EPF81500AQC240-2N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 16K Gates 240-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPF81500AQC240-2N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $32.4 | $324.00 |
| 100 | $26.75 | $2,675.00 |
| 500 | $22.1 | $11,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.95 | $18,950.00 |
EPF81500AQC240-2N Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that engineers can re-program after manufacture to implement custom digital circuits. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) between simple programmable array logic (PAL/GAL) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and are commonly used to accelerate digital signal processing, implement glue logic, prototype ASICs, and host soft processor cores. The FLEX 8000 family specifically pioneered the look-up-table based architecture that informed later Altera device families.
Key features of the EPF81500AQC240-2N include 16K usable gates with 1,296 logic elements (LEs), 181 maximum user I/O pins, 0.42 micrometer CMOS process technology, and a maximum toggle frequency of approximately 125 MHz. The device integrates in-system programmable configuration memory, JTAG boundary-scan support per IEEE Std 1149.1, and on-chip logic for efficient state machine and arithmetic logic unit implementation. The 240-BFQFP package exposes a generous number of I/O pins for medium-to-large peripheral integration.
From an architectural standpoint, the FLEX 8000 series uses a continuous, high-performance FastTrack interconnect fabric linking embedded array blocks (EABs) and logic array blocks (LABs). Each LAB contains multiple logic elements with a four-input look-up table, programmable register, and dedicated carry chain, while EABs provide up to 2,048 bits of dual-port RAM or ROM, enabling the device to absorb small FIFOs, ROM look-up tables, and arithmetic functions without external memory. This combined logic-plus-memory architecture differentiates FLEX 8000 from pure-CPLD architectures that are optimized for glue logic only.
Typical applications for the EPF81500AQC240-2N include telecommunications line-card controllers, peripheral bridging in legacy industrial systems, custom microcontroller peripherals, glue logic between microprocessors and memory, and prototype ASIC emulation. Designers continue to specify FLEX 8000 devices in long-lifecycle systems such as industrial automation controllers, military/aerospace subsystems, and replacement of end-of-life ASICs where modern FPGA families are oversized or incompatible.
When designing with the EPF81500AQC240-2N, ensure that the 5 V supply is well decoupled with 0.1 microfarad and 10 microfarad capacitors placed close to the device VCC pins. The 240-pin PQFP package has substantial lead inductance, so signal integrity on high-speed clocks should be validated with IBIS or SPICE simulation. Configuration data is typically loaded from a serial EPROM using the dedicated configuration port, and JTAG programming per IEEE 1149.1 is supported.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, exact-spec match alternatives in the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes that go beyond the information in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF81500AQC240-2N — 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 EPF81500AQC240-2N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Method, Process Technology, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF81500AQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$61.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81188AQC240-2
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View Datasheet →EPF81188AQC240-3
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View Datasheet →EPF81188AQC240-4
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$18.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81500AGC280-3
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$175 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81500AGC280-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF81500AQC240-2N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera (Intel) |
| Series | FLEX 8000 |
| Device Type | FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| Logic Family / Cells | 1,296 logic elements (LEs) |
| Usable Gates | 16,000 |
| Registers | 1,500 |
| User I/O Count | 181 |
| Propagation Delay | 1.7 ns |
| Maximum Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.42 micrometer CMOS |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to 70 C (Commercial) |
| Package Type | 240-BFQFP (PQFP) |
| Package Dimensions | 32 x 32 mm |
| Supplier Device Package | 240-PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Method | Serial EPROM / JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
EPF81500AQC240-2N 240-pqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPF81500AQC240-2N (240-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 EPF81500AQC240-2N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPF81500AQC240-2N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line-Card Controllers, Industrial Glue Logic and Bus Bridging, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Military and Aerospace Legacy Systems, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Custom Microcontroller Peripheral Implementation.
Telecommunications Line-Card Controllers
The EPF81500AQC240-2N's 16K usable gates and 181 user I/Os make it a strong fit for legacy telecom line-card controllers, where it implements framing, multiplexing, and protocol conversion between E1/T1 framer ASICs and backplane buses. The 1.7 ns propagation delay and 125 MHz toggle frequency allow real-time TDM bus handling and HDLC channel aggregation. The 240-PQFP package exposes enough pins to interface with multiple framers, while 5 V tolerance matches legacy backplane logic. Designers continue to specify FLEX 8000 in this application because board re-spin cost exceeds FPGA replacement cost.
