343 I/O — what the pin count buys you
343 I/O in a 484-ball BGA allows interfacing to wide parallel buses without multiplexing. The 23x23 mm body is a standard BGA footprint. Compare to the EP4CE10U14I7N with 179 I/O in a smaller package.
That means Intel is still manufacturing it, no last-time-buy notice has been issued, and it remains eligible for new designs. The Cyclone IV E series has a long tail in industrial and communications infrastructure; expect continued availability through Intel's distribution channel and the independent market for the foreseeable future.
