EP3CLS100U484C7 - Cyclone III LS FPGA 100K LE UFBGA-484
MPN: EP3CLS100U484C7 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $699.57 | $699.57 |
| 10 | $645 | $6,450.00 |
| 25 | $599 | $14,975.00 |
| 50 | $560 | $28,000.00 |
| 100 | $520 | $52,000.00 |
EP3CLS100U484C7 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device (PLD) that sits in the broader semiconductor hierarchy between application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and microcontrollers. It is composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, embedded memory blocks (M9K/M144K), embedded multipliers, and I/O elements (IOEs). FPGAs are used when designers need custom parallel hardware, deterministic latency, or hardware-accelerated signal processing without the NRE cost of an ASIC.
Key features of the EP3CLS100U484C7 include 100,448 logic elements, 4,451,328 bits of embedded RAM (approximately 4.2 Mbit), 278 user I/O pins, embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and a core voltage of 1.2 V. The Cyclone III LS family adds 256-bit AES encryption for bitstream protection, JTAG-based configuration, and supports multiple configuration schemes including active serial, passive serial, and fast passive parallel modes.
The device architecture combines 4-input LUT-based logic elements, True Dual-Port RAM blocks, and dedicated PLL blocks for clock synthesis. The 65 nm process enables a favorable power/performance ratio, making the LS sub-family suitable for power-sensitive applications where standard Cyclone III logic density is needed but bitstream security is also required. Maximum internal clock frequencies around 437-450 MHz support a wide range of digital signal processing pipelines.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing and display interfaces, automotive driver-assistance subsystems, secure communications equipment, software-defined radio (SDR) baseband, and portable medical instrumentation. The 278 available user I/O enables direct interface to DDR/DDR2 memory, LVDS signaling, and a wide mix of legacy parallel buses.
When designing with this device, careful attention must be paid to decoupling, the multi-rail power sequencing (1.2 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V analog and I/O), and configuration mode selection at board bring-up. Engineers should use Altera/Intel Quartus II design software for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation; configuration file generation requires the design license tier matching the device family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Information is current as of 2026-09-09.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3CLS100U484C7 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 EP3CLS100U484C7 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade, Logic Elements, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3C80U484C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$113.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C80U484C8
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$66.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C80U484C7N
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Contact for price
View Datasheet βEP3C55U484C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$23.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C55U484C8
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$124.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3C40U484C7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$56.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP3CLS100U484C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone III LS |
| Logic Elements | 100,448 |
| Total RAM Bits | 4,451,328 |
| User I/O Pins | 278 |
| Process Technology | 65 nm CMOS |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Package | 484-ball UFBGA (UBGA-484), 19 x 19 mm, 0.8 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 437.5 MHz to 450 MHz |
| Bitstream Encryption | 256-bit AES (Cyclone III LS feature) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +85C) |
| Configuration Interface | Active Serial, Passive Serial, Fast Passive Parallel, JTAG |
| Design Software | Quartus II (legacy) / Intel Quartus Prime |
EP3CLS100U484C7 484-ball ufbga (ubga-484), 19 x 19 mm, 0.8 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3CLS100U484C7 (484-ball ufbga (ubga-484), 19 x 19 mm, 0.8 mm pitch 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 EP3CLS100U484C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3CLS100U484C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Processing and Display Interfaces, Automotive Driver-Assistance Subsystems, Secure Communications Equipment, Software-Defined Radio Baseband, Portable Medical Instrumentation.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP3CLS100U484C7 fits industrial motor control applications because its 100,448 logic elements and 278 user I/O can host multi-axis field-oriented control (FOC) loops with deterministic timing. The 65 nm Cyclone III LS core draws low static power while supporting parallel PWM generation, encoder quadrature decoding, and Hall-sensor interfacing through dedicated LVDS pairs. The 256-bit AES bitstream encryption protects proprietary motor-control IP from cloning, a critical feature when manufacturers ship controller boards worldwide. Quartus II design tools include reference designs for closed-loop stepper and BLDC control, and the device's PLL resources synthesize the high-resolution PWM clocks needed for sub-microsecond switching. Industrial temperature variants in the same family extend operating range where required.
Recommended
Video Processing and Display Interfaces
The EP3CLS100U484C7 is well-matched to multi-channel video processing because its embedded multipliers and 4,451,328 bits of RAM enable real-time scaling, de-interlacing, and color-space conversion pipelines. The 278 user I/O and LVDS support allow direct interfacing to Camera Link, HDMI bridge chips, and parallel RGB LCD panels without external bus switches. At internal clocks up to 450 MHz, the device comfortably handles 1080p60 pixel rates when paired with external DDR2/DDR3 memory controllers. Quartus II MegaWizard Plug-In Manager provides ready-made video IP cores for common formats, shortening time-to-prototype. Bitstream encryption protects proprietary video-processing IP, valuable for OEM broadcast equipment vendors.
Recommended
Automotive Driver-Assistance Subsystems
The EP3CLS100U484C7 fits automotive ADAS pre-processing blocks because its 100K logic-element budget can host multi-sensor fusion, lane-detection preprocessing, and radar baseband preprocessing in a single device. The 256-bit AES bitstream encryption prevents reverse engineering of safety-critical algorithms, an important consideration for tier-1 suppliers. The 278 user I/O accommodate multiple LVDS camera inputs and CAN/LIN bridge interfaces simultaneously. Designers must pair this FPGA with automotive-grade power and consider AEC-Q100-qualified companion parts in the broader BOM. Quartus II supports DO-254 and ISO 26262 design-flow documentation when targeting safety-critical automotive subsystems.
Recommended
Secure Communications Equipment
The EP3CLS100U484C7 is ideal for secure communications endpoints because the 256-bit AES bitstream encryption, standard in the LS sub-family, prevents cloning of firmware and configuration data. The 100,448 logic elements support multi-channel encryption engines, packet classification, and QoