EPF8636ALC84-3 - 6K-Gate FLEX 8000 FPGA, 84-PLCC | Intel
MPN: EPF8636ALC84-3 ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26.2 | $262.00 |
| 100 | $23.4 | $2,340.00 |
| 500 | $20.95 | $10,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.75 | $18,750.00 |
EPF8636ALC84-3 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit hierarchically under: PLD -> CPLD/FPGA -> SRAM/Antifuse/Flash-based FPGA -> FLEX-style SRAM FPGA. The FLEX 8000 family was Altera's mainstream SRAM-based FPGA line in the mid-1990s, predecessor to the modern Cyclone and MAX families. Designers choose SRAM FPGAs like the EPF8636ALC84-3 when they need high gate counts, in-system reconfigurability, and register-rich architectures for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine consolidation.
Key features of the EPF8636ALC84-3 include 63 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 6 Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) of 2,048 bits each (total 12,288 RAM bits), a maximum clock frequency of approximately 125 MHz, dual VCCIO rails supporting 3.3 V or 5.0 V outputs, and a 5.0 V core supply. The Flexible Logic Element (FLE) architecture combines a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, carry chain, and cascade chain for arithmetic-intensive and fast datapath designs.
The EPF8636ALC84-3 is fabricated on an SRAM-based process, which means the configuration image is volatile and must be loaded at power-up from an external EPROM, EEPROM, or microcontroller. The device is offered in three speed grades (-3, -4, -5); the -3 grade offers the highest performance and is the most widely stocked. The 84-pin J-lead PLCC package is a through-hole-friendly surface-mount option, easier to socket for prototyping than fine-pitch BGAs.
Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, legacy peripheral bus bridging (ISA-to-local bus, PCI bus interface controllers), telecommunications channel aggregation, and test & measurement front-end logic. The wide VCCIO range (3.3 V or 5.0 V) makes it an ideal bridge between legacy 5 V ASICs and modern 3.3 V processors. It also remains popular for aerospace and defense legacy system sustainment where re-spinning a board around a modern FPGA would require extensive requalification.
When designing with the EPF8636ALC84-3, the primary considerations are configuration memory (the part loses its design at power-down), I/O banking (VCCIO pins can each be tied to 3.3 V or 5.0 V independently for mixed-voltage systems), and supply decoupling (multiple VCC and GND pins require a low-impedance power plane). The device is now in a legacy lifecycle phase - design-in is supported, but engineers planning new designs should verify long-term availability before committing.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design considerations beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for EPF8636ALC84-3 — 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 EPF8636ALC84-3 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Configuration Method, Mounting Type, Usable Gates, Package, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPF8636ALC84-4
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF8636ALC84-5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF8282ALC84-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF8452ALC84-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPF8636ALC84-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 8000 |
| Usable Gates | 6,000 |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 504 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 63 |
| Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | 6 (2,048 bits each, 12,288 total RAM bits) |
| User I/Os | 68 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.42 µm CMOS, 5-metal |
| Core Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V or 5.0 V (selectable per bank) |
| Configuration Method | SRAM, in-circuit reconfigurable via external EPC or host |
| Package | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC (84-LCC, J-Lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (J-Lead, also socketable) |
| Speed Grade | -3 (fastest) |
EPF8636ALC84-3 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (function defined by user design) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage bank 1 (3.3 V or 5.0 V) |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | VCC — Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 21 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 26 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage bank 2 (3.3 V or 5.0 V) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 37 | VCC — Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 43 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 44 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active-low reset) |
| Pin 45 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select bit 0 |
| Pin 46 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select bit 1 |
| Pin 47 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (open-drain, active-low) |
| Pin 48 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete (open-drain, active-high) |
| Pin 49 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 50 | DATA0 — Configuration data input (serial) |
| Pin 51 | VCC — Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 58 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 63 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage bank 3 (3.3 V or 5.0 V) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 69 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 76 | VCC — Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 82 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin |
Typical Applications
EPF8636ALC84-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Glue Logic, Legacy Peripheral Bus Bridging (ISA / VME), Aerospace & Defense Legacy Sustainment, Test & Measurement Front-End Logic, Telecommunications Channel Aggregation, Retrocomputing & Emulation Platforms.
Industrial Control Glue Logic
The EPF8636ALC84-3 fits industrial control glue-logic applications because its 504 logic cells and 68 user I/Os provide ample headroom for consolidating multiple 74-series TTL functions into a single reconfigurable device. Its 5.0 V core and 3.3 V/5.0 V VCCIO banks allow direct interfacing to legacy 5 V PLC backplanes and modern 3.3 V sensor front-ends on the same die, eliminating level shifters. The 84-pin PLCC package is socketable, simplifying field replacement in factory-floor controllers. In-circuit reconfigurability allows firmware updates without powering down the line - critical for 24/7 manufacturing. Designers should note the SRAM-based configuration requires a companion EPC PROM for non-volatile storage.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Bus Bridging (ISA / VME)
The EPF8636ALC84-3 is widely deployed as a bus-bridge FPGA between legacy ISA or VME peripheral buses and modern processor interfaces, because its 6,000 usable gates and 68 I/Os are sufficient to implement multi-master bus arbiters, address decoding, and DMA controllers in a single chip. The 125 MHz maximum internal frequency comfortably handles ISA bus timing (8 MHz) and even VME transceivers (up to 40 MB/s). Mixed VCCIO banks (3.3 V for the processor side, 5.0 V for the legacy bus side) eliminate external level translation. Its SRAM-based fabric means bridge firmware can be revised in-system to fix protocol bugs without respinning the PCB.
