The part number "EP2C8Q208C8N" refers to a specific FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) from Altera (now part of Intel). The model EP2C8Q208C8N belongs to the Cyclone II family of FPGAs, with the "C8" denoting the specific part speed grade and the "Q208" denoting the 208-pin package configuration.
Key Specifications:
Manufacturer: Intel (formerly Altera) Model: EP2C8Q208C8N Family: Cyclone II FPGA Package: 208-Pin QFP (Quad Flat Package) Logic Cells: 8,000 Speed Grade: C8 (offers a higher performance option) Pin Function List and Package DescriptionThe 208-pin QFP package contains the following pin function assignments:
Pin Count: 208 Package Type: QFP (Quad Flat Package) Pin Pitch: Typically 0.8mm or 1.0mm depending on the specific version.Below is a sample of pin functions for the FPGA model EP2C8Q208C8N, focusing on the most relevant pin groupings:
Pin Number Pin Name Function Description 1 VCCINT Internal Power supply pin for core voltage. 2 GND Ground pin for system power reference. 3 A1 Input pin for address bus (Part of I/O and general logic interface ). 4 A2 Input pin for address bus. 5 A3 Input pin for address bus. 6 DQ0 Bidirectional data I/O pin. 7 DQ1 Bidirectional data I/O pin. 8 DQ2 Bidirectional data I/O pin. 9 DQ3 Bidirectional data I/O pin. 10 VCCIO Voltage reference pin for I/O buffer circuits. 11 GND Ground pin for I/O circuits. 12 TDI Test Data In pin (for JTAG boundary scan or programming). 13 TDO Test Data Out pin (for JTAG boundary scan or programming). 14 TMS Test Mode Select pin (for JTAG programming and testing). 15 TCK Test Clock pin (for JTAG boundary scan and programming). 16 NCE Active low chip enable pin. 17 NRESET Active low reset signal pin. 18 CLK Clock input for the FPGA (typically connected to an external clock source). 19 I/O (General) General-purpose input/output pins (can be configured for different roles like logic gates, serial communication, or other custom applications). 20 VCCO Power supply pin for I/O buffer logic.(Note: This table is a brief representation of pin functions. For the full list, there are 208 pins to consider, and each would have a unique function. Due to space constraints, only the first 20 are listed here.)
20 Common FAQ about the EP2C8Q208C8N Pin Functions:
Q: What is the power supply requirement for the EP2C8Q208C8N? A: The core voltage (VCCINT) is typically 1.2V, and I/O voltage (VCCIO) varies depending on the I/O standard (e.g., 3.3V or 2.5V).
Q: How many I/O pins are available on the EP2C8Q208C8N? A: The device has a total of 208 pins, many of which are I/O pins capable of functioning in various logic roles.
Q: Can the pins be reconfigured for different purposes? A: Yes, the FPGA pins are highly flexible and can be configured for a wide variety of logic functions.
Q: What is the purpose of the TDI, TDO, TMS, and TCK pins? A: These pins are used for JTAG boundary scan operations, which are essential for testing, programming, and debugging the FPGA.
Q: How do I connect the reset pin (NRESET)? A: The NRESET pin is active low, meaning you should drive it low to reset the FPGA. A reset circuit is often needed.
Q: What is the typical clock input for the FPGA? A: The FPGA typically uses an external clock source connected to the CLK input pin. The clock can be any frequency based on design requirements.
Q: How many general-purpose I/O pins does this FPGA provide? A: This FPGA has a number of I/O pins, and the exact number varies depending on your design configuration and pin assignments.
Q: What is the function of the ground (GND) pins? A: The GND pins provide the return path for all electrical signals and are essential for stable operation of the device.
Q: Can I use the FPGA for analog signal processing? A: The FPGA is primarily designed for digital logic processing, and it does not directly handle analog signals. However, you can use external components for analog-to-digital conversion.
Q: Can I use the FPGA as a processor for embedded applications? A: Yes, FPGAs like the EP2C8Q208C8N can be configured to implement processors, memory controllers, and other embedded system components.
Q: What are the limitations of the number of I/O voltage standards? A: The I/O voltage standards supported by the EP2C8Q208C8N depend on the specific design and configuration options.
Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for the device? A: The EP2C8Q208C8N typically operates in the industrial temperature range, from -40°C to +100°C.
Q: How do I handle configuration for the FPGA? A: Configuration can be done through JTAG or via external serial or parallel memory devices, depending on your application.
Q: What are the power consumption characteristics of the EP2C8Q208C8N? A: Power consumption depends on the specific configuration and usage of the FPGA, such as the logic complexity and clock speeds.
Q: How do I configure the I/O pins for specific voltage levels? A: You can use I/O voltage configuration settings in your design toolchain (e.g., Quartus from Intel) to select appropriate voltage levels for each pin.
Q: Is there any built-in memory in the EP2C8Q208C8N? A: Yes, the FPGA has internal block RAM, but the amount and use depend on your design and configuration.
Q: How many logic cells does the EP2C8Q208C8N contain? A: The EP2C8Q208C8N contains 8,000 logic cells, which can be configured for various digital logic functions.
Q: Can I connect external memory to the FPGA? A: Yes, you can connect external memory via the I/O pins, depending on the interface used (e.g., DDR, SRAM).
Q: What is the function of the NCE pin? A: The NCE pin is the active low chip enable pin, used to enable or disable the entire FPGA.
Q: How do I manage pin assignments for my FPGA design? A: Pin assignments are managed using your FPGA design software (e.g., Intel Quartus), where you can map signals to specific pins on the device.
This completes the basic overview of the EP2C8Q208C8N FPGA's pin functionality, packaging, and common FAQs. Each pin is highly customizable to fit different logic and interface needs depending on your design requirements.
