EP3C5F256C7 - Cyclone III FPGA, 5,136 LE | Altera
MPN: EP3C5F256C7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25.02 | $25.02 |
| 10 | $21.27 | $212.70 |
| 100 | $18.96 | $1,896.00 |
| 500 | $16.88 | $8,440.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.53 | $15,530.00 |
EP3C5F256C7 Overview
An FPGA, or field-programmable gate array, is a reconfigurable integrated circuit whose logic fabric, routing and I/O behavior are defined after manufacturing by a configuration bitstream. Inside an FPGA hierarchy, the EP3C5F256C7 belongs to FPGA -> programmable logic -> integrated circuit, sitting above CPLDs in density but below high-end transceiver-rich FPGAs. Designers use FPGAs when requirements change after production or when parallel, low-latency custom datapaths are more efficient than a microcontroller or ASIC. The Cyclone III family specifically targets low-power, cost-sensitive applications.
Key features include 5,136 logic elements for implementing state machines, counters and datapath logic; 423,936 RAM bits for FIFO and line buffers; 182 user I/O configured to various voltage levels and I/O standards; and a 256-ball BGA enabling compact routing. The 1.2 V core and 65 nm process reduce static and dynamic power relative to older 90 nm FPGAs. The commercial C7 ordering grade balances speed and temperature for standard equipment.
At the architecture level, the 65 nm fabric uses logic array blocks connected by programmable routing; embedded memory and I/O elements are fixed resources surrounding the core. Designers compile HDL with Intel/Altera Quartus II or Quartus Prime, which maps logic, performs placement and routing, and generates bitstreams stored in EPCS or EPCQ serial configuration devices. The 437.5 MHz figure from distributor data indicates the internal clock performance achievable for speed grade 7 in favorable designs; final Fmax depends on placement, fanout and I/O standard. The 256-ball LBGA package is square with ball terminals, allowing four-layer board integration.
Typical applications include motor-control platforms requiring flexible I/O mapping, low-cost video processing where parallel pixel data is manipulated, industrial communication bridges, and test instruments. Its 5,136 logic elements fit compact soft processors, custom serial interfaces and real-time control.
Design with adequate decoupling on VCC, VCCIO and PLL supplies, and store the configuration bitstream in a dedicated serial configuration memory. Because this density offers only 182 I/O, verify pin assignments before layout and review power integrity at the 1.2 V core.
This page compounds distributor pricing and availability, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical integration notes beyond the raw datasheet. Facts here were checked against DigiKey, Mouser, Heisener, Octopart and datasheet-aggregator records in September 2026.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3C5F256C7 — 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 EP3C5F256C7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Configuration Modes, Operating Temperature, Package, PLLs.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3C5F256C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5F256I7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5F256C6N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$18.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5F256I7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$24 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5F256C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C5F256C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | FPGA - Field Programmable Gate Array |
| Series | Cyclone III |
| Number of Logic Elements / Cells | 5136 |
| Total RAM Bits | 423936 bits |
| Number of User I/O | 182 |
| Maximum Internal Clock Frequency | 437.5 MHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Package / Case | 256-LBGA |
| Alternate Package Description | LEAD FREE, MS-034, FBGA-256 |
| Number of Pins / Balls | 256 |
| Package Form | Square, ball terminals |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| JEDEC Package Code | MS-034 |
| Lead-Free Process | Yes |
EP3C5F256C7 ms-034 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3C5F256C7 (ms-034 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 EP3C5F256C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3C5F256C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video and Pixel Processing, Industrial Communication Bridge, Medical Sensor Front End, Software-Defined Radio and Instrumentation, IoT Edge Aggregation Gateway.
Industrial Motor Control
Motor control is an immediate fit for the EP3C5F256C7 because 5,136 logic elements can implement encoder interfaces, PWM timing and current-loop state machines without loading a host MCU. The 182 user I/O allow multi-axis feedback signals, gate-driver enables and isolated digital I/O to be mapped across banks. With 423,936 RAM bits, designers can hold commutation tables or circular buffers for resolver and encoder data. In an industrial drive, the FPGA sits between an MCU and power stage: it conditions hall/encoder inputs, generates complementary PWM with dead-time insertion and latches fault flags. Unlike a fixed MCU peripheral set, the logic fabric can be reconfigured when motor type or control algorithm changes, reducing board re-spins. The 1.2 V core in 65 nm dissipates less dynamic power than older FPGAs, simplifying thermal design in IP20 enclosures. Resource use for a single PMSM FOC with encoder is roughly 1,500-2,500 LEs, leaving headroom for safety functions, Modbus or Ethernet packet assist.
Recommended
Video and Pixel Processing
In video systems, the EP3C5F256C7 provides a compact parallel datapath for pixel timing, line buffering and overlay generation. 5,136 logic elements can implement a video timing generator, simple scaler and color-space converter, while 423,936 RAM bits are enough for several full line buffers. The 182 user I/O support TTL/CMOS and LVDS inputs to connect image sensors or deserializers. Because video processing is inherently clock-driven, the listed 437.5 MHz internal clock capability gives timing margin for pixel clocks in high-definition applications. The FPGA can synchronize video standards, insert test patterns, detect loss-of-sync and transfer frame data to an external framebuffer. It is especially useful in machine-vision cameras where custom sensor timing is required. Using Intel/Altera Quartus libraries, designers can create a deterministic pipeline with gated output clocks. Configuration is typically launched at power-up from an EPCS serial flash to avoid host loading delay.
