EP4CGX30BF14C8N - 30K LE Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 169-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EP4CGX30BF14C8N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $71.87 | $71.87 |
| 10 | $64.68 | $646.80 |
| 100 | $57.49 | $5,749.00 |
| 500 | $50.31 | $25,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $43.12 | $43,120.00 |
EP4CGX30BF14C8N Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit whose logic functionality is defined by the user after manufacture, sitting in the broader taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. Cyclone IV GX FPGAs target cost- and power-sensitive applications that still require high-speed serial I/O, distinguishing them from the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E family and from higher-density Stratix families.
Key features include 4 integrated transceivers supporting data rates from 600 Mbps up to 3.125 Gbps for protocols such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial RapidIO. The device offers 66 embedded 9x9 multipliers, 72 user I/O pins, and on-chip memory of 1,105,920 bits organized in M9K blocks. Configuration is supported through JTAG, Active Serial (AS), or Passive Parallel (PPS) modes. Power is managed through on-chip voltage regulators supporting hot-socketing and ramp-up sequencing.
The Cyclone IV GX architecture combines a logic array with dedicated transceiver physical media attachment (PMA) and physical coding sublayer (PCS) blocks, eliminating external PHY ICs in many designs. The 60 nm process and optimized clock network reduce dynamic power compared to earlier Cyclone generations, while the transceiver blocks maintain signal integrity at multi-gigabit rates.
Typical applications include industrial video bridging and image processing, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, motor control and industrial automation, telecom line cards, and embedded vision systems. The combination of logic density, on-chip memory, and integrated transceivers makes it well suited for protocol bridging and small-form-factor communication modules.
Designers should pay attention to transceiver reference clock routing and power filtering: each transceiver channel requires a dedicated PLL and clean reference clock with controlled impedance routing. Decoupling capacitors must be placed close to every VCC pin, and unused transceiver channels must be properly powered down in software to avoid back-powering.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer's product page alone, organized for engineers evaluating the EP4CGX30BF14C8N for new designs or service replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CGX30BF14C8N — 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 EP4CGX30BF14C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Embedded Memory, Transceivers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
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View Datasheet →EP4CGX30BF14C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV GX |
| Logic Elements | 29,440 |
| Total Memory Bits | 1,105,920 bits |
| Number of Logic Cells | 29440 |
| Number of I/O | 72 |
| Number of Transceivers | 4 |
| Transceiver Data Rate | 600 Mbps to 3.125 Gbps |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 66 |
| Process Technology | 60 nm |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Package Type | 169-LBGA (FBGA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Speed Grade | C8 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP4CGX30BF14C8N 169-lbga (fbga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4CGX30BF14C8N (169-lbga (fbga) 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 EP4CGX30BF14C8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4CGX30BF14C8N is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Video Bridging and Image Processing, Low-Cost PCIe Endpoint Card, Motor Control and Industrial Automation, Telecom Line Card and Protocol Bridging, Embedded Vision System, Industrial IoT Gateway with Serial Connectivity, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Video Bridging and Image Processing
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N fits industrial video bridging because its 29,440 logic elements and 1,105,920 bits of embedded memory provide sufficient resources for real-time pixel processing, while the 4 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers enable raw sensor data serialization at 1080p60 line rates. Placed between a Camera Link or LVDS image sensor and a Gigabit Ethernet uplink, the FPGA performs format conversion and compression in fabric. The C8 speed grade ensures the design meets 148.5 MHz pixel clock timing closure. Power consumption stays under 1.5W typical, enabling fanless industrial camera designs in sealed enclosures. Designers should reference Altera application note AN508 for Camera Link reference designs.
Recommended
Low-Cost PCIe Endpoint Card
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N supports PCIe Gen1 endpoint designs at x1 lane through its integrated transceivers operating at 2.5 Gbps, eliminating the need for an external PHY. With 29,440 logic elements, the device hosts a soft PCIe IP core plus application logic for low-cost data acquisition or instrumentation cards. The 169-FBGA F14 package provides adequate ground balls for signal-integrity-compliant PCIe routing. Power is typically under 1.5W, well within PCIe card thermal envelopes. Designers must implement reference clock routing per the PCIe CEM specification and use the Altera PCIe Compiler IP for compliance.
Recommended
Motor Control and Industrial Automation
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N suits motor control because its 66 embedded 18x18 multipliers accelerate Field-Oriented Control (FOC) and Space Vector PWM algorithms in real time at 20 kHz+ switching frequencies. The 72 user I/O pins support multi-axis encoder inputs, PWM outputs, and communication peripherals (RS-485, CAN, EtherCAT). Its commercial 0C-85C temperature grade fits factory floor cabinets, while the F14 169-FBGA package enables compact PCBAs integrating the FPGA with power-stage drivers. The C8 speed grade provides timing margin for high-resolution encoder decoding. Designers should reference the Altera Industrial Automation reference designs and consider the I-grade variant EP4CGX30BF14I8N for harsher thermal environments.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card and Protocol Bridging
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N is well-matched to telecom line cards because its 4 transceivers handle serial protocols (Serial RapidIO, Gigabit Ethernet, CPRI) at 3.125 Gbps while the fabric implements bridging logic between framer/mapper ASICs. The 1,105,920 bits of embedded memory buffer packet data efficiently, reducing external SRAM requirements. Power consumption under 1.5W allows dense line card designs without active cooling. The C8 speed grade ensures timing closure on multi-gigabit SERDES-side and slower fabric-side logic paths. Per Altera's telecom reference designs, the F14 package is the standard footprint for telecom line card PCBs.
