EP4CGX50CF23C7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 49.9K LE 484-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EP4CGX50CF23C7 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $84.5 | $84.50 |
| 10 | $76.2 | $762.00 |
| 100 | $65.8 | $6,580.00 |
| 250 | $60.4 | $15,100.00 |
| 500 | $55.1 | $27,550.00 |
EP4CGX50CF23C7 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reconfigurable integrated circuit that allows designers to implement custom digital logic, signal-processing datapaths, and interface bridges after silicon fabrication. FPGAs sit within the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs) alongside CPLDs, and are typically deployed when time-to-market, parallel processing bandwidth, or hardware-revision flexibility outweigh the per-unit cost advantage of an application-specific standard product (ASSP). The Cyclone IV GX family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications that still require integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers and a rich DSP block count.
Key features of the EP4CGX50CF23C7 include up to 290 user I/Os distributed across the FBGA ball grid, integrated 3.125 Gbps LVDS-capable transceivers (Cyclone IV GX branding), dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers for DSP, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR2, DDR3, QDR II, and RLDRAM II. The 484-FBGA package provides a compact 1.0 mm ball pitch footprint with an exposed thermal pad, and the 60 nm process node delivers a typical static power figure optimized for fanless designs. The part also supports 8 channels of integrated SERDES on selected pin maps.
Architecturally, the EP4CGX50CF23C7 is built on the proven Cyclone IV fabric with LABs (Logic Array Blocks) containing 16 Logic Elements per LAB, M9K embedded memory blocks supporting true dual-port operation, and dedicated DSP blocks for high-throughput multiplication. The transceiver sub-system and PLL count are binned by device density within the family, allowing this 50K-LE part to serve as a stepping stone between the smaller EP4CGX30 and the larger EP4CGX75/CGX150 density points. JTAG boundary-scan and active serial (AS) configuration modes are supported via dedicated configuration pins on the FBGA ball map.
Typical applications for the EP4CGX50CF23C7 include industrial motor control, low-cost video processing and display bridging, automotive infotainment prototypes, communication protocol bridging (PCI Express Gen1 x1 root-complex or endpoint, GbE MACs), and embedded DSP front-ends for test & measurement. The integrated transceivers make it a popular choice for proprietary SERD links, while the DSP blocks accelerate FFTs and FIR filters in instrumentation.
When designing with this part, plan the configuration scheme early - the MSEL pins select Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), JTAG, or Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes. Power-rail decoupling should follow the Quartus II Cyclone IV GX PowerPlay recommendations, with separate 1.2 V core, 2.5 V analog PLL, and per-bank VCCIO rails; never share ferrite beads between analog and digital 2.5 V domains. Signal-integrity closure for 3.125 Gbps channels requires controlled-impedance routing and AC-coupling capacitors at every transceiver pin pair.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Cyclone IV GX family, and practical Quartus II design notes not collated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4CGX50CF23C7 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 EP4CGX50CF23C7 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Transceivers, RoHS Status, Operating Temperature, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4CGX50CF23C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$110.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX50CF23C6
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$162.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX50CF23C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$65.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX150CF23C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$263.35 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX150CF23C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$138.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX110CF23C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$224.84 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX110CF23C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$89.12 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CGX50CF23C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone IV GX |
| Logic Elements | 49,888 |
| Logic Cells | 49,888 |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 2,562,048 bits |
| Embedded Memory Blocks | M9K blocks, 9 Kbit each |
| Maximum User I/O | 290 |
| Package | 484-FBGA (F23) |
| Ball Pitch | 1.0 mm |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Process Technology | 60 nm |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) |
| Speed Grade | C7 |
| Transceivers | Integrated (Cyclone IV GX) |
| DSP Blocks | 18x18 hardware multipliers |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (FBGA) |
EP4CGX50CF23C7 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | I/O β User I/O bank - consult pin tables for bank assignment |
| Pin A2 | I/O β User I/O bank - consult pin tables for bank assignment |
| Pin B1 | I/O β User I/O bank - consult pin tables for bank assignment |
| Pin B2 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin AB1 | VCCIO β I/O bank supply voltage (per bank) |
| Pin AB2 | VCC β Core supply voltage (1.2 V) |
Typical Applications
EP4CGX50CF23C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control & Drive, PCI Express Endpoint / Root Port, Video Processing & Display Bridging, Communication Protocol Bridging, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Embedded Computing & SoC Co-Processing.
Industrial Motor Control & Drive
The EP4CGX50CF23C7 is well-suited for industrial motor control and variable-frequency drive applications. Its 49,888 logic elements and dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers implement field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms, SVPWM modulators, and encoder-interface glue logic in a single device. The integrated Cyclone IV GX transceivers connect to industrial Etheria or proprietary SERD backplanes for drive-to-drive synchronization. Operating from a 1.2 V core with commercial-grade temperature support and up to 290 user I/Os, the part handles multi-axis drive control with adequate headroom for current-loop sampling rates above 20 kHz.
Recommended
PCI Express Endpoint / Root Port
The EP4CGX50CF23C7 implements PCI Express Gen1 x1 endpoint or root-port designs using the integrated Cyclone IV GX transceiver channels and the hard PCIe IP block. According to the Cyclone IV GX Transceiver User Guide, this device supports the PCIe Gen1 2.5 Gbps line rate with the embedded transceiver PHY, eliminating external SERDES. The 49,888 logic elements accommodate the PCIe TLP handling, DMA engine, and BAR-mapped register logic for endpoint designs in industrial PCs, data-acquisition cards, and embedded computing modules.
