5CEFA4F23I7N vs 5CEFA2M13C8N

This in-depth comparison of the 5CEFA4F23I7N and 5CEFA2M13C8N provides valuable insights into their specifications and key features. We cover important factors in detail, including RoHS compliance, REACH status, series, mounting style, package type, and other relevant characteristics. Presenting the differences side by side simplifies component selection, making it easier for you to select the best option for your specific application.

Technical review by ETEI Component Engineering Source: manufacturer documentation

Replacement verdict

Compatible functional replacement candidate

The 5CEFA4F23I7N and 5CEFA2M13C8N are both Intel (Altera) Cyclone V FPGAs sharing the same core architecture and logic cell family, making them functionally related candidates. However, they differ in logic density, package footprint, and operating temperature grade, so a direct drop-in substitution is not possible without design review. The 5CEFA4F23I7N offers higher logic capacity and industrial temperature support, while the 5CEFA2M13C8N provides a smaller package and commercial temperature range. Validation of logic utilization, board layout, and thermal requirements is required before considering either device as a replacement for the other.

Logic Density Validation required
Package Type Not compatible
Operating Temperature Validation required
Core Architecture High match

Parts at a glance

Part A

5CEFA4F23I7N

Intel

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
6968 PCS
Package
FBGA-484
Series
Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)
Part B

5CEFA2M13C8N

Intel

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
4445 PCS
Package
TFBGA-383
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 5CEFA4F23I7N 5CEFA2M13C8N Why it matters
Family / Series Cyclone V E Cyclone V E Same FPGA family ensures toolchain, IP, and pinout compatibility for substitution.
Logic Elements (LE) 49,000 25,000 Logic capacity determines whether a design fits; a smaller device may not accommodate the same logic.
Package FBGA-484 MBGA-383 Different packages have different footprints and pin counts, preventing direct board-level drop-in replacement.
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to +100°C (Industrial) 0°C to +85°C (Commercial) Temperature grade affects reliability in harsh environments; industrial parts are required for extended temperature applications.
Speed Grade 7 (Fastest) 8 (Slowest) Speed grade impacts maximum operating frequency and timing closure; a slower grade may not meet performance requirements.
Embedded Memory (M10K blocks) 308 140 On-chip memory capacity affects buffering, FIFO depth, and data storage capability within the FPGA.
18x18 Multipliers 140 72 DSP resources determine signal processing throughput and parallel arithmetic capability.
Maximum User I/O 224 175 I/O count limits peripheral connectivity and interface options for the design.
PLLs 4 4 PLL count affects clock generation and distribution flexibility across the design.

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Full specification comparison

Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.

Specification 5CEFA4F23I7N 5CEFA2M13C8N
Supplier - Intel
Series Cyclone® V E Cyclone® V E
Part Status Active Active
Number of LABs/CLBs 18480 9434
Number of Logic Elements/Cells 49000 25000
Total RAM Bits 3464192 2002944
Number of I/O 224 223
Voltage - Supply 1.07V ~ 1.13V 1.07V ~ 1.13V
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 100°C (TJ) 0°C ~ 85°C (TJ)

Frequently asked questions

What are the key differences between the 5CEFA4F23I7N and the 5CEFA2M13C8N?

The 5CEFA4F23I7N is a Cyclone V FPGA with 49,000 logic elements, 308 embedded multipliers, and 3,880 Kbits of embedded memory in a 484-pin FBGA package, rated for industrial temperature range (I7). The 5CEFA2M13C8N is a Cyclone V FPGA with 25,000 logic elements, 150 embedded multipliers, and 1,960 Kbits of embedded memory in a 383-pin Micro FBGA package, rated for commercial temperature range (C8). The 5CEFA4F23I7N offers higher logic density, more memory, and a wider temperature range, while the 5CEFA2M13C8N provides a smaller package and lower power consumption for cost-sensitive commercial applications.

Are the 5CEFA4F23I7N and 5CEFA2M13C8N pin-to-pin compatible?

No. The 5CEFA4F23I7N uses a 484-pin FBGA package (23 mm x 23 mm), while the 5CEFA2M13C8N uses a 383-pin Micro FBGA package (13 mm x 13 mm). The different package sizes, pin counts, and ball maps make them physically and electrically incompatible for direct PCB replacement.

Can the 5CEFA2M13C8N be used as a direct substitute for the 5CEFA4F23I7N?

No. The 5CEFA2M13C8N has fewer logic elements (25,000 vs 49,000), fewer embedded multipliers (150 vs 308), less embedded memory (1,960 Kbits vs 3,880 Kbits), a different package (383-pin Micro FBGA vs 484-pin FBGA), and a commercial temperature grade (C8) versus the industrial grade (I7) of the 5CEFA4F23I7N. A direct substitution would require a complete redesign of the PCB and verification that the reduced resources meet the application requirements.

What are the operating temperature ranges for these two FPGAs?

The 5CEFA4F23I7N is rated for the industrial temperature range, typically -40°C to +100°C junction temperature (I7 grade). The 5CEFA2M13C8N is rated for the commercial temperature range, typically 0°C to +85°C junction temperature (C8 grade). The industrial-grade device is suitable for harsh environments, while the commercial-grade device is intended for controlled environments.

Which device consumes less power?

The 5CEFA2M13C8N generally consumes less power due to its smaller logic density (25,000 LE vs 49,000 LE), lower embedded memory, and commercial temperature grade. However, actual power consumption depends on the specific design, clock frequencies, and I/O usage. Altera/Intel PowerPlay Early Power Estimator tools should be used for accurate comparison in a given application.

Do both devices support the same configuration and transceiver options?

Both are Cyclone V FPGAs and share the same configuration schemes (active serial, passive serial, JTAG, etc.). However, the 5CEFA4F23I7N (F23 package) supports up to 6 transceivers at 3.125 Gbps, while the 5CEFA2M13C8N (M13 package) supports up to 2 transceivers at 3.125 Gbps. The number of available high-speed transceiver channels differs due to package and device variant.

What are the typical applications for each device?

The 5CEFA4F23I7N is typically used in industrial automation, motor control, medical imaging, and harsh-environment applications requiring higher logic density and industrial temperature support. The 5CEFA2M13C8N is commonly used in consumer electronics, portable devices, and cost-sensitive commercial applications where small package size and lower power are critical.

Are these devices RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes. Both the 5CEFA4F23I7N and 5CEFA2M13C8N are offered in RoHS-compliant, lead-free packages as standard from Intel (formerly Altera). However, customers should verify the specific ordering code and packaging options with the manufacturer or authorized distributor to confirm compliance for their production requirements.