EPF6024AQI240-3N - FLEX 6000 24K FPGA, 240-PQFP | Intel
MPN: EPF6024AQI240-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $29.85 | $2,985.00 |
| 500 | $26.4 | $13,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $22.95 | $22,950.00 |
EPF6024AQI240-3N Overview
What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows hardware designers to configure digital logic after manufacturing. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> logic devices -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors, and the FLEX 6000 family was Intel/Altera's classic low-cost, low-power SRAM-based FPGA line targeting high-volume glue logic and bus-interface applications.
Key features of the EPF6024AQI240-3N include a maximum clock frequency of 133 MHz, in-system programmability via SRAM configuration cells, and 5V-tolerant I/O support typical of the FLEX 6000 family. The -3N speed grade places this part in the mid-tier performance band of the family, and the 'N' suffix designates an industrial operating temperature grade. The 240-pin PQFP provides a generous package footprint suitable for legacy designs and prototype boards.
Technically, the FLEX 6000 architecture uses Logic Elements (LEs) organized into Logic Array Blocks (LABs), with each LE containing a 4-input LUT and a register. Configuration is volatile and must be loaded from an external serial or parallel PROM at every power-up. The device interfaces with industry-standard configuration memories including the EPC1, EPC2, and EPC16 serial configuration devices from Altera/Intel.
Typical applications include legacy industrial control systems, telecommunications backplane glue logic, parallel bus bridging, and prototype ASIC replacement. The wide I/O count and 5V tolerance make it especially well-suited to interfacing older microprocessors with modern peripherals.
When designing with this FPGA, ensure your configuration memory interface is correctly wired and that the board supports the required JTAG programming path. The PQFP-240 footprint requires substantial PCB real estate and careful thermal planning for industrial temperature operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (PQFP-240 speed grades), and practical design considerations for the EPF6024AQI240-3N that are not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF6024AQI240-3N — 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 EPF6024AQI240-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package, Speed Grade, Mounting Type, Logic Elements.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF6024AQC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$69.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF6024AQI240-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF6024AQI240-1N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF6024AQC240-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$26.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF6024AQI240-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 6000 |
| Logic Elements | 1,960 (approx.) |
| Typical Gate Count | 24,000 gates |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 133 MHz |
| User I/O Pins | 199 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 4 |
| Package | PQFP-240 (240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.50 mm |
| Process Technology | CMOS SRAM |
| Configuration | Volatile SRAM, serial/parallel |
| Operating Voltage (Vccint) | 5.0 V |
| I/O Standard Support | 5 V tolerant, LVTTL, LVCMOS |
| Operating Temperature (Industrial) | -40C to +85C |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPF6024AQI240-3N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (grouped per FLEX 6000 PQFP-240 pinout) |
| Pin 60 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 120 | VCC — 5.0 V core supply |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 180 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 181 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 215 | TCK — JTAG test clock (dedicated) |
| Pin 216 | TMS — JTAG test mode select (dedicated) |
| Pin 217 | TDI — JTAG test data in (dedicated) |
| Pin 218 | TDO — JTAG test data out (dedicated) |
| Pin 219 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (dedicated) |
| Pin 220 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (dedicated) |
| Pin 221 | DCLK — Configuration clock (dedicated) |
| Pin 222 | DATA0 — Configuration data input (dedicated) |
| Pin 238 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 239 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 240 | I/O — User I/O pin |
Typical Applications
EPF6024AQI240-3N is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control Systems, Parallel Bus Bridging and Interface Glue Logic, Telecommunications Backplane Glue Logic, Prototype ASIC Replacement, Test and Measurement Equipment, Legacy Computing Peripheral Controllers.
Legacy Industrial Control Systems
The EPF6024AQI240-3N is well-suited to legacy industrial control systems where its 199 user I/Os and 5V-tolerant interface eliminate the need for external level shifters when bridging older microcontrollers to modern peripherals. The -3 speed grade delivers 133 MHz fmax, providing timing margin for deterministic state-machine logic controlling relays, motor drivers, and sensor multiplexing. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) ensures reliable operation in factory floor enclosures. The PQFP-240 footprint accommodates the wide parallel bus required for PLC backplane interfaces and process control I/O expansion.
Recommended
Parallel Bus Bridging and Interface Glue Logic
With 199 user I/O pins, the EPF6024AQI240-3N is ideal for parallel bus bridging between dissimilar microprocessors, ASICs, and memory devices. The wide I/O count allows direct connection to 32-bit address/data buses plus control signals without external muxing. The FLEX 6000 SRAM-based architecture enables rapid design iteration on bus arbitration and timing logic. Designers can implement custom wait-state generators, byte-lane swap logic, and protocol converters on a single device while maintaining the 133 MHz internal clock capability of the -3 speed grade.
Recommended
Telecommunications Backplane Glue Logic
The EPF6024AQI240-3N serves effectively in telecommunications backplane designs where high I/O count and reliable timing closure are essential. The 240-pin PQFP package provides sufficient pins for multi-standard backplane interfacing including PCI, H.110, and proprietary TDM buses. The 5V-tolerant I/O directly interfaces older telecom ASICs without level translation. Industrial temperature operation ensures reliability in controlled central-office environments, while the -3 speed grade supports 133 MHz clock domains common in TDM and ATM backplanes.
