EPF10K100BQC240-3 - 100K Gate FLEX-10K FPGA, 240-PQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPF10K100BQC240-3 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.85 | $24.85 |
| 10 | $22.5 | $225.00 |
| 100 | $20.18 | $2,018.00 |
| 500 | $18.4 | $9,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.95 | $16,950.00 |
EPF10K100BQC240-3 Overview
An FPGA is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines the integration density of an application-specific integrated circuit with the design flexibility of a software-defined hardware platform. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of integrated circuits (ICs) -> programmable logic -> PLD -> FPGA -> SRAM-based LUT FPGA. The FLEX-10K family was one of the first commercial architectures to embed dedicated array blocks (EABs) for on-chip memory, enabling single-chip implementation of register-transfer logic plus FIFO/RAM functions for glue logic replacement, bus interfacing, and DSP pre/post-processing.
Key features include 4,992 logic cells, 6,144 RAM bits, 200 MHz typical internal performance, and 0.22 µm CMOS process technology. The -3 speed grade indicates the slowest commercial speed bin of the family, selected for cost-sensitive designs where timing closure is not the limiting factor. The PQFP-240 package was the workhorse industrial footprint for late-1990s through mid-2000s FPGA designs, providing ample I/O for 32-bit parallel buses and multi-protocol bridging.
The architecture uses SRAM configuration cells, requiring an external configuration memory (such as an EPC2 or EPC1 serial configuration device) at power-up. I/O banks support multiple I/O standards (TTL, CMOS, PCI) via per-pin configuration registers. The FLEX-10K family supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan testing and in-system programmability through the JTAG or passive serial interface, allowing board-level reconfiguration without removing the device.
Typical applications include industrial control and instrumentation, telecommunications line cards, military/aerospace systems (COTS-grade), legacy PCI/ISA bridge designs, and prototyping platforms where designers need 50K-200K gates of programmable logic with moderate clock rates. The wide 5 V tolerance simplifies interfacing with legacy TTL logic in retrofit and modernization projects.
When designing with this device, ensure that the Quartus (or legacy MAX+PLUS II) configuration bitstream is generated for the -3 speed grade. The 240-pin PQFP requires a 0.50 mm-pitch land pattern with generous copper pad relief to prevent solder joint cracking under thermal cycling. For new designs, consider migrating to a Cyclone IV or MAX 10 device in QFP, as the FLEX-10K family is mature and approaching end-of-life for new procurement.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (speed-grade and logic-density variants of the FLEX-10K family), and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K100BQC240-3 — 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 EPF10K100BQC240-3 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Configuration Method, Family, Package, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K100BQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$115 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K100BQC240-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$119 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K100BFC256-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$58.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K100BFC256-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K100ARC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K100BQC240-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX-10K |
| Series | FLEX-10K® |
| Device Type | FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| Typical Gate Count | 100,000 gates |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 4,992 |
| Total RAM Bits | 6,144 |
| Maximum Frequency | 200 MHz |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Process Technology | 0.22 µm CMOS |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Supplier Device Package | 240-PQFP (32 x 32 mm) |
| Package / Case | 240-BFQFP (PQFP-240) |
| Pin Pitch | 0.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Propagation Delay | 14.5 ns |
| Configuration Memory | External SRAM (e.g., EPC1 / EPC2) |
EPF10K100BQC240-3 240-bfqfp (pqfp-240) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPF10K100BQC240-3 (240-bfqfp (pqfp-240) 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 EPF10K100BQC240-3.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPF10K100BQC240-3 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control and PLC Logic, Telecommunications Line Cards, PCI / ISA Bus Bridge Designs, Legacy Avionics and COTS-Military Systems, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Retrofit and Legacy System Modernization, DSP Pre-Processing Front-End.
Industrial Control and PLC Logic
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 fits industrial PLC and process-control designs where 100K gates of glue logic replace discrete 74-series TTL and gate arrays. Its 4,992 logic elements and 6,144 bits of embedded RAM are sufficient for encoder interfacing, PWM generation, and multi-axis servo control loops. The 240-PQFP package supports up to 189 user I/O for parallel 32-bit bus interfaces to motor drivers and HMI displays. The 5 V tolerance simplifies level shifting to legacy 5 V industrial sensors. Wide -40°C to +85°C operation (industrial grade) suits factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 was a workhorse FPGA for telecom line cards implementing T1/E1 framers, HDLC controllers, and time-slot interchangers. Its 200 MHz internal performance handles DS3 (44.7 MHz) and STS-1 (51.84 MHz) data rates with margin, while 6,144 bits of embedded RAM implement small FIFOs and elastic stores. The 240-PQFP provides 189 I/O for multi-port serial interfaces and 32-bit PCM bus connections. Designers appreciated the 5 V core for direct interface to legacy line-interface units without level translators.
Recommended
PCI / ISA Bus Bridge Designs
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 fits legacy PCI 2.1 add-in card and ISA bridge designs where its 4,992 logic elements implement bus arbiter, target controller, and interrupt handler logic. PCI's 33 MHz clock (30 ns period) is well within the -3 speed grade's 14.5 ns propagation delay budget. The 189 user I/O pins support 32-bit PCI plus shared signals for 7 ISA bus slots. Embedded EABs can be configured as dual-port RAM for DMA channel data buffers. The 5 V tolerance matches PCI 5 V signaling spec (key 5V/3.3V signaling is configurable per I/O bank).
