EPF10K20TC144-4N - 20K Gates FLEX 10K FPGA 144-TQFP | Altera
MPN: EPF10K20TC144-4N ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $78.5 | $78.50 |
| 10 | $72 | $720.00 |
| 100 | $65.4 | $6,540.00 |
| 500 | $58.2 | $29,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $52 | $52,000.00 |
EPF10K20TC144-4N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be reconfigured by the customer after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit at the apex of programmable logic devices, above simple PLDs and CPLDs, and are widely used for prototyping, glue logic, signal processing, and low-to-medium volume custom digital systems. The FLEX 10K family is one of the early commercial embedded-block FPGA families, combining coarse-grained logic with embedded array blocks (EABs) that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or product-term logic.
Key features of the EPF10K20TC144-4N include 20,000 typical gates (63,000 maximum), 1,152 logic elements, 6 EABs, 144 LABs, 102 user I/Os, JTAG-compliant boundary-scan testing (IEEE Std 1149.1), in-system programmability via the ByteBlaster or BitBlaster download cable, and 3.3V/5V PCI-compatible I/O support. The "-4" speed grade targets a 0.4 ns propagation delay class and the "N" suffix denotes lead-free / Pb-free terminal finish.
The architecture combines a symmetric logic array for fine-grained logic with embedded array blocks for high-density memory or arithmetic functions. Logic routing uses continuous FastTrack Interconnect with predictable delays regardless of placement, simplifying timing closure on the legacy Altera MAX+PLUS II and Quartus (legacy) design flows. The 5V core supply is unusual by modern standards (current FPGAs predominantly use sub-2V cores), so the EPF10K20TC144-4N is typically paired with 5V-tolerant buses and 5V/3.3V mixed-voltage I/O.
Typical applications include industrial glue logic and bus bridges, PCI interface controllers, legacy telecommunications backplane glue, prototyping ASICs, motor control peripherals, and low-volume embedded digital systems. The 102 I/O count and TQFP-144 footprint make it well suited for designs that need many user pins but cannot accommodate fine-pitch BGA packages.
When designing with this device, ensure that the Quartus (legacy MAX+PLUS II) tool flow is still available in your environment, as modern Quartus versions do not support FLEX 10K. Plan for a 5V analog supply and consider input clamp diodes for hot-insertion protection. A JTAG chain and dedicated configuration EEPROM (such as the EPC2) are required to load the bitstream at power-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a one-stop reference for engineers maintaining or designing in EPF10K20TC144-4N today.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K20TC144-4N — 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 EPF10K20TC144-4N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Process Technology, Logic Elements / Cells, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K20TC144-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K30TC144-4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K20TC144
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144-4N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | FLEX 10K |
| Number of Logic Elements / Cells | 1,152 |
| Number of Logic Gates (typical) | 20,000 gates |
| Number of Logic Gates (max) | 63,000 gates |
| Number of LABs (Logic Array Blocks) | 144 |
| Number of EABs (Embedded Array Blocks) | 6 |
| Total RAM Bits | 12,288 bits |
| Number of User I/Os | 102 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Propagation Delay (speed grade -4) | 0.4 ns |
| Process Technology | 0.42 um CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V PCI-compatible |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Package | 144-pin TQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / Pb-Free | Yes (N suffix) |
| Configuration Interface | Serial / JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Configuration Memory Support | EPC2, EPC8, EPC16 |
EPF10K20TC144-4N 144-pin tqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPF10K20TC144-4N (144-pin tqfp 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 EPF10K20TC144-4N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPF10K20TC144-4N is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Glue Logic, PCI Bus Interface Controller, Telecommunications Backplane Glue, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Motor Control and Industrial Drive Peripherals, Legacy Embedded Control and DSP Glue.
Legacy Industrial Glue Logic
The EPF10K20TC144-4N fits legacy industrial glue-logic applications because it provides 20,000 typical gates and 102 user I/Os in a TQFP-144 package that is easy to hand-rework on existing 5V backplanes. With 0.4 ns propagation delay (speed grade -4) and 125 MHz internal frequency, the device can replace dozens of discrete 74-series TTL/CMOS parts while preserving the original 5V signaling. Designers should plan a 5V analog supply, decoupling, and a JTAG chain with a configuration EEPROM (EPC2/EPC8) for reliable field reprogramming.
Recommended
PCI Bus Interface Controller
The EPF10K20TC144-4N is well matched to PCI 2.2 / 3.3V PCI interface controllers because its I/O drivers support 3.3V/5V PCI signaling at 33 MHz. The 1,152 logic elements, 6 EABs, and 12,288 bits of embedded memory can host the PCI state machine, configuration space registers, FIFOs, and address decoding in a single device, replacing a discrete ASIC + glue-logic solution. The 102 user I/Os comfortably absorb a 32-bit PCI bus plus local processor interface, JTAG, and status LEDs.
