EPF10K20TI144-4N - FLEX 10K FPGA, 20K Gates, 144-LQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPF10K20TI144-4N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42.5 | $42.50 |
| 10 | $38.75 | $387.50 |
| 100 | $31.2 | $3,120.00 |
| 500 | $24.6 | $12,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.95 | $19,950.00 |
EPF10K20TI144-4N Overview
What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array is a programmable semiconductor device whose logic fabric, routing, and I/O behavior are configured by the user after manufacture. FPGAs sit at the top of the digital logic hierarchy, above ASICs and CPLDs in design complexity, and are commonly used where parallel processing, custom interfaces, or hardware-level timing control are required. The FLEX 10K family specifically introduced embedded array blocks (EABs) that combine look-up-table logic with on-chip RAM, enabling true system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration of memory and logic in a single device.
Key specifications include a maximum propagation delay of 0.4 ns through the Look-Up Table, a maximum internal operating frequency near 125 MHz, 5 V tolerant I/O cells, and full IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan support. The integrated phase-locked loops and global clock networks simplify high-speed clock distribution, while the 5 V I/O is a key reason these parts remain in service in long-lifecycle industrial control systems.
Architecture-wise, the FLEX 10K family combines a fine-grained Logic Array (LUT-based logic elements) with a coarse-grained Embedded Array (EABs of 2,048 bits each, configurable as RAM or ROM), giving designers a flexible mix of random logic and dedicated memory. The 0.42 µm process technology, while mature, remains adequate for many 5 V industrial applications where radiation tolerance, supply tolerance, and longevity outweigh the need for higher density or lower power.
Typical applications include industrial machine control, telecom line cards, military/aerospace retrofits, and any 5 V tolerant logic-replacement project that needs higher density than a CPLD. Engineers should also evaluate modern alternatives such as Intel MAX 10 or Lattice ECP5 for new designs, as FLEX 10K is approaching end-of-life. This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives (same family / speed grade), and practical design notes that are not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K20TI144-4N — 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 EPF10K20TI144-4N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Speed Grade, Total RAM Bits.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K20TI144-3N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K20TI144-1N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K20TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$52 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K10TI144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$39.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K10TC144-4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K20TI144-4N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K20TI144-4N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | FLEX 10K |
| Family | FLEX-10K |
| Typical Gates | 20,000 |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 1,152 |
| Embedded Memory (Bits) | 12,288 |
| User I/Os | 102 |
| Logic Blocks / LABs | 144 |
| Process Technology | 0.42 µm CMOS |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | 0.4 ns |
| Max Internal Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 70 °C |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - 20 mm × 20 mm × 1.4 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| JTAG Support | IEEE 1149.1 Boundary-Scan |
| Configuration Mode | SRAM-based, in-system programmable |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free, per distributor data) |
EPF10K20TI144-4N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5 V) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 33 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 55 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 77 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 99 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 122 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (5 V) |
| Pin 123 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 124 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 125 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 126 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 127 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (open-drain) |
| Pin 128 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 129 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete (open-drain) |
| Pin 130 | DCLK — Configuration clock |
| Pin 131 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
| Pin 132 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select 0 |
| Pin 133 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select 1 |
| Pin 134 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 135 | nCEO — Chip enable out (active low, for multi-device config) |
| Pin 136 | CLK0 — Dedicated clock input 0 |
| Pin 137 | CLK1 — Dedicated clock input 1 |
| Pin 138 | CLK2 — Dedicated clock input 2 |
| Pin 139 | CLK3 — Dedicated clock input 3 |
| Pin 140 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 141 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (5 V) |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
Typical Applications
EPF10K20TI144-4N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Machine Control, Telecom Line Card Glue Logic, Military / Aerospace Retrofit Designs, ASIC Replacement / Bridge Logic, Legacy 5 V Data Acquisition Systems, Industrial Protocol Bridge / Bus Converter.
Industrial Machine Control
The EPF10K20TI144-4N is well suited to industrial machine controllers where 5 V tolerant I/O and long-lifecycle parts are mandatory. With 1,152 logic elements, 102 user I/Os, and embedded array blocks that can be configured as dual-port RAM, the part can implement multi-axis motion-control state machines, encoder counters, and high-speed deterministic glue logic between microcontrollers and power stages. Its 0.4 ns propagation delay and 125 MHz internal clock comfortably drive 24 V opto-isolated fieldbus interfaces and PWM generation logic at typical industrial PWM frequencies of 10-50 kHz. Unlike modern low-voltage FPGAs, the EPF10K20TI144-4N requires no level shifting on TTL inputs, simplifying board design for PLC backplanes and CNC controllers that have remained on 5 V logic for decades.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Glue Logic
In legacy telecom line cards the EPF10K20TI144-4N is frequently used as a bus-interface and protocol-translation bridge between network processors and TDM framers, ASICs, and PHY devices. The 1,152 logic elements are sufficient to implement UTOPIA / POS-PHY level-2 interfaces, HDLC controllers, and asynchronous FIFO buffering, while the 12,288 bits of embedded memory support small lookup tables for routing or class-of-service decisions. Its 144-LQFP package and 5 V I/O tolerance make it easy to drop into existing line-card PCBs alongside older TelecomBus devices. For new designs, however, designers should evaluate MAX 10 or Lattice ECP5 because the FLEX 10K family is Nearing End-of-Life and software support has shifted to Quartus legacy mode.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Retrofit Designs
The EPF10K20TI144-4N is a go-to FPGA for military and aerospace retrofits where the original Altera silicon is still specified in the system design but needs to be replaced due to obsolescence. Its 0.42 µm CMOS process and 5 V supply have a long track record in aerospace hardware, and the part's wide operating temperature behavior makes it suitable for hardened enclosures. With 1,152 logic elements the device comfortably hosts ARINC 429 / MIL-STD-1553 transceivers, redundant watchdog state machines, and timing-critical interrupt controllers. The 144-LQFP package supports standard aerospace PCB assembly processes, and the JTAG 1149.1 boundary-scan interface simplifies board-level test - a critical requirement for DO-254 and MIL-HDBK-454 compliance documentation.
Recommended
ASIC Replacement / Bridge Logic
Designers often use the EPF10K20TI144-4N as a quick-turnaround ASIC replacement when a custom silicon design is delayed or end-of-life. The 20,000-gate density and 12,288 bits of embedded memory can host simple RISC microcontrollers, glue logic between sensors and processors, and bus-protocol bridges (I2C to SPI, UART to parallel). The SRAM-based configuration allows rapid firmware updates during development, while the JTAG 1149.1 interface supports in-system programming via Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster cables. Compared with modern CPLDs the EPF10K20TI144-4N delivers far higher density, while its 144-LQFP package is still widely available on the secondary market, making it a pragmatic choice for low-volume production.
Recommended
Legacy 5 V Data Acquisition Systems
High-speed data-acquisition boards for medical imaging, sonar, and radar subsystems often specify the EPF10K20TI144-4N because of its 5 V I/O tolerance and deterministic timing. With a propagation delay of just 0.4 ns through the LUT, the part can sample and pre-process analog front-end outputs at clock rates up to 125 MHz, while its embedded array blocks implement dual-port FIFOs that buffer ADC samples before forwarding to a downstream DSP. The 102 user I/Os comfortably accommodate multi-channel ADCs, synchronization triggers, and parallel high-speed links. Because the part runs from 5 V it can sit directly on legacy data-acquisition boards without the level translation that would otherwise be required for modern sub-3 V FPGAs.
Recommended
Industrial Protocol Bridge / Bus Converter
The EPF10K20TI144-4N is widely deployed as an industrial protocol bridge, where it converts between legacy fieldbuses (RS-485, RS-232, CAN, parallel GPIO) and modern Ethernet-based protocols. The 1,152 logic elements and embedded memory support full Modbus RTU / TCP gateways, PROFINET IRT interfaces, and EtherCAT slave controllers. The 5 V I/O tolerance allows direct connection to industrial sensor and actuator voltages without external translators, while the JTAG interface simplifies field firmware updates. For new designs Lattice ECP5 or Intel MAX 10 are recommended, but the EPF10K20TI144-4N continues to be specified in long-lifecycle industrial automation equipment where proven silicon is preferred over newer alternatives.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K20TI144-4N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K20TI144-3N | EPF10K20TI144-1N | EPF10K20TC144-4N | EPF10K10TI144-4N | EPF10K10TC144-4N | EP1K20TI144-4N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same | 144-LQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Family | FLEX 10K | FLEX 10K | FLEX 10K | FLEX 10K | FLEX 10K | FLEX 10K | ACEX 1K |
| Typical Gates | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| Logic Elements | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 1,152 | 576 | 576 | 1,152 |
| User I/Os | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 |
| Speed Grade | -4 | -3 (slower) | -1 (faster) | -4 (same) | -4 | -4 | -4 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 2.5 V core / 3.3 V or 5 V I/O |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Same die, faster speed grade drop-in (vs EPF10K20TI144-1N)
- Lower density alternative in same footprint (vs EPF10K10TI144-4N)
- Pure 5 V supply (no level shifting needed) (vs EP1K20TI144-4N)
Design Notes
Estimated: the EPF10K20TI144-4N core ICC at full utilization (all 1,152 LEs toggling at 125 MHz) can reach ~200 mA from VCCINT (5 V), giving core power near 1.0 W. With I/O toggling the total device power can approach 1.5 W. Decouple VCCINT with at least one 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor per VCCINT pin plus one bulk 22 µF tantalum or low-ESR ceramic near the package. Place the bulk cap within 25 mm of the device. VCCIO banks should each be decoupled with 0.1 µF + 10 µF. Estimate based on typical FLEX 10K power vs. utilization curves from the Altera power estimation spreadsheet; verify with actual vector-by-vector simulation.
Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) with 4-8 mil traces and keep them short and parallel - avoid stubs. Place a 10 kΩ pull-up on nCONFIG, nSTATUS and CONF_DONE as recommended in Altera's configuration handbook. Decoupling capacitors must be placed as close to the VCCINT / VCCIO pins as physically possible (within 5 mm). For mixed 5 V / 3.3 V designs place 0 Ω series resistors on shared I/O banks to limit inrush. The 144-LQFP at 0.5 mm pitch accepts standard 4-layer FR-4 PCBs with 8 mil traces between pads.
Three pitfalls are common when migrating from MAX+PLUS II to Quartus. First, do not assume EPF10K20TI144-4N is in-system reconfigurable without an EPC-series configuration PROM - SRAM FPGAs lose their bitstream at power-down and must boot from external non-volatile memory. Second, the -4 speed grade is slower than -3 or -1; do not substitute a -4 in place of a -3 in a timing-critical design without re-running timing analysis. Third, the FLEX 10K family is NRND - if your design has a 10+ year lifecycle, qualify a modern second source (MAX 10, ECP5) now to avoid end-of-life supply disruption.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor data. AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA, not automotive-qualified discrete). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data; treat as 'unknown'. Conflict-minerals declaration compliant per Altera / Intel program.
