EP3C40U484C6 - Cyclone III FPGA 39.6K LE 484-UBGA | Altera
MPN: EP3C40U484C6 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $196 | $196.00 |
| 10 | $178 | $1,780.00 |
| 100 | $152 | $15,200.00 |
| 500 | $128 | $64,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $105 | $105,000.00 |
EP3C40U484C6 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated hard-IP such as block RAM, DSP blocks, and phase-locked loops (PLLs). FPGAs occupy a unique position in the digital design hierarchy: more flexible than application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) yet offering higher performance per watt than general-purpose microcontrollers for parallel DSP, video bridging, and custom interface work. The Cyclone III family specifically targets the low-power end of the FPGA market, leveraging a 65 nm TSMC process and 1.2 V core to optimize dollar-per-logic-element.
Key features of the EP3C40U484C6 include 126 embedded 18×18 multipliers suitable for DSP-intensive functions, 4 PLLs for clock management and frequency synthesis, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM. The device operates across a commercial temperature grade (the C6 suffix indicates a 6-speed grade), with a core supply of 1.15 V to 1.25 V and I/O banks that can be independently powered for mixed-voltage designs. The non-volatile configuration is loaded from external serial or parallel flash, supported by Altera's Quartus II design software.
The Cyclone III architecture uses an SRAM-based lookup table (LUT) fabric paired with M9K block RAM tiles. The 1,161,216 bits of embedded RAM can be configured as true dual-port, simple dual-port, or single-port memory at widths from ×1 to ×36 bits. Multiplier blocks can be combined with adjacent logic to build DSP filters and FFT engines without consuming general fabric resources.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, software-defined radio front-ends, and embedded prototyping platforms. In motor control, the EP3C40's DSP blocks accelerate Park/Clarke transforms and space-vector PWM generation. In display bridging, the device converts between camera, HDMI, and LVDS data streams at line-rate. The 484-UBGA package supports up to 331 user I/Os, enabling dense parallel interfaces such as DDR2 memory buses and high-speed LVDS links.
When designing with this part, plan the power-decoupling network carefully: each PLL requires its own filtered analog supply, and the core supply must be sequenced with the I/O supplies per Altera's Cyclone III Handbook. The UFBGA-484 PCB footprint demands 0.8 mm-pitch via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out, with controlled-impedance routing for LVDS and DDR2 interfaces. JTAG and Active Serial configuration should be brought out to a header for in-system programming and debug.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and engineering design guidance not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, including same-package same-family variants that share the 484-UBGA footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3C40U484C6 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with EP3C40U484C6 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, RoHS Status, Family, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3C40U484C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$119.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C40U484C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$71.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C40U484A7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C40U484C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$50.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C40U484I7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$118.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C40U484C6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone III |
| Logic Elements | 39,600 |
| Logic Array Blocks | 396 |
| Total RAM Bits | 1,161,216 bits |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 126 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Maximum User I/O | 331 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| Package | 484-UBGA (U484) 19x19 mm, 0.8 mm pitch |
| Process Technology | 65 nm TSMC low-power |
| Core Voltage | 1.15 V to 1.25 V |
| Speed Grade | 6 (C6, commercial) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP3C40U484C6 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | IO/ball — User I/O (bank 1, reference Cyclone III pin-out chapter for exact function) |
| Pin B2 | IO/ball — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin GND1 | GND — Ground reference (multiple GND balls distributed across the array) |
| Pin VCCINT | VCCINT — Core supply, 1.15 V to 1.25 V (multiple balls) |
| Pin VCCIO1 | VCCIO — I/O bank 1 supply (multiple balls, each bank has its own VCCIO) |
| Pin VCCA_PLL1 | VCCA_PLL — Analog PLL supply for PLL 1 (filtered 1.2 V required) |
| Pin VCCD_PLL1 | VCCD_PLL — Digital PLL supply for PLL 1 (filtered 1.2 V required) |
| Pin TCK | TCK — JTAG test clock input |