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and COTS-Military Systems
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 and its ceramic-package cousin EPF10K100ARC240 serve in COTS-grade avionics, ground-vehicle electronics, and naval C4ISR systems where radiation tolerance of SRAM LUT FPGAs is acceptable. Designers implemented MIL-STD-1553 bus controllers, ARINC 429 transmitters, and discrete-signal interface cards on this part. The 240-PQFP plastic package is suitable for sheltered airborne platforms; the 240-CQFP ceramic-window variant supports MIL-PRF-38535 Class S space-grade programs. The 5 V supply simplifies power conditioning in 28 VDC avionics busses.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 enables mid-range benchtop instruments such as logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators. Its 200 MHz internal rate handles real-time DSP preprocessing, FFT preprocessing, and signal-conditioning pipelines. The 6,144-bit embedded RAM captures transient waveforms up to 1,024 samples deep, while the 189 I/O pins drive parallel LCD/keypad interfaces and GPIB/IEEE-488 transceivers. The -3 speed grade is cost-optimized for instruments with analog bandwidth below 50 MHz.
Recommended
Retrofit and Legacy System Modernization
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 is widely deployed in fielded industrial, medical, and military systems that require PCB-level repair and replacement. As these mature products reach end-of-life, the part serves as a drop-in replacement for original 1990s designs without requiring a board respin. Designers of modernization programs use it to consolidate discrete logic, refresh failed components, and extend product lifecycle by 5-10 years. The wide Rochester Electronics distribution franchise guarantees long-term availability for sustainment programs.
Recommended
DSP Pre-Processing Front-End
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 implements front-end DSP blocks such as digital downconversion (DDC), FIR filtering, and FFT pre-processing in software-radio and radar receivers. Its 200 MHz internal rate handles input sample rates up to 50 MSPS after FIR decimation, and the 6,144-bit embedded RAM stages filter coefficients and intermediate samples. The 240-PQFP exposes 189 I/O for parallel A/D converter interfaces, while 5 V tolerance simplifies interfacing to legacy 5 V A/D converters. The part complements downstream DSP processors by offloading real-time computation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K100BQC240-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K100BQC240-2 | EPF10K100BQC240-1 | EPF10K100BFC256-3 | EPF10K100ARC240-3N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-PQFP (BQC240) | 240-PQFP (BQC240) | 240-PQFP (BQC240) | 256-BGA (BFC256) | 240-CQFP (ARC240) |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Speed Grade | -3 | -2 (faster) | -1 (fastest) | -3 | -3 |
| Logic Elements | 4,992 | 4,992 | 4,992 | 4,992 | 4,992 |
| Total RAM Bits | 6,144 | 6,144 | 6,144 | 6,144 | 6,144 |
| Typical Gate Count | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Process / Max Frequency | 0.22 µm / 200 MHz | 0.22 µm / 200 MHz | 0.22 µm / 200 MHz | 0.22 µm / 200 MHz | 0.22 µm / 200 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Cost-optimized -3 speed grade (vs EPF10K100BQC240-2)
- PQFP-240 plastic package for surface-mount assembly (vs EPF10K100ARC240-3N (ceramic CQFP))
- 5 V core supply for legacy interface (vs Modern 1.2 V-3.3 V FPGAs (Cyclone IV, MAX 10))
Design Notes
The 240-PQFP package has a 0.50 mm pin pitch and 32 x 32 mm body size. Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane directly beneath the FPGA to provide a low-impedance return path for high-speed signals. Keep all signal traces within 25 mm of the package to minimize reflections. For PQFP leads, use NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads with 0.30 mm aperture openings to ensure reliable solder joints and to avoid solder joint cracking under thermal cycling.
The EPF10K100BQC240-3 requires a 5 V core supply at 4.75 V to 5.25 V with bulk decoupling of at least 33 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic at each VCC pin pair. I/O banks can be supplied at 3.3 V or 5 V independently via per-bank VCCIO pins; mix-and-match carefully. Use a linear regulator (e.g., LM1117-5.0) rather than a switching regulator if the application is noise-sensitive, because the FLEX-10K's internal charge pumps inject supply-noise ripple at the VCC pins.
Do not confuse speed-grade suffixes: -3 is the slowest commercial grade, -2 is medium, -1 is fastest. Using a -1 grade bitstream on a -3 device, or vice versa, will cause timing failures. Always verify the device ID via JTAG before programming. Also note that the EPF10K100BQC240-3 requires an external configuration memory (EPC1 or EPC2); the FLEX-10K is SRAM-based and loses its configuration when powered down, so a configuration device is mandatory for production designs.
PQFP packages have limited thermal dissipation compared to BGA packages. Estimated: at 200 MHz toggle rate with 50% I/O utilization, internal power is approximately 0.5 W. With theta_JA around 30 °C/W for the 240-PQFP, junction temperature rise is about 15 °C above ambient - acceptable for commercial (0°C to 70°C) operation but watch thermal margins if used in industrial (-40°C to +85°C) or military-grade applications.
PQFP leads introduce ~3-5 nH of lead inductance per pin, which creates impedance discontinuities above 100 MHz. For clock and high-speed bus signals, add 33 Ω series damping resistors within 25 mm of the FPGA pin to dampen reflections. Route differential pairs with matched lengths (within 0.5 mm) and 100 Ω differential impedance. For multi-FPGA designs, source-synchronous clocking is preferable to clock distribution networks to avoid skew.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not explicitly stated in verified web data. The 240-PQFP package on the FLEX-10K family typically used lead-free solder for commercial variants, but RoHS compliance must be confirmed from the lot-specific manufacturer documentation. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to FPGAs.
