10M40DCF256A7G vs 10M40DAF256C8G

Both are Intel (formerly Altera) MAX 10 field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) in the 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The 10M40DAF256C8G is a 40,000-logic-element (LE) MAX 10 FPGA with a commercial temperature grade and speed grade 8. The 10M40DCF256A7G is a 40,000-LE MAX 10 FPGA with an automotive temperature grade and speed grade 7. Both integrate non-volatile flash configuration memory, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) blocks, and embedded memory blocks.

The 10M40DAF256C8G has a speed grade of 8, while the 10M40DCF256A7G has a speed grade of 7. In Intel MAX 10 ordering codes, a lower speed grade number indicates a faster device. Therefore, the 10M40DCF256A7G (speed grade 7) offers higher maximum operating frequencies and tighter timing performance than the 10M40DAF256C8G (speed grade 8).

The 10M40DAF256C8G is rated for the commercial temperature range (typically 0°C to 85°C junction temperature). The 10M40DCF256A7G is rated for the automotive temperature range (typically –40°C to 125°C junction temperature). The automotive-grade device is suitable for harsher environments and applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification, while the commercial-grade device targets standard consumer and industrial environments.

Yes. Both devices are offered in the same 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package with the same pinout. They share identical package dimensions, ball assignments, and PCB land patterns. This means a board designed for one device can physically accept the other, provided the timing, temperature, and speed grade requirements are satisfied.

Not automatically. Although both are 40,000-LE MAX 10 FPGAs in the same 256-ball FBGA package, they differ in speed grade (8 vs. 7) and temperature grade (commercial vs. automotive). A design must be re-timed and validated to ensure the speed grade difference does not cause timing violations, and the operating temperature range must match the target application. The 10M40DCF256A7G can generally replace the 10M40DAF256C8G in commercial applications if timing closure is re-verified, but the reverse substitution may not meet automotive temperature requirements.

Yes. Both the 10M40DAF256C8G and 10M40DCF256A7G are members of the Intel MAX 10 FPGA family with 40,000 logic elements. They both include integrated flash configuration memory (instant-on), analog-to-digital converter (ADC) blocks, embedded memory blocks, and DSP blocks. The feature set is identical; the primary differences are speed grade and temperature grade.

The 10M40DCF256A7G should be selected for automotive applications. It carries an automotive temperature grade (typically –40°C to 125°C junction temperature) and is qualified to automotive standards. The 10M40DAF256C8G is a commercial-grade device and is not intended for automotive use where AEC-Q100 or extended temperature operation is required.

In the Intel MAX 10 ordering code, the 10M40D prefix indicates the 40,000-LE device. The following letter indicates the feature options: "A" for the 10M40DAF256C8G and "C" for the 10M40DCF256A7G, reflecting different configuration or feature variants within the family. The "F256" denotes the 256-ball FineLine BGA package. The final two characters indicate speed grade and temperature grade: "C8G" means commercial temperature grade and speed grade 8, while "A7G" means automotive temperature grade and speed grade 7. Always consult the official Intel MAX 10 datasheet and ordering information for exact definitions.