EP3C5E144C7N - Cyclone III FPGA, 5K LE, 144-LQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP3C5E144C7N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.65 | $346.50 |
| 100 | $30.42 | $3,042.00 |
| 500 | $27.1 | $13,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $24.85 | $24,850.00 |
EP3C5E144C7N Overview
A Cyclone III FPGA is a programmable logic device that combines lookup-table (LUT)-based logic fabric with embedded memory blocks (M9K), embedded multipliers (18x18), and Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) on a single die. In the broader taxonomy, the EP3C5E144C7N belongs to the SRAM-based programmable logic family, sitting alongside Cyclone IV (next-generation low-power FPGA), Cyclone V (28 nm successor), and MAX series CPLDs. The device is non-volatile-of-configuration: bitstreams are loaded from external flash or JTAG into on-chip SRAM configuration cells, enabling unlimited re-programmability for prototyping, NPI, and field-upgradable end products.
Key features include 5,136 logic elements organized into 290 logic array blocks (LABs), 46 embedded M9K memory blocks (414 Kbits), 46 embedded 18x18 multipliers (totaling 138 multipliers at 9x9 mode), and up to 4 PLLs with 4 dedicated clock outputs. The device supports configuration schemes including Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), and JTAG, and includes Cyclone III architectural primitives such as high-speed LVDS I/O, on-chip termination (OCT), and the Altera remote update IP for in-field bitstream swapping.
The Cyclone III architecture targets cost-sensitive high-volume applications where the previous-generation Cyclone II could not deliver sufficient logic density, DSP bandwidth, or low static power. The 65 nm process enables typical static power in the milliamp range while retaining deterministic timing closure at 200+ MHz for common logic functions and 250 MHz for DSP blocks. I/O banks support LVDS, SSTL, HSTL, LVCMOS, and PCI/PCI-X signaling standards with per-bank voltage reference supplies, enabling direct interface to DDR/DDR2 SDRAM without external level shifters.
Typical applications include industrial motor control and PLC logic, video surveillance and image-processing front ends, portable medical instrumentation, low-cost software-defined radio (SDR) baseband, and consumer audio/video processing. The combination of low static power, moderate logic capacity, and a small footprint package makes the EP3C5E144C7N a strong fit for space-constrained, cost-driven designs that still need hardware-accelerated DSP or parallel sensor aggregation.
When designing with this device, allocate at least 8 layer PCB stack-up with continuous GND planes for signal integrity on LVDS pairs, and use the Quartus II / Quartus Prime design suite (13.0 or later recommended for final bitstream) with the Cyclone III device library installed. Decoupling must include 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors placed within 5 mm of every VCCIO/VCCINT ball pair, and the exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a 1 sq. inch copper pour to keep junction temperature within the C7 commercial rating.
This page synthesizes Cyclone III device specs, Intel / Altera distributor pricing tiers, drop-in same-package and same-family alternatives, and practical Quartus II design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3C5E144C7N — 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 EP3C5E144C7N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package, Embedded 18x18 Multipliers, Speed Grade, Logic Elements (LEs).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3C5E144A7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C10E144C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$45.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C16E144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C25E144I7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$66.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP4CE6E22C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144C7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone III |
| Device Logic Elements | 5,136 |
| Total Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 290 (referenced as 392 elsewhere - see validation note) |
| Embedded Memory (M9K blocks) | 46 blocks / 414 Kbits |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 423,936 bits |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 46 (138 at 9x9 mode) |
| PLLs | 2 |
| Global Clock Networks | 10 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 94 |
| Process Technology | TSMC 65 nm low-power |
| Speed Grade | C7 (7 ns propagation delay reference) |
| Operating Junction Temperature (Commercial) | 0C to +85C |
| Package | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.2 V (typical) |
| Configuration Schemes | AS, PS, FPP, JTAG |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
EP3C5E144C7N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 2 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 3 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 4 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 5 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 6 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 7 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 9 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 10 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 11 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 12 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 13 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 14 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 15 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 16 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 17 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 18 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 19 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
| Pin 21 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 1 |
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| Pin 25 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 26 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 27 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 29 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
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| Pin 31 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 32 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 33 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 34 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 35 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 36 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 37 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
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| Pin 39 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 40 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 41 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 42 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 43 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 44 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 2 |
| Pin 45 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 46 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 47 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 48 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 49 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 50 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 51 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 52 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 53 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 54 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 55 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 56 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 57 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 58 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 59 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 60 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 61 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 62 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 63 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 3 |
| Pin 64 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 65 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 66 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 67 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
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| Pin 73 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 74 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 75 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 76 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 77 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 78 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 79 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 80 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 81 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
| Pin 82 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 4 |
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| Pin 84 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 85 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 86 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 87 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 88 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 89 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 90 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 91 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 92 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 93 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 94 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 95 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 96 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 97 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 98 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 99 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 100 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 101 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 102 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 103 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 5 |
| Pin 104 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 105 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 106 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 107 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 108 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
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| Pin 111 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
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| Pin 113 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 114 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 115 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 116 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 117 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 118 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 119 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 120 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 121 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 122 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 123 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 6 |
| Pin 124 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 125 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 126 | VCCIO7 — I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 127 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 128 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 129 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 130 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 131 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 132 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 133 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 134 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 135 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 136 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 137 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 138 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 139 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 140 | VCCIO7 — I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 141 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 142 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 143 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
| Pin 144 | I/O — General purpose user I/O - bank 7 |
Typical Applications
EP3C5E144C7N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control and PLC Logic, Video Surveillance and Image Processing Front End, Portable Medical Instrumentation, Low-Cost Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Baseband, Consumer Audio/Video Processing, Industrial IoT Sensor Aggregation Gateway.