Recommended
Telecommunications Backplane Glue
The EPF10K20TC144-4N suits telecommunications backplane glue because the FLEX 10K family's continuous FastTrack interconnect provides predictable routing delays independent of placement, simplifying timing closure on multi-board backplane designs. With 102 user I/Os, the device can bridge TDM buses, frame-alignment signals, and clock distribution between backplane domains, while the 6 EABs (each up to 2048 bits) provide on-chip FIFOs for clock-domain crossing. Legacy telecom infrastructure built on 5V TTL/CMOS backplanes is the primary install base.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
The EPF10K20TC144-4N is a classic choice for ASIC prototyping and emulation because it lets engineers verify RTL before committing to mask costs. The 1,152 logic elements, 6 EABs, and 102 user I/Os can host a small-to-medium ASIC block, and multiple EPF10K20TC144-4N devices can be JTAG-chained for a larger emulation farm. The MAX+PLUS II and Quartus (legacy) tool flows provide gate-level simulation and timing analysis, accelerating the path from RTL to verified ASIC netlist.
Recommended
Motor Control and Industrial Drive Peripherals
The EPF10K20TC144-4N is a fit for motor-control and industrial-drive peripherals because it integrates PWM generation, encoder decoding, and fieldbus glue in a single 5V-tolerant device. The 6 EABs provide deterministic RAM for lookup tables (sine, space-vector modulation), while the 102 user I/Os accommodate QEP encoder inputs, gate-driver enables, current-sense ADC interfaces, and RS-485/Modbus links. Designers can implement field-oriented control (FOC) loops with the 12.288 Kbit of on-chip memory and 125 MHz internal frequency.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Control and DSP Glue
The EPF10K20TC144-4N is a strong fit for legacy embedded-control and DSP-glue applications because it can interface directly to 5V DSP and microcontroller buses and implement custom peripherals without an ASIC. The 6 EABs allow on-chip FIFOs, dual-port RAM, or ROM lookup tables for DSP coefficients, and the 102 user I/Os can interface to external memory, codecs, and host processors. The device is frequently used as a host-bus adapter or as a custom I/O co-processor next to a fixed-function DSP.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K20TC144-4N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K20TC144-4 | EPF10K20TC144-3N | EPF10K20TC144-3 | EPF10K30TC144-4 | EPF10K20TC144 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-pin TQFP | 144-pin TQFP (same) | 144-pin TQFP (same) | 144-pin TQFP (same) | 144-pin TQFP (same) | 144-pin TQFP (same) |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Logic Gates (typical) | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | 20,000 |
| Logic Elements | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,728 | 1,152 |
| Speed Grade | -4 (0.4 ns prop delay) | -4 | -3 (faster) | -3 (faster) | -4 | blank (slower) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Yes (N suffix) | No (leaded) | Yes | No (leaded) | No (leaded) | No (leaded) |
| User I/Os | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 |
| Core Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 12,288 | 12,288 | 12,288 | 12,288 | 16,384 | 12,288 |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in lead-free equivalent of the original leaded EPF10K20TC144-4 (vs EPF10K20TC144-4)
- Faster -3 speed grade available in same package (vs EPF10K20TC144-3N)
- Higher-density FLEX 10K family member in same package (vs EPF10K30TC144-4)
Design Notes
The EPF10K20TC144-4N requires a stable 5V core supply and a separate VCCIO bank for I/O (3.3V or 5V PCI-compatible). Bulk-decouple VCCINT with 100 uF tantalum plus 10 uF ceramic, and place 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling at every VCC/GND pin pair. Estimate: at 125 MHz with all I/O toggling, the device draws approximately 200-300 mA on VCCINT; verify with the Quartus PowerPlay estimator before finalizing the supply design.
The 144-pin TQFP has a 0.5 mm pitch and 20x20 mm body; route with 0.2 mm traces and 0.2 mm via pads on a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane for return-path integrity. Use length-matching within +/- 5 mm on parallel-bus I/Os and clock nets. Place the configuration EEPROM (EPC2/EPC8) within 50 mm of the FPGA to avoid signal-integrity issues on the serial configuration bus.
Modern Quartus versions (15.0 and later) do not support FLEX 10K; use the legacy MAX+PLUS II software or Quartus II version 9.1 and earlier for this device. Do not mix 3.3V and 5V signaling without level-shifters on inputs that are not 5V-tolerant. Estimate: configuration bitstream size for the EPF10K20 is approximately 350-500 Kbit, so a 1 Mbit EPC2 is the minimum configuration memory for safety margin.
Compliance Information
The N suffix indicates a lead-free / Pb-free terminal finish. RoHS compliance is per the Altera/Intel FLEX 10K product family declaration; AEC-Q100 is not applicable for this commercial-grade FPGA. The base part (EPF10K20TC144-4 without the N suffix) is leaded.
