EPF10K50EQC240-2N - FLEX 10KE FPGA 50K Gates 240-PQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPF10K50EQC240-2N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $145 | $145.00 |
| 10 | $128.5 | $1,285.00 |
| 100 | $112 | $11,200.00 |
| 500 | $98.75 | $49,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $87.2 | $87,200.00 |
EPF10K50EQC240-2N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of integrated circuit containing an array of programmable logic blocks, configurable interconnects, and embedded memory that can be customized after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit in the broader programmable-logic hierarchy between simple PLDs (CPLDs) and fixed-function ASICs, and are widely used for glue logic, prototyping, DSP front-ends, and small-to-medium gate-count glue replacement. The FLEX 10KE family was Altera's first embedded-array family offering megafunction-class memory alongside general-purpose logic, enabling System-on-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) integration.
Key features of the EPF10K50EQC240-2N include its 50K-gate logic capacity, 0.22 µm process node, 200 MHz internal performance, dedicated clock-distribution trees with low skew, pull-up resistors on I/O pins during configuration, and PCI-SIG compliance. The device supports multi-volt I/O interfacing with 5.0 V, 3.3 V and 2.5 V environments through programmable I/O standards, which is critical when bridging legacy and modern logic families on the same board.
Architecturally, the FLEX 10KE combines a fine-grained Look-Up Table (LUT) based logic fabric with embedded array blocks (EABs) used to implement RAM, ROM, multiplier, or state-machine megafunctions. The 2,880 LEs are arranged into 360 LABs of 8 LEs each, and the four EABs supply the 40,960 bits of SRAM (equivalent to 5,120 bytes) that can be configured as single-port RAM, dual-port RAM, ROM, or content-addressable memory.
Typical applications include industrial control and factory-automation boards, telecommunications glue logic and channel cards, military/aerospace ruggedized controllers, prototyping for ASIC replacement, and PCI bus interface cards. The 240-pin PQFP footprint remains convenient for hand-rework and prototype builds where a BGA would be impractical.
When designing with the EPF10K50EQC240-2N, plan I/O bank assignment carefully because the 2.5 V core and multi-voltage I/O require separate power rails (VCCINT and VCCIO), and unused pins must be left floating or driven to a defined state after configuration. Configuration storage should use an Altera EPC-series configuration PROM or JTAG download cable.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, and practical design notes not consolidated on a single manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a faster path to a sourcing decision for legacy FLEX 10KE designs.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K50EQC240-2N — 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 EPF10K50EQC240-2N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package, Family, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K50EQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50EQC240-1N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$132.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50EQC240-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$26.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50EQC240-2N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 10KE |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 2,880 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 360 |
| Typical Gates | 50,000 |
| Embedded SRAM | 40,960 bits (5,120 bytes) |
| Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | 4 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 189 |
| Package | 240-pin PQFP / BFQFP |
| Process Technology | 0.22 µm CMOS |
| Internal Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 2.5 V |
| Internal Performance | 200 MHz |
| Propagation Delay | 0.6 ns |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
| Configuration Method | JTAG / external EPC PROM / intelligent controller |
| I/O Standards Supported | PCI, LVTTL, LVCMOS (5.0 V / 3.3 V / 2.5 V) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| PCI Compliance | PCI-SIG compliant |
EPF10K50EQC240-2N 240-pin pqfp / bfqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPF10K50EQC240-2N (240-pin pqfp / bfqfp 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 EPF10K50EQC240-2N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPF10K50EQC240-2N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control & Factory Automation, Telecommunications Glue Logic & Channel Cards, ASIC Prototyping & Logic Replacement, Military & Aerospace Ruggedized Controllers, PCI Bus Interface Cards, Legacy System Sustenance & Drop-in Replacement.
Industrial Control & Factory Automation
The EPF10K50EQC240-2N is well suited to industrial control and factory automation boards where the 240-pin PQFP package is preferred for hand-rework and prototype-friendly assembly. With 2,880 logic elements, 189 user I/Os, and 4 embedded array blocks providing 40 Kbits of fast on-chip SRAM, the device can implement multiple machine-state controllers, encoder interfaces and serial-protocol bridges in a single chip. Its 2.5 V core and multi-voltage I/O banks let designers interface to legacy 5 V sensors as well as 3.3 V microcontrollers without external level shifters. The 0.6 ns propagation delay and 200 MHz internal Fmax are sufficient for deterministic control-loop logic, and PCI-SIG compliance simplifies integration with industrial-PCI backplanes used in factory PCs and motion controllers.
Recommended
Telecommunications Glue Logic & Channel Cards
Telecommunications channel cards historically used FLEX 10KE devices as flexible glue logic between DSP processors, framers and backplane transceivers. The EPF10K50EQC240-2N fits this role with 360 LABs for state-machine-rich protocols such as HDLC, UART and custom serial interfaces, while the 4 EABs (40 Kbits of SRAM) provide the small but fast FIFOs and lookup tables required for rate adaptation. The 240-pin PQFP footprint delivers 189 user I/Os — enough to bond out multiple parallel data buses plus JTAG, clock-distribution trees and interrupt lines. PCI compliance enables direct connection to telecom-PCI mezzanine cards, and the 0.22 µm CMOS process combined with the 2.5 V core supply keeps dynamic power well below that of older FLEX 10K parts, which is valuable in always-on central-office equipment.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping & Logic Replacement
Engineers prototyping an ASIC design or replacing obsolete discrete-logic boards frequently adopt the EPF10K50EQC240-2N as a target device. Its 50,000 typical gates and 360 LABs offer sufficient capacity for medium-complexity ASICs, while the 4 EABs supply the small embedded RAMs and ROMs that would otherwise require a separate companion chip. The 240-pin PQFP package allows quick board spins without the X-ray inspection required for BGA packages, accelerating development cycles. PCI-SIG compliance means prototype boards can drop straight into PCI evaluation slots, and the 2.5 V core with multi-voltage I/O lets prototypes talk to legacy 5 V peripherals exactly as the production ASIC would. Once the ASIC tape-out is complete, the FLEX 10KE device continues to serve as a low-volume production substitute.
