Part A
5CEFA2F23C7N
Altera
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9580 PCS
- Series
- Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The 5CEFA2F23C7N is a viable functional replacement candidate for the 5CEFA4F23C8N in FPGA designs where reduced logic density and a faster speed grade are acceptable. Both devices share the same 484-pin FBGA package and Cyclone V E family architecture, ensuring footprint and pinout compatibility. However, designers must validate logic capacity, timing closure, and thermal margins before committing to a drop-in substitution.
Logic Density
Validation required
Speed Grade
Validation required
Package Type
High match
Operating Temperature
High match
Parts at a glance
Part B
5CEFA4F23C8N
Intel
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1689 PCS
- Package
- BGA-484
- Series
- Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | 5CEFA4F23C8N | 5CEFA2F23C7N | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logic Elements (LE) | 49,000 | 25,000 | Logic element count determines the amount of programmable logic available for implementing custom digital functions; a lower count may not fit a design that requires more resources. |
| Total RAM Bits | 3,153,920 | 1,843,200 | Embedded memory capacity affects the ability to store data, buffers, and lookup tables on-chip; insufficient memory may force external memory usage or prevent implementation. |
| Number of I/Os | 240 | 240 | I/O count determines how many external signals the device can interface with; matching counts support similar board-level connectivity. |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 7 | Speed grade indicates the maximum operating frequency and timing performance; a faster grade may be required to meet timing closure in high-speed designs. |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 85°C (Commercial) | 0°C to 85°C (Commercial) | Temperature range defines the environmental conditions under which the device is guaranteed to operate; both being commercial grade means they suit similar environments. |
| Package / Case | 484-FBGA (23x23) | 484-FBGA (23x23) | Package type and footprint must match for physical board compatibility; identical packages allow drop-in replacement without PCB redesign. |
| Supply Voltage | 1.07V to 1.13V (Core) | 1.07V to 1.13V (Core) | Core supply voltage must be compatible with the board power design; identical voltage requirements simplify power delivery and decoupling. |
| Number of LABs / CLBs | 1,845 | 943 | Logic array blocks are the fundamental building blocks of the FPGA fabric; fewer blocks limit the complexity of logic that can be implemented. |
| Number of Multipliers (DSP Blocks) | 112 | 56 | Dedicated multiplier blocks accelerate arithmetic operations such as DSP filtering; fewer multipliers may reduce performance or require more logic resources. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | 5CEFA2F23C7N | 5CEFA4F23C8N |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Cyclone® V E | Cyclone® V E |
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Digi Key Programmable | Not Verified | - |
| Total RAM Bits | 2002944 | 3464192 |
| Number of I/O | 224 | 224 |
| Voltage - Supply | 1.07V ~ 1.13V | 1.07V ~ 1.13V |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ~ 85°C (TJ) | 0°C ~ 85°C (TJ) |
| Base Product Number | 5CEFA2 | - |
| Number of Logic Elements / Cells | 25000 | - |
| Number of LA Bs / CL Bs | 9434 | - |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | - | 18480 |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | - | 49000 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the 5CEFA4F23C8N and the 5CEFA2F23C7N?
The 5CEFA4F23C8N and 5CEFA2F23C7N are both Intel (formerly Altera) Cyclone V FPGAs in the same 484-pin FBGA package (F23). The primary differences are logic density and speed grade: the 5CEFA4F23C8N offers approximately 49,000 logic elements (LEs) with a speed grade of 8, while the 5CEFA2F23C7N offers approximately 25,000 LEs with a faster speed grade of 7. The 5CEFA4F23C8N also provides more embedded memory, multipliers, and transceiver resources than the 5CEFA2F23C7N.
Are the 5CEFA4F23C8N and 5CEFA2F23C7N pin-to-pin compatible?
Both devices are offered in the same 484-pin FBGA (F23) package, and Intel documents the Cyclone V F23 package with a common pinout across device densities within the same family and package. However, designers must verify the specific pin assignments, I/O bank voltages, and dedicated function pins against the official Cyclone V pin-out files, because not all I/O or transceiver pins are available or identical across densities.
Can the 5CEFA2F23C7N be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the 5CEFA4F23C8N?
No. Although both share the F23 package, the 5CEFA2F23C7N has lower logic density and fewer embedded resources than the 5CEFA4F23C8N. A design that fully utilizes the 5CEFA4F23C8N's logic, memory, or DSP resources will not fit in the 5CEFA2F23C7N. Additionally, the speed grade difference (7 vs 8) affects timing closure, so the design must be re-timed and re-verified before any substitution.
What is the difference in speed grade between the 5CEFA4F23C8N and the 5CEFA2F23C7N?
The 5CEFA4F23C8N uses speed grade 8, while the 5CEFA2F23C7N uses speed grade 7. In Intel's Cyclone V speed grade nomenclature, a lower number indicates a faster speed grade. Therefore, the 5CEFA2F23C7N has faster maximum operating frequencies and tighter timing specifications than the 5CEFA4F23C8N, even though it has lower logic density.
Do the 5CEFA4F23C8N and 5CEFA2F23C7N have the same operating temperature range?
Both the 5CEFA4F23C8N and 5CEFA2F23C7N are specified with a commercial temperature range of 0°C to 85°C junction temperature (TJ), as indicated by the "C" in the ordering code. Industrial-temperature versions would carry a different suffix. Always confirm the exact temperature grade from the Intel Cyclone V device datasheet and the specific ordering information for each part number.
What logic density does each device offer?
The 5CEFA4F23C8N belongs to the Cyclone V A4 density tier, which provides approximately 49,000 logic elements (LEs). The 5CEFA2F23C7N belongs to the A2 density tier, which provides approximately 25,000 LEs. The higher-density 5CEFA4F23C8N also includes more M10K memory blocks, more variable-precision DSP blocks, and additional high-speed transceiver channels compared to the 5CEFA2F23C7N.
Which device should be selected for a new design, the 5CEFA4F23C8N or the 5CEFA2F23C7N?
Selection depends on the design's resource and timing requirements. Choose the 5CEFA4F23C8N if the design needs higher logic density, more embedded memory, or more DSP and transceiver resources. Choose the 5CEFA2F23C7N if the design fits within approximately 25,000 LEs and benefits from the faster speed grade 7 for higher clock frequencies. In all cases, resource utilization and timing must be validated using Intel Quartus Prime with the exact target device.
Are the 5CEFA4F23C8N and 5CEFA2F23C7N RoHS compliant?
Intel Cyclone V devices, including the 5CEFA4F23C8N and 5CEFA2F23C7N, are offered in RoHS-compliant packages as indicated by the "N" suffix in the ordering code, which denotes lead-free (Pb-free) construction. Designers should confirm the specific compliance documentation, including any exemptions, from Intel's product material declarations or authorized distributor datasheets such as DigiKey or Mouser.