10M04SCE144C8G Intel MAX 10 FPGA: Datasheet, Pinout, and Application Guide
Overview of the 10M04SCE144C8G
The 10M04SCE144C8G is a non-volatile FPGA from Intel's (formerly Altera) MAX 10 family. Fabricated on a 55nm flash-based process, this device integrates 4,000 logic elements with internal configuration flash memory, eliminating the need for an external configuration EEPROM. The single-chip, instant-on capability of the MAX 10 architecture makes the 10M04SCE144C8G ideal for cost-sensitive applications that demand fast startup and small board footprint.
The MAX 10 family bridges the gap between CPLDs and FPGAs by combining the non-volatile, instant-on characteristics of CPLDs with the logic density, flexible I/O, and embedded memory of FPGAs. The 10M04SCE144C8G supports dual configuration images for remote field updates with fail-safe fallback, a critical feature for deployed systems.
Typical applications include industrial I/O expansion, sensor aggregation, motor control, communications protocol bridging, LED display drivers, and power management sequencing. The device is supported by Intel Quartus Prime Lite Edition (free), providing a complete development flow from RTL design through device programming.
Key Specifications and Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Family | MAX 10 |
| Part Number | 10M04SCE144C8G |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 4,000 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 250 |
| M9K Memory Blocks | 21 (189 Kb total) |
| 18×18 Embedded Multipliers | 16 |
| Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) | 2 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| User I/O Pins (E144) | 101 |
| Maximum LVDS Pairs | 15 |
| User Flash Memory (UFM) | 32 Kb |
| Internal Configuration Flash | Yes (dual-image CFM) |
| ADC Blocks | 0 (SC = Compact variant, no ADC) |
| Package Type | 144-EQFP (20 × 20 mm) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2V (single supply) |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 2.85V – 3.15V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 402 MHz |
| Speed Grade | 8 (C8 = commercial, speed grade 8) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 85°C (commercial) |
| Process Technology | 55 nm flash-based |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes (G = Green/Lead-Free) |
| Product Status | Active |
The part number decodes as: 10M04 (MAX 10 family, 4K LEs), SC (Single-supply, Compact — no analog-to-digital converter), E144 (EQFP 144-pin package), C8 (commercial temperature, speed grade 8), G (Green/RoHS-compliant). The single-supply variant simplifies power design by requiring only one core voltage rail at 1.2V.
Block Diagram and Architecture
The MAX 10 architecture in the 10M04SCE144C8G employs a column-based layout with logic array blocks (LABs), M9K embedded memory columns, 18×18 multiplier blocks, and I/O elements arranged in a regular structure around the device perimeter. The internal configuration flash memory (CFM) and user flash memory (UFM) are embedded directly within the FPGA fabric.
Key architectural highlights of the 10M04SCE144C8G include:
- Logic Elements (LEs): Each LE contains a four-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and carry chain logic. LEs are grouped into LABs of 16 LEs each for efficient local routing.
- M9K Memory Blocks: Each M9K block provides 9 Kb of true dual-port SRAM configurable as RAM, ROM, FIFO, or shift register in various width/depth combinations up to 256×36 bits.
- Configuration Flash Memory (CFM): Supports dual compressed images for remote update with automatic fallback to the factory image if the application image fails — enabling safe over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- User Flash Memory (UFM): 32 Kb of on-chip non-volatile storage accessible via Avalon Memory-Mapped interface for storing calibration data, serial numbers, encryption keys, or small lookup tables.
Pinout and Package Information
The 10M04SCE144C8G is packaged in a 144-pin Enhanced Quad Flat Package (EQFP) with exposed pad, measuring 20mm × 20mm with 0.5mm lead pitch. The E144 package provides 101 user-programmable I/O pins organized across multiple I/O banks supporting voltage standards from 1.2V to 3.3V.
The I/O banks support multiple single-ended standards including 3.3V/2.5V/1.8V/1.5V/1.2V LVCMOS and LVTTL, as well as differential standards such as LVDS for high-speed serial interfaces with up to 15 differential pairs. Each I/O pin features programmable drive strength, slew rate control, and optional internal pull-up resistors.