Recommended
Industrial Glue Logic and Bus Bridging
In industrial PLC and process-control systems, the EPF81500AQC240-2N acts as a high-density glue-logic bridge between microprocessors, memory, and peripheral ICs. Its 1,500 registers and look-up-table architecture efficiently implement state machines for ISA-to-PCI bridging or VME bus arbitration. The 181 I/Os handle parallel buses, encoder/decoder logic, and discrete I/O multiplexing in one device, replacing multiple 74-series TTL packages. Industrial customers value the device's long-term availability through Rochester Electronics and its compatibility with 5 V backplanes that persist in factory automation.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
The EPF81500AQC240-2N serves as an ASIC prototype platform in low-volume medical and aerospace designs where production mask costs are prohibitive. Engineers map RTL to the FLEX 8000 logic array blocks and verify functionality at speeds up to 125 MHz before committing to a mask set. The on-chip embedded array blocks (EABs) provide up to 2,048 bits of dual-port RAM, allowing emulation of internal ASIC registers and FIFOs. Its 5 V tolerance simplifies I/O interfacing with mixed-signal ASIC companion devices, and the 240-PQFP package enables standard 0.5 mm-pitch PCB prototyping.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy Systems
Long-lifecycle aerospace platforms, including avionics line-replaceable units (LRUs) and military communications equipment, continue to use the EPF81500AQC240-2N because redesigning around a modern FPGA would require re-qualifying the entire LRU under DO-254 or MIL-HDBK-454. The FLEX 8000 family is documented in legacy Altera military datasheets and is maintained by Rochester Electronics for defense and aerospace customers. Its 1.7 ns propagation delay and deterministic logic-element timing support real-time sensor-fusion algorithms in navigation and radar subsystems.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test equipment manufacturers use the EPF81500AQC240-2N to implement custom timing generators, protocol analyzers, and parallel-data acquisition controllers. The 181 I/Os and 1,296 logic elements allow direct interfacing with 16-bit or 32-bit ADC/DAC buses without external logic, while the 125 MHz toggle frequency supports 100 MHz clock-domain signal generation. The FLEX 8000's embedded array blocks implement waveform lookup tables stored in on-chip ROM, eliminating external PROM and reducing BOM cost in portable instrument designs.
Recommended
Custom Microcontroller Peripheral Implementation
Embedded system designers attach the EPF81500AQC240-2N to microprocessors as a programmable peripheral implementing UARTs, SPI/I2C controllers, PWM generators, and motor-control interfaces. The 181 I/Os fan out to dozens of external sensors and actuators, while the 1,500 registers support complex real-time control loops. The 5 V I/O tolerance directly interfaces with 5 V microcontrollers without level shifters. This pattern is common in CNC machinery, robotic controllers, and custom industrial HMIs that require deterministic latency beyond software-interrupt-based firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF81500AQC240-2N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF81500AQC240-2 | EPF81188AQC240-2 | EPF81188AQC240-3 | EPF81188AQC240-4 | EPF81500AGC280-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 240-PQFP (BFQFP) | 240-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 240-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 240-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 240-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 240-PQFP (BFQFP) - same |
| Usable Gates | 16,000 | 16,000 (same die) | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 16,000 |
| Speed Grade | -2 | -2 | -2 | -3 (faster) | -4 (fastest) | -3 (faster) |
| 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 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to 70 C (Commercial) | 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 |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest logic density within FLEX 8000 family in 240-PQFP (vs EPF81188AQC240-2)
- Identical 240-PQFP footprint across FLEX 8000 family (vs EPF81188AQC240-3)
- Wide commercial ecosystem availability through licensed distributors (vs EPF81188AQC240-4)
Design Notes
The EPF81500AQC240-2N draws its core logic from a single 5 V rail (4.75 V to 5.25 V). Decouple the package using at least one 0.1 microfarad ceramic capacitor and one 10 microfarad tantalum or low-ESR electrolytic capacitor per VCC pin pair, placed within 5 mm of the package body. The 240-PQFP package has multiple VCC and GND pins distributed along all four sides; follow the datasheet's recommended decoupling topology exactly to minimize ground bounce on simultaneous-switching outputs.
The 240-PQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch gull-wing leads, requiring careful PCB land pattern and reflow-profile control to avoid solder bridges. Use a four-layer or six-layer PCB with continuous power and ground planes under the device. Keep high-speed clock and JTAG traces on internal layers surrounded by ground, and avoid routing signals under the package to prevent coupling into the lead frame.
Do not confuse the FLEX 8000 EPF81500AQC240-2N with later Altera families such as ACEX, Cyclone, or MAX II - they use different configuration bitstream formats, JTAG IDs, and pinouts. Programming software must match the FLEX 8000 device ID. Also, the device requires a configuration EPROM or JTAG programmer at power-up; designs that omit this initialization stage will leave all I/Os tri-stated and the device non-functional.
Compliance Information
Compliance status was not provided in the verified web data. The FLEX 8000 family predates widespread RoHS adoption; customers should verify lead-free status with Rochester Electronics before specifying for RoHS-compliant end products.
