EP3C80F484C6 - Cyclone III FPGA 81K LE 484-FBGA | Altera
MPN: EP3C80F484C6 β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $168.5 | $168.50 |
| 10 | $152.3 | $1,523.00 |
| 100 | $135 | $13,500.00 |
| 500 | $118.2 | $59,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $102.5 | $102,500.00 |
EP3C80F484C6 Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital circuits through configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated hardware resources such as embedded multipliers, memory blocks, and high-speed transceivers. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits, offering hardware-level parallelism and reconfigurability that microcontrollers and ASICs cannot match for high-throughput or evolving-design applications.
Key features of the EP3C80F484C6 include up to 472.5 MHz maximum operating frequency, 488 (18x18) embedded multipliers for DSP workloads, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, SDRAM, and QDRII SRAM. The device supports popular I/O standards such as LVDS, SSTL, HSTL, and PCI/PCI-X through its 484-ball FBGA interface, enabling flexible system integration.
The Cyclone III architecture leverages a 65 nm low-power process and an efficient logic fabric to deliver high logic density at low static power. Embedded memory blocks (M9K) total 2,810,880 bits, distributed across the die for high-bandwidth local storage. The combination of logic density, DSP blocks, and memory makes the EP3C80F484C6 well suited for digital signal processing, video bridging, industrial control, and communications infrastructure.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, software-defined radio front-ends, and embedded vision systems. The Cyclone III family was a popular low-power choice for cost-sensitive, high-volume designs during the late 2000s, and parts remain available through authorized distributors supporting long-lifecycle programs.
When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling on each power rail (VCCINT, VCCA, VCCIO) and follow Altera's recommended FPGA PCB layout guidelines for BGA packages. Engineers should also verify the latest Quartus II support status, as Intel/Altera has since introduced Cyclone IV and Cyclone V successors; however, EP3C80F484C6 remains widely deployed in existing designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone III family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select, source, and design with this legacy FPGA confidently.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3C80F484C6 β 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 EP3C80F484C6 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, RoHS Status, Device Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3C80F484C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$369.38 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C80F484I7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$286.91 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C120F484C7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$185 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C120F484I7N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$84.7 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C55F484C6N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$148.7 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP4CE80F484
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP3C80F484C6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone III |
| Logic Elements | 81,264 |
| Total Memory Bits | 2,810,880 |
| Number of CLBs | 81,264 |
| Number of Logic Cells | 81,264 |
| User I/O Count | 295 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 472.5 MHz |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 488 |
| Number of PLLs | 4 |
| Process Technology | 65 nm CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Package | 484-ball FBGA (FineLine BGA) |
| Package Dimensions | 23 x 23 mm |
| Ball Pitch | 1.0 mm |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EP3C80F484C6 23 x 23 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3C80F484C6 (23 x 23 mm 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 EP3C80F484C6.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3C80F484C6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Surveillance / Image Processing, Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Front-End, Embedded Vision Systems, Communications Infrastructure (Bridged Networks), Test & Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP3C80F484C6 suits industrial motor control with 488 (18x18) embedded multipliers that accelerate field-oriented control (FOC) and space-vector PWM algorithms. Its 81,264 logic elements handle quadrature encoder decoding, current-loop PI controllers, and safety logic in a single device. The 484-ball FBGA supports 295 user I/Os for parallel encoder interfaces, gate-driver signals, and isolated communication links. Operating at up to 472.5 MHz, the FPGA executes complex control loops at microsecond latency, enabling high-bandwidth servo and variable-frequency drive designs where discrete DSPs would be more expensive.
Recommended
Video Surveillance / Image Processing
The EP3C80F484C6 supports multi-channel video surveillance with 2,810,880 embedded memory bits acting as line buffers and frame stores for HD video pipelines. Its 488 DSP multipliers handle real-time edge detection, motion estimation, and JPEG/MJPEG compression at full frame rate. The 295 user I/Os accept multiple parallel camera interfaces (BT.656, BT.1120, LVDS) and drive HDMI or HDMI-style serializers to displays. The 65nm low-power process keeps thermal dissipation manageable in sealed outdoor enclosures where passive cooling is required.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Front-End
The EP3C80F484C6 enables SDR front-end designs using its 488 hardware multipliers for digital down-conversion (DDC), digital up-conversion (DUC), and channelization filters. The four on-chip PLLs generate sample-rate clocks for ADC/DAC interfaces, while the 2,810,880 memory bits buffer IQ data streams between processing stages. The 484-ball FBGA exposes 295 I/Os, including LVDS pairs suited to wide-bandwidth ADC/DAC data buses. At up to 472.5 MHz, the FPGA handles narrowband and moderate-bandwidth waveforms commonly used in public-safety, ISM, and amateur radio platforms.
