EPF10K20TC144 - FLEX 10K FPGA, 20K Gates, 144-TQFP | Intel
MPN: EPF10K20TC144 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $28.95 | $2,895.00 |
| 500 | $24.1 | $12,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $20.75 | $20,750.00 |
EPF10K20TC144 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that contains an array of programmable logic blocks and interconnect pathways that can be configured by the end user to implement custom digital logic functions. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and semiconductor ICs, offering higher logic density and richer feature integration than CPLDs, while remaining more flexible than fixed-function ASICs. The FLEX 10K series was historically significant as one of the first devices to embed SRAM-based look-up tables alongside dedicated memory blocks, an architecture that became foundational to all modern FPGAs.
Key features of the EPF10K20TC144 include 1,152 logic elements distributed across 144 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 12 Embedded Array Blocks providing up to 24,576 bits of RAM, and 102 user I/O pins. The device supports in-system programmability via the Altera ByteBlaster or BitBlaster interfaces through a dedicated JTAG chain, allowing rapid design iteration. Operating voltage is 5V, and the speed grade options (typically -3 or -4) determine maximum toggle frequencies of approximately 125 MHz.
The architecture combines a fine-grained logic fabric of 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) with coarse-grained EABs that can implement dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO buffers, or arithmetic functions in a single block. This heterogeneous mix makes the FLEX 10K family well-suited to designs requiring both glue-logic and moderate on-chip memory, such as glue logic for microprocessors, custom peripheral controllers, and DSP pre-/post-processing.
Typical applications include glue-logic replacement for microprocessors and DSPs, custom interface bridging (e.g., PCI-to-local bus bridges), telecommunications line-card controllers, and industrial control logic. The 144-TQFP package supports surface-mount assembly and is widely accepted by both prototyping and production lines. Designers should note that this part is mature and may carry an NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) lifecycle status.
A key design consideration is that the FLEX 10K family requires a 5V supply and uses SRAM-based configuration, meaning the design must be loaded from an external EPROM, flash, or microcontroller on every power-up. This contrasts with Antifuse-based competitors like the Xilinx XC4000 series, which are one-time programmable but offer faster wake-up. Designers migrating from the EPF10K20TC144 to newer Cyclone or MAX families should plan for I/O voltage and configuration scheme changes.
This page synthesizes distributor availability data, FLEX 10K family cross-reference options, and practical migration guidance not found in a single datasheet source.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K20TC144 — 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 EPF10K20TC144 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Configuration Method, Total RAM Bits, Logic Elements / Cells.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K20TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$52 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144-3N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K30TC144-4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K10TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K100EQC240-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | FLEX 10K |
| Logic Elements | 1,152 |
| Typical Gates | 20,000 |
| Number of LABs | 144 |
| Number of EABs | 12 |
| Total EAB RAM Bits | 24,576 bits |
| User I/Os | 102 |
| Operating Voltage (Core) | 5 V |
| Package Type | TQFP-144 (Thin Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count | 144 |
| Package Dimensions | 22 x 22 mm |
| Lead Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Operating Temperature (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C |
| Configuration Method | SRAM-based (volatile, requires external boot) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPF10K20TC144 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 19 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 22 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 33 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 37 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 38 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 39 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done indicator |
| Pin 40 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 41 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 42 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 49 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 56 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 60 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 67 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 71 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 75 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 76 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 77 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 78 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 80 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 86 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 93 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 96 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 105 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 109 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 116 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 119 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 120 |
Typical Applications
EPF10K20TC144 is suitable for 7 applications: Microprocessor Glue Logic, Custom Peripheral Controllers, Telecommunications Line Card Interface, DSP Pre/Post-Processing Front-End, Industrial Control Logic, Prototype Logic Verification Platform, Legacy Avionics and Military Systems.
Microprocessor Glue Logic
The EPF10K20TC144 fits microprocessor glue-logic applications where custom address decoding, bus arbitration, wait-state generation, and interrupt controllers are required. Its 1,152 logic elements across 144 LABs provide ample capacity for typical 32-bit system glue, while the 12 EABs can implement dual-port FIFOs for bus buffering. Compared to discrete 74-series logic, the FLEX 10K reduces board area by 5-10x and allows last-minute design changes via SRAM reconfiguration. Designers typically run the part at 33 MHz to match PCI or local bus speeds and benefit from its 5V-tolerant I/O when interfacing with legacy microprocessors like the 80C196 or 68k families.
Recommended
Custom Peripheral Controllers
Custom peripheral controllers benefit from the EPF10K20TC144's combination of logic fabric and Embedded Array Blocks. The 12 EABs can each implement a 256x8 or 512x4 dual-port RAM block, allowing designers to build 8-12 independent FIFO buffers, lookup tables, or microcode ROMs without external memory chips. With 102 user I/Os available, the part can drive wide parallel buses and multiple serial interfaces simultaneously. Industrial peripheral boards typically run the FLEX 10K at 25-50 MHz for sensor data acquisition, and its 5V I/O bank natively supports legacy 5V peripheral ICs like the 8255 PPI or 16550 UART.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Interface
Telecommunications line-card designs in the 1990s and 2000s widely adopted the EPF10K20TC144 for T1/E1 framing, HDLC controllers, and timeslot interchange functions. The device's 5V I/O tolerance directly interfaces with telecom line-interface units like the DS2155 or DS2156, eliminating level shifters. Its 24,576 bits of EAB RAM is sufficient for elastic stores, slip buffers, and jitter attenuators commonly required in TDM backplanes. The 144-TQFP package's 22x22 mm footprint fits within the standard 6U cPCI line-card area, and the part's 125 MHz speed grade in the -4 suffix accommodates 8.192 MHz TDM bus rates with margin.