Recommended
Aerospace & Defense Legacy Sustainment
The EPF8636ALC84-3 remains in active aerospace and defense sustainment programs because the 84-pin PLCC package is form-fit-function compatible with fielded avionics designs, avoiding costly PCB re-qualification under DO-254. Its 6,000-gate capacity is sufficient for flight-control interface consolidation, MIL-STD-1553 bus monitoring, and weapons-store interface logic. The commercial-grade plastic PLCC is qualified via per-lot screening by system integrators for use in non-flight-critical LRUs. Engineers planning new designs should evaluate MAX 10 (Intel) or Microsemi IGLOO2 equivalents, but for legacy sustainment the EPF8636ALC84-3 is the only pin-compatible option.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Front-End Logic
The EPF8636ALC84-3 suits test-and-measurement front-end logic because its 6 EABs (12,288 bits of distributed RAM) can implement deep pattern-matching FIFOs, capture buffers, and timing generators without external memory. The 68 user I/Os support direct connection to multi-channel ADC/DAC front-ends, while the 125 MHz internal fabric enables 100 MHz sample-rate pattern generation. Its in-circuit reconfigurability allows engineers to swap test patterns per UUT without disassembling the test fixture. The 84-pin J-lead PLCC is socketable, simplifying calibration access in production ATE racks.
Recommended
Telecommunications Channel Aggregation
The EPF8636ALC84-3 is used in telecommunications channel-aggregation equipment because its 504-cell fabric can implement E1/T1 framer glue logic, HDLC controllers, and timeslot crossbar switches in a single chip - replacing multiple discrete ASICs from the 1990s era. The mixed VCCIO banks (3.3 V and 5.0 V) allow direct connection to T1 line interface units (LIUs) operating at 5.0 V and to modern microprocessors at 3.3 V. Its in-system reconfigurability enables protocol upgrades (e.g., from T1 to fractional T1) via remote firmware download - matching the field-service model of telecom carriers.
Recommended
Retrocomputing & Emulation Platforms
The EPF8636ALC84-3 fits retrocomputing and vintage hardware emulation projects because its FLEX 8000 architecture is well-documented and supported by legacy Quartus II software, making it a popular target for FPGA-based re-implementations of classic arcade, workstation, and game-console logic. The 84-pin PLCC is breadboard-friendly with through-hole socket adapters, enabling hobbyists to integrate it into retro motherboards. Its 6,000 gates are sufficient for 8-bit CPU cores (e.g., Z80, 6502) and modest peripheral sets. The SRAM-based fabric allows bitstream reload from SD card via microcontroller for cartridge-style emulation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF8636ALC84-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF8636ALC84-4 | EPF8636ALC84-5 | EPF8282ALC84-3 | EPF8452ALC84-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same |
| Usable Gates | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 | 2,000 (-67%) | 4,000 (-33%) |
| Logic Cells | 504 | 504 | 504 | 208 (-59%) | 336 (-33%) |
| User I/Os | 68 | 68 | 68 | 52 (-24%) | 64 (-6%) |
| Speed Grade | -3 (fastest) | -4 (slower) | -5 (slowest) | -3 | -3 |
| Core Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Family | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density FLEX 8000 in 84-pin PLCC (vs EPF8452ALC84-3)
- Fastest speed grade available in 84-pin PLCC (vs EPF8636ALC84-4)
- More I/Os than smaller FLEX 8000 siblings (vs EPF8282ALC84-3)
Design Notes
The EPF8636ALC84-3 requires a clean 5.0 V ±5% supply on the VCC pins (pins 15, 37, 51, 76) with a recommended 100 µF bulk + 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling per VCC pin. The VCCIO pins are independently selectable at 3.3 V or 5.0 V and must be tied even if the corresponding I/O bank is unused. Estimated: core current at 125 MHz with 100% toggle is approximately 200-300 mA; derate by 30% for typical designs. Do not power VCC without also powering VCCIO - this can cause output drive contention during configuration.
SRAM-based configuration is volatile - the EPF8636ALC84-3 loses its design at every power-down and requires a companion EPC1/EPC2 configuration PROM, JTAG programmer, or microcontroller to load the bitstream at power-up. Without a configuration source, all I/O pins float to tri-state at power-up, which can cause bus contention in mixed designs. Estimated configuration time for a full 6K-gate design is approximately 30 ms via serial EPC. Use nCONFIG to delay configuration or to trigger reconfiguration in-system.
Estimated: at 5.0 V VCC and 125 MHz with 100% I/O toggle, the EPF8636ALC84-3 dissipates approximately 1.0-1.5 W. The 84-pin J-lead PLCC has theta_JA of approximately 35 °C/W (per Altera package thermal data), yielding a junction temperature rise of 35-53 °C above ambient. For commercial grade (0-70 °C), no heatsink is required. For industrial applications with high ambient temperatures, ensure at least 0.5 in² of ground-plane copper under the PLCC footprint to improve thermal spreading.
The 84-pin J-lead PLCC has 1.27 mm pin pitch and is socketable - use a quality PLCC84 socket (e.g., 3M or Aries) for prototype designs to allow easy FPGA swaps during development. For production, direct solder to the PCB is acceptable; follow J-lead soldering profile with peak temperature 220 °C for 30 seconds. Place the configuration EPC PROM within 50 mm of the EPF8636ALC84-3 DCLK/DATA0 pins to minimize signal skew, and route DCLK as a short, impedance-controlled trace.
Compliance Information
Original FLEX 8000 family predates RoHS directive; specific date-code compliance must be verified with the distributor. AEC-Q100 not applicable (commercial/industrial FPGAs only). All compliance fields marked unknown because the provided web data does not contain date-code-specific material declarations.
