I. FLEX 10K series Core Features
Synergistic Architecture of Embedded and Logic Arrays
Embedded Array (EAB): Composed of Embedded Array Blocks (EABs), each EAB provides 2,048 bits of dedicated RAM, supporting storage functions such as RAM, ROM, dual-port RAM, and FIFO. It can also implement complex logic functions (e.g., 4×4 multipliers, DSP modules). A single EAB can contribute 100-600 gates of logic without occupying general-purpose logic resources.
Logic Array: Composed of Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each LAB contains 8 Logic Elements (LEs). Based on a 4-input Look-Up Table (LUT) and programmable flip-flop, LEs support general logic such as counters and adders. High-speed arithmetic operations and high-fan-in logic are achieved through dedicated carry chains and cascade chains.
High Density and Scalability
Typical gate counts range from 10,000 to 250,000 (with a maximum system gate count of 310,000), supporting integration from simple control logic to complex multi-bus systems.
Maximum RAM capacity reaches 40,960 bits (20 EABs), which can be flexibly configured into various widths such as 256×8 and 512×4 to meet different data buffering needs.
System-Level Compatibility and Reliability
Multi-voltage support: Through the MultiVolt™ I/O interface, it supports 2.5V/3.3V/5V mixed-voltage systems. 5.0V tolerant input pins ensure compatibility with legacy systems.
PCI compliance: Supports the PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2. Some models (e.g., EPF10K10A) have built-in PCI pull-up clamping diodes to meet 3.3V PCI specifications.
JTAG boundary-scan: Integrates IEEE 1149.1 standard JTAG circuitry, supporting In-System Programming (ISP) and boundary-scan testing without occupying logic resources.
Low Power Consumption and Flexible Configuration
Standby current as low as 0.5mA, suitable for battery-powered devices; supports In-Circuit Reconfiguration (ICR) with a reconfiguration time of less than 320ms for real-time function updates.
Supports ClockLock™ and ClockBoost™ technologies: Achieves clock deskew and frequency multiplication through PLL, reducing clock delay and improving system timing performance.
II. FLEX 10K series Architecture
The architecture of FLEX 10K is designed around "modularity" and "predictability" to balance high performance and flexible configuration:
Embedded Array Block (EAB): Core Carrier of Complex Functions
EAB is a key module for high-density storage and dedicated logic, with the following features:
Flexible configuration: When used as RAM, it supports multiple widths from 256×8 to 2048×1; multiple EABs can be cascaded for larger capacities (e.g., two 256×8 EABs form a 256×16 configuration). When used as a logic module, it implements combinatorial logic through LUTs, with higher speed than general-purpose LEs.
Synchronous operation: Built-in input/output registers support synchronous read/write, simplifying timing design and avoiding setup/hold time constraints of asynchronous RAM.
Independent control: Clock and read/write enable signals can be configured independently, supporting data interaction between different clock domains.
Logic Array Block (LAB) and Logic Element (LE): Foundation of General-Purpose Logic
LAB structure: Each LAB contains 8 LEs, local interconnects, and control signals, communicating with other modules through FastTrack™ Interconnect. The local interconnect delay is predictable (approximately 0.6ns).
LE functions: Each LE includes a 4-input LUT, a programmable flip-flop, and carry/cascade chains:
- Carry chain: Provides sub-0.2ns fast carry paths, efficiently implementing adders and counters.
- Cascade chain: Supports wide-input logic (e.g., 16-bit address decoding) with a per-stage delay as low as 0.7ns.
- Register packing: LUT and flip-flop can be used independently to improve resource utilization.
FastTrack Interconnect: Predictable Signal Transmission
Continuous row/column interconnect channels are used instead of segmented routing in FPGAs to ensure predictable signal delays:
Row interconnects handle communication between LABs/EABs in the same row, while column interconnects enable cross-row signal transmission.
Supports dedicated global clock/clear signals with skew less than 1.5ns, meeting the needs of high-speed synchronous designs.
I/O Element (IOE): Flexible External Interface
Each IOE contains a bidirectional I/O buffer and a flip-flop, supporting:
Programmable output slew-rate control (to reduce noise or improve speed).
Open-drain output and tri-state emulation, compatible with multiple interface standards.