Recommended
Video Processing & Display Bridging
The EP4CGX50CF23C7 serves as a cost-effective video bridge between camera sensors, display panels, and SoCs. The 2,562,048 embedded memory bits and M9K block architecture support line-buffer storage for HD video pipelines, while the 290 user I/Os accommodate parallel CMOS, LVDS, and RGB interfaces. Designers use the FPGA's DSP blocks for color-space conversion, scaling, and sharpening filters. The commercial 0C-85C temperature range and 484-FBGA footprint suit embedded display modules in kiosks, signage, and infotainment prototypes.
Recommended
Communication Protocol Bridging
Engineers deploy the EP4CGX50CF23C7 as a glue-logic bridge between legacy and modern serial interfaces. The integrated transceivers handle 3.125 Gbps links while the FPGA fabric implements protocol stacks for UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and Ethernet MAC bridging. With 49,888 logic elements, the device comfortably supports multi-port protocol conversion (e.g., CAN-to-Ethernet, SPI-to-UART) with full software-stack offload. The 1.2 V core and separate VCCIO banks allow mixed-voltage interfacing without external level shifters.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EP4CGX50CF23C7 accelerates DSP front-ends in test and measurement equipment. Its hardware multipliers implement real-time FFT, FIR filtering, and digital down-conversion for spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and protocol analyzers. The 2,562,048 embedded memory bits store sample buffers and FFT twiddle factors, and the 290 user I/Os accommodate parallel ADC/DAC data buses. According to Altera reference designs, the Cyclone IV GX family is widely used in mid-range T&M instruments requiring low-latency signal processing below 100 MSPS.
Recommended
Embedded Computing & SoC Co-Processing
The EP4CGX50CF23C7 acts as a co-processor to ARM or x86 host processors in embedded computing platforms. Its 49,888 logic elements offload compute-intensive tasks such as cryptography, image preprocessing, and protocol parsing from the host CPU. The 484-FBGA package fits on standard COM Express carrier boards and PCIe mini-card form factors. The integrated transceivers interface with host CPUs via PCIe Gen1 or proprietary high-speed serial links, while the fabric manages DMA controllers and interrupt steering.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4CGX50CF23C7 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4CGX50CF23C7N | EP4CGX50CF23C6 | EP4CGX50CF23C6N | EP4CGX150CF23C7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 484-FBGA (F23) | 484-FBGA (F23) - same | 484-FBGA (F23) - same | 484-FBGA (F23) - same | 484-FBGA (F23) - same footprint, different die |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Elements | 49,888 | 49,888 | 49,888 | 49,888 | 149,760 (3x capacity) |
| Embedded Memory | 2,562,048 bits | 2,562,048 bits | 2,562,048 bits | 2,562,048 bits | 6,480,000 bits (higher density) |
| Maximum User I/O | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 (same package pin count) |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| Speed Grade | C7 | C7 | C6 (slower) | C6 (slower) | C7 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Lead-Free Finish | Standard (Pb available) | Yes (Pb-free) | Standard | Yes (Pb-free) | Standard |
Key Differentiators
- Cyclone IV GX mid-density 50K-LE position (vs EP4CGX30CF23C7)
- Integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers (vs EP4CE55F23C7 (Cyclone IV E, non-GX))
- Speed grade C7 commercial balance (vs EP4CGX50CF23C6)
Design Notes
The EP4CGX50CF23C7 requires separate 1.2 V core (VCCINT), 2.5 V analog PLL (VCCA_PLL), and per-bank VCCIO rails. Use a star-ground topology and place bulk decoupling (10-22 uF polymer + 100 nF ceramic) within 5 mm of each power pin pair. Per the Cyclone IV GX PowerPlay Early Power Estimator, typical 50K-LE designs at 100 MHz draw 0.5-1.0 A from the 1.2 V rail; budget 1.5x for transients.
The 484-FBGA package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch and requires microvia (laser-drilled) or via-in-pad PCB technology for reliable assembly. Per IPC-7093, BGA ball pad design must include a non-solder-mask-defined (NSMD) land with 0.4 mm diameter for 1.0 mm pitch. Maintain a 50-ohm controlled impedance for transceiver channels with 100-ohm differential pairs.
Cyclone IV GX transceivers operate up to 3.125 Gbps and require AC-coupling capacitors (typically 100 nF X7R) in series with each TX/RX lane. Per the Cyclone IV GX Transceiver User Guide, maintain a continuous reference plane beneath transceiver channels and avoid routing across plane splits. Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis settings must be validated with the Quartus II Transceiver Toolkit.
Configuration mode is selected by MSEL[2:0] pins at power-up; incorrect MSEL settings cause the FPGA to fail to configure. Use Active Serial (AS) mode with an EPCQ configuration memory for standalone boot, or JTAG mode for development. Never leave MSEL floating. The nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins require 10 kohm pull-ups to VCCIO of the configuration bank.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor product listings. The 'N' suffix variant (EP4CGX50CF23C7N) is the explicitly lead-free finish option. Industrial / automotive grades exist with I7 temperature code but commercial C7 grade is the focus of this entry. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade FPGA; contact Intel for automotive AEC-Q100 qualified variants if required.
