EP3C5E144I7 - Cyclone III FPGA 5K LE, 144-EQFP | Altera / Intel
MPN: EP3C5E144I7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26.62 | $26.62 |
| 10 | $24.5 | $245.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $19.85 | $9,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.95 | $17,950.00 |
EP3C5E144I7 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device whose logic fabric is organized as an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected through programmable interconnect and surrounded by I/O and hard IP blocks (memory, multipliers, PLLs, transceivers). FPGAs occupy the 'programmable logic' tier of the broader semiconductor hierarchy: ASIC < CPLD < FPGA < SoC FPGA < CPU/GPU. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGA logic can be reconfigured in-circuit any number of times, which makes them the standard implementation platform for prototyping, low-volume production, and applications requiring late-stage hardware revision. Cyclone III specifically targets cost- and power-sensitive applications such as industrial control and video/display bridging, where higher-end Stratix devices would be overkill.
Key features of the EP3C5E144I7 include two general-purpose PLLs per device, support for multiple I/O standards (LVDS, SSTL, LVCMOS, PCI) with 8 I/O banks, embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and Cyclone III's signature low-power architecture (less than 0.5W static). The 144-pin EQFP exposed-pad package provides enhanced thermal dissipation compared to non-EP variants, important for sustained industrial-grade operation. The device is supported by Altera Quartus II design software (now Intel Quartus Prime) and includes configuration options such as active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG.
Typical applications span industrial motor control, video processing bridges, automotive infotainment prototypes, custom peripheral glue logic, and portable/mobile embedded platforms. Cyclone III devices balance logic density and power efficiency for designs in the 5K-120K LE range.
When designing with the EP3C5E144I7, plan for at least 4 dedicated power rails (VCCINT 1.2V, VCCAUX 2.5V, VCCIO bank-dependent, VCCD_PLL) and follow Altera's decoupling and PCB layout guidelines. Use the Quartus II PowerPlay analyzer early to verify thermal feasibility before committing to PCB layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible variants, and practical Quartus II design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3C5E144I7 — 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 EP3C5E144I7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Embedded 18x18 Multipliers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3C5E144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144C8
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$18.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144C7N
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$24.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144C7
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$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144A7N
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$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C10E144I7N
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$39.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C10E144I7
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$24.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C16E144I7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$34.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5E144I7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Cyclone III (EP3C5) |
| Family | Cyclone III FPGA |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 5,136 |
| Embedded Memory | 423,936 bits |
| User I/O | 94 |
| Package | 144-LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +100C (Industrial) |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.2 V |
| PLL Voltage (VCCAUX) | 2.5 V |
| Process Technology | 65 nm TSMC low-power |
| Number of PLLs | 2 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EP3C5E144I7 144-lqfp exposed pad (eqfp-144) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3C5E144I7 (144-lqfp exposed pad (eqfp-144) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EP3C5E144I7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3C5E144I7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Display Bridging, Custom Peripheral Glue Logic, Automotive Infotainment Prototyping, Portable / Handheld Test Equipment, Embedded Networking / Communication Bridges.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP3C5E144I7 is well suited for industrial motor control loops where multiple PWM channels, encoder interfaces, and real-time control state machines must coexist on a single low-power device. The 5,136 logic elements provide sufficient headroom for FOC (field-oriented control) or trapezoidal BLDC algorithms, while the embedded 18x18 multipliers handle Park/Clarke transforms without consuming logic fabric. The 94 user I/O accommodate multi-axis PWM outputs, Hall-effect/encoder inputs, and isolated communication channels. Industrial -40C to +100C operation allows placement in cabinet-mounted drives without derating. Place decoupling capacitors on VCCINT, VCCAUX, and each VCCIO bank as the Cyclone III handbook recommends, and use the exposed pad to a thermal copper pour for sustained multi-axis operation.
Recommended
Video Display Bridging
The EP3C5E144I7 serves as a cost-effective video bridge between cameras, image sensors, and LCD panels in embedded display systems. Its LVDS-capable I/O banks support flat-panel interfaces (FPD-Link, OpenLDI) and parallel CMOS camera inputs up to 24 bits. The embedded memory (423,936 bits, organized as M9K blocks) holds line buffers for scaling and color-space conversion without external SRAM. With the EQFP-144 footprint, the device fits on compact display-driver boards while leaving most of the logic for the bridging pipeline. Use the Cyclone III ALTLVDS megafunction for transmitter and receiver serialization. Two PLLs provide clock-domain separation between camera input and display output frame rates.