| Pin TMS | TMS — JTAG test mode select input |
| Pin TDI | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin TDO | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin MSEL0 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select bit 0 |
| Pin MSEL1 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select bit 1 |
| Pin MSEL2 | MSEL2 — Configuration mode select bit 2 |
| Pin nCE | nCE — Chip enable (active low, pulled high for single-device configuration) |
| Pin nCONFIG | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low, falling edge initiates configuration) |
| Pin nSTATUS | nSTATUS — Configuration status (open-drain, pulled up externally) |
| Pin CONF_DONE | CONF_DONE — Configuration done indicator (open-drain, pulled up) |
| Pin DCLK | DCLK — Configuration clock (from external controller or EPCS device) |
| Pin DATA0 | DATA0 — Configuration data input bit 0 (AS mode receives serial data on this pin) |
Typical Applications
EP3C40U484C6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing Bridge, Software-Defined Radio Front-End, Embedded Prototyping Platform, Medical Imaging Signal Processor, Industrial Networking Switch.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP3C40U484C6 fits industrial motor control applications because its 126 embedded 18×18 multipliers accelerate Park/Clarke transforms and space-vector PWM computation, while its 4 PLLs synthesize the multiple clock domains required for encoder sampling, PWM switching, and communication. With 39,600 logic elements, the device has headroom for custom control loops (FOC, DTC) and safety logic. The 484-UBGA package supports the multi-axis PWM output count (typically 24 to 48 channels), encoder interfaces, and isolated communication ports (RS-485, CAN, EtherCAT). Commercial temperature grade suits factory-floor enclosures with controlled climate, and Quartus II Qsys tool flow simplifies IP integration. Compared to a microcontroller DSP, the FPGA delivers deterministic latency at high PWM frequencies (>50 kHz) for high-speed spindle drives.
Recommended
Video Processing Bridge
The EP3C40U484C6 is well suited as a video format converter or camera-to-display bridge because its 1,161,216 bits of embedded RAM buffer full-HD video lines (1920×1080×16 bits ≈ 33 Mbits, easily fitting as line buffers), and its 331 user I/Os support parallel camera/HDMI/LVDS interfaces. The DSP blocks handle color-space conversion (RGB↔YCrCb) and scaling in real time at 150 MHz pixel clock. The 484-UBGA package provides the pin count required for 24-bit parallel video plus sideband control signals, while the 4 PLLs generate the independent pixel clocks for input and output domains. Compared to an ASSP bridge chip, the FPGA offers field-upgradeable protocol support, which is critical when the source device (camera, SoC) changes its interface mid-product cycle.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio Front-End
The EP3C40U484C6 serves as a digital down-conversion (DDC) and channelization engine in software-defined radio front-ends, leveraging its 126 multipliers to implement polyphase filter banks and FFT cores, and its 39,600 logic elements to host multiple parallel receiver chains. The 4 PLLs derive the sampling clocks required for ADC capture, decimation filtering, and Ethernet transport. The 484-UBGA package routes 16+ ADC data lines plus DDR2 memory for buffering at 200 MSPS rates. Commercial temperature grade is acceptable for indoor base-station or test-instrument environments. The Quartus II DSP Builder tool accelerates FIR compiler and FFT IP development, shortening time-to-prototype compared to a custom ASIC approach.
Recommended
Embedded Prototyping Platform
The EP3C40U484C6 is widely deployed on FPGA prototyping boards and daughter-cards because its mid-range logic capacity (39,600 LE) accommodates full SoC verification workloads, while its 331 user I/Os expose enough signals for prototype bring-up of multi-bus designs. The 484-UBGA package is offered on many commercial evaluation boards from Altera partners, simplifying PCB carrier design. The 4 PLLs generate the multiple clock domains typical of ASIC prototyping (CPU core, DDR memory, peripheral buses). Quartus II supports fast compile flows and incremental compilation, which keeps iteration cycles short during ASIC design validation.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Signal Processor
The EP3C40U484C6 is appropriate for medical imaging front-end signal processing (ultrasound beamforming, patient monitor DSP) because its 126 multipliers implement FIR filters and Hilbert transforms in real time at ultrasound sample rates (up to 40 MHz per channel), while its embedded RAM buffers scan-line data. The 4 PLLs synthesize the phased-array transducer clocks for beam steering. The 484-UBGA package supports the parallel ADC inputs (16 to 64 channels) typical of portable ultrasound carts. Commercial temperature grade and IEC 60601-1 compliance paths are well-documented in Altera's medical reference designs, simplifying regulatory submission for connected patient-monitoring systems.
