EPF10K50VBC356-1N - FLEX 10K 50K Gates 356-BGA FPGA | Altera
MPN: EPF10K50VBC356-1N ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $284.15 | $284.15 |
| 10 | $256 | $2,560.00 |
| 100 | $215 | $21,500.00 |
| 500 | $185 | $92,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $162 | $162,000.00 |
EPF10K50VBC356-1N Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and embedded memory blocks that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacturing. Within the power-management and digital-logic hierarchy, FPGAs sit alongside microcontrollers and DSPs as general-purpose programmable compute elements, but offer far higher parallelism and I/O counts. The FLEX 10K series was the industry's first family to integrate embedded array blocks (EABs) for on-chip megafunctions such as efficient memory, multipliers, and specialized logic functions, providing System-on-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) integration.
Key features of the EPF10K50VBC356-1N include 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 274 user I/Os, embedded array blocks for memory and DSP megafunctions, JTAG-based in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface, and multi-voltage I/O support. The device is offered as the -1 speed grade, which represents the slowest (most conservative timing) of the FLEX 10K speed bins.
The architecture combines a fine-grained logic fabric for glue logic and state machines with coarse-grained embedded array blocks (EABs) used to implement RAM, ROM, and arithmetic megafunctions. The 0.42 µm process and 3.3 V core supply were state-of-the-art when the family launched in the mid-1990s, and the 356-pin LBGA package provides the I/O density required for glue-logic, bus-interface, and co-processor applications of that era.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, telecom line-card glue logic, legacy PCI/ISA bus bridges, prototyping platforms, and educational/embedded systems. The large 274-I/O count makes it well-suited to bus-intensive designs and to designs that must aggregate many peripheral interfaces.
When designing with the EPF10K50VBC356-1N, engineers should note that this device is in mature lifecycle status with limited new-stock availability through authorized distributors; long-term production designs should plan for last-time-buy arrangements or consider migration to a Cyclone-series equivalent via Altera's legacy-device migration guide. PCB layout must follow JEDEC BGA guidelines, with microvia or via-in-pad recommended for the 1.27 mm pitch ball array.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in FLEX 10K family alternatives, lifecycle observations, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF10K50VBC356-1N — 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 EPF10K50VBC356-1N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Speed Grade, Package, Mounting Type, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF10K50VBC356-1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF10K50VBC356-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$52.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50VBC356-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50VBC356-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$316.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50VBC356-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF10K50VBC356-1N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | FLEX-10K |
| Family | FLEX 10K |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 2,880 |
| Number of Gates | 50,000 |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 360 |
| Number of User I/Os | 274 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Internal Frequency | 66.67 MHz |
| Propagation Delay | 0.6 ns |
| Speed Grade | -1 |
| Process Technology | 0.42 µm CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C (Commercial) |
| Package / Case | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Supplier Device Package | 356-BGA (35x35) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
EPF10K50VBC356-1N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) - per FLEX 10K 356-BGA pinout |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage 3.3 V |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 9 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 16 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage 3.3 V |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPF10K50VBC356-1N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic, Legacy PCI / ISA Bus Bridges, Prototyping and Education Platforms, Embedded Co-Processor Acceleration, Test and Measurement Backplanes.
Industrial Control Logic
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N fits industrial control applications because its 50K-gate capacity and 274 user I/Os comfortably aggregate multiple field-bus interfaces such as RS-485, CAN, and parallel GPIO banks used in PLC and SCADA systems. The 360 LABs map efficiently to state-machine-dominated control logic and encoder/counter peripherals. The 3.3 V core supply integrates directly with 3.3 V industrial MCUs and signal-conditioning ASICs, while the 0-70°C commercial temperature range suits cabinet-internal deployments. Pin-to-pin compatibility with other FLEX 10K -1N parts allows upgrades without PCB rework when logic density grows.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N suits telecom line-card glue-logic designs where 274 user I/Os aggregate TDM buses, framer ICs, and backplane serial links at moderate clock rates. The 50K-gate budget accommodates protocol-conversion state machines and lookup-table-based header processing, while the 66.67 MHz internal frequency supports 8.192 MHz backplane clocks with comfortable timing margin. Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) implement small CAMs and FIFOs without external memory. JTAG-based in-system programmability accelerates prototype bring-up and field firmware updates across telecom infrastructure.
Recommended
Legacy PCI / ISA Bus Bridges
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N works well as a PCI-to-ISA or PCI-to-local bus bridge in legacy PC/104 and industrial-PC designs, because the 274 user I/Os provide ample capacity for 32-bit PCI plus 16-bit ISA buses simultaneously, plus interrupt, DMA, and side-band signals. The 360 LABs implement the bus-state machines and FIFO control logic at 33 MHz PCI timing with margin from the 66.67 MHz internal frequency. The 356-LBGA package is footprint-compatible with other FLEX 10K family members, enabling seamless migration to higher-density parts such as the EPF10K100A when bus architectures expand.