Recommended
Custom Peripheral Glue Logic
The EP3C5E144I7 is widely used as a programmable companion chip to a host CPU, replacing tens of discrete logic ICs (74-series) with a single reprogrammable device. Common tasks include custom bus interfaces (I2C/SPI to parallel conversion), legacy peripheral emulation, custom interrupt controllers, and timing-sensitive handshake logic. The 94 user I/O pins comfortably support multiple parallel buses and the 5,136 LEs accommodate substantial state machines. Configuration via serial EEPROM (active serial mode) allows in-field firmware updates. Designers appreciate the ability to revise glue logic without PCB respins during product development.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Prototyping
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the EP3C5E144I7 is widely used in automotive infotainment pre-production prototypes and concept vehicles where LVDS display interfaces, MOST network emulation, and custom HMI logic are required. The 1.2V core supply and sub-0.5W static power support battery-backed accessory systems. Automotive HMI prototypes use the FPGA to drive multiple TFT displays, touch controllers, and CAN/LIN gateways simultaneously. The exposed-pad EQFP-144 package allows the device to operate across -40C to +100C in passenger-compartment environments. For production, designers migrate validated designs to AEC-Q100-qualified Cyclone III variants or to Cyclone V/V E devices.
Recommended
Portable / Handheld Test Equipment
The EP3C5E144I7 powers portable data-acquisition and protocol-analyzer instruments where low standby power, moderate logic density, and rich I/O are required. Battery-powered instruments benefit from the Cyclone III architecture's low quiescent current (less than 0.5W static), extending runtime in field deployments. The 5,136 LEs implement protocol state machines (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, LIN), while the embedded memory buffers captured data. Designers use the FPGA to rapidly add new protocol decoders without hardware changes, a critical advantage for test-equipment vendors responding to customer requests. The EQFP-144 footprint supports hand-solderable prototypes during early development.
Recommended
Embedded Networking / Communication Bridges
The EP3C5E144I7 is deployed in industrial networking gateways that bridge Ethernet, RS-485, CAN, and proprietary fieldbuses. Its 94 user I/O accommodate multiple isolated serial channels, while the embedded 18x18 multipliers accelerate CRC and checksum computation in hardware. The 1.2V core with separate I/O banks allows mixed-voltage interfacing (3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V) to legacy industrial equipment without external level shifters. The -40C to +100C junction rating and exposed-pad thermal dissipation make it reliable in DIN-rail and outdoor cabinet installations. Two PLLs provide clean clock generation for deterministic serial communication timing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3C5E144I7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3C5E144C8N | EP3C5E144C7N | EP3C5E144A7N | EP3C10E144I7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | 144-LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) | 144-LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) - same | 144-LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) - same |
| Logic Elements | 5,136 | 5,136 (same) | 5,136 (same) | 5,136 (same) | 10,320 (+101%) |
| Embedded Memory | 423,936 bits | 423,936 bits (same) | 423,936 bits (same) | 423,936 bits (same) | 423,936 bits (same) |
| User I/O | 94 | 94 (same) | 94 (same) | 94 (same) | 94 (same) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) | Industrial (-40C to +100C) |
| Speed Grade | 7 (industrial) | 8 (faster commercial) | 7 (commercial) | 7A (industrial timing bin) | 7 (industrial) |
| Lead-Free (Pb-free) | Not specified (SnPb possible) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with exposed-pad thermal dissipation (vs EP3C5E144C8N)
- Higher LE density when used as logic upgrade path (vs EP3C10E144I7N)
- SnPb lead finish option for legacy assembly (vs EP3C5E144I7N)
Design Notes
The EP3C5E144I7 requires at least 4 separate power rails: VCCINT (1.2V core), VCCAUX (2.5V PLL analog), VCCIO (1.2V-3.3V per I/O bank), and VCCD_PLL (1.2V PLL digital). Decoupling follows the Cyclone III Device Handbook recommendation: bulk 100uF per rail plus 0.1uF and 0.01uF X7R ceramics within 100 mils of each VCC pin. The exposed pad must be soldered to a thermal pad connected to a ground pour to meet -40C to +100C junction temperature under sustained load.
Differential pair routing for LVDS signals must maintain 100 ohm differential impedance with matched trace lengths within 20 mils. Place the AS configuration EEPROM adjacent to the EP3C5E144I7 on the same PCB side and route DCLK with a maximum 1-inch trace; longer traces cause configuration errors. Use Quartus II Pin Planner to assign I/O standards per bank before PCB layout, then verify each VCCIO supply matches the assigned standards. Avoid using the exposed-pad pin as an electrical ground path - it is a thermal connection.
Do not leave MSEL pins floating - they select the configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG, FPP). Tie them to VCCAUX or GND via 1k-10k resistors per the Cyclone III configuration guide. Power-on sequencing requires VCCAUX to ramp before or simultaneously with VCCINT; reverse sequencing may latch-up the analog PLL circuits. Configuration errors that misread the bitstream are usually caused by noisy DCLK or a missing nCONFIG pull-up resistor.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status requires verification against the specific date code and Intel/Altera PCN documents. The bare EP3C5E144I7 historically shipped with SnPb finish (non-RoHS), while the EP3C5E144I7N variant is lead-free and RoHS compliant. Device is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified.