EPF10K30RC240-4N - FLEX 10K FPGA, 30K Gates, 240-RQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPF10K30RC240-4N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $161.68 | $161.68 |
| 10 | $145.5 | $1,455.00 |
| 100 | $130.25 | $13,025.00 |
| 500 | $115 | $57,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $99.75 | $99,750.00 |
EPF10K30RC240-4N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that designers can customize after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. The FLEX 10K series introduced the industry's first embedded array block (EAB) architecture, allowing on-chip implementation of megafunctions such as efficient memory, FIFO buffers, and specialized DSP operations. This bridges the gap between pure logic FPGAs and ASICs, supporting system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration.
Key specifications of the EPF10K30RC240-4N include 216 logic array blocks (LABs), 189 user I/O pins, 12,288 RAM bits distributed across embedded array blocks, and a commercial operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. The device supports in-system programming via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface and is configurable through Altera's Quartus II MAX+PLUS II development tools. The 240-RQFP package provides gull-wing leads suitable for standard surface-mount assembly processes.
Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, industrial control systems, test equipment prototyping, and legacy system maintenance where the FLEX 10K architecture was widely deployed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its embedded array blocks efficiently implement memory-intensive functions such as FIFOs and dual-port memory without consuming general logic resources.
When designing with this device, ensure your Quartus II tool version supports the FLEX 10K family and that JTAG programming access is provided on the PCB. Note that this part is in the legacy/last-time-buy lifecycle stage as the FLEX 10K family has been superseded by newer Cyclone and MAX families.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K30RC240-4N — 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 EPF10K30RC240-4N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Process Technology, Logic Array Blocks (LABs).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K30RC240-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$61.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K30RC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$68.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K30RI240-4N
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$52.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K20RC240-4N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K20RC240-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$67.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K30RC240-4N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | FLEX 10K |
| Family | FLEX 10K (Embedded Programmable Logic Device) |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 1,728 |
| Typical Gates | 30,000 |
| Total RAM Bits | 12,288 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 216 |
| User I/O | 189 |
| Number of I/O Pins | 189 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V (4.75 V min, 5.25 V max) |
| Internal Frequency (max) | 62.89 MHz |
| Technology Node | 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package | 240-BFQFP (RQFP-240) with exposed pad |
| Lead Style | Gull wing |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / Altera ByteBlaster |
EPF10K30RC240-4N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O (bank-specific assignment per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 4 | VCC — 5V supply (VCCINT/VCCIO) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 11 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 19 | VCC — 5V supply |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPF10K30RC240-4N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Infrastructure, Industrial Control Systems, Test and Measurement Equipment, Military and Aerospace Legacy Avionics, Legacy Medical Imaging Controllers, Data Acquisition and Signal Processing.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The EPF10K30RC240-4N is well-suited for telecommunications infrastructure including legacy base station controllers, T1/E1 line cards, and protocol conversion bridges where the FLEX 10K architecture was widely deployed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The device's 12,288 embedded array bits efficiently implement FIFOs and elastic buffers for serial telecom data streams, while the 189 user I/O pins support multiple parallel backplane interfaces without external bus multiplexing. The 5V single-suprail operation matches legacy telecom backplane voltages (typical 5V rails), and the JTAG-based ISP (in-system programming) allows field firmware updates on installed cards. Compared to a discrete ASIC, the EPF10K30RC240-4N enables rapid prototyping and design revision on legacy systems where manufacturing volumes no longer justify ASIC NRE.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
The EPF10K30RC240-4N serves well in industrial control applications such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drive interfaces, and SCADA front-end processors installed before 2005. Its 216 logic array blocks provide the logic capacity to handle multiple parallel PID loops, encoder interfaces, and discrete I/O scanning simultaneously. The 12,288 bits of embedded array memory efficiently implement shift registers and lookup tables used in industrial sequencing logic. Commercial temperature grading (0°C to 70°C) covers factory-floor cabinet environments, while the 240-RQFP package is mechanically robust for industrial vibration profiles. Engineers maintaining legacy lines should design with the EPF10K30RC240-4N as a long-term spare/repair part rather than a new design component.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The EPF10K30RC240-4N is a strong fit for test and measurement instruments such as logic analyzer probes, protocol analyzers, and legacy ATE (automatic test equipment) where reconfigurable stimulus generation and pattern matching are required. The 30K-gate density allows complex pattern sequencer implementations, while the embedded array blocks efficiently implement deep capture buffers and timing comparators. The 189 user I/O pins support multiple parallel probe channels, and the JTAG boundary-scan interface aids in board-level interconnect testing. With 62.89 MHz internal frequency, the EPF10K30RC240-4N can drive stimulus at rates that match legacy serial bus standards (RS-232, RS-422, I2C, SPI) without timing closure issues.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy Avionics
The EPF10K30RC240-4N was historically used in military and aerospace avionics systems including flight control interfaces, navigation data concentrators, and legacy cockpit display drivers where the FLEX 10K's deterministic architecture and 5V tolerance matched legacy MIL-STD-1553 bus interfaces. The 12,288 embedded array bits implement MIL-STD-1553 message buffers, and the 189 I/O pins support redundant parallel avionics buses. Note that while the EPF10K30RC240-4N is commercial grade (0 to 70C), it remains a valid drop-in replacement for legacy systems already fielded. For new military designs, use the EPF10K30RI240-4N industrial variant or migrate to a Rad-tolerant Cyclone or RTG4 device.
