EPF10K20TI144-4 - 20K Gates FLEX 10K FPGA, 144-LQFP | Intel
MPN: EPF10K20TI144-4 ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $21.95 | $2,195.00 |
| 500 | $19.4 | $9,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.8 | $17,800.00 |
EPF10K20TI144-4 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reprogrammable logic device that combines programmable logic elements, interconnect, and dedicated function blocks such as block RAM, multipliers, or - in the FLEX 10K case - embedded array blocks (EABs). FPGAs occupy a position in the system hierarchy above discrete logic ICs (74-series glue logic) and below ASICs, offering ASIC-like density with the time-to-market advantage of in-system reprogrammability. FLEX 10K was Intel/Altera's first family to integrate embedded array blocks (EABs) for distributed dual-port RAM or ROM, which was a notable architectural step at its introduction.
Key features of the EPF10K20TI144-4 include 144 logic array blocks (LABs), 102 user I/O pins, six EABs providing up to 12,288 bits of on-chip memory, and PCI-compliant I/O with slew-rate control and pull-up clamping diodes. The MultiVolt I/O interface allows each bank to operate at a different voltage by tying VCCIO to the desired level. The device supports in-system programming via the serial configuration EPROM (EPC) interface, allowing designers to update firmware in the field without removing the device.
The FLEX 10K architecture combines a fine-grained sea-of-LABs structure with coarse-grained EABs for memory and DSP-style functions. Each LAB contains eight logic elements (LEs), each consisting of a 4-input look-up table, a programmable flip-flop, dedicated carry and cascade chains, and LAB-wide control signals. The 5 V tolerant inputs and programmable output slew rates simplify mixed-voltage interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V buses, while the PCI pull-up clamping diode option enables compliance with the PCI bus electrical specification.
Typical applications for the EPF10K20TI144-4 include industrial control, communication bridges, PCI bus interfaces, glue-logic replacement, and prototyping of ASIC designs in telecom, instrumentation, and embedded systems. The 102 user I/Os make it well suited as a peripheral controller in 16/32-bit embedded platforms.
When designing with this device, ensure the configuration EPROM and JTAG chain are correctly wired and that VCCINT and VCCIO decoupling is local to each pin. For new designs, note that FLEX 10K is a legacy family approaching end-of-life; users should evaluate modern Cyclone or MAX 10 families for new projects.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers quickly assess the EPF10K20TI144-4 for both legacy support and cross-brand sourcing.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K20TI144-4 — 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 EPF10K20TI144-4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Typical Gates, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K20TC144-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TI144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$52 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K10TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K10TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K10TI144-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20TI144-4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | FLEX 10K |
| Family | FLEX 10K |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 1,152 cells |
| Equivalent Gates | 20,000 gates |
| Number of LABs | 144 |
| Number of EABs | 6 |
| Embedded Memory (EAB) | 12,288 bits |
| User I/Os | 102 |
| Operating Frequency (typ.) | 125 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.42 µm CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 5 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V or 5 V (MultiVolt) |
| Speed Grade | -4 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP), 1.27 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPF10K20TI144-4 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank-dependent VCCIO) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 21 | VCCINT — 5 V core supply |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 36 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 43 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 52 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 59 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 67 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 74 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 82 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 88 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 96 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 104 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 105 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
| Pin 106 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active-low) |
| Pin 107 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active-low) |
| Pin 108 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done indicator |
| Pin 109 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select 0 |
| Pin 110 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select 1 |
| Pin 111 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 112 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 113 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 114 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 115 | DEV_OE — Device-wide output enable (active-low) |
| Pin 116 | DEV_CLRn — Device-wide clear (active-low) |
| Pin 117 | CLK0 — Dedicated clock input 0 |
| Pin 118 | CLK1 — Dedicated clock input 1 |
| Pin 119 | IN0 — Dedicated input 0 (fast input) |
| Pin 120 | IN1 — Dedicated input 1 (fast input) |
| Pin 121 | VCCINT — 5 V core supply |
| Pin 122 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 130 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 137 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 143 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin |
Typical Applications
EPF10K20TI144-4 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control & PLC Logic, PCI Bus Interface & Bridging, Communication Bridge & Protocol Converter, ASIC Prototyping & Design Verification, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Legacy Board Repair & Sustaining Engineering, Glue Logic & Chip-Set Integration.