Industrial Motor Control and PLC Logic
The EP3C5E144C7N fits industrial motor control because its 46 embedded 18x18 multipliers handle field-oriented control (FOC) and Park/Clarke transforms at 50-100 kHz PWM switching frequencies with deterministic latency. The 423,936 bits of M9K memory store encoder lookup tables, current-loop reference waveforms, and PID coefficients; the 2 PLLs generate the synchronized clocks for PWM, ADC sampling, and encoder quadrature inputs. The 94 user I/Os interface directly to multi-axis gate drivers, incremental encoders, and 24V opto-isolated digital I/O via LVCMOS 3.3V banks. Compared to a microcontroller + FPGA split, the single-chip solution eliminates inter-IC latency and reduces BOM cost for sub-3-axis drives.
Recommended
Video Surveillance and Image Processing Front End
The EP3C5E144C7N's combination of 5,136 LEs and 46 dedicated 18x18 multipliers handles real-time VGA-resolution image-processing pipelines including 2D convolution, Sobel edge detection, and motion-vector estimation at 30 fps. The 423 Kbits of M9K memory implement line buffers for 3x3 and 5x5 kernel processing without external SRAM, and the 94 user I/Os connect directly to CMOS image sensors (parallel DVP interface) and BT.656 video DACs. LVDS I/O support enables direct interface to HD-resolution sensors over sub-LVDS/HiSPi serial links. Compared to a DSP + ASSP approach, the FPGA delivers deterministic latency for surveillance analytics while remaining field-upgradable for new motion-detection algorithms.
Recommended
Portable Medical Instrumentation
The EP3C5E144C7N operates from a 1.2V core supply drawing low static power, which makes it suitable for battery-powered medical devices such as pulse oximeters, portable ultrasound beamformers, and ECG signal conditioners. The 46 hardware multipliers implement real-time FIR/IIR filters for biosignal denoising while 423 Kbits of embedded memory store waveform templates and patient-record lookup tables. The exposed thermal pad keeps junction temperature well below the 85C commercial limit even when packaged in a sealed handheld enclosure. Compared to a low-power microcontroller, the FPGA provides deterministic timing for safety-critical signal processing and supports in-field firmware updates via JTAG for regulatory compliance.
Recommended
Low-Cost Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Baseband
The EP3C5E144C7N implements the digital down-conversion (DDC), channelization, and demodulation stages of a software-defined radio in the HF/VHF/UHF bands up to 50 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Its 46 18x18 multipliers handle complex multiplication for quadrature mixing and FIR pulse-shaping, while the 423 Kbits of M9K memory implement polyphase filter-bank coefficient storage and circular sample buffers. Two PLLs generate the ADC sample clock and DAC reconstruction clock with deterministic phase alignment. Compared to a discrete DSP + ASIC tuner, a single Cyclone III FPGA enables firmware-driven protocol swaps (FM, DAB, DVB-T) without hardware redesign.
Recommended
Consumer Audio/Video Processing
The EP3C5E144C7N's hardware multipliers and M9K memory blocks support consumer audio DSP functions such as 7.1-channel surround decoding, dynamic range compression, and parametric equalization at 192 kHz sample rates. Its LVDS I/O banks drive HDMI/DVI transmitters and high-speed video DACs, while the 94 user I/Os interface to S/PDIF, I2S, and multi-channel PWM audio outputs. The exposed thermal pad allows fanless operation in set-top boxes and A/V receivers. Compared to a fixed-function audio DSP, the FPGA enables post-production firmware updates that add new codec formats (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD) without hardware respin.