Recommended
Prototype ASIC Replacement
For low-to-medium volume production runs, the EPF6024AQI240-3N offers a cost-effective ASIC replacement. With 24,000 gates and 199 I/Os, it accommodates complete system-on-chip prototypes that would otherwise require expensive NRE charges for custom silicon. The SRAM-based configuration enables last-minute design changes even after PCB fabrication, dramatically reducing time-to-market for specialty products. The PQFP-240 footprint is hand-solderable for prototype rework, and JTAG programming allows rapid iteration without removing the device from the board.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The EPF6024AQI240-3N is used in test and measurement instrumentation where flexible, reconfigurable stimulus and response logic is required. The 133 MHz performance and 199 I/Os allow implementation of complex timing generators, pattern generators, and protocol analyzers in a single device. Industrial temperature operation is suitable for laboratory and field-test environments. Designers benefit from the FLEX 6000 family's mature toolchain (Quartus II legacy support) and abundant reference designs for measurement applications.
Recommended
Legacy Computing Peripheral Controllers
The EPF6024AQI240-3N fits legacy computing peripheral controller applications such as SCSI adapters, parallel port expansion, and industrial printer controllers. The 5V-tolerant I/O directly interfaces legacy peripheral ASICs that operate at 5V logic levels, eliminating level shifter complexity. The 24,000-gate capacity accommodates full state-machine-based protocol implementations for SCSI handshaking, IEEE-1284 bidirectional parallel port logic, and printer engine control. PQFP-240 package supports through-hole and socketed designs typical of legacy peripheral card manufacturing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF6024AQI240-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF6024AQC240-3N | EPF6024AQI240-2N | EPF6024AQI240-1N | EPF6024AQC240-2N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-240 | PQFP-240 - same | PQFP-240 - same | PQFP-240 - same | PQFP-240 - same |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Family | FLEX 6000 | FLEX 6000 | FLEX 6000 | FLEX 6000 | FLEX 6000 |
| Speed Grade | -3 (133 MHz) | -3 (same speed) | -2 (lower fmax) | -1 (lowest fmax) | -2 (lower fmax) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Logic Capacity | 24,000 gates | 24,000 gates | 24,000 gates | 24,000 gates | 24,000 gates |
| User I/O Pins | 199 | 199 | 199 | 199 | 199 |
| Configuration | Volatile SRAM | Volatile SRAM | Volatile SRAM | Volatile SRAM | Volatile SRAM |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade in FLEX 6000 PQFP-240 industrial variants (vs EPF6024AQI240-2N)
- Industrial temperature range qualification (vs EPF6024AQC240-3N)
- Maximum I/O count in FLEX 6000 family (vs EPF6024AQI208-3N)
Design Notes
The PQFP-240 package has a 0.50 mm terminal pitch and requires careful PCB design for manufacturability. Use 0.15 mm/0.10 mm pad width-to-spacing ratio, a solder mask defined (SMD) pad with 0.05 mm mask expansion, and via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-outs under the package. Maintain at least 6 mil trace/space for the inner escape routing between the 240 package pins and inner power planes. For prototype work, use a PQFP-240 socket (e.g., 3M Textool or Aries) to enable device replacement and JTAG reprogramming without re-soldering.
The EPF6024AQI240-3N requires a stable 5.0 V Vccint supply with adequate decoupling. Place 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors within 5 mm of every power pin, plus bulk 10 uF tantalum or polymer capacitors near the package. Power sequencing between Vccint and Vccio is not required for FLEX 6000 devices, but ensure Vccio is present before driving I/O pins from external sources to avoid latch-up. Estimated: typical Vccint current at 133 MHz with 80% utilization is approximately 200 mA; verify against the FLEX 6000 datasheet for your design's actual toggle rate and I/O loading.
Common pitfalls with the FLEX 6000 family: (1) The SRAM configuration is volatile - design must include a configuration PROM (EPC1/EPC2/EPC16) and verify nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshaking at every power-up. (2) The device does not support hot-swap or live reconfiguration in standard mode - schedule configuration only at power-up. (3) Industrial temperature grade parts use the 'I' suffix (AQI); commercial parts use 'C' (AQC) - substituting one for the other outside the rated range can cause timing or reliability failures. (4) Quartus II legacy tool support ends at version 13.0; use the latest Quartus II version with FLEX 6000 legacy device support for design compilation.
Differential pair routing is not natively required for FLEX 6000 LVTTL/LVCMOS I/O, but matched-length routing is recommended for clocks and bus interfaces. Place the configuration PROM within 50 mm of the FPGA to keep configuration traces short; long configuration traces can cause CRC errors during power-up. Use a ground guard trace between configuration signals and noisy switching nets. The JTAG chain should include the FPGA, configuration PROM, and any boundary-scan devices in the recommended daisy-chain order with TMS pulled up through 10 kohm.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not found in the verified web data sources for the EPF6024AQI240-3N. RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status marked as [DATA_NEEDED] for verification against the manufacturer datasheet or distributor environmental compliance disclosures.
