EP4CGX30BF14C8 - 29,440 LE Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 169-LBGA | Intel
MPN: EP4CGX30BF14C8 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $70.6 | $70.60 |
| 10 | $65.4 | $654.00 |
| 100 | $58.2 | $5,820.00 |
| 500 | $52.1 | $26,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $46.8 | $46,800.00 |
EP4CGX30BF14C8 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor that allows designers to implement arbitrary digital logic using programmable logic elements, embedded memory blocks, and routing resources. FPGAs sit between ASICs and microcontrollers in the silicon hierarchy: more flexible than ASICs but more deterministic and parallel than software-driven CPUs. The Cyclone IV GX family specifically targets applications that need integrated transceivers (up to 3.125 Gbps) and protocol-hardened IP at a low cost point.
Key features of the EP4CGX30BF14C8 include 29,440 logic elements, 108 M9K memory blocks providing 1,105,920 bits of RAM, up to 4 PLLs for clock management, and dedicated 8B/10B encoding/decoding blocks. The 'GX' suffix indicates integrated transceivers suitable for PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial RapidIO. Maximum user I/O is 72 in the F14 package, with LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, and SSTL I/O standards supported.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance encoders, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, software-defined radio front-ends, and protocol bridging between UART/SPI and high-speed serial links. The integrated transceivers eliminate external PHY chips, reducing BOM cost and board area.
When designing with this FPGA, ensure proper decoupling of all VCCINT, VCCA, and VCCIO rails per Intel reference design. Configuration can be loaded via JTAG, passive serial, or through Altera configuration devices (EPCS). Quartus Prime software is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone IV GX variants, and practical design notes drawn from the Intel Cyclone IV GX handbook, not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CGX30BF14C8 — 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 EP4CGX30BF14C8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Transceivers, Operating Temperature, Speed Grade, Embedded Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CGX30BF14C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$55.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$25.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$119.4995 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX22BF14C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX22BF14C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Logic Elements | 29,440 LE |
| Embedded Memory | 1,105,920 bits (108 M9K blocks) |
| Maximum User I/Os | 72 |
| Process Technology | 60 nm |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Package | 169-LBGA (FBGA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Transceivers | Integrated (GX series, up to 3.125 Gbps) |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 80 |
| Configuration Method | JTAG, Passive Serial, EPCS |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Family | Cyclone IV GX |
| Speed Grade | 8 |
| Number of Terminals | 169 |
| Package Shape | Square (BGA) |
| Terminal Form | Ball |
EP4CGX30BF14C8 square (bga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CGX30BF14C8 (square (bga) 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 EP4CGX30BF14C8.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CGX30BF14C8 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Surveillance Encoders, Low-Cost PCIe Endpoint Cards, Software-Defined Radio Front-End, Protocol Bridging (UART/SPI to Gigabit Ethernet), Automotive Infotainment Auxiliary Processors.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP4CGX30BF14C8 fits industrial motor control because its 29,440 logic elements and 80 18x18 multipliers deliver ample DSP for field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms on 3-phase BLDC and servo drives. The integrated transceivers support encoder feedback protocols such as EnDat 2.2 and BiSS-C at 12.5 Mbps, eliminating external PHY chips. With 4 PLLs and 20 global clock networks, multiple PWM modules can be precisely phase-aligned at 100 kHz switching frequency. The commercial 0C-70C range is sufficient for cabinet-installed drives with heat sinks.
Recommended
Video Surveillance Encoders
The EP4CGX30BF14C8 is ideal for multi-channel video surveillance encoders supporting H.264 compression of 4-8 D1 streams simultaneously. Its 1,105,920 bits of embedded memory across 108 M9K blocks provide line-buffer and reference-frame storage for low-latency encoding. The integrated transceivers accept raw MIPI or sub-LVDS input from image sensors at up to 3.125 Gbps per lane, replacing costly external bridge chips. The 169-LBGA package supports compact board layouts typical of PoE-powered IP camera designs.
Recommended
Low-Cost PCIe Endpoint Cards
The EP4CGX30BF14C8's integrated transceivers support PCIe Gen1 x1/x4 endpoints at 2.5 Gbps without external PHY, making it a strong fit for low-cost PCIe add-in cards such as data-acquisition boards, software RAID, or protocol analyzers. The 29,440 logic elements accommodate PCIe hard IP plus custom application logic in the same device. The 169-LBGA footprint provides sufficient routing area for x4 lane layouts on standard FR-4 PCB, and the 1.2 V core keeps total card power below 5W.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio Front-End
The EP4CGX30BF14C8 supports software-defined radio (SDR) front-end processing because its 80 18x18 hardware multipliers handle DDC/DUC filtering and FFT/iFFT blocks in real time. The integrated transceivers accept IF signals at up to 3.125 Gbps, suitable for direct sampling of 70 MHz IF or wideband LNA outputs. The 1,105,920-bit embedded RAM accommodates tap buffers for 256-tap FIR filters in DDC chains. Commercial-grade temperature is adequate for indoor SDR equipment in controlled environments.