Recommended
Prototyping and Education Platforms
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N is widely deployed on legacy university FPGA teaching labs and design-prototyping boards where the FLEX 10K architecture provides a clear, well-documented introduction to LUT-based logic, LAB routing, and EAB-based memory. The 50K-gate capacity supports student designs up to moderately complex SoCs without forcing immediate migration. Compatibility with Altera's MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design flows preserves a decade of academic lab materials. The 356-LBGA package, while requiring BGA assembly capability, exercises real-world high-density packaging techniques in advanced lab courses.
Recommended
Embedded Co-Processor Acceleration
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N functions as a co-processor accelerator offloading DSP-style kernels, custom crypto routines, or protocol-stripping tasks from a host microcontroller in embedded systems. The 360 LABs and EABs implement parallel multiply-accumulate arrays and lookup-table-driven state machines with deterministic latency - critical for real-time industrial control. The 274 user I/Os connect to host parallel buses and external memory buses. Lead-free -1N finish ensures RoHS compliance for global embedded product shipments, and pin-compatible density upgrades within the same 356-LBGA footprint allow field upgrades.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Backplanes
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N is suitable for ATE backplane switching fabrics and instrument-on-a-card designs where 274 user I/Os aggregate multiple test points, relay drivers, and ADC/DAC interfaces. The 0.6 ns propagation delay enables deterministic pattern generation and timing measurement paths. JTAG boundary-scan support simplifies board-level interconnect testing, while EAB-based memory blocks store calibration tables and waveform patterns. The commercial 0-70°C range fits benchtop and rack-mounted test equipment thermal envelopes. Pin-compatible FLEX 10K family members allow density scaling without PCB redesign.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF10K50VBC356-1N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF10K50VBC356-1 | EPF10K50VBC356-2 | EPF10K50VBC356-3 | EPF10K50VBC356-2N | EPF10K50VBC356-3N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) - same | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) - same | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) - same | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) - same | 356-LBGA (35x35 mm) - same |
| Speed Grade | -1 | -1 | -2 (faster) | -3 (fastest) | -2 (faster) | -3 (fastest) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Yes (Pb-free) | No (SnPb) | No (SnPb) | No (SnPb) | Yes (Pb-free) | Yes (Pb-free) |
| Number of Gates | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Logic Cells | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 |
| User I/Os | 274 | 274 | 274 | 274 | 274 | 274 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C | 0°C to 70°C | 0°C to 70°C | 0°C to 70°C | 0°C to 70°C | 0°C to 70°C |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-free (-1N) finish for RoHS-compliant designs (vs EPF10K50VBC356-1)
- Lowest cost speed grade in FLEX 10K 50K-gate family (vs EPF10K50VBC356-3N)
- Highest I/O count within FLEX 10K 356-LBGA family (vs EPF10K50EQC240-3)
Design Notes
Estimated: The 356-LBGA package uses a 1.27 mm ball pitch with a 35x35 mm body, requiring microvia or via-in-pad PCB technology for reliable BGA assembly. Per JEDEC BGA layout guidelines, place a continuous GND plane beneath the device and stitch the perimeter balls to that plane with multiple vias to reduce ground bounce. Match trace lengths within each I/O bank to ±50 mil to minimize skew on parallel buses. Use a 4-layer or 6-layer stack-up with buried capacitance for the 3.3 V core VCCINT plane to suppress switching noise across the 360 LABs.
The EPF10K50VBC356-1N requires a clean 3.3 V supply (3.0 V to 3.6 V) on VCCINT and a separate VCCIO rail for I/O bank reference. Place 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 100 mil of every VCCINT/GND pair, and add bulk tantalum or polymer capacitors (10-47 µF) at each supply pin group. The FLEX 10K architecture can exhibit high inrush current during configuration; ensure the upstream regulator can source the inrush without sagging below 3.0 V.
Do not confuse the EPF10K50VBC356-1N (commercial 0-70°C, lead-free) with the EPF10K50VBC356-1 (lead-bearing) or industrial-temperature variants that use different speed-grade suffixes. Verify the suffix against the Altera FLEX 10K device ordering guide before placing production orders. For new designs requiring RoHS compliance, always specify the -N suffix variant. Configuration files compiled for one speed grade cannot be re-targeted to a different speed grade without re-running place-and-route.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Altera/Intel legacy product documentation (the -1N suffix indicates Pb-free terminal finish). AEC-Q100 is not applicable for commercial-grade FPGAs. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available web data.