EPF10K50EQC240-1 - FLEX 10KE 50K FPGA 240-PQFP | Intel
MPN: EPF10K50EQC240-1 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $48.5 | $48.50 |
| 10 | $42.1 | $421.00 |
| 100 | $36.75 | $3,675.00 |
| 500 | $31.2 | $15,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $26.8 | $26,800.00 |
EPF10K50EQC240-1 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and programmable I/O cells that engineers can configure after manufacturing to implement custom digital circuits. Within the broader hierarchy, FPGAs sit above simple PLDs (PALs, GALs) and below application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); the FLEX 10KE family in particular pioneered embedded memory and embedded array blocks, making it one of the first true SOPC devices where memory and logic coexist on a single die. The "-1" speed grade of EPF10K50EQC240 designates the slowest of three commercial speed grades offered in this family.
Key features include 40,960 bits of embedded RAM distributed across EABs, 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 189 usable I/O pins, in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and 0.22 µm SRAM-based configuration cells that allow unlimited reconfiguration. The device supports multi-voltage I/O standards and offers low-power consumption relative to equivalent ASIC gate counts. Its 240-pin PQFP packaging provides gull-wing leads suitable for surface-mount assembly and rework.
Typical applications span communications infrastructure, industrial automation, test and measurement instrumentation, and legacy embedded systems requiring 50K-gate-class programmable logic. The wide I/O count (189) makes EPF10K50EQC240-1 particularly suited to bus-intensive designs such as PCI bridges, custom microcontroller peripherals, and DSP co-processing front ends.
When designing with EPF10K50EQC240-1, ensure a stable 2.5 V core supply with sufficient decoupling near the VCC pins; the SRAM configuration cells are volatile and require a configuration device or microprocessor on every power-up. PCB designers should follow PQFP thermal guidelines and provide adequate ground returns for the 189 high-speed I/O transitions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparison with same-package FLEX 10KE family members, lifecycle status, and practical design notes not consolidated in a single manufacturer document, complementing the official Altera/Intel datasheet and device handbook.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K50EQC240-1 — 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 EPF10K50EQC240-1 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Process Technology, Configuration Method, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K50EQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50EQC240-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50EQI240-1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K50EQC240-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$87.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50SQC240-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$142.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50EQC240-1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 10KE |
| Series | EPF10K50E |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 2880 |
| Typical Gates | 50000 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 360 |
| Embedded Memory (RAM Bits) | 40960 |
| User I/Os | 189 |
| Number of Pins | 240 |
| Package Type | 240-BFQFP / PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| Core Supply Voltage (Nominal) | 2.5 V |
| Core Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 2.7 V |
| Process Technology | 0.22 µm CMOS |
| Internal Frequency (Max) | 250 MHz |
| Configuration Memory | SRAM (volatile) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 70 °C (Commercial) |
| RoHS Status | Non-Compliant (original PQFP) |
| Speed Grade | -1 (slowest) |
EPF10K50EQC240-1 240-bfqfp / pqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPF10K50EQC240-1 (240-bfqfp / pqfp 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 EPF10K50EQC240-1.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPF10K50EQC240-1 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Communications Infrastructure, Industrial Automation Controllers, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Military & Avionics Legacy Systems, Medical Imaging Equipment Controllers, Audio & Broadcast Equipment.
Legacy Communications Infrastructure
The EPF10K50EQC240-1 fits legacy communications infrastructure such as T1/E1 framer designs, SONET/SDH tributary interfaces, and HDLC controllers where the design is already locked to FLEX 10KE bitstreams. Its 189 user I/Os handle wide parallel bus interfaces to telecom framer ICs, while the 40960 bits of embedded RAM provide per-channel buffers and lookup-table storage for protocol conversion. The 250 MHz internal frequency supports 155 Mbps telecom data rates. Replacing this part with a modern Cyclone IV would require full board rework and firmware re-qualification, so the -1 speed grade remains in service for many installed telecom systems.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
The EPF10K50EQC240-1 serves industrial automation controllers including PLC digital I/O expander cards, motion-control glue logic, and fieldbus interface modules. Its 189 I/Os accommodate large parallel buses to multi-axis stepper or servo controllers, while the 360 LABs deliver deterministic combinational logic for safety interlocks and encoder decoding. The 2.5 V core with separate VCCIO banks allows mixed-voltage interfacing to 3.3 V or 5 V industrial peripherals. Although obsolete, the part remains qualified for many long-lifecycle industrial systems with field-proven reliability over decades of deployment.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EPF10K50EQC240-1 is well-suited to test and measurement instrumentation such as logic analyzer probe decoders, pattern-generator sequencers, and digital-storage-oscilloscope trigger logic. Its 2880 logic elements implement custom protocol decoders (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN) while the 40960-bit embedded RAM holds captured sample buffers. The 250 MHz internal frequency exceeds typical 100 MHz instrument bus speeds, providing timing margin. The PQFP-240 package allows hand-solderable rework on legacy instrument PCBs, an important consideration for low-volume repair of installed base equipment.
