EP2SGX90EF1152I4N FPGA: In-Depth Technical Analysis and Legacy Applications

Introduction to Intel's Stratix II GX FPGA Series

The EP2SGX90EF1152I4N represents Intel's (formerly Altera) high-end Stratix II GX FPGA family, engineered for demanding digital signal processing and high-speed serial applications. This comprehensive guide explores every technical aspect of this powerful FPGA, its historical significance in the semiconductor industry, and current sourcing options despite its obsolete status.

Detailed Product Specifications

Core Architecture

• FPGA Family: Stratix II GX (90nm process technology)
• Logic Elements: 90,960 (Equivalent to ~1.5 million system gates)
• Adaptive Logic Modules (ALMs): 45,480 (Each ALM contains 2 adaptive LUTs)
• Embedded Memory: 4.5Mb (562,560 bytes) organized in M4K/M-RAM blocks
• DSP Blocks: 96 (18x18 multipliers with accumulator functions)

High-Speed Transceivers

The EP2SGX90EF1152I4N features 20 high-speed transceiver channels operating at 3.125 Gbps, making it ideal for:

• PCI Express (x8 Gen1 support)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Serial RapidIO
• SDI video interfaces

Package and Thermal Characteristics

• Package Type: 1152-pin FineLine BGA (35x35mm)
• Pin Pitch: 1.0mm
• Thermal Resistance: 1.5 C/W (Junction-to-Case)
• Power Consumption: Typical 15W (configuration-dependent)

Comparative Analysis with Modern FPGAs

Feature	EP2SGX90EF1152I4N	Modern Equivalent
Process Node	90nm	10nm (Intel Agilex)
Transceiver Speed	3.125Gbps	58Gbps (PCIe Gen5)
Power Efficiency	0.16 mW/MHz	0.02 mW/MHz
Configuration Memory	EPCS (Serial)	On-die Flash

Legacy Applications and Migration Path

Common Historical Uses

• Military/Aerospace: Radar signal processing (2005-2015 systems)
• Medical Imaging: Ultrasound beamforming processors
• Broadcast: HD-SDI video routers and switchers
• Test Equipment: Protocol analyzers for PCIe/SRIO

Modern Replacement Options

For designers maintaining legacy systems, Intel recommends these migration paths:

1. Arria 10 GX: For similar transceiver functionality
2. Cyclone 10 GX: Cost-sensitive replacements
3. Stratix 10: High-performance upgrade path

Sourcing and Obsolescence Considerations

While Intel discontinued production in 2015, the EP2SGX90EF1152I4N remains available through:

• Authorized Distributors: Last-time-buy inventories (verify date codes)
• Specialized Brokers: Trusted suppliers with authenticity verification
• Refurbished Markets: Recertified units with limited warranties

Critical Note: Beware of counterfeit parts - always request:

1. Original Intel packaging
2. Batch traceability documentation
3. Third-party test reports

Technical Support Resources

Despite obsolescence, these resources remain available:

• Quartus II Web Edition 13.0sp1 (Last supported version)
• Stratix II GX Handbook (Documentation S5GX-5.4)
• Legacy IP Cores: PCIe, Ethernet, DDR2 controllers

Why This FPGA Still Matters in 2024

The EP2SGX90EF1152I4N continues serving critical functions in:

• Long-lifecycle Systems: Military and industrial equipment with 20+ year service
• Cost-sensitive Upgrades: When redesign isn't economically viable
• Educational Use: Teaching advanced FPGA concepts with available tools

Conclusion: Strategic Approach to Legacy FPGAs

While the EP2SGX90EF1152I4N represents early-2000s FPGA technology, understanding its capabilities remains essential for maintaining thousands of operational systems worldwide. For new designs, modern FPGAs offer superior performance, but when servicing existing equipment, partnering with reliable obsolete component specialists ensures continued operation of mission-critical systems.

Expert Tip: When sourcing, always verify:

• Authenticity through decapsulation testing if required
• Compatibility with your specific Quartus II version
• Thermal performance in your actual application