Intel EP1AGX90EF1152C6N FPGA: In-Depth Technical Analysis

The Intel EP1AGX90EF1152C6N remains a powerhouse in the FPGA market despite its obsolete status. This detailed examination covers everything engineers need to know about this Stratix GX series device, from its architectural advantages to real-world implementation scenarios.

Product Overview

Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC)
• Series: Stratix GX
• Part Status: Obsolete (but still widely available through authorized distributors)

Technical Specifications

Core Architecture

• Logic Elements: 90,220 LEs (25% more than competing FPGAs of its generation)
• Embedded Memory: 4.47 Mbits configurable as true dual-port RAM
• DSP Blocks: 48 dedicated 18x18 multipliers

Performance Characteristics

• Clock Management: 12 PLLs with advanced clock synthesis
• Transceiver Speed: 3.125 Gbps serial transceivers (8 channels)
• I/O Standards: Supports LVDS, SSTL, HSTL, and PCI-X

Package Information

Physical Dimensions

• Package Type: 1152-ball FineLine BGA
• Pitch: 1.0mm ball pitch
• Thermal Design: 6.3 C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance

Design Considerations

Power Requirements

• Core Voltage: 1.2V 50mV
• I/O Voltage: 1.5V to 3.3V bank-selectable
• Power Estimation: Typical 15W @ 300MHz operation

Development Tools

• Quartus II: Version 12.1 or later recommended
• IP Cores: Available for PCIe, Ethernet, and memory controllers
• Migration Path: Consider Stratix IV GX for new designs

Industry Applications

Telecommunications

Ideal for 10Gbps line cards and SONET/SDH equipment with its built-in transceivers and clock data recovery.

Industrial Automation

Used in motor control systems requiring high-speed DSP and deterministic latency.

Legacy System Maintenance

Critical for military/aerospace applications needing component-level obsolescence management.

Purchasing Information

While Intel has discontinued production, we maintain stock of:

• New original factory-sealed units
• Reel packaging options
• Third-party verified pulls

Technical Support

Our engineering team provides:

• Pin-to-pin compatibility analysis
• Thermal modeling reports
• Legacy design migration services

Conclusion

The EP1AGX90EF1152C6N represents the pinnacle of 90nm FPGA technology, offering exceptional value for:

• System designers needing to maintain existing equipment
• Engineers prototyping with mature technology nodes
• Cost-sensitive applications requiring high-performance logic

Contact our sales team today for volume pricing and lifecycle management solutions.