EP4SGX360KF40C2N - 360K LE Stratix IV GX FPGA, 1517-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EP4SGX360KF40C2N β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2400 | $2,400.00 |
| 10 | $2280 | $22,800.00 |
| 100 | $2160 | $216,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $1980 | $1,980,000.00 |
| 3,000 | $1850 | $5,550,000.00 |
EP4SGX360KF40C2N Overview
What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing programmable logic blocks (logic elements, LABs, DSP blocks, and block memory) connected by a configurable interconnect matrix. After manufacturing, the designer configures both the logic function and the routing using a Hardware Description Language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. FPGAs sit in the hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD) -> CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA, offering the highest density and performance for parallel, latency-sensitive workloads. The Stratix IV family from Intel is positioned for high-end telecom, ASIC prototyping, and high-performance DSP.
Key features include a 0.9 V core supply, embedded transceivers capable of multi-gigabit serial I/O, DSP blocks configurable as 9x9, 12x12, 18x18, or 36x36-bit full-precision multipliers operating up to 600 MHz, and dual-port RAM support for true dual-port memory and FIFO buffers. The device also supports high-speed external memory interfaces including DDR3, DDR2, QDR II+, and RLDRAM II.
The EP4SGX360KF40C2N architecture combines ALMs (Adaptive Logic Modules), MLABs (Memory Logic Array Blocks), DSP blocks, and embedded transceivers in a 40 nm low-power copper process. Compared with the Stratix III generation, Stratix IV GX typically delivers higher logic density and improved transceiver performance while reducing dynamic power, making it suitable for ASIC prototyping and high-throughput data-path designs.
Typical applications include 40G/100G optical transport line cards, ASIC prototyping platforms, high-performance digital signal processing systems, radar and beamforming, military secure communications, and high-speed test and measurement equipment. The -C2 speed grade and industrial-grade temperature rating suit commercial and industrial deployments rather than extended-temperature military applications.
When designing with this device, ensure proper power-rail sequencing (1.0 V core, 1.1 V analog, 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O aux), use the Quartus Prime design software for synthesis and place-and-route, and respect the high-density FBGA ball pattern with PCB stack-up recommendations. Heatsinking may be required depending on transceiver utilization and toggle rate.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle context, and Stratix IV GX family information not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers evaluate the part for production and re-design use.
Drop-in alternatives for EP4SGX360KF40C2N 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 EP4SGX360KF40C2N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Speed Grade, Transceivers, Operating Temperature, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP4SGX360KF40C2
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10400 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4SGX360HF35C2N
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$3295 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4SGX360HF35C2
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9750 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4SGX360FH29C2N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4SGX360FF35C2N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP4SGX360FF35C2XN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2600 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4SGX360KF40C2N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Stratix IV GX |
| Family | EP4SGX360 |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 353,600 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 14,144 |
| User I/Os | 744 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 23,105,536 |
| DSP Blocks | Yes (9x9 / 12x12 / 18x18 / 36x36 multipliers) |
| DSP Block Max Frequency | 600 MHz |
| Process Technology | 40 nm |
| Core Supply Voltage | 0.9 V |
| Package | 1517-ball FC-FBGA (KF40) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Speed Grade | C2 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
EP4SGX360KF40C2N 1517-ball fc-fbga (kf40) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP4SGX360KF40C2N (1517-ball fc-fbga (kf40) 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 EP4SGX360KF40C2N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP4SGX360KF40C2N is suitable for 7 applications: 40G/100G Optical Transport Line Cards, ASIC Prototyping Platforms, High-Performance DSP Systems (Radar / Beamforming), High-Speed Test and Measurement Equipment, Industrial Imaging and Video Processing, Military Secure Communications, Medical Imaging Acceleration.
40G/100G Optical Transport Line Cards
The EP4SGX360KF40C2N's 353,600 logic elements and integrated multi-gigabit transceivers make it ideal for 40G/100G optical transport line cards in OTN (Optical Transport Network) and DWDM equipment. Its 23 Mbit embedded memory and 600 MHz DSP blocks handle FEC encoding/decoding, MAC framing, and packet processing in real time. Compared with an ASIC, the FPGA allows late-binding protocol updates for OTU4/100G Ethernet. Place the device on a high-layer-count PCB with controlled-impedance transceiver channels and use the Quartus Prime transceiver toolkit for SI tuning.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping Platforms
Engineers prototyping large ASIC designs use the EP4SGX360KF40C2N because its 353,600 logic elements can map complex SoC prototypes, and its abundant user I/Os (744) expose wide internal buses for logic-analyzer visibility. DSP blocks at 600 MHz enable accurate verification of DSP-heavy ASIC blocks. Place-and-route with Quartus Prime mirrors the ASIC flow closely, making it a faithful prototype vehicle. Use the KF40 1517-ball FBGA with a high-quality socket or solder-down for repeatable bring-up cycles.
Recommended
High-Performance DSP Systems (Radar / Beamforming)
Radar, beamforming, and electronic-warfare systems rely on the EP4SGX360KF40C2N's 600 MHz DSP blocks for FFT, FIR, and matrix multiplication. The 353,600 LEs handle complex control and timing logic alongside DSP, while the 23 Mbit embedded buffer memory holds intermediate samples. The KF40 FC-FBGA package supports industrial-grade thermal performance for rack-mounted systems. Pair with DDR3/QDR II+ memory for high-bandwidth data capture and use the Transceiver Toolkit for ADC/DAC interface alignment.
