Part A
5CEFA9F27I7N
Intel
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7586 PCS
- Package
- BGA-672
- Series
- Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The 5CEFA9F27I7N and 5CEFA7F27C6N are both Intel Cyclone V F-series FPGAs in the same 672-pin FBGA package, sharing identical I/O count, supply voltage, and transceiver architecture, but they differ in logic density and temperature grade. The 5CEFA9F27I7N offers higher logic capacity and industrial temperature range, while the 5CEFA7F27C6N provides lower density at commercial grade. Functional substitutability is feasible only when the reduced logic resources and commercial temperature range of the 5CEFA7F27C6N satisfy the target application requirements.
Logic Density
Validation required
Package Type
High match
I/O Count
High match
Operating Temperature
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
5CEFA7F27C6N
Intel
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7823 PCS
- Package
- BGA-672
- 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 | 5CEFA9F27I7N | 5CEFA7F27C6N | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logic Elements (LE) | 301000 | 149500 | Logic capacity determines how much digital logic can be implemented; a large difference means the two devices are not functionally interchangeable for complex designs. |
| Total RAM Bits | 14251008 | 7880704 | On-chip memory affects buffering, data storage, and DSP capability; differing memory sizes limit direct substitutability. |
| Number of I/Os | 336 | 336 | I/O count determines how many external signals can be interfaced; matching counts support similar board-level connectivity. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 100°C (TJ) | 0°C to 85°C (TJ) | Industrial versus commercial temperature grades affect reliability in harsh environments and are not interchangeable in industrial applications. |
| Speed Grade | 7 (faster) | 6 (slower) | Speed grade impacts maximum operating frequency and timing closure; a slower grade may not meet the same performance requirements. |
| Package / Case | 672-BGA (27x27) | 672-BGA (27x27) | Package compatibility is essential for PCB footprint and assembly; identical packages allow physical interchangeability. |
| Supply Voltage | 1.07V to 1.13V | 1.07V to 1.13V | Core voltage must match the board power design; identical ranges ensure electrical compatibility. |
| Number of LABs / CLBs | 113560 | 56480 | Logic array blocks define granular logic resources; a large difference affects achievable design complexity and resource utilization. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | 5CEFA9F27I7N | 5CEFA7F27C6N |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Intel |
| Series | Cyclone® V E | Cyclone® V E |
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 113560 | 56480 |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | 301000 | 149500 |
| Total RAM Bits | 14251008 | 7880704 |
| Number of I/O | 336 | 336 |
| 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 5CEFA9F27I7N and the 5CEFA7F27C6N?
The 5CEFA9F27I7N and 5CEFA7F27C6N are both Intel (formerly Altera) Cyclone V FPGAs in the same 672-pin FBGA package (F27). The primary differences are logic density, speed grade, and operating temperature range. The 5CEFA9F27I7N offers higher logic density (approximately 301K logic elements) and is rated for industrial temperature range (I7). The 5CEFA7F27C6N has lower logic density (approximately 149.5K logic elements) and is rated for commercial temperature range (C6).
Are the 5CEFA9F27I7N and 5CEFA7F27C6N pin-to-pin compatible?
Both devices are offered in the same 672-pin FBGA package (F27), which typically provides a common pinout across the Cyclone V family for a given package. However, designers must verify pin assignments and I/O bank voltages against the respective device pin-out files, as not all I/O pins may be bonded out or functionally identical between density variants.
What is the logic element count for each device?
The 5CEFA9F27I7N contains approximately 301,000 logic elements (LEs). The 5CEFA7F27C6N contains approximately 149,500 logic elements (LEs). These values are based on Intel Cyclone V device family specifications.
What do the speed grade and temperature suffixes indicate?
In the 5CEFA9F27I7N, the "I7" suffix indicates an industrial temperature range (typically -40°C to +100°C junction temperature) and speed grade 7. In the 5CEFA7F27C6N, the "C6" suffix indicates a commercial temperature range (typically 0°C to +85°C junction temperature) and speed grade 6. Speed grade 6 is faster than speed grade 7 in the Cyclone V family.
Can the 5CEFA7F27C6N be used as a drop-in replacement for the 5CEFA9F27I7N?
No. Although both share the same package, the 5CEFA7F27C6N has significantly lower logic density and a different speed grade and temperature range. A design targeting the 5CEFA9F27I7N may not fit into the smaller 5CEFA7F27C6N, and the commercial temperature rating may be insufficient for industrial applications. A full design re-evaluation is required.
What are the typical applications for each device?
The 5CEFA9F27I7N, with higher logic density and industrial temperature rating, is suited for demanding industrial, automotive, and communication infrastructure applications. The 5CEFA7F27C6N, with lower density and commercial temperature rating, is typically used in consumer electronics, commercial-grade embedded systems, and cost-sensitive applications where the industrial temperature range is not required.
Do both devices support the same configuration and transceiver options?
Both devices belong to the Cyclone V E family and support similar configuration schemes (e.g., active serial, passive serial, JTAG). However, the number of available transceivers, PLLs, and memory blocks may differ between the A7 and A9 density variants. Designers should consult the respective device datasheets for exact resource counts.
What power supply voltages are required for these FPGAs?
Both the 5CEFA9F27I7N and 5CEFA7F27C6N require typical Cyclone V supply voltages, including VCCINT (1.1 V), VCCAUX (2.5 V), and various I/O bank voltages (e.g., 1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.0 V, 3.3 V) depending on the I/O standard used. Exact voltage tolerances and sequencing requirements are specified in the Intel Cyclone V device handbook.