Recommended
Military & Avionics Legacy Systems
The EPF10K50EQC240-1Q-style part and its commercial counterpart EPF10K50EQC240-1 remain in service within military and avionics legacy systems such as radar signal pre-processors, navigation display controllers, and legacy MIL-STD-1553 interfaces. The 189 I/Os interface to parallel ADC/DAC arrays in radar receivers while the embedded RAM buffers pre-processed samples. Obsolescence of the FLEX 10KE family has driven defense primes to either qualify modern Cyclone replacements or stockpile EPF10K50EQC240-1 inventory. The -1 speed grade meets timing for sub-100 MHz signal processing paths.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment Controllers
The EPF10K50EQC240-1 supports medical imaging controllers such as ultrasound beamformer front ends, X-ray detector readout sequencers, and patient-monitor display drivers. Its 360 LABs and 189 I/Os handle the wide parallel data paths from ultrasound transducer arrays, while the 2.5 V core with selectable VCCIO integrates with both 3.3 V DSP processors and 5 V analog front ends. Although obsolete, the EPF10K50EQC240-1 remains qualified in many FDA-approved medical devices where re-qualification of the FPGA would require costly regulatory resubmission.
Recommended
Audio & Broadcast Equipment
The EPF10K50EQC240-1 fits audio and broadcast equipment such as digital mixing-console DSP front ends, audio routing switchers, and broadcast audio embedder/de-embedder cards. Its 189 user I/Os handle multi-channel AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital audio streams (typically up to 64 channels per device), while the embedded RAM provides per-channel sample buffering. The deterministic FLEX 10KE fabric delivers zero-jitter audio routing critical for pro-audio. Legacy broadcast studios often retain the -1 speed grade to avoid re-engineering entire signal chains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K50EQC240-1 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K50EQC240-2 | EPF10K50EQC240-3 | EPF10K50EQI240-1 | EPF10K50EQC240-2N | EPF10K50SQC240-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | 240-PQFP | 240-PQFP (same) | 240-PQFP (same) | 240-PQFP (same) | 240-PQFP (same) | 240-PQFP (same) |
| Speed Grade | -1 (slowest) | -2 (~25% faster) | -3 (~50% faster) | -1 (same) | -2 (faster) | -1 (same) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0°C to 70°C) | Commercial (0°C to 70°C) | Commercial (0°C to 70°C) | Industrial (-40°C to 85°C) | Commercial (0°C to 70°C) | Commercial (0°C to 70°C) |
| Logic Elements | 2880 | 2880 | 2880 | 2880 | 2880 | 2880 |
| Typical Gates | 50000 | 50000 | 50000 | 50000 | 50000 | 50000 |
| User I/Os | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 |
| Core Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Lead-Free (RoHS) | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Key Differentiators
- Slowest speed grade, lowest cost in obsolete market (vs EPF10K50EQC240-2)
- Commercial temperature grade (vs EPF10K50EQI240-1)
- Standard FLEX 10KE silicon, not 10KS enhanced-memory variant (vs EPF10K50SQC240-1)
Design Notes
Estimated: EPF10K50EQC240-1 draws approximately 200-400 mA from its 2.5 V core rail depending on utilization and clock frequency, and an additional 50-200 mA from VCCIO banks depending on I/O toggle rate and load. Decoupling must include 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of every VCC/VCCIO pin, plus bulk 10-47 µF tantalum or polymer capacitors on each supply rail. The SRAM configuration cells are volatile: if core voltage droops below 2.3 V during power-up, the device will fail to retain its configuration.
The 240-pin PQFP has a 0.5 mm lead pitch and gull-wing terminations; route signals on inner layers to escape the dense perimeter pads and use 0.2 mm via-in-pad only where the assembler permits. Provide a continuous ground plane on layer 2 to control return paths for the 189 high-speed I/O transitions. Exposed thermal pad is absent on this PQFP, so junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is dominated by the plastic package (~35-45 °C/W); adequate airflow is required if utilization exceeds 70%.
EPF10K50EQC240-1 SRAM cells are volatile and require configuration on every power-up via JTAG, a serial configuration device (EPCS), or a microprocessor; omitting this step leaves the device in an undefined state with all I/Os tri-stated. Mixing -1, -2, and -3 speed-grade parts on the same PCB can cause hold-time violations on shared buses. The PQFP-240 is not RoHS-compliant in the original -1 grade; for lead-free builds, substitute the EPF10K50EQC240-2N variant which is otherwise a drop-in replacement.
Compliance Information
EPF10K50EQC240-1 in its original -1 grade is not RoHS-compliant (contains lead). For RoHS builds use the -2N or -3N suffix variants which are otherwise drop-in. AEC-Q100 not applicable (commercial-grade FPGA, not automotive-qualified). REACH compliant per Intel product environmental statements.
