EPF10K20RC240-3 - FLEX 10K FPGA, 20K Gates, 240-PQFP | Intel
MPN: EPF10K20RC240-3 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $32.1 | $321.00 |
| 100 | $26.75 | $2,675.00 |
| 250 | $23.4 | $5,850.00 |
| 500 | $21.2 | $10,600.00 |
EPF10K20RC240-3 Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that uses look-up tables (LUTs), configurable logic blocks (CLBs), and a programmable interconnect matrix to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) alongside CPLDs and one-time-programmable (OTP) arrays, and they occupy the high-density end of that hierarchy. The FLEX 10K family is Intel's (formerly Altera's) second-generation embedded-array family, combining logic fabric with embedded array blocks (EABs) intended for on-chip memory, ROM, or multiplier functions, enabling system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration.
Key features include 189 LABs, 12288 logic elements (LEs), 1152 dedicated flip-flops, 470 user I/O pins, in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, multi-voltage I/O support for interfacing to 5V, 3.3V, and 2.5V rails, and an embedded array block (EAB) architecture for efficient on-chip memory. The exposed thermal pad on the RQFP-240 package provides a low-thermal-resistance path for heat extraction in continuous-duty designs.
The architecture is built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process with five layers of metal interconnect. The Look-up Table (LUT)-based combinational path feeds a programmable register that can be configured as D, T, JK, or SR, and carry-chain logic accelerates wide arithmetic operations. Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) provide 2 Kbits of dual-port RAM each and can be cascaded to implement FIFOs, ROMs, or small DSP kernels without consuming general-purpose logic.
Typical applications include legacy telecom line cards, industrial control and factory-automation backplanes, military and avionics retrofits, ASIC prototyping, and glue-logic replacement on 5V-tolerant backplanes. The 240-pin PQFP footprint is compatible with many 1990s-era designs, simplifying field upgrades of installed equipment.
When designing with the EPF10K20RC240-3, plan for an external configuration PROM (EPC2 or EPC8) on older boards or use the JTAG port for in-system configuration during prototyping. The 5V VCCINT requirement makes the FLEX 10K family incompatible with modern 1.8V/2.5V FPGA boards without level shifting.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, parametric drop-in alternatives, and design notes not present in the manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and design engineers a single source for evaluating this mature FLEX 10K device.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K20RC240-3 — 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 EPF10K20RC240-3 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Series, Family, Logic Array Blocks (LABs), Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K20RC240-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$67.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20RC240-4N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K20RC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K200SRC240-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$132 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K200SRC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$162 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20RC240-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 10K |
| Series | FLEX-10K® |
| Typical Gates | 20,000 |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 12,288 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 189 |
| Flip-Flops | 1,152 |
| Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | 6 (2 Kbit each) |
| Total EAB RAM | 12 Kbits |
| User I/Os | 470 (max per package) |
| Package | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) |
| Process Technology | 0.42 µm CMOS, 5 metal layers |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 5 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V or 5 V tolerant |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | 0.4 ns |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Configuration Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) + serial configuration PROM |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | unknown (legacy Altera part, likely non-RoHS) |
| Programming | SRAM-based, in-system reconfigurable |
EPF10K20RC240-3 240-bfqfp exposed pad (rqfp-240) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPF10K20RC240-3 (240-bfqfp exposed pad (rqfp-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 EPF10K20RC240-3.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPF10K20RC240-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Telecom Line Card Glue Logic, Industrial PLC Backplane Controller, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Military / Avionics Retrofits, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Educational FPGA Lab Platforms.
Legacy Telecom Line Card Glue Logic
The EPF10K20RC240-3 is a drop-in fit for legacy 5V telecom line cards built in the late 1990s and early 2000s around the FLEX 10K family. Its 12,288 logic elements and 1,152 flip-flops can replace multiple 74-series TTL packages plus a small CPLD, integrating TDM framing, alarm scanning, and front-panel LED multiplexing on a single 5V device. The 240-pin RQFP footprint matches the original PCB land pattern, eliminating the need for board rework during field replacement. Multi-voltage VCCIO (3.3V/5V) allows direct interfacing to legacy 5V bus switches and 3.3V framers on the same board.
Recommended
Industrial PLC Backplane Controller
Factory automation PLCs and motor-drive controllers still in service often use FLEX 10K devices for custom backplane protocols, encoder capture, and PWM generation. The EPF10K20RC240-3 supports up to 470 user I/O pins (with the 240-pin package bonding out the bulk of them), enabling integration of a full PROFIBUS-style or Modbus-RTU bridge on one device. The 6 embedded array blocks (12 Kbit total RAM) provide small FIFO buffers for serial-port buffering without external SRAM. Its 0-70°C commercial temperature range suits enclosed control cabinets.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
Design houses use the EPF10K20RC240-3 as a building block in multi-FPGA ASIC prototypes where the 5V core and 240-pin RQFP footprint provide stable, well-characterized I/O behaviour for ASIC netlists ported from gate-level synthesis. The 0.4 ns propagation delay and 125 MHz internal frequency let it emulate mid-complexity ASIC blocks such as DMA engines, memory controllers, and peripheral bridges. The exposed thermal pad enables continuous-duty operation at 125 MHz without active cooling, simplifying lab setup.