Recommended
Embedded Vision System
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N supports embedded vision by combining 29,440 LEs for image preprocessing (filtering, thresholding, edge detection) with 4 transceivers for high-speed image data output to a host processor or display controller. The 1,105,920-bit memory holds line buffers and lookup tables needed for real-time image processing. The C8 speed grade supports 1080p60 processing at full frame rate. The 169-FBGA F14 package integrates onto small vision module PCBs used in robotics and surveillance. Designers should follow Altera's Embedded Vision reference design with HDR camera sensor interfaces.
Recommended
Industrial IoT Gateway with Serial Connectivity
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N fits IIoT gateway designs because its transceivers connect to multiple serial field buses (RS-485, CAN, Modbus) and the fabric aggregates data to an Ethernet or wireless uplink. The 72 user I/O pins interface with numerous field sensors and actuators, while 29,440 LEs run protocol stacks and local analytics. Power under 1.5W supports DIN-rail mounted gateways with passive cooling. The commercial 0C-85C temperature range covers most industrial enclosures. Reference Altera's Industrial Networking reference designs for EtherCAT, PROFINET, and IO-Link implementations.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N supports T&M instrumentation by combining high-speed serial I/O (3.125 Gbps transceivers) for data capture with parallel I/O (72 pins) for ADC/DAC interfacing. The 1,105,920-bit embedded memory holds sample buffers while the fabric performs triggering and protocol decoding. The C8 speed grade supports 200 MHz+ parallel ADC interfaces. Designers use the FPGA to implement custom protocol analyzers, logic analyzer capture engines, and arbitrary waveform generator state machines. The F14 169-FBGA package fits compact PCIe or USB-based instrument modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CGX30BF14C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CGX30BF14C8 | EP4CGX30BF14C7N | EP4CGX30BF14C6N | EP4CGX30BF14C7 | EP4CGX30BF14C6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 169-FBGA (F14) | 169-FBGA (F14) - same | 169-FBGA (F14) - same | 169-FBGA (F14) - same | 169-FBGA (F14) - same | 169-FBGA (F14) - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Elements | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 | 29,440 |
| Speed Grade | C8 | C8 | C7 | C6 | C7 | C6 |
| Number of Transceivers | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Transceiver Rate | 3.125 Gbps | 3.125 Gbps | 3.125 Gbps | 3.125 Gbps | 3.125 Gbps | 3.125 Gbps |
| User I/O | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to 85C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Embedded Memory | 1,105,920 bits | 1,105,920 bits | 1,105,920 bits | 1,105,920 bits | 1,105,920 bits | 1,105,920 bits |
| Pb-free Status | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (no N suffix - tray variant) | Yes | Yes | Yes (tray variant) | Yes (tray variant) |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest C8 speed grade for maximum timing margin (vs EP4CGX30BF14C7N)
- Higher density with same F14 footprint (vs EP4CGX15BF14C8N)
- Integrated transceivers eliminate external PHY (vs EP4CE30F14 (Cyclone IV E))
- Pb-free compliance with N suffix (vs EP4CGX30BF14C8 (no N))
Design Notes
The EP4CGX30BF14C8N requires multiple supply rails: VCCINT (1.2V core), VCCA (2.5V PLL), VCCD_PLL (1.2V PLL digital), and VCCIO (1.2V-3.3V I/O banks). Decoupling requires 0.1uF and 10uF capacitors placed within 100 mils of each supply pin. Power-on sequencing must follow Altera's Power Sequencing Guidelines (VCCINT before VCCIO to avoid latch-up). Estimated quiescent current is 500 mA typical for VCCINT at full transceiver utilization, plus up to 300 mA on VCCIO banks under heavy switching. Use Altera's PowerPlay Early Power Estimator (EPE) spreadsheet before final schematic to verify thermal envelope.
The 169-FBGA F14 package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch and 14x14 mm body, requiring 4 mil trace/space and microvia HDI PCB technology for fanout. Place the FPGA on the top side with all decoupling on the opposite side through short vias. Maintain continuous ground plane on layer 2 directly beneath the device. Transceiver balls (GXB) require matched-length routing (within 50 mils) to connector pins with controlled impedance (100 ohm differential). Reference Altera's Cyclone IV GX PCB Design Guidelines for complete layout recommendations.
Each of the 4 transceiver channels requires a clean reference clock routed with controlled 100 ohm differential impedance. Per Altera's Cyclone IV GX handbook, the reference clock jitter must be below 100 fs RMS for 3.125 Gbps operation. Use a dedicated clock buffer IC (e.g. CDCM61001) rather than distributing from a noisy PLL. Unused transceiver channels must be powered down via Quartus assignments to prevent back-powering. DC-blocking capacitors (4.7 nF) are required at each transceiver TX/RX pin. Estimated eye diagram margin at 3.125 Gbps with proper routing exceeds 30% UI per typical Cyclone IV GX characterization reports.
Do not confuse the C8/C7/C6 speed grades - using a C6 in a C8 design risks timing closure failure. Verify configuration mode pin settings (MSEL) match the chosen boot source (AS/PS/JTAG). The N suffix indicates Pb-free compliance; without N the part may be non-RoHS for some legacy batches. JTAG chain ordering matters when multiple devices share TCK/TDO - include a JTAG buffer if chain exceeds 4 devices. Hot-socketing support requires proper VCCIO ramp-up control per Altera AN-552.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per N suffix in part number. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should use designated automotive-grade FPGAs. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