Recommended
Embedded Vision Systems
The EP3C80F484C6 powers embedded vision systems including machine-vision inspection, robotics, and ADAS sensor processing. Its 81,264 logic elements implement convolutional neural network (CNN) accelerators for simple object detection, while 488 (18x18) multipliers parallelize MAC operations for vision pipelines. The 2,810,880 bits of embedded memory serve as feature-map and weight storage, eliminating external SRAM in compact designs. The 484-ball FBGA package supports high-bandwidth camera serial interface (MIPI CSI-2 via soft IP) and parallel sensor I/O for industrial cameras.
Recommended
Communications Infrastructure (Bridged Networks)
The EP3C80F484C6 is well suited to bridging legacy communications interfaces in factory networks, where its 81,264 logic elements implement protocol converters (RS-485 to Ethernet, PROFIBUS to PROFINET) at line rate. The 295 user I/Os accommodate multi-port bridges with galvanic isolation, while 488 hardware multipliers handle CRC, encryption, and packet-processing acceleration. The four PLLs derive independent clocks for Ethernet PHYs, serial transceivers, and timing-sensitive industrial buses. The 484-ball FBGA supports LVDS for backplane interconnection.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EP3C80F484C6 serves as the digital engine in test and measurement instruments such as protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators. Its 2,810,880 memory bits buffer deep capture traces, while 488 multipliers enable on-the-fly DSP for signal conditioning and statistical analysis. The 295 user I/Os support parallel probe channels, and four PLLs synthesize multiple test-rate clocks from a single reference. The 484-ball FBGA with 1.0 mm pitch balances I/O density with manageable PCB routing for production instrumentation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3C80F484C6 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3C80F484C6N | EP3C80F484I7N | EP3C120F484C7N | EP3C55F484C6N | EP4CE80F484 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 484-ball FBGA | 484-ball FBGA - same | 484-ball FBGA - same | 484-ball FBGA - same | 484-ball FBGA - same | 484-ball FBGA - same |
| Logic Elements | 81,264 | 81,264 | 81,264 | 119,088 | 55,856 | ~78,000 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 2,810,880 | 2,810,880 | 2,810,880 | 3,981,312 | 2,396,160 | ~2,800,000 |
| Embedded Multipliers (18x18) | 488 | 488 | 488 | 576 | 312 | ~400 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial (Pb-free) | Industrial | Commercial | Commercial (Pb-free) | Commercial |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 65 nm | 65 nm | 65 nm | 65 nm | 60 nm |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density Cyclone III in 484-ball FBGA package (vs EP3C55F484C6N)
- Industrial temperature variant in same package (vs EP3C80F484I7N)
- Lower power upgrade path with Cyclone IV E (vs EP4CE80F484)
Design Notes
The EP3C80F484C6 requires three separate power rails: VCCINT (1.2 V core), VCCA (2.5 V PLL analog), and VCCIO (1.2 V-3.3 V I/O banks). Use a power-on reset sequencer or POR circuit to ensure VCCA rises no faster than VCCINT to prevent latch-up. Decouple each rail with bulk, mid-frequency, and high-frequency capacitors placed as close to the BGA balls as the PCB escape routing allows. Total quiescent current scales with logic utilization and clock frequency; estimate using the Cyclone III PowerPlay Early Power Estimator.
The 484-ball FBGA with 1.0 mm pitch requires at least 4 PCB layers with a dedicated ground plane under the device for return-path integrity. Use microvia (laser-drilled) stack-up to fan out the inner-row balls; dog-bone fan-out is acceptable but limits routing density. Match trace lengths within LVDS pairs to within 10 mils to maintain signal integrity at high toggle rates. Reference the Cyclone III Board Design Guidelines from the device handbook for via-in-pad, decoupling, and EMI recommendations.
Do not confuse 'C' (commercial temp grade) with 'I' (industrial) in the suffix - C6 is commercial, I7 is industrial. Verify MSEL[2:0] pins match the desired configuration scheme (AS, AP, FPP, PS) before PCB layout because these pins are not reconfigurable after board build. Always instantiate the Altera ALTPLL and ALTLVDS megafunctions from the Quartus II IP catalog rather than coding custom PLLs, as this guarantees silicon-validated timing closure. Confirm the latest Quartus II version supports your chosen Cyclone III device; legacy versions lack bug fixes for newer errata.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance status not explicitly stated in the provided Verified Web Data - set to 'unknown' per Data Authenticity Rules. The 'C6' suffix indicates commercial temperature grade; the 'N' suffix (e.g. EP3C80F484C6N) typically denotes Pb-free/RoHS-compliant variants.