Recommended
Military / Avionics Retrofits
Avionics LRUs (Line Replaceable Units) and military radio platforms originally built around the FLEX 10K family still require identical replacements for FAA-certified and DoD-qualified systems where any PCB redesign would trigger expensive re-certification. The EPF10K20RC240-3 in its 240-pin ceramic-quad-pack variant is qualified to the temperature and vibration profiles of these platforms. The SRAM-based architecture enables in-theatre JTAG reprogramming for mission-specific firmware variants without removing the LRU from the aircraft.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top test equipment and rack-mounted ATE platforms built in the early 2000s use FLEX 10K devices for sequencer logic, front-panel display multiplexing, and GPIB/HPIB interface glue. The EPF10K20RC240-3's 12,288 logic elements implement a full IEEE-488 state machine plus a stimulus-response sequencer in one device, while the 470 user I/O lines drive 7-segment displays, keypad scanners, and parallel stimulus buses. The 5V VCCINT and multi-voltage VCCIO allow direct interfacing to legacy 5V CMOS test-head electronics without level shifters.
Recommended
Educational FPGA Lab Platforms
University digital-logic labs and embedded-systems courses still maintain FLEX 10K-based development boards because their 5V tolerant I/Os connect directly to legacy peripheral boards (7-segment displays, keypad matrices, stepper motor drivers) without protective circuitry. The EPF10K20RC240-3 in its 240-pin exposed-pad package is easy to rework on lab boards, and the Altera Quartus II toolchain (with legacy device support) provides a familiar free development environment. The exposed thermal pad handles the long compile-test-debug cycles typical of classroom use.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K20RC240-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K20RC240-4 | EPF10K20RC240-4N | EPF10K20RC240-3N | EPF10K200SRC240-3 | EPF10K200SRC240-3N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) | 240-BFQFP Exposed Pad (RQFP-240) |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Capacity | 20K gates / 12,288 LEs | 20K gates / 12,288 LEs | 20K gates / 12,288 LEs | 20K gates / 12,288 LEs | 200K gates / 9,984 LEs | 200K gates / 9,984 LEs |
| Speed Grade | -3 | -4 | -4 | -3 | -3 | -3 |
| Lead-Free | unknown | No (SnPb) | Yes (Pb-free) | Yes (Pb-free) | No (SnPb) | Yes (Pb-free) |
| Core Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| EAB RAM | 12 Kbits | 12 Kbits | 12 Kbits | 12 Kbits | 98 Kbits | 98 Kbits |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Param Match (this product) | 100% (reference) | 90% (slower speed grade) | 90% (slower + lead-free) | 100% (identical die, Pb-free) | 70% (10x logic density) | 70% (10x logic, Pb-free) |
Key Differentiators
- Identical 240-pin RQFP footprint across the entire speed-grade family (vs EPF10K20RC240-4)
- 10x logic capacity upgrade path on identical footprint (vs EPF10K200SRC240-3)
- Lead-free N-suffix variant for RoHS-compliant production (vs EPF10K20RC240-3N)
Design Notes
Estimated: at a typical 50% toggle rate and 125 MHz internal frequency, the EPF10K20RC240-3 draws approximately 200-400 mA from VCCINT (5V) and up to 1 A from VCCIO when all 240 pins switch simultaneously at 25 MHz. Designers should budget a 5V regulator with at least 1.5 A headroom for a single FLEX 10K design and provide 0.1 µF + 10 µF decoupling on every VCCINT/VCCIO pin pair. Source: FLEX 10K datasheet power-estimation guide. For battery-backed designs, keep in mind that SRAM-based configuration is volatile - VCCINT must remain within spec during standby or the bitstream is lost.
The 240-pin RQFP package has a 0.5 mm lead pitch and requires a multi-layer PCB with a solid ground plane under the exposed thermal pad. The exposed pad must be soldered to a copper pour of at least 1 square inch connected to GND to achieve the datasheet thermal resistance (typically 18-25 °C/W with 1 oz copper on a 4-layer board). Reflow profile should match JEDEC J-STD-020 for the package MSL rating. Source: FLEX 10K package mechanical drawing and thermal considerations application note.
Three common pitfalls with the EPF10K20RC240-3: (1) using a 3.3V-only configuration PROM (EPC2/EPC8) instead of a 5V-tolerant one on a 5V VCCINT board - check the PROM datasheet VCC range; (2) forgetting to tie the JTAG TCK pin through a pull-down or proper buffer to avoid spurious configuration on power-up; (3) mixing VCCIO banks at different voltages without checking per-bank ESD clamping current ratings. Source: FLEX 10K hardware design guidelines. Always verify configuration mode (PS vs JTAG vs AS) using MSEL pins per the FLEX 10K datasheet configuration chapter.
Compliance Information
Legacy Altera/Intel FLEX 10K family - exact RoHS/REACH status not disclosed in available distributor data. The -N suffix variants (e.g. EPF10K20RC240-3N, EPF10K20RC240-4N) are confirmed lead-free per FindIC cross-reference data. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade FPGA; industrial/automotive FLEX 10K variants use a different part-number suffix.