EPF81188ARC240-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 184 I/O, 240-BFQFP | Altera
MPN: EPF81188ARC240-4 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $40.27 | $40.27 |
| 10 | $38.5 | $385.00 |
| 100 | $35.2 | $3,520.00 |
| 250 | $32.8 | $8,200.00 |
| 500 | $30.1 | $15,050.00 |
EPF81188ARC240-4 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs / LEs), programmable routing, and I/O cells. The FLEX 8000 series sits in the low-cost, register-rich segment of the Altera programmable-logic hierarchy, positioned between classic EPLDs and higher-density FLEX 10K devices. Designers use it to integrate glue logic, bus interfaces, and datapath state machines into a single re-programmable chip.
Key features of the EPF81188ARC240-4 include 1008 logic elements (each containing a 4-input lookup table and a programmable register), 184 user I/O pins, in-circuit reconfigurability via external configuration devices or the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, multiVolt I/O support for 3.3 V and 5 V mixed-voltage systems, and continuous FastTrack interconnect routing. The high-pin-count BFQFP-240 package allows integration of wide buses (32-bit and beyond) on a single device.
The 4-input LUT architecture gives 16 possible logic functions per LE, and the embedded register enables single-cycle pipelined datapaths without consuming separate flip-flop resources. FastTrack continuous routing minimizes interconnect delay variance across the die, simplifying static timing closure. The device supports both serial and parallel configuration modes, plus JTAG-based boundary-scan test.
Typical applications include data-path manipulation, digital signal processing front-ends, telecommunications glue logic, industrial control interfaces, and replacement of multiple discrete TTL/CMOS glue-logic ICs. The 184 I/O and 16K-gate density make it suitable for bridging between microprocessors, memory, and peripheral buses in mid-complexity embedded systems.
When designing with this device, budget for an external configuration EPROM (such as the Altera EPC1/EPC2) unless JTAG-only configuration is acceptable. The 5 V core supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V) and I/O bank voltages must be decoupled with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors placed close to each VCC pin. For new designs, evaluate Altera Cyclone or Lattice ispMACH equivalents, because FLEX 8000 is a mature family nearing end-of-life with limited long-term supply.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package FLEX 8000 drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF81188ARC240-4 — 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 EPF81188ARC240-4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Configuration Method.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF81188ARC240-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$55.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81188ARC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$178.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81188AQC240-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81188AQC240-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$30 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81188AQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81188ARC240-4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 8000 |
| Series | FLEX 8000 |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 1008 |
| Usable Gates | approx. 16,000 |
| User I/O Count | 184 |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (5 V nominal) |
| Speed Grade | -4 |
| Package / Case | 240-BFQFP (RQFP, 32x32 mm) |
| Supplier Device Package | 240-RQFP (32x32) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Process Technology | 5 V CMOS SRAM |
| Configuration Method | Serial / Parallel / JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| In-Circuit Reconfigurable | Yes (via external config device or JTAG) |
| I/O Standard Support | 5 V / 3.3 V multiVolt I/O |
EPF81188ARC240-4 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent on package pinout) |
| Pin 60 | VCCINT — Core supply 5 V |
| Pin 120 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 180 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 225 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 226 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 227 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 228 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 229 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 230 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 231 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete |
| Pin 232 | DCLK — Configuration clock |
| Pin 233 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
| Pin 234 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select 0 |
| Pin 235 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select 1 |
| Pin 236 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 237 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 238 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 239 | I/O — User I/O |
| Pin 240 | I/O — User I/O |
Typical Applications
EPF81188ARC240-4 is suitable for 6 applications: 32-bit Microprocessor Glue Logic, Telecommunications Interface Bridge, Industrial Control and Datapath Processing, Replacing Multiple TTL/CMOS Glue-Logic ICs, Digital Signal Processing Front-End, Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment.
32-bit Microprocessor Glue Logic
The EPF81188ARC240-4 is well suited to integrate the address decoding, wait-state generation, and bus-control logic that surrounds 32-bit microprocessors. Its 184 user I/O and 1008 LEs are sufficient to absorb 4 to 6 PAL-equivalent devices into a single programmable chip. The 5 V/3.3 V multiVolt I/O bank interfaces directly to both legacy 5 V peripherals and modern 3.3 V CPUs without external level shifters. Designers can re-program the device in-circuit via JTAG to fix board bugs, removing a typical respin cycle from the development schedule.
Recommended
Telecommunications Interface Bridge
In telecom systems the EPF81188ARC240-4 bridges between proprietary backplane buses and standard framers, multiplexers, or serial transceivers. The 16,000 usable gates handle parallel-to-serial conversion, framing, and HDLC-style CRC generation in a single device, replacing 2 to 3 dedicated ASICs. Its 240-pin BQFQP exposes enough I/O to terminate an 8-bit HPI plus E1/T1 framers, control lines, and JTAG on the same chip. FLEX 8000 in-circuit reconfigurability also enables field firmware upgrades over the same JTAG port used for boundary-scan test.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Datapath Processing
Factory-automation controllers benefit from the EPF81188ARC240-4's register-rich architecture for encoder counters, PWM generation, and serial-protocol state machines. Each of its 1008 LEs includes a dedicated flip-flop, so pipelined datapaths and shift registers can be built without sacrificing LUT resources. The 184 I/O allow direct connection to 24 V opto-isolated inputs through external buffers, plus RS-485 transceivers and stepper-motor driver controls. Industrial designers appreciate the device's deterministic FastTrack routing, which avoids the placement-dependent timing variations seen in modern FPGA fabrics.