Recommended
Military & Aerospace Ruggedized Controllers
Within extended-temperature systems the EPF10K50EQC240-2N is sometimes deployed alongside its industrial-grade siblings (e.g. EPF10K50VRC240-4) in subsystems that operate at controlled ambient temperatures. The device's 189 user I/Os make it suitable for backplane buffering, ARINC-429 channel aggregation and discrete-signal monitoring in ruggedized controllers. Embedded array blocks supply 40 Kbits of SRAM for small event logs or built-in-test result storage, reducing the need for external SRAM in space-constrained chassis. PCI compliance eases integration with ruggedized single-board computers using the PCI bus. Designers must still validate the commercial 0-70 °C range against their specific mission profile and de-rate appropriately if the system is exposed to wider temperature swings.
Recommended
PCI Bus Interface Cards
The EPF10K50EQC240-2N is fully PCI-SIG compliant, which made it a popular choice for custom PCI add-in cards such as data-acquisition boards, DSP accelerator cards and industrial I/O cards. The 240-pin PQFP footprint gives designers 189 user I/Os — sufficient to expose the 32-bit/33 MHz PCI bus plus a wide external local bus to the host-side connector. Embedded array blocks (40 Kbits) act as small DMA FIFOs, while 360 LABs implement the PCI target/master state machines plus the application's glue logic in a single device. Multi-voltage I/O allows the local bus to operate at 3.3 V or 5 V independent of the PCI segment, simplifying mixed-voltage designs.
Recommended
Legacy System Sustenance & Drop-in Replacement
Many defense, medical and industrial OEMs still maintain field-deployed systems built around the FLEX 10KE family. The EPF10K50EQC240-2N is itself a drop-in for the EPF10K50EQC240-2 (same die, same footprint), and it can be cross-stocked with EPF10K50EQC240-1N variants for less timing-critical subassemblies. With 2,880 logic elements and 189 user I/Os, the device covers the gate counts typical of legacy controller cards. Designers sustaining older equipment should pair the EPF10K50EQC240-2N with the same Altera Quartus II design flow (legacy support branch) and EPC-series configuration PROMs to ensure bitstream compatibility. For new designs, migrating to a Cyclone IV E or Cyclone 10 LP equivalent is recommended to escape the FLEX 10KE end-of-life roadmap.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K50EQC240-2N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K50EQC240-2 | EPF10K50EQC240-1N | EPF10K50EQC240-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 240-Pin PQFP / BFQFP | 240-Pin PQFP — same | 240-Pin PQFP — same | 240-Pin PQFP — same |
| Logic Elements | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 |
| Speed Grade | -2 | -2 | -1 (slower Fmax) | -1 (slower Fmax) |
| Embedded SRAM | 40,960 bits | 40,960 bits | 40,960 bits | 40,960 bits |
| User I/Os | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 |
| Process / Core Voltage | 0.22 µm / 2.5 V | 0.22 µm / 2.5 V | 0.22 µm / 2.5 V | 0.22 µm / 2.5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Speed grade -2 with ~200 MHz internal Fmax (vs EPF10K50EQC240-1N)
- Commercial temperature grade with extended Altera/Intel support (vs EPF10K50VRC240-4)
- 240-pin PQFP for hand-rework-friendly prototyping (vs EPF10K50EFC256-3)
Design Notes
The EPF10K50EQC240-2N requires two separate power rails: VCCINT at 2.5 V for the core logic and VCCIO for the I/O banks (2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V depending on the bank). Decouple each VCCINT pin with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the package, and add a bulk 33 µF tantalum or polymer capacitor near the PQFP's power-pad pins to suppress transient currents during configuration and global-clock switching.
Place a low-impedance ground plane directly under the 240-pin PQFP footprint and stitch vias around the perimeter to minimize ground bounce on the high-speed clock distribution trees. Route the dedicated CLK0/CLK1 inputs with 50 Ω controlled impedance and series-terminate at the source if the trace exceeds about 25 mm, otherwise the low-skew clock network can introduce timing violations on the LAB registers.
Estimated: configuration bitstream compatibility — the EPF10K50EQC240-2N is pin-compatible with EPF10K50EQC240-2 (same die) but NOT bitstream-compatible with EPF10K50VRC240-4 (industrial variant). Recompile the Quartus II project when migrating between commercial and industrial temperature grades. Also, unused I/O pins must be left floating or set to tri-state input with weak pull-up; driving them low during configuration can interfere with the JTAG / EPC configuration handshake.
Compliance Information
FLEX 10KE is a legacy family originally released by Altera in the late 1990s; RoHS/REACH compliance was not specified in the verified distributor data. AEC-Q100 is not applicable (FPGA, not an automotive-qualified simple IC). Marked [DATA_NEEDED] in specs for RoHS.
