10M08SAE144C8G Datasheet, Pinout, Specifications & Application Guide | Intel MAX 10 FPGA

Overview of the 10M08SAE144C8G

The 10M08SAE144C8G is a non-volatile FPGA from Intel's (formerly Altera) MAX 10 family. Fabricated on a 55nm flash-based process, this device integrates 8,000 logic elements with an on-chip 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and internal dual-image configuration flash memory. The "SA" designation indicates a single-supply analog variant, meaning it operates from a single 3.3V power rail while providing integrated analog functionality — a significant advantage for mixed-signal designs.

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 10M08SAE144C8G supports dual configuration images for remote field updates with fail-safe fallback, enabling safe over-the-air (OTA) updates in deployed systems.

Typical applications include industrial sensor hubs, motor control, communications protocol bridging, automotive infotainment subsystems, medical instrumentation front-ends, and power management controllers. The integrated ADC eliminates the need for external analog-to-digital converters in many designs. Development is supported by Intel Quartus Prime Lite Edition (free), providing a complete RTL-to-bitstream flow.

Key Specifications and Parameters

The part number decodes as: 10M08 (MAX 10 family, 8K LEs), SA (Single-supply, Analog — with integrated 12-bit ADC), E144 (EQFP 144-pin package), C8 (commercial temperature, speed grade 8), G (Green/RoHS-compliant). The single-supply analog variant integrates an internal 1.2V voltage regulator so the entire device can be powered from a single 3.3V rail, greatly simplifying power supply design.

Block Diagram and Architecture

The MAX 10 architecture in the 10M08SAE144C8G employs a column-based layout with logic array blocks (LABs), M9K embedded memory columns, 18×18 multiplier blocks, PLLs, an integrated ADC, and I/O elements arranged 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 10M08SAE144C8G include:

• Logic Elements (LEs): Each of the 8,000 LEs contains a four-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and carry chain logic. LEs are grouped into 500 LABs of 16 LEs each for efficient local routing.
• M9K Memory Blocks: 32 blocks provide 378 Kb of true dual-port SRAM, configurable as RAM, ROM, FIFO, or shift register in various width/depth combinations up to 256×36 bits.
• Integrated 12-bit ADC: The on-chip ADC supports up to 18 single-ended external analog inputs with a cumulative sampling rate of 1 MSPS, along with an internal temperature sensor for thermal monitoring. This eliminates the need for external ADC chips in many mixed-signal applications.
• Configuration Flash Memory (CFM): Supports dual compressed images for remote update with automatic fallback to the factory image if the application image fails.
• User Flash Memory (UFM): 32 Kb of on-chip non-volatile storage accessible via Avalon Memory-Mapped interface for storing calibration data, serial numbers, or small lookup tables.

Pinout and Package Information

The 10M08SAE144C8G is packaged in a 144-pin Enhanced Quad Flat Package (EQFP) with exposed thermal pad, measuring 20mm × 20mm with 0.5mm lead pitch. The E144 package provides 101 user-programmable I/O pins organized across eight 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 with up to 15 differential pairs for high-speed serial interfaces. Each I/O pin features programmable drive strength, slew rate control, and optional internal pull-up resistors. Dedicated ADC input pins (ANAIN1–ANAIN8) are available for direct connection to analog sensors.

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 10M08SAE144C8G is widely used in industrial control, communications equipment, consumer electronics, automotive subsystems, and medical instrumentation. Its non-volatile instant-on behavior, integrated ADC, and compact EQFP package make it especially popular for mixed-signal sensor hubs, motor control with analog feedback, and IoT edge devices requiring analog sensing.

When designing with the 10M08SAE144C8G, follow these guidelines:

• Power Supply Design: The single-supply SA variant integrates an internal voltage regulator, requiring only a 3.3V ±5% input rail. Place 100nF + 10µF decoupling capacitors near each VCC pin pair. The analog supply (VCCADC) should be filtered separately with a ferrite bead and 10µF + 100nF capacitor network for best ADC performance.
• ADC Input Conditioning: The integrated ADC accepts 0–2.5V input range. Use a simple resistive voltage divider with a 100nF anti-aliasing filter capacitor when interfacing 3.3V or 5V sensors. The on-chip temperature sensor requires no external components.
• 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 with fail-safe fallback.
• 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. Route analog input traces away from digital switching signals.
• 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. The 116 MHz internal oscillator can serve as a system clock source for reduced component count.

The 10M16SAU169C8G provides a pin-compatible upgrade path with 16,000 logic elements for designs that require additional capacity. For industrial-temperature applications, consider the 10M16SAU169I7G with −40°C to +100°C operating range. Browse our full FPGA and CPLD catalog for additional Intel MAX 10 and Altera FPGA options.

Video Tutorial: Getting Started with Intel MAX 10 FPGA

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