Recommended
Industrial Networking Switch
The EP3C40U484C6 functions as a managed industrial Ethernet switch controller or PROFINET/EtherCAT slave controller because its 39,600 logic elements implement the cut-through store-and-forward pipeline and management CPU interface. The 1,161,216 bits of RAM provide packet buffer space for QoS queueing, while 4 PLLs generate the 25 MHz, 50 MHz, and 125 MHz clocks required for PHY interfaces (MII, GMII, RGMII). The 484-UBGA package exposes enough I/Os to support multi-port Gigabit Ethernet with SERDES external PHYs. Industrial temperature grade is preferred for factory-floor switches, and the Quartus II Nios II soft-core enables embedded CPU integration without an external MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3C40U484C6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3C40U484C7N | EP3C40U484C8N | EP3C40U484A7N | EP3C40U484C6N | EP3C40U484I7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 484-UBGA (U484) | 484-UBGA (U484) - same | 484-UBGA (U484) - same | 484-UBGA (U484) - same | 484-UBGA (U484) - same | 484-UBGA (U484) - same |
| Logic Elements | 39,600 | 39,600 - same | 39,600 - same | 39,600 - same | 39,600 - same | 39,600 - same |
| Speed Grade | C6 (commercial, grade 6) | C7 (faster) | C8 (fastest) | A7 (industrial, grade 7) | C6 (same) | I7 (industrial, grade 7) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial (auto) | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +100C) |
| Lead-Free (N suffix) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total RAM Bits | 1,161,216 | 1,161,216 - same | 1,161,216 - same | 1,161,216 - same | 1,161,216 - same | 1,161,216 - same |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 126 | 126 - same | 126 - same | 126 - same | 126 - same | 126 - same |
| Maximum User I/O | 331 | 331 - same | 331 - same | 331 - same | 331 - same | 331 - same |
| PLLs | 4 | 4 - same | 4 - same | 4 - same | 4 - same | 4 - same |
Key Differentiators
- Standard commercial speed grade at the lowest price point in the EP3C40 U484 family (vs EP3C40U484C7N)
- Industry-standard 39,600 LE density that matches most common ASIC prototyping workloads (vs EP3C16U256C8N)
- Wire-bond UFBGA package enables finer 0.8 mm pitch for compact designs (vs EP3C40F484C6N)
Design Notes
The EP3C40U484C6 requires at least three separate power rails: VCCINT (1.15 V to 1.25 V core), VCCIO (1.2 V to 3.3 V per bank), and VCCA/VCCD_PLL (1.2 V filtered analog/digital for each of the 4 PLLs). Estimated worst-case static power for a fully utilized EP3C40 is approximately 0.5 W to 1.0 W plus dynamic power proportional to toggle rate. Use a power sequencer or simple RC network to ensure VCCINT comes up before VCCIO. Place a ferrite bead and 10 uF + 0.1 uF decoupling on each PLL analog supply pin to minimize jitter.
The 484-UBGA package uses a 0.8 mm ball pitch, which demands via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out. Use 0.4 mm laser-drilled vias with 0.2 mm capture pads for via-in-pad, or 0.5 mm mechanical vias with dog-bone routing. Estimated: trace width of 0.1 mm with 0.1 mm spacing on a 4-layer 1 oz copper stack-up provides approximately 50 ohm controlled impedance for LVDS pairs. Maintain continuous reference planes under all high-speed signal traces; never route a signal over a plane split.
Do not confuse the U484 (Ultra FineLine BGA, 0.8 mm pitch, 19x19 mm) with the F484 (FineLine BGA, 1.0 mm pitch, 17x17 mm) Cyclone III package: they have different ball maps and require different PCB footprints. Verify the exact package code in the part number (U484 vs F484 vs Q240) before PCB layout. A common pitfall is also leaving MSEL pins floating: MSEL[2:0] must be tied to VCCIO or GND to select the desired configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG).
For DDR/DDR2 SDRAM interfaces, route DQS (data strobe) traces matched within 50 mil to the associated DQ byte lanes, and use fly-by termination on the address/command bus per the Cyclone III External Memory Interface Handbook. Estimated: at 200 MHz DDR2 clock, intra-byte skew should be kept below 25 ps. Enable on-chip OCT (on-chip termination) for impedance matching rather than external resistors to simplify routing and reduce stub effects.
Compliance Information
The EP3C40U484C6 base part is not explicitly RoHS compliant in the suffix (N suffix is required for lead-free). RoHS/REACH status varies by distributor lot and date code. Industrial temperature variants (I7) and automotive temperature variants (A7) are NOT AEC-Q100 qualified by Intel/Altera for the Cyclone III family.
