EP20K100EQC240-2N

Overview

The Altera EP20K100EQC240-2N is a high-density 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 (ESBs). The device provides 4,160 Logic Elements (LEs), 416 macrocells, and up to 53,248 maximum RAM bits. It operates with an internal supply voltage (VCCINT) of 2.5 V and supports MultiVolt I/O levels including 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5.0 V. Packaged in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Package (PQFP), it offers 189 user I/O pins and supports speeds up to 170 MHz.

Feature Summary

• MultiCore Architecture: Combines LUT-based logic for register-intensive functions, product-term logic for combinatorial paths, and ESBs for embedded memory applications like FIFOs and dual-port RAM.
• High Density: Contains 4,160 LEs, 416 macrocells, and up to 53,248 RAM bits within a single chip, supporting complex system-on-a-programmable-chip designs.
• Flexible Clock Management: Includes built-in low-skew clock trees, dedicated global clock signals, and ClockLock/ClockBoost features for precise timing control.
• Advanced I/O Standards: Supports MultiVolt I/O interfaces compatible with 1.8-V, 2.5-V, 3.3-V, and 5.0-V devices, ensuring interoperability with various peripheral components.

Applications

• Complex state machine implementations requiring both combinational and sequential logic.
• Digital signal processing (DSP) data paths utilizing LUT-based arithmetic modes.
• Memory controller designs leveraging Embedded System Blocks for FIFO and dual-port RAM.
• PCI bus interface circuits compliant with PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific speed grade suffix (-2) against design timing requirements, as this determines the maximum operating frequency. Confirm package compatibility with the 240-pin PQFP footprint during PCB layout. Ensure the development environment utilizes the Altera Quartus II software suite, which is required for compiling and configuring APEX 20K devices.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designs require a mix of high-speed logic, complex state machines, and embedded memory on a single die. The EP20K100EQC240-2N is suitable for applications needing 189 user I/Os and support for multiple voltage domains via MultiVolt technology. Consider the 240-pin QFP package constraints regarding board space and thermal dissipation compared to BGA options.

Part Context

The EP20K100EQC240-2N is part of the APEX 20K family, representing one of the first PLDs to integrate SOPC capabilities. It bridges the gap between traditional CPLDs and FPGAs by offering both product-term and LUT architectures. This family was designed for high-performance applications before subsequent generations like Stratix and Cyclone were introduced.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-to-pin replacements are not available due to the proprietary MultiCore architecture. Migration typically requires redesigning the logic using modern FPGA families such as Intel/Altera Cyclone or Arria series, adapting the design to new synthesis tools and architectural differences.