EPF8636ALC84-4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EPF8636ALC84-4 is a FLEX 8000 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) IC manufactured by Intel, featuring 68 I/O pins and 504 logic elements in an 84-LCC (J-Lead) surface mount package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where FLEX 8000 architecture is specified.

Substiute Parts

EPF8636ALC84-4

IntelIn Stock: 1457EPF8636ALC84-4 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

A40MX04-PLG84

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1997A40MX04-PLG84 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the EPF8636ALC84-4 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Package Compatibility: 84-LCC (J-Lead) surface mount package with identical footprint dimensions (29.31x29.31 mm)
• Logic Capacity: Minimum 504 logic elements to maintain functional equivalence
• I/O Pin Count: Minimum 68 I/O pins for signal routing compatibility
• Gate Count: 6000 gates as baseline functional specification
• Supply Voltage: Support for 4.75V ~ 5.25V operating range
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
• Mounting Type: Surface mount configuration

The A40MX04-PLG84 from Microchip Technology meets all critical substitution criteria, offering enhanced specifications including dual voltage support (3V ~ 3.6V and 4.75V ~ 5.25V), improved I/O capacity (69 pins), and active product status with RoHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The A40MX04-PLG84 is the qualified substitute for the EPF8636ALC84-4 based on the following engineering criteria:

• Package Compatibility: Identical 84-LCC (J-Lead) footprint and pin configuration enable direct PCB-level replacement without layout modifications.
• Functional Equivalence: Gate count (6000) and logic element capacity meet or exceed the original specification, with one additional I/O pin (69 vs. 68) providing enhanced routing flexibility.
• Supply Voltage Support: Dual voltage capability (3V ~ 3.6V and 4.75V ~ 5.25V) ensures compatibility with both legacy 5V systems and modern 3.3V designs.
• Product Status: Active manufacturing status guarantees long-term availability and supply chain continuity, addressing the obsolescence of the original FLEX 8000 device.
• Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 compliance of the substitute part aligns with current environmental and regulatory requirements, whereas the original part is RoHS non-compliant.
• Moisture Sensitivity: Identical MSL rating (3, 168 Hours) maintains equivalent handling and storage requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the A40MX04-PLG84 be used as a direct replacement for the EPF8636ALC84-4 in existing designs?

A: Yes, the A40MX04-PLG84 is a direct substitute. Both devices share identical 84-LCC (J-Lead) package dimensions and pin spacing. The substitute provides equivalent gate count (6000) and exceeds the I/O requirement (69 vs. 68 pins). Firmware or configuration files may require adaptation to the MX series architecture, but PCB-level replacement is feasible without layout changes.

Q: What are the key differences between these two FPGA devices?

A: The primary differences are: (1) Manufacturer and series—Intel FLEX 8000 versus Microchip MX; (2) Supply voltage range—the substitute supports dual voltage operation (3V ~ 3.6V and 4.75V ~ 5.25V) versus single range (4.75V ~ 5.25V); (3) Product status—the substitute is active production while the original is obsolete; (4) RoHS compliance—the substitute is RoHS3 compliant. Logic capacity and gate count are equivalent.

Q: Are there any compatibility concerns with the 84-LCC package?

A: No. Both devices use identical 84-LCC (J-Lead) surface mount packages with matching footprint dimensions (29.31x29.31 mm). Pin pitch and solder pad layout are compatible, allowing direct PCB substitution without rework.

Q: Does the additional I/O pin on the substitute part affect compatibility?

A: The A40MX04-PLG84 provides 69 I/O pins compared to 68 on the original device. This additional pin increases routing flexibility and does not create compatibility issues. Designs utilizing 68 pins will function without modification; the extra pin remains available for optional signal routing.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level, and how does it affect handling?

A: Both devices carry MSL rating 3 (168 Hours), indicating identical moisture sensitivity and handling requirements. Components must be stored in controlled humidity environments and baked according to IPC standards before reflow soldering to prevent moisture-induced defects.

Q: Is the substitute part available in the same packaging format?

A: Yes. The A40MX04-PLG84 is supplied in Tube packaging, while the original EPF8636ALC84-4 packaging format is not specified. Both devices use the same 84-PLCC (29.31x29.31) supplier device package for surface mount assembly.