Industrial Control & PLC Logic
The EPF10K20TI144-4 fits industrial PLC and machine-control applications because it offers 1,152 logic cells and 102 user I/Os in a 144-LQFP package that is tolerant of factory-floor temperatures from -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial grade). Engineers typically instantiate the device as a glue-logic hub, encoder-counter interface, and PWM/PIO controller between a microcontroller and discrete I/O. The MultiVolt I/O bank allows direct connection to legacy 5 V drivers while simultaneously driving 3.3 V logic on a separate bank, eliminating external level shifters. With six EABs providing 12,288 bits of dual-port RAM, the device can buffer FIFO streams from high-speed encoders or implement PID-loop lookup tables in hardware. The 144-LQFP package is also hand-solderable and reworkable, an advantage for sustaining-engineering repair.
Recommended
PCI Bus Interface & Bridging
The EPF10K20TI144-4 is well suited for PCI bus interface designs because its 5 V PCI-compliant I/O option with slew-rate control and pull-up clamping diode satisfies the PCI electrical specification. Engineers use the 102 available I/Os to implement a 32-bit PCI target or master bridge between the PCI bus and a local bus or memory. The device's 125 MHz toggle frequency and -4 speed grade are sufficient for 33 MHz PCI operation, the most common embedded implementation. The MultiVolt I/O banks let the device drive 5 V PCI on one bank and a 3.3 V local bus on another, simplifying mixed-voltage board designs. The 12,288 bits of embedded RAM can be used as a small PCI configuration space plus scatter-gather FIFO buffers, reducing external memory cost.
Recommended
Communication Bridge & Protocol Converter
The EPF10K20TI144-4 is commonly deployed as a serial-protocol bridge in telecom and industrial networking equipment, where its 1,152 logic cells implement UART, SPI, I²C, and proprietary serial state machines concurrently. Its 102 I/Os accommodate multiple independent channels (e.g. four UARTs plus parallel status/control signals) without external bus switches. The EAB-based dual-port RAM allows two clock-domain subsystems to share data buffers without external FIFOs, an important consideration for async serial-to-parallel conversion. The industrial temperature grade ensures the device operates in outdoor enclosures and uncontrolled switch rooms. MultiVolt I/O allows direct connection to legacy 5 V PHYs and 3.3 V processors in the same board.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping & Design Verification
The EPF10K20TI144-4 has long been used as an ASIC prototyping vehicle because its FLEX 10K architecture supports rapid iteration: designers can compile and test gate-level netlists in real silicon at speeds approaching 125 MHz before committing to an ASIC mask set. The 20,000-equivalent-gate logic capacity is large enough to fit typical peripheral or glue-logic ASIC designs, and the 144-LQFP package exposes enough I/Os to wire out realistic peripheral interfaces. Engineers also leverage the FLEX 10K's 5 V tolerance to mimic legacy ASIC environments that no longer map cleanly to 3.3 V FPGAs. Six EABs provide flexible on-chip RAM for ASIC testbench stimulus generators and result collectors. The ByteBlasterMV JTAG chain also enables in-system reprogramming during overnight regression tests.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EPF10K20TI144-4 fits digital test and measurement front-ends because its MultiVolt I/O banks accept signals from 5 V and 3.3 V instrument buses without external level translation. The 102 I/Os accommodate dense parallel probe interfaces, switch matrices, and trigger distribution. Engineers use the EABs as deep capture buffers or pattern-generator lookup tables, while the 1,152 logic cells implement state-machine sequencers for test routines. The -4 speed grade's 125 MHz toggle rate supports 50-100 MHz pattern generators. Industrial temperature rating is critical for portable instruments used in field service environments. The 144-LQFP package is also straightforward to integrate with manual front-panel PCBs.