Recommended
Replacing Multiple TTL/CMOS Glue-Logic ICs
The EPF81188ARC240-4 is a classic 'single-chip PAL replacement' target. Its 16,000 usable gates and 1008 LEs absorb the function of 8 to 15 standard 22V10 or 16L8 PALs, plus dozens of 74-series glue-logic ICs. Each LE's 4-input LUT is functionally equivalent to a 16x1 PROM, and the embedded register eliminates the need for external 74LS374-style latches. Designers can re-target the original PAL equations into the FLEX 8000 using Altera Quartus II 13.0 with the legacy PAL-to-Verilog conversion flow, dramatically reducing board area and BOM cost.
Recommended
Digital Signal Processing Front-End
Although the FLEX 8000 lacks dedicated DSP blocks, the EPF81188ARC240-4 still hosts moderate-complexity DSP front-ends such as FIR filters, FFT address generators, and bus-format converters. The dedicated register per LE supports deeply pipelined multiply-accumulate (MAC) structures, and the 240-pin package accommodates wide datapath buses (16-bit and 24-bit commonly). For designs that later outgrow FLEX 8000, the same VHDL/Verilog source can be re-targeted to a Cyclone IV with minimal source changes.
Recommended
Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment
The EPF81188ARC240-4 is most commonly specified today for repairing and sustaining legacy boards originally designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Rochester Electronics and authorized brokers continue to factory-test and re-stock the part for OEM and aerospace sustainment programs. Engineers sourcing the device should verify the date code and test provenance, since counterfeit FLEX 8000 units occasionally appear on the open market. For board-level repair, the same configuration bitstream that programmed the original device can be reloaded into a replacement unit via JTAG.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF81188ARC240-4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF81188ARC240-3 | EPF81188ARC240-2 | EPF81188AQC240-4 | EPF81188AQC240-3 | EPF81188AQC240-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 240-RQFP (32x32) | 240-RQFP (32x32) - same | 240-RQFP (32x32) - same | 240-QFP (pin assignments differ from RQFP) | 240-QFP (pin assignments differ from RQFP) | 240-QFP (pin assignments differ from RQFP) |
| Family / Series | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 |
| Logic Elements | 1008 | 1008 | 1008 | 1008 | 1008 | 1008 |
| Usable Gates | ~16,000 | ~16,000 | ~16,000 | ~16,000 | ~16,000 | ~16,000 |
| Speed Grade | -4 (slower) | -3 (approx. 25% faster) | -2 (fastest) | -4 | -3 | -2 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Configuration Interface | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Slower speed grade offers lowest cost per device (vs EPF81188ARC240-3)
- 240-RQFP body style fits legacy mechanical footprints (vs EPF81188AQC240-4)
- 5 V multiVolt I/O simplifies mixed-voltage interfacing (vs Generic 3.3 V FPGAs)
Design Notes
The EPF81188ARC240-4 requires a 4.75 V to 5.25 V core supply (VCCINT) plus a separately decoupled VCCIO rail that can be 3.3 V or 5 V. Decouple each VCC/VCCIO pin with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, and place a single 47 uF to 100 uF bulk capacitor on each supply plane. Estimate: at 100% utilization of 1008 LEs the device draws roughly 200-400 mA from VCCINT, so budget at least 2 A capacity from your 5 V regulator.
The 240-RQFP package has a 32x32 mm body with 0.5 mm pitch leads - escape all 240 pins on a 4-layer PCB using 0.15 mm traces between adjacent pads, with a continuous ground plane on layer 2 directly beneath the device. Route the JTAG chain (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a daisy-chain with 22-33 ohm series-termination resistors placed close to the driver. Add a dedicated test pad cluster for JTAG access so boundary-scan can be performed on assembled boards.
Do not leave MSEL0/MSEL1 floating - tie them either high or low through a 1 kohm resistor to define the configuration mode (serial vs parallel). Confirm CONF_DONE is pulled up to VCCIO with a 10 kohm resistor, since an open-drain output can keep the device in configuration state indefinitely. When migrating from a -4 to a -3 speed grade, re-run static timing analysis - faster grade changes setup/hold margins and may require hold-time fixes on inter-chip nets.
Although the FLEX 8000 I/O are slow by modern standards, simultaneous-switching outputs (SSO) on the 184 user I/O can still cause ground bounce on a poorly-decoupled board. Limit SSO to no more than 20 simultaneously switching outputs per VCCIO/GND pair, and add 22 ohm source-series termination on clock or strobe nets longer than 50 mm. The 5 V CMOS outputs do not require pre-emphasis but do need controlled-impedance traces (50-60 ohm single-ended) for any net crossing the board.
Compliance Information
FLEX 8000 is a 1990s-era Altera family; RoHS/REACH compliance was not consistently tracked for original datasheets. Compliance data not present in the verified web sources - marked as [DATA_NEEDED] in specs. AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA is not an automotive-qualified part).