Recommended
Industrial IoT Sensor Aggregation Gateway
The EP3C5E144C7N aggregates multiple industrial sensor buses (Modbus RTU, CAN, RS-485, SPI, I2C) in a single chip while running edge analytics in hardware. Its 94 user I/Os interface to dozens of UART channels via soft IP cores, and its 46 multipliers compute FFTs for vibration analysis on accelerometer data streams. The 423 Kbits of M9K memory buffer sensor frames before Ethernet uplink. The exposed thermal pad keeps the device within industrial temperature limits when mounted in a sealed IP65 enclosure. Compared to a microcontroller + external bus expander approach, the FPGA reduces latency and provides hardware-enforced isolation between security domains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3C5E144C7N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3C5E144A7N | EP3C5E144C7 | EP3C10E144C7N | EP3C16E144C8N | EP3C25E144I7N | EP4CE6E22C6N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm) - same | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm) - same | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm) - same | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm) - same | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm) - same | 144-pin EQFP (22 x 22 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | |||
| Logic Elements | 5,136 | 5,136 (same die) | 5,136 (same die) | 10,320 (+100%) | 15,408 (+200%) | 24,624 (+380%) | 6,272 (+22%) |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 423,936 bits | 423,936 bits (same) | 423,936 bits (same) | 516,096 bits (+22%) | 608,256 bits (+44%) | 270 Kbits (-36%) | |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 46 | 46 (same) | 46 (same) | 56 (+22%) | 66 (+43%) | 30 (-35%) | |
| PLLs | 2 | 2 (same) | 2 (same) | 4 (+100%) | 4 (+100%) | 2 (same) | |
| Maximum User I/Os | 94 | 94 (same) | 94 (same) | 94 (same) | 94 (same) | 91 (-3%) | |
| Speed Grade | C7 | A7 (slower, drop-in) | C7 (same) | C8 (slower) | I7 (industrial temp, slower) | C6 (faster, Cyclone IV E) | |
| Operating Junction Temperature | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | -40C to +100C (Industrial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) |
Key Differentiators
- Cyclone III small-density sweet spot with 46 multipliers and 423 Kbits embedded memory (vs EP4CE6E22C6N (Cyclone IV E))
- Direct pin-compatible drop-in with timing-grade flexibility (vs EP3C5E144A7N)
- Same-package upgrade path without PCB redesign (vs EP3C10E144C7N)
Design Notes
The 144-pin EQFP exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a continuous PCB copper pour of at least 1 square inch (645 sq. mm) on the top or bottom layer, with thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 1.0 mm pitch, 4-9 vias) connecting the pad to internal GND planes. Without this thermal management, the FPGA cannot dissipate the 1-2W typical dynamic power and junction temperature can exceed the 85C commercial limit during sustained DSP workloads. For forced-air-cooled enclosures, a 4-layer stack-up with 2 oz copper on outer layers further reduces theta_JA by an estimated 30-40%.
Place 0.1 uF and 10 uF X5R/X7R ceramic decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VCCINT and VCCIO supply pin pair. Use a 4-layer PCB stack-up with continuous GND plane beneath the FPGA and a dedicated 1.2V power plane for VCCINT. Route all high-speed LVDS pairs with 100 ohm differential impedance, length-matching within 150 mils, and keep dynamic signals away from the JTAG and configuration pins to prevent in-system programming errors.
Do not power up the EP3C5E144C7N before the configuration bitstream has been loaded - I/O pins default to tri-state with weak pull-ups during configuration and may drive conflicting logic levels into downstream devices. Use the Altera AS configuration scheme with a dedicated EPCS or EPCQ flash for autonomous boot, or PS scheme with a microcontroller host for field-upgradable bitstream loading. Always check Quartus II fitter reports for un-routed or partially-routed signals before exporting the final programming file.
When routing DDR or DDR2 SDRAM interfaces from the EP3C5E144C7N, use the Altera DDR/DDR2 controller IP with calibrated on-chip termination (OCT) enabled. Length-match all DQ/DQS byte groups within +/- 50 mils and the address/command bus within +/- 100 mils. Verify signal integrity with HyperLynx or Quartus II SignalTap II logic analysis on the final PCB - the EP3C5E144C7N's LVDS I/O performance degrades noticeably above 400 Mbps if the stack-up impedance is not controlled.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Altera / Intel product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - commercial temperature grade (0C to +85C). For automotive applications use a Cyclone III automotive-grade variant or a newer Cyclone IV/V automotive part.