EP20K100EFI324-2X

Overview

The Altera EP20K100EFI324-2X is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) belonging to the APEX 20K family. It features a MultiCore architecture integrating Look-Up Table (LUT) logic, product-term logic, and Embedded System Blocks (ESB). The device provides 4,160 Logic Elements (LEs), 53,248 maximum RAM bits, and 416 macrocells. It operates at a 2.5 V internal supply voltage and supports up to 252 user I/O pins. The component is housed in a 324-pin FineLine BGA package with a 1.00 mm pitch. This specific part number corresponds to the -2 speed grade within the APEX 20K series.

Feature Summary

• MultiCore architecture combining LUT-based logic for register-intensive functions and product-term logic for combinatorial-intensive tasks.
• Embedded System Blocks (ESB) supporting FIFO buffers, dual-port RAM, and Content-Addressable Memory (CAM).
• Flexible clock management with up to four Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) and ClockLock/ClockBoost features.
• FastTrack Interconnect structure providing predictable delays and dedicated carry/cascade chains for high-speed arithmetic.

Applications

• System-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration designs.
• Complex state machines and control logic requiring product-term optimization.
• Digital signal processing (DSP) and data-path applications utilizing LUT efficiency.
• PCI Local Bus interface implementations compliant with Revision 2.2 specifications.

Procurement Notes

This component is an obsolete legacy product from Altera. Verify current availability through authorized distributors or secondary market suppliers. Confirm RoHS compliance status as older revisions may not meet modern environmental standards. Ensure handling guidelines for moisture sensitivity are followed during storage and assembly.

Selection Notes

Select this device for designs requiring a mix of registered and combinatorial logic density. The -2 speed grade offers specific timing characteristics; verify against system clock requirements. Consider the 2.5 V core voltage and MultiVolt I/O capabilities when interfacing with 1.8 V, 3.3 V, or 5.0 V peripherals. Evaluate pin count constraints against the 252 I/O limit in the 324-pin package.

Part Context

The EP20K100EFI324-2X is part of the APEX 20K family, which was among the first PLDs to integrate SOPC capabilities. It sits between the EP20K60E and EP20K160E in terms of logic density. The 'E' suffix indicates Enhanced features such as broader I/O standard support compared to the base EP20K100. The 'FI' denotes the FineLine BGA package type.

Replacement Considerations

As a discontinued legacy device, direct replacements are limited. Modern Intel/Altera FPGAs such as Cyclone, Arria, or Stratix families offer functional equivalents but require architectural redesign. Consult official lifecycle notices for end-of-life guidance and recommended migration paths to current programmable logic solutions.