Recommended
Protocol Bridging (UART/SPI to Gigabit Ethernet)
The EP4CGX30BF14C8 fits UART/SPI-to-Gigabit-Ethernet protocol bridges for industrial IoT gateways, with logic elements providing 10/100/1000 MAC and DMA engine implementation while transceivers drive the SGMII PHY interface at 1.25 Gbps. The 4 PLLs generate the multiple clock domains required for asynchronous serial buses and the Ethernet MAC. With 1.1 Mbit of embedded memory, packet buffering eliminates the need for external SRAM.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Auxiliary Processors
While commercial temperature grade restricts the EP4CGX30BF14C8 from under-hood use, it serves as an auxiliary graphics or audio processor in cabin infotainment head units and rear-seat entertainment displays. Its 29,440 logic elements accelerate JPEG decode for album art and H.264 streams for rear-seat displays. The transceivers accept LVDS input from the head unit host processor at 655 Mbps per data pair, supporting seamless integration with most automotive SoCs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CGX30BF14C8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CGX30BF14C7N | EP4CGX30BF14C7 | EP4CGX30BF14C6N | EP4CGX30BF14C6 | EP4CGX22BF14C8 | EP4CGX22BF14C8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 169-LBGA (F14) | 169-LBGA (F14) - same | 169-LBGA (F14) - same | 169-LBGA (F14) - same | 169-LBGA (F14) - same | 169-LBGA (F14) - same | 169-LBGA (F14) - same |
| Logic Elements | 29,440 | 29,440 (same) | 29,440 (same) | 29,440 (same) | 29,440 (same) | 21,600 (-27%) | 21,600 (-27%) |
| Embedded Memory | 1,105,920 bits | 1,105,920 bits (same) | 1,105,920 bits (same) | 1,105,920 bits (same) | 1,105,920 bits (same) | 774,144 bits (-30%) | 774,144 bits (-30%) |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| User I/Os | 72 | 72 (same) | 72 (same) | 72 (same) | 72 (same) | 72 (same) | 72 (same) |
| PLLs | 4 | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 80 | 80 (same) | 80 (same) | 80 (same) | 80 (same) | 66 (-17.5%) | 66 (-17.5%) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade (8) in the EP4CGX30 BF14 family (vs EP4CGX30BF14C7N)
- 30% more logic elements than the EP4CGX22 in the same package (vs EP4CGX22BF14C8)
- Integrated transceivers eliminate external PHY BOM cost (vs Cyclone IV E (non-GX) FPGAs)
Design Notes
The EP4CGX30BF14C8 requires multiple supply rails: VCCINT (1.2 V core), VCCA (2.5 V PLL analog), VCCIO (1.2-3.3 V I/O banks), and VCCD_PLL (1.2 V digital PLL). Decoupling follows Intel's reference: 100 nF ceramic per power pin within 100 mils, plus bulk 10 uF and 100 uF tantalum or polymer capacitors at each regulator. Power-on sequencing (VCCINT before VCCIO) prevents I/O latch-up; use a sequencer IC if regulators cannot be ordered externally.
The 169-LBGA uses a 1.0 mm pitch ball grid requiring 4-6 layer PCB with 0.5 oz copper. Escape routing uses via-in-pad or microvia stackups (HDI) to break out the inner rows. Match all transceiver differential pairs to 100 ohm differential impedance with length matching within 5 mils. Provide continuous ground reference planes under all BGA balls to control return paths and reduce EMI.
Estimated: at 100% logic utilization and 1.2 V core, ICCINT reaches approximately 500 mA. Power dissipation is therefore roughly 0.6 W plus I/O bank current. The 169-LBGA has theta_JA around 25-30 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, yielding a 15-18 C rise above ambient at full load. For commercial-grade operation up to +70C ambient, no heatsink is required; place thermal vias under the center balls for improved conduction to inner ground planes.
Three common pitfalls when bringing up the EP4CGX30BF14C8: (1) forgetting the JTAG TCK pull-down resistor (10 kohm to GND) leaves the configuration state undefined; (2) using a 3.3 V VCCIO bank connected to a 1.2 V device without level translation damages I/O; (3) MSEL pin settings must match configuration mode - using the wrong EPCS device or active vs passive serial prevents bitstream load. Always verify MSEL and CONFIG_VOLTAGE with the Cyclone IV GX pin connection guidelines before first power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed per Intel/Altera product page. Halogen-free status to be verified against the latest Intel material declaration. AEC-Q100 not applicable as this is a commercial-grade FPGA.