Recommended
Legacy Medical Imaging Controllers
The EPF10K30RC240-4N appears in legacy medical imaging controllers, including ultrasound beamformer front-ends, MRI gradient drivers, and X-ray detector interfaces built on the FLEX 10K architecture. The 12,288 embedded array bits implement channel buffers for parallel imaging data streams, while the 189 I/O pins support high-channel-count probe interfaces. The single 5V supply simplifies medical safety isolation design compared to multi-rail modern FPGAs. For medical device manufacturers maintaining regulatory-cleared legacy systems, the EPF10K30RC240-4N is a valid long-term spare component for repair, but cannot be used in new medical device designs requiring IEC 62304 risk-management updates.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Signal Processing
The EPF10K30RC240-4N is well matched to legacy data acquisition (DAQ) cards and digital signal processing (DSP) front-ends where its embedded memory architecture implements sample-rate conversion, FIR filter coefficients, and FFT twiddle-factor tables efficiently. The 216 logic array blocks enable parallel multiply-accumulate (MAC) structures for moderate-bandwidth processing. Compared to a dedicated DSP processor, the EPF10K30RC240-4N achieves deterministic latency critical for control-loop applications. The 5V I/O tolerance directly interfaces to legacy 5V ADC/DAC devices (e.g., AD574A, DAC0808), simplifying the analog front-end. For modern designs requiring higher density, the Cyclone IV EP4CE30F23 is the recommended migration path with similar logic element count.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K30RC240-4N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K30RC240-4 | EPF10K30RC240-3N | EPF10K30RI240-4N | EPF10K20RC240-4N | EPF10K20RC240-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-RQFP (BFQFP) | 240-RQFP (same) | 240-RQFP (same) | 240-RQFP (same) | 240-RQFP (same) | 240-RQFP (same) |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (same) | Altera (same) | Altera (same) | Altera (same) | Altera (same) |
| Typical Gates | 30,000 | 30,000 (same) | 30,000 (same) | 30,000 (same) | 20,000 (-33%) | 20,000 (-33%) |
| User I/O | 189 | 189 (same) | 189 (same) | 189 (same) | 189 (same) | 189 (same) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to 70C (Commercial) | 0C to 70C (Commercial) | 0C to 70C (Commercial) | -40C to 85C (Industrial) | 0C to 70C (Commercial) | 0C to 70C (Commercial) |
| Lead Finish | Pb-free (matte Sn) | Leaded (SnPb) | Pb-free (matte Sn) | Pb-free (matte Sn) | Pb-free (matte Sn) | Leaded (SnPb) |
| Speed Grade | 4 (slower) | 4 (same) | 3 (faster, ~25% higher Fmax) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) |
Key Differentiators
- FLEX 10K embedded array architecture (vs EPF10K50VRC240-4N)
- Commercial 5V operation matches legacy backplanes (vs Cyclone IV EP4CE30F23C7N)
- 189 I/O pins in 240-RQFP for legacy pin compatibility (vs EPF10K30EFC256-2)
- 30K gates with 12,288 EAB bits for memory-intensive designs (vs EPF10K20RC240-4N)
Design Notes
The EPF10K30RC240-4N requires a single 5V supply (4.75V to 5.25V) with peak transient current up to approximately 500 mA during simultaneous switching output (SSO) events. Use at least 4 VCC pins and 4 GND pins with 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors placed within 5mm of each supply pin pair. A bulk 47uF to 100uF tantalum or low-ESR aluminum capacitor must be placed near the package. Unlike modern FPGAs, the FLEX 10K has no internal voltage regulator; a clean 5V rail is mandatory to avoid VCCIO noise coupling into logic operations.
Place all decoupling capacitors on the same PCB layer as the FPGA using short, wide traces (>=0.5mm width) to minimize parasitic inductance. The exposed pad of the 240-RQFP package (where present) should be soldered to a thermal pad with via stitching to inner ground planes for heat dissipation. JTAG pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) require 4.7kohm pull-up resistors to VCC per Altera's JTAG specification. MSL handling is critical - this part is moisture sensitive and requires dry-pack bag storage before reflow.
Do not confuse EPF10K30RC240-4N with EPF10K50VRC240-4N - the latter is a 50K gate FLEX 10KA device requiring different power rails (3.3V VCCINT) and is NOT pin-compatible. Do not attempt to substitute FLEX 10KE (EPF10K30EFC256) variants in a 240-RQFP design - the E series uses different packages. Verify all timing constraints in Quartus II MAX+PLUS II rather than trusting the 62.89 MHz headline figure, since real-world Fmax depends on logic depth, fan-out, and routing congestion specific to your compiled design.
The 240-RQFP package has a typical theta_JA of approximately 25 to 35 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC PCB. At maximum toggle rate with 189 I/O at 20 MHz, junction-to-ambient temperature rise is estimated at 10 to 15 C. Above 70 C ambient, derate toggle frequency by 50% or add forced-air cooling. The exposed pad (if present on the variant) should be soldered to a copper pad with thermal vias for improved dissipation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance inferred from 'N' suffix per Altera naming convention; Pb-free finish confirmed in datasheetq.com 18-page document. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict minerals status not explicitly stated in the verified web data.