Recommended
Industrial Communication Bridge
Because this FPGA has parallel I/O and reconfigurable logic, it can adapt legacy or proprietary bus signals to standard host interfaces. Use UART, SPI, I2C and parallel masters inside 5,136 LEs, with FIFOs in 423,936 RAM bits to cross clock domains. 182 user I/O gives enough pins for optocoupler arrays, RS-485 transceivers and backplane buses. For example, an equipment bridge in a factory can capture an 8-bit parallel machine interface, frame the data to UART or SPI, and expose status over a host port. The 65 nm 1.2 V core suits 24 V to 48 V industrial boards with linear regulators; total dynamic power remains moderate at typical 100-200 MHz class clocks. The absence of hard transceivers means an Ethernet MAC can be implemented in fabric but needs an external PHY with MII or RMII. Reconfiguration enables protocol changes after deployment, lowering inventory cost in multi-customer equipment.
Recommended
Medical Sensor Front End
In medical monitoring and diagnostic instruments, the EP3C5F256C7 can aggregate disparate sensor streams and implement deterministic sequencing for AFE control, averaging and alarm logic. 5,136 logic elements are enough to implement digital demodulation for a photoplethysmography front end and simple digital filters; 423,936 bits provide window buffers. The 182 user I/O let the FPGA connect to analog front ends, memory and display controllers without a complex SoC. A low core voltage and 65 nm process help reduce power so the board remains cool in patient-facing housings. Engineers often pair the FPGA with an MCU for user interface and wireless connectivity; the FPGA offloads real-time sample handling and precise timing. Because certification expects deterministic and auditable behavior, VHDL or Verilog designs can be simulated and locked to a known bitstream. Use an EPCQ configuration device to support controlled field upgrades while preserving boot integrity.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio and Instrumentation
With 5,136 logic elements and 423,936 RAM bits, the EP3C5F256C7 is suitable for low-to-mid complexity SDR baseband processing that does not require high-rate hardened transceivers. It can implement FIR filters, numerically controlled oscillators, symbol synchronizers and framing logic, while external high-speed ADCs and DACs connect through parallel CMOS or LVDS I/O. 182 user I/O provide the bus width to move complex I/Q samples at moderate sample rates. A commercial C7 version is intended for indoor instrumentation; for deployed defense or outdoor radio equipment choose the I7 industrial variant if ambient temperatures exceed commercial limits. The FPGA gives deterministic latency for protocol processing and can be reconfigured for different modulation formats. Combine it with a precision ADC and an MCU for control-plane functions. This suits spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and custom data-acquisition instruments where flexible triggering and buffering are important.
Recommended
IoT Edge Aggregation Gateway
In smart buildings and industrial IoT gateways, the EP3C5F256C7 can concentrate multiple low-speed buses, perform preprocessing and present data to a host processor. Its 182 I/O count is useful for DMX, DALI, 1-Wire, RS-485 or sensor arrays; the logic fabric implements each protocol as a lightweight state machine. 5,136 logic elements allow a soft CPU core or protocol translators, while 423,936 RAM bits buffer telemetry before forwarding over Ethernet or UART. Because the FPGA is not a microcontroller, it requires external configuration memory and power supplies, but it offers deterministic, parallel operation without software jitter. For IoT edge nodes with tight power budgets, the 65 nm Cyclone III core power is moderate and clock gating can reduce consumption. Use this part when you outgrow MCU peripheral sets but cannot justify an ASIC. It also suits gateways where one FPGA supports multiple protocol versions in the field.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3C5F256C7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3C5F256C8N | EP3C5F256I7 | EP3C5F256C6N | EP3C5F256I7N | EP3C5F256C7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 256-LBGA (FBGA-256) | 256-LBGA (FBGA-256) - same | 256-LBGA (FBGA-256) - same | 256-LBGA (FBGA-256) - same | 256-LBGA (FBGA-256) - same | 256-LBGA (FBGA-256) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Elements | 5136 | 5136 | 5136 | 5136 | 5136 | 5136 |
| Total RAM Bits | 423936 | 423936 | 423936 | 423936 | 423936 | 423936 |
| User I/O | 182 | 182 | 182 | 182 | 182 | 182 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (C suffix) | Commercial (C suffix) | Industrial (I suffix) | Commercial (C suffix) | Industrial (I suffix) | Commercial (C suffix) |
| Speed Grade Suffix | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Lead-Free Process | Yes per DigChip listing | Yes (N suffix) | Confirm - no N suffix | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Commercial speed-grade 7 balance of logic density and clock performance (vs EP3C5F256C8N)
- Lower-cost commercial temperature option than industrial variants (vs EP3C5F256I7 / EP3C5F256I7N)
- Broad distributor availability and established Cyclone III ecosystem (vs EP3C5F256C6N)
Design Notes
FPGA configuration is volatile: EP3C5F256C7 must be configured at every power-up from an EPCS, EPCQ or host download cable. If configuration is incomplete, I/O pins may be tri-stated or weakly pulled and can drive downstream logic unpredictably. Verify CONF_DONE and nSTATUS signals, and choose a serial configuration device with enough capacity for the compiled bitstream.
The 1.2 V core supply is the most current-sensitive rail on Cyclone III. Place low-ESR bulk capacitors as well as 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors close to each core VCC ball, and use a power plane with multiple vias to the BGA lands. If VCCIO rails use different voltages, decouple each I/O bank independently and confirm that all rails reach their final value before releasing FPGA I/O during configuration.
A 256-ball LBGA requires at least four layers for reliable fanout and power integrity. Use dogbone or via-in-pad strategies only when the assembly process allows it; otherwise place microvias around power balls. Route critical LVDS or clock pairs with controlled impedance and matched length. Keep external configuration pins, nCONFIG and DCLK free of excessive capacitance to avoid configuration timing failures.
Compliance Information
DigChip lists EP3C5F256C7 as LEAD FREE, MS-034, FBGA-256. The C7 part number does not carry an N suffix in the verified distributor listing, so the exact RoHS certificate should be confirmed with the supplier.