For complete pin assignment tables, bank assignments, and recommended PCB footprints, refer to the official Intel MAX 10 FPGA Device Handbook.
Application Circuit and Design Guide
The 10M04SCE144C8G is widely used in industrial control, communications equipment, consumer electronics, and automotive subsystems. Its non-volatile instant-on behavior and compact EQFP package make it especially popular for board management controllers, sensor hubs, and glue logic replacement in space-constrained designs.
When designing with the 10M04SCE144C8G, follow these guidelines:
- Power Supply Design: The single-supply SC variant requires only a 1.2V ±5% core rail (VCC). Use a low-noise LDO or DC-DC converter with 100nF + 10µF decoupling per VCC pin pair. The I/O banks are powered at 3.3V (VCCIO) for maximum compatibility.
- Configuration: The internal CFM stores the bitstream — no external configuration memory is needed. Program via JTAG using an Intel USB Blaster or compatible programmer. Enable dual-image mode in Quartus Prime for field-updatable designs.
- PCB Layout: The exposed pad on the bottom of the EQFP package must be soldered to the ground plane for electrical and thermal performance. Use a 4-layer minimum PCB stackup with dedicated ground and power planes.
- Clock Design: Connect a 3.3V LVCMOS oscillator (typically 50 MHz) to a dedicated clock input pin. The two on-chip PLLs provide frequency synthesis from 5 MHz to 472.5 MHz output.
Development is fully supported by Intel Quartus Prime Lite (free), which includes synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, Signal Tap logic analyzer, and the Platform Designer (Qsys) system integration tool.
Video Tutorial: Getting Started with Intel MAX 10 FPGA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 10M04SCE144C8G and what family does it belong to?
The 10M04SCE144C8G is a non-volatile FPGA from Intel's MAX 10 family. It features 4,000 logic elements, 189 Kb of M9K embedded memory, 16 embedded 18×18 multipliers, and 101 user I/O pins in a 144-EQFP package. Built on 55nm flash-based process technology, it integrates internal configuration memory for instant-on operation without an external boot ROM.
Does the 10M04SCE144C8G have an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)?
No. The "SC" in the part number stands for Single-supply Compact, which means this variant does not include an ADC block. If your design requires an on-chip ADC, choose the "SA" (Single-supply Analog) variant such as the 10M04SAE144C8G, which includes a 12-bit, 1 MSPS ADC with up to 18 analog input channels.
Does the 10M04SCE144C8G require external configuration memory?
No. The MAX 10 family integrates configuration flash memory (CFM) on-chip. The 10M04SCE144C8G stores its FPGA bitstream internally, enabling instant-on operation — the device configures itself within milliseconds of power-up. It supports dual configuration images, allowing safe remote firmware updates with automatic fallback to a known-good factory image.
What software tools are used to program the 10M04SCE144C8G?
The 10M04SCE144C8G is programmed using Intel Quartus Prime Lite Edition, which is free and supports the entire MAX 10 device family. Quartus Prime provides HDL synthesis (Verilog/VHDL), place-and-route, timing analysis, the Signal Tap embedded logic analyzer for debugging, and the Platform Designer (Qsys) tool for Nios II soft processor and IP integration. Programming is done via JTAG using an Intel USB Blaster.
What are the main applications of the 10M04SCE144C8G FPGA?
The 10M04SCE144C8G is used in industrial I/O expansion, motor control, sensor aggregation, communications protocol bridging (SPI/I²C/UART conversion), LED panel drivers, board management controllers, and power sequencing. Its non-volatile instant-on capability and compact EQFP-144 package make it especially suited for cost-sensitive embedded systems that need fast startup without external boot memory.
Where can I buy the 10M04SCE144C8G and what is its availability?
The 10M04SCE144C8G is an active product available from authorized distributors including WWD Parts, Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key, and Arrow Electronics. As a widely used device in Intel's MAX 10 lineup, it maintains stable supply. Contact wwdparts.com for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and technical support.