Recommended
Legacy Board Repair & Sustaining Engineering
The EPF10K20TI144-4 is a primary choice for legacy board repair and sustaining-engineering refurbishment of installed telecom, industrial, and military equipment designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The pin-compatible EPF10K20TC144-4 (commercial temp), EPF10K20TI144-4N (lead-free), and EPF10K20TC144-4N (commercial + lead-free) variants enable repairs to multiple temperature and compliance requirements without PCB rework. The device's mature MAX+PLUS II / Quarters toolchain means existing bitstreams can be reloaded directly into replacement parts. Because the FLEX 10K family is on Last Time Buy / obsolete status with Intel, sourcing ahead and qualifying substitutes is critical. The 144-LQFP package is also reworkable with conventional hot-air stations.
Recommended
Glue Logic & Chip-Set Integration
The EPF10K20TI144-4 is well suited to ASIC/ASSP glue-logic integration because its 1,152 logic cells and 6 EABs (12,288 bits RAM) easily absorb the address decoding, wait-state generation, and bus arbitration that historically required 74-series TTL gates. Its 102 I/Os accommodate the wide buses and individual control signals typical of chipset bridging, while MultiVolt I/O permits direct interfacing to both 5 V and 3.3 V bus partners. The 144-LQFP package sits comfortably between the larger BGA ASICs and smaller peripheral chips on the motherboard, simplifying layout. The FLEX 10K's JTAG-supported in-system programming allows post-assembly board configuration changes during integration testing, reducing respins.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K20TI144-4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K20TC144-4 | EPF10K20TI144-4N | EPF10K20TC144-4N | EPF10K10TC144-4N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP) | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Logic Cells | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 576 (-50%) |
| Equivalent Gates | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 10,000 (-50%) |
| Embedded Memory (EAB) | 12,288 bits | 12,288 bits | 12,288 bits | 12,288 bits | 6,144 bits (-50%) |
| User I/Os | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | ~66 (-35%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Lead-Free Finish | No (standard Pb finish) | No | Yes (Pb-free / -N) | Yes (Pb-free / -N) | Yes (Pb-free / -N) |
| Speed Grade | -4 | -4 | -4 | -4 | -4 |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade (-40 to 85 °C) (vs EPF10K20TC144-4)
- Full 20K-gate capacity and 102 user I/Os (vs EPF10K10TI144-4N)
- Mature FLEX 10K EAB architecture with embedded dual-port RAM (vs EPC8QC100 (configuration EPROM only))
Design Notes
Decouple VCCINT and VCCIO locally at every supply pin of the 144-LQFP package; recommended values are 0.1 µF ceramic in parallel with 10 µF tantalum or polymer per pin. The MultiVolt I/O scheme means VCCIO and VCCINT are independent and each bank may run at 3.3 V or 5 V - apply VCCIO only after VCCINT is stable to avoid I/O latch-up. Estimated: at 125 MHz toggle activity the FLEX 10K core draws roughly 200-300 mA at 5 V, so size the 5 V regulator for 500 mA continuous plus margin.
Route configuration signals (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, MSEL, DATA0) away from high-frequency switching I/O and away from clock traces to avoid noise-induced configuration failure. Place the EPC8 configuration EPROM within 2 inches of the FPGA, and add 33 Ω series damping resistors on DATA0, TCK, TMS, TDO, TDI if the JTAG chain is more than 6 inches long. The 144-LQFP package has exposed lead frames only - no thermal pad - so do not rely on the package for heatsinking.
Do not select the EPF10K20TC144-4 (commercial) as a replacement for the EPF10K20TI144-4 (industrial) in outdoor or factory-floor equipment - the commercial variant is only specified 0 to 70 °C and may fail below 0 °C. Likewise, do not use the standard lead-bearing EPF10K20TI144-4 on a RoHS-only production line; use EPF10K20TI144-4N instead. The 5 V VCCINT is non-negotiable - this is not a 3.3 V part, and 3.3 V on VCCINT will prevent configuration. Finally, ensure MSEL[1:0] are tied to the correct logic level for the chosen configuration mode (EPC serial, JTAG, or PS).
Compliance Information
The EPF10K20TI144-4 (without the -N suffix) is the standard lead-bearing finish variant. RoHS and REACH status not confirmed in the verified web data - use the EPF10K20TI144-4N for RoHS-restricted production lines. FPGAs are not AEC-Q100 qualified components; this part is not intended for automotive safety-critical applications.