Recommended
DSP Pre/Post-Processing Front-End
The EPF10K20TC144 serves as a digital signal processing front-end by implementing pre- and post-processing functions in the EABs while the host DSP handles the core algorithms. Its 12 EABs can implement parallel FIR filter banks, gain control blocks, and data-format converters at sample rates up to 30 MSPS at the -4 speed grade. The 102 user I/Os provide ample connections to ADC/DAC converters and DSP host ports. Compared to discrete multiplier-accumulators, the FLEX 10K achieves equivalent throughput with fewer chips and allows algorithm updates via reconfiguration, useful during prototype development cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic
Industrial control systems benefit from the EPF10K20TC144's ability to implement custom motor control algorithms, safety interlocks, and sensor fusion logic on a single chip. The 5V I/O tolerance interfaces directly with 24V industrial sensors via optocouplers, and the 144-TQFP package supports standard SMT assembly lines used in industrial-grade PCBs. The 12 EABs allow on-chip storage of lookup tables for sine-wave PWM, S-curve profiles, or PID gain tables. Designers building CNC controllers, PLC I/O expansion modules, or servo drive front-ends have relied on the FLEX 10K family for over two decades due to its deterministic timing and robust 5V noise margin.
Recommended
Prototype Logic Verification Platform
Engineering labs and university research environments use the EPF10K20TC144 as a flexible logic verification platform due to its in-system programmability and rich EAB-based memory resources. The device can be reconfigured in milliseconds via the JTAG ByteBlaster port, enabling rapid design iteration. With 1,152 logic elements, it is large enough to implement complete CPU cores (such as the 8051 or simple RISC-V), custom peripherals, and external bus controllers on a single chip. The 5V I/O is forgiving for breadboard and prototype interface work, and the 144-TQFP package is widely supported by standard prototyping adapters and breakout boards.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and Military Systems
Long-lifecycle military and avionics platforms continue to use the EPF10K20TC144 because of its established reliability history, MIL-spec temperature variants, and qualification data. The part's 5V core and robust I/O tolerance meet the EMI/EMC requirements of DO-160 and MIL-STD-461 environments. With 1,152 logic elements, it is well-matched to legacy avionics tasks such as ARINC 429 bus controllers, discrete I/O scanning, and display drivers. The 144-TQFP package is mechanically robust for high-vibration environments and supports the conformal coating processes required for aerospace assembly. Note that MIL-temp variants carry the -3 or -4N speed-grade suffixes within the commercial part numbering scheme.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K20TC144 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K20TC144-4N | EPF10K20TC144-4 | EPF10K30TC144-4 | EPF10K10TC144-4N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | TQFP-144 | TQFP-144 (same) | TQFP-144 (same) | TQFP-144 (same) | TQFP-144 (same) |
| Logic Elements | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,728 | 576 |
| Typical Gates | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | 10,000 |
| User I/Os | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 |
| EAB RAM (bits) | 24,576 | 24,576 | 24,576 | 32,768 | 12,288 |
| Speed Grade | varies (-3 or -4) | -4 (125 MHz) | -4 (125 MHz) | -4 (125 MHz) | -4 (125 MHz) |
| RoHS Compliance | depends on suffix | Pb-free, RoHS | non-RoHS (legacy) | non-RoHS (legacy) | Pb-free, RoHS |
| Core Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
Key Differentiators
- 5V I/O native compatibility (vs Xilinx XC4000 series)
- Embedded Array Blocks for on-chip memory (vs Smaller FPGAs without EABs)
- Same-package density upgrade path (vs EPF10K10TC144-4N)
Design Notes
The EPF10K20TC144 requires a stable 5V supply on VCCINT pins (typically 3-4 pins distributed around the package) plus independent VCCIO supplies for each of the four I/O banks if mixed-voltage interfacing is required. Decoupling should include one 0.1 uF ceramic per VCC pin and a single 47 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor within 25 mm of the device. Power sequencing is not strictly required because the FLEX 10K family is 5V-only, but in-rush current during configuration can spike to 500 mA; budget the regulator accordingly.
TQFP-144 packages have a 0.5 mm lead pitch, which requires careful PCB design: use 0.20-0.25 mm trace width between pads, IPC-SM-782 land patterns, and a 4-6 mil solder mask dam. Add ground fills under the device for thermal spreading, and use micro-via-in-pad if BGA breakouts are present in nearby circuits. Hand-soldering repair is feasible with a fine tip and preheating but is not recommended for production.
The FLEX 10K family uses SRAM-based configuration, which means the design is lost on every power-down and must be reloaded from an external EPC configuration PROM, flash, or microcontroller on every boot. This adds 50-200 ms to startup time and requires a dedicated boot source on the PCB. Without a configuration source, the device will fail to enter user mode and all I/O pins will remain tri-stated. JTAG programming via ByteBlaster is for development only; production boards must include an EPC1, EPC2, or compatible configuration memory.
Compliance Information
Standard EPF10K20TC144 is not RoHS (legacy SnPb finish); the EPF10K20TC144-4N suffix denotes Pb-free, RoHS-compliant terminal finish. Always verify the exact part suffix on the datasheet declaration of conformity.