Independent input/output registers with input setup time as low as 1.6ns and output clock-to-output delay as low as 5.3ns.
III.FLEX 10K series Models
The FLEX 10K family includes multiple generations (e.g., FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KA, FLEX 10KE) with varying densities and features. Below are the most notable models:
1. FLEX 10K Base Series
| Model | Logic Elements (LEs) | Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | Total RAM Bits | Max User I/O Pins | Typical Gates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPF10K10 | 576 | 3 | 6,144 | 150 | 10,000 |
| EPF10K20 | 1,152 | 6 | 12,288 | 189 | 20,000 |
| EPF10K30 | 1,728 | 6 | 12,288 | 246 | 30,000 |
| EPF10K40 | 2,304 | 8 | 16,384 | 189 | 40,000 |
| EPF10K50 | 2,880 | 10 | 20,480 | 310 | 50,000 |
| EPF10K70 | 3,744 | 9 | 18,432 | 358 | 70,000 |
| EPF10K100 | 4,992 | 12 | 24,576 | 406 | 100,000 |
| EPF10K130V | 6,656 | 16 | 32,768 | 470 | 130,000 |
| EPF10K250A | 12,160 | 20 | 40,960 | 470 | 250,000 |
Key Features:
Embedded Array Blocks (EABs): Each EAB provides 2,048 bits of RAM, configurable as SRAM, ROM, FIFO, or dual-port memory10.
FastTrack Interconnect: Continuous routing channels for predictable timing.
MultiVolt I/O: Supports 5V-tolerant inputs (FLEX 10KA models) for backward compatibility.
JTAG Compliance: Built-in boundary-scan for system-level testing.
2. FLEX 10KE Series (Enhanced)
The FLEX 10KE models (e.g., EPF10K30E, EPF10K50S) added advanced features for high-performance applications:
ClockLock PLL: Reduced clock skew and enabled frequency multiplication.
Dual-Port RAM: Improved memory bandwidth for data-intensive tasks.
Speed Grades: Ranged from -1 (fastest) to -3 (slower), with options like -1X and -2X for specific use cases.
Packages: Available in QFP, BGA, and PGA formats, with up to 672 pins (e.g., EPF10K200S).
| Model | LEs | EABs | Total RAM Bits | Speed Grades | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPF10K30E | 1,728 | 6 | 12,288 | -1, -2, -3 | ClockLock PLL |
| EPF10K50S | 2,880 | 10 | 20,480 | -1, -2, -3 | Dual-port RAM |
| EPF10K100E | 4,992 | 12 | 24,576 | -1, -2, -3 | Enhanced I/O scalability |
| EPF10K130E | 6,656 | 16 | 32,768 | -1, -2, -3 | High-density logic |
| EPF10K200S | 9,830 | 24 | 49,152 | -1, -2, -3 | Largest FLEX 10KE variant |
Legacy and Replacement
While the FLEX 10K series is obsolete, its architecture influenced later Altera/Intel families like Cyclone and Stratix. For modern applications, equivalent devices include:
Cyclone IV/V: Lower power, higher density, and support for newer interfaces (e.g., DDR3).
Stratix 10: FPGA/SoC hybrids with HBM memory and PCIe 4.0.
IV.FLEX 10K series Applications
Telecommunications and Network Equipment
PCI interface cards: Leveraging PCI compliance and multi-voltage support to implement 66MHz 64-bit PCI bus interfaces, with EABs as data buffers and LEs for protocol parsing.
Routers/switches: EABs store routing tables, LEs implement packet forwarding logic, and ClockLock technology reduces clock skew to ensure high-speed data transmission.
Industrial Control
Motion controllers: LEs implement PID algorithms, EABs store motion trajectory data, and multiple I/O pins support sensor and actuator interfaces.
PLC modules: Utilize in-circuit reconfiguration to update control logic on-site, adapting to different industrial scenarios.
Consumer Electronics
Set-top boxes: EABs serve as video buffers, LEs implement audio/video decoding logic, and low power consumption is suitable for home environments.
Smart meters: Multi-voltage I/O is compatible with metering chips and display modules, and JTAG supports remote debugging and upgrades.
Automotive ElectronicsIn-vehicle gateways: Integrate CAN/LIN bus interfaces, EABs store fault codes, LEs implement protocol conversion, and wide-temperature models meet automotive-grade requirements.
V. Conclusion
With its innovative "embedded array + logic array" architecture, the FLEX 10K family pioneered the on-chip integration of "general-purpose logic + dedicated functions," laying the foundation for SOPC design. Its predictable timing performance, flexible configuration methods, and wide compatibility make it an ideal choice from laboratory prototypes to large-scale production. Even in today's era of rapid FPGA technology development, the "programmable embedded system" concept pioneered by FLEX 10K continues to influence the evolution of programmable logic devices. As a classic product of Altera, FLEX 10K is not just a device but a symbol of the transformation of programmable logic from "auxiliary logic" to "system core." Its technical legacy continues to drive innovation and breakthroughs in embedded system design.
FLEX 10K series Datasheet.pdf
FLEX 10K series chip models
EPF10K100ARI240-3N、EPF10K50BC356-4、EPF10K50VQI240-2N、EPF10K30ATC144-3N、EPF10K50VQC240-3
EPF10K30BC356-3、EPF10K30ABC356-2、EPF10K10ATC144-2N、EPF10K50VBC356-1、EPF10K50VBI356-4 EPF10K10QC208-4、EPF10K30AQI240-3、EPF10K100AFC484-2、EPF10K50RC240-4N、EPF10K50VRI240-3N EPF10K50RC240-3、EPF10K30RI208-4、EPF10K20RI208-4N、EPF10K30AQC208-1N、EPF10K10AQC208-2 EPF10K40RC240-4、EPF10K10ATI144-3N、EPF10K100ABC356-2、EPF10K30ATC144-2、EPF10K10ATC144-1 EPF10K50VRC240-2N、EPF10K20RC240-4、EPF10K70RC240-2N、EPF10K10LC84-4N、EPF10K70RC240-4 EPF10K10ATC100-2、EPF10K10TC144-3、EPF10K100ABI356-3N、EPF10K10TI144-4N、EPF10K50VBC356-4N EPF10K10ATC100-3N、EPF10K30RC240-4N、EPF10K70RC240-3N、EPF10K100ABC356-1N、EPF10K100ARI240-3 EPF10K20TC144-4N、EPF10K100ABI356-3、EPF10K50VQC240-1N、EPF10K50VBI356-3N、EPF10K30AQC240-3 EPF10K30RC240-3N、EPF10K30AFC256-2、EPF10K30AQC208-1、EPF10K50BC356-3、EPF10K50VQC240-2N EPF10K50VRC240-3N、EPF10K20RC240-3N、EPF10K30ATC144-1N、EPF10K40RC240-3、EPF10K30RC208-3N EPF10K10QI208-4N、EPF10K50VBC356-2N、EPF10K50VRI240-4N、EPF10K10ATI144-3、EPF10K100ABI356-2N EPF10K10AQC208-3N、EPF10K50VBC356-4、EPF10K10ATC100-3、EPF10K20RC240-3、EPF10K30ATC144-1 EPF10K10AQC208-1、EPF10K50VQC240-2、EPF10K100ABC356-3、EPF10K50RC240-4、EPF10K50RI240-4N EPF10K10QI208-4、EPF10K30RC208-3、EPF10K100ABC600-1、EPF10K50VRC240-1、EPF10K30AQC208-2N EPF10K10ATC144-2、EPF10K100AFC484-2N、EPF10K50VRC240-2、EPF10K20RC208-4N、EPF10K50VBI356-3 EPF10K20RC208-4、EPF10K10AQC208-3、EPF10K100ARC240-1N、EPF10K30AQI240-3N、EPF10K30RC240-4 EPF10K40RC208-3、EPF10K50RC240-3N、EPF10K10TI144-4、EPF10K30AQC208-3N、EPF10K30AQI208-3 EPF10K50VBI356-4N、EPF10K30AQC208-2、EPF10K100ARC240-3N、EPF10K70RC240-4N、EPF10K40RC240-4N EPF10K30AQC240-2N、EPF10K50VRC240-1N、EPF10K40RC208-4、EPF10K30AFC256-3、EPF10K100ARC240-2
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