generation for three-phase IGBT/MOSFET drivers. The 72 user I/O pins accept multiple encoder channels plus resolver-to-digital converter interfaces, while the embedded DSP blocks execute Field-Oriented Control (FOC) loops with deterministic latency. Cyclone IV GX's hardware multipliers accelerate Park/Clarke transforms and SVPWM modulation without software overhead. Industrial motor control benefits from the device's low-latency interrupt response and deterministic PLLs for control loop timing.
Recommended
Software Defined Radio Front-End Pre-Processing
In SDR applications, the EP4CGX30BF14C7N sits between the RF front end and a host processor, performing digital down-conversion, channelization, and decimation in FPGA fabric before forwarding baseband data over its 3.125 Gbps transceivers. The 18x18 multipliers and M9K memory blocks implement FIR and CIC filter chains directly in hardware, while 1840 LABs handle control logic for AGC and frequency hopping. The F14 package's transceiver count is sufficient for one observation channel plus auxiliary GPIO. Designers use Altera's DSP Builder or HDL to drop in standard DDC IP cores.
Recommended
Broadcast Video Transport and Routing
The EP4CGX30BF14C7N transports SDI (Serial Digital Interface) and HDMI video signals through its transceivers, embedding audio and ancillary data in the FPGA fabric. SMPTE 259M, 292M, and 424M standards all fit within the 3.125 Gbps transceiver capability for SD-SDI and HD-SDI, while the DSP blocks handle timing recovery and CRC insertion. The 169-LBGA package provides sufficient I/O for GPI-controlled routing matrices and tally/status feedback. Quartus Prime IP for SDI/HDMI simplifies compliance with broadcast transport standards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CGX30BF14C7N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CGX30BF14C8N | EP4CGX30BF14C6N | EP4CGX30BF14I7N | EP4CGX30BF14C7 | EP4CGX30BF14A7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) - same | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) - same | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) - same | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) - same | 169-LBGA (FineLine BGA, 14x14 mm) - same |
| Logic Elements | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 1,105,920 | 1,105,920 | 1,105,920 | 1,105,920 | 1,105,920 | 1,105,920 |
| Speed Grade | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Automotive |
| Maximum User I/O | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| Transceiver Speed | Up to 3.125 Gbps | Up to 3.125 Gbps | Up to 3.125 Gbps | Up to 3.125 Gbps | Up to 3.125 Gbps | Up to 3.125 Gbps |
| Packaging | Tray (-N suffix) | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray (no -N) | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers in low-cost Cyclone family (vs EP4CE40F29C8N (Cyclone IV E))
- Commercial temperature grade at lower cost than industrial siblings (vs EP4CGX30BF14I7N (industrial -40C to +100C))
- 29,440 LEs with 1,105,920 bits memory for mid-density designs (vs EP4CGX22BF14C7N (22K LE option in same F14 package))
Design Notes
The EP4CGX30BF14C7N requires four power rails: VCCINT (1.2 V core), VCCIO (2.5 V or 3.3 V per I/O bank), VCCA (2.5 V PLL analog), and VCCP (1.2 V or 2.5 V for transceiver PMA). Per the Cyclone IV GX device handbook, VCCINT must reach its nominal value before VCCIO to avoid latch-up; failing to enforce this sequence can permanently damage the device. Use a sequenced regulator or power-good supervisor. Decoupling capacitors: place 0.1 uF X7R ceramics at every VCCINT/VCCIO pin, plus bulk 47 uF tantalum or polymer within 1 inch of the BGA.
The 169-ball FineLine BGA package requires microvia or 0.4 mm pitch trace-and-via technology on at least 4 PCB layers. Recommended stackup: top signal + ground pour layer 2 + power plane layer 3 + bottom signal, all over a solid ground reference plane. Use length-matched differential routing for LVDS pairs (max skew 150 mil) and 100-ohm differential impedance for the 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels. Refer to the Cyclone IV GX board design guidelines for via-in-pad and microvia recommendations.
Cyclone IV GX devices are designed for fanless operation in commercial environments. Estimated: at 100% LE utilization and 50% transceiver activity, the EP4CGX30BF14C7N draws roughly 1.5 W; thermal resistance theta_JA is approximately 19 C/W on a JEDEC 4-layer test board, yielding a junction temperature rise of 28.5 C above ambient. For enclosed industrial enclosures, add thermal vias under the BGA center pad and consider a top-side heatsink if ambient temperature exceeds 60 C.
Three common pitfalls: (1) Driving JTAG TCK above 25 MHz without a buffer can cause signal integrity issues - use a JTAG buffer for long programming cables. (2) Failing to tie MSEL[3:0] pins to the correct mode-select encoding leaves the device in an undefined configuration state. (3) Using shared GPIO banks at 2.5 V and 3.3 V simultaneously violates VCCIO grouping - banks must share a single VCCIO level. Refer to the device handbook pin connection guidelines for each pin's acceptable connection.
The 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels require AC-coupled differential routing with 100-ohm differential impedance, 0.1 uF coupling capacitors on TX and RX pairs, and a length-matched pair (max 5 mil skew). Place the AC-coupling capacitors within 1 inch of the FPGA pin. For PCIe Gen1 endpoint use, follow the PCIe CEM specification reference clock distribution; the Cyclone IV GX transceiver user guide provides pre-emphasis and equalization settings for compliant signal eye diagrams at the receiver.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed in Intel Altera product page for the F14 package family. AEC-Q100 not applicable for C7N commercial grade; use EP4CGX30BF14A7N (automotive A-grade) for automotive applications.