Recommended
High-Speed Test and Measurement Equipment
The EP4SGX360KF40C2N fits high-speed oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol testers that require deep capture memory and parallel processing. Its 744 user I/Os drive high-channel-count probe front-ends, while the DSP blocks compute real-time FFT and trigger logic. Industrial temperature (0C to +85C) and reliable FC-FBGA packaging suit lab and production-floor environments. Designers use Quartus Prime's SignalTap logic analyzer for in-system debug.
Recommended
Industrial Imaging and Video Processing
Multi-camera industrial inspection and broadcast video systems use the EP4SGX360KF40C2N to pipeline high-resolution sensor data through real-time image-processing pipelines. The 23 Mbit embedded memory holds line/frame buffers, while 600 MHz DSP blocks accelerate convolution, color-space conversion, and compression (e.g., JPEG2000, H.264 intra). The 744 I/Os support multiple Camera Link, MIPI, or sub-LVDS sensor interfaces. Pair with DDR3 for large frame storage and use HDMI/DisplayPort output IP cores.
Recommended
Military Secure Communications
Software-defined radio (SDR) and secure tactical communications systems rely on the EP4SGX360KF40C2N for waveform processing, encryption accelerators, and high-speed serial links. The 353,600 LEs host multi-band RF signal chains, while the integrated transceivers handle RF-to-digital conversion at multi-gigabit rates. The C2 speed grade and FC-FBGA packaging suit ruggedized chassis designs. Although the device is commercial-grade (0C to +85C), extended-temperature Stratix IV variants exist for harsher environments.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Acceleration
CT, MRI, and ultrasound imaging systems use the EP4SGX360KF40C2N to accelerate back-projection, beamforming, and image reconstruction. The 600 MHz DSP blocks perform parallel MAC operations on streaming data, while 23 Mbit embedded memory holds intermediate projections. With 744 user I/Os, the device interfaces to multiple high-speed ADCs and DDR3 sample buffers. Designers use Quartus Prime's DSP Builder for MATLAB/Simulink integration, accelerating algorithm development and verification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP4SGX360KF40C2N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP4SGX360KF40C2 | EP4SGX360HF35C2N | EP4SGX360HF35C2 | EP4SGX360FH29C2N | EP4SGX360FF35C2N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 1517-ball FC-FBGA (KF40) | 1517-ball FC-FBGA (KF40) - same | 1152-ball FC-FBGA (HF35) | 1152-ball FC-FBGA (HF35) | 1517-ball FC-FBGA (FH29) | 1152-ball FC-FBGA (FF35) |
| Logic Elements | 353,600 | 353,600 | 353,600 | 353,600 | 353,600 | 353,600 |
| LABs | 14,144 | 14,144 | 14,144 | 14,144 | 14,144 | 14,144 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 23,105,536 | 23,105,536 | 23,105,536 | 23,105,536 | 23,105,536 | 23,105,536 |
| Speed Grade | C2 | C2 | C2 | C2 | C2 | C2 |
| Process Technology | 40 nm | 40 nm | 40 nm | 40 nm | 40 nm | 40 nm |
| Lifecycle Status | last_time_buy | last_time_buy | last_time_buy | last_time_buy | last_time_buy | last_time_buy |
| RoHS | Compliant | Non-compliant (SnPb) | Compliant | Non-compliant (SnPb) | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Highest logic density in Stratix IV GX KF40 package family (vs EP4SGX230KF40C2N)
- 1517-ball FC-FBGA with 744 user I/Os (vs EP4SGX360HF35C2N)
- Drop-in compatibility within Stratix IV GX family (vs EP4SGX360KF40C2 (non-lead-free))
Design Notes
The EP4SGX360KF40C2N requires multi-rail power sequencing: 0.9 V core, 1.1 V analog PLL, 1.0 V transceiver, and 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O auxiliary rails. Use the Intel Enpirion power management family (e.g., EM2130) or equivalent PMICs with controlled ramp rates to avoid latch-up. Estimated: total power consumption with mid-utilization (50% LEs, 50% toggle rate) approaches 10-15 W, rising with transceiver utilization. Decouple each rail with 0.1 uF + 10 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 3mm of each package ball.
The 1517-ball FC-FBGA package has a high junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. At full utilization with transceivers active, junction temperature can exceed 85C without airflow or heatsinking. Estimated: with 10 W dissipation and the standard FC-FBGA thermal pad, junction-to-ambient is approximately 12-15 C/W. Design a top-side heatsink with thermal interface material, and ensure the PCB has adequate ground planes and thermal vias under the central thermal ball array.
The 1517-ball FC-FBGA uses a 1.0 mm or 0.8 mm ball pitch depending on the specific Stratix IV variant. Use a high-layer-count PCB (at least 12 layers) with stacked microvia construction for breakout. Maintain 100-ohm differential impedance for transceiver channels and 50-ohm single-ended for general-purpose I/O. Use Intel's pin connection guidelines and Signal Integrity (SI) tools to validate your stack-up. Place decoupling capacitors on the back side of the PCB directly under the package shadow.
Common pitfalls: (1) failing to configure all unused I/O pins as tri-stated inputs with weak pull-ups to prevent floating inputs and excess current; (2) ignoring transceiver reference clock jitter requirements (use low-jitter crystal oscillators); (3) under-provisioning DDR3 VTT termination causing signal-integrity failures; (4) neglecting the AS configuration scheme (use EPCQ256 or compatible flash); (5) skipping JTAG boundary-scan testing, which is essential for high-density BGAs. Always run the Quartus Prime power analyzer and pin planner before tape-out.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per manufacturer product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (commercial-grade FPGA, not automotive). Last-time-buy status per Intel product change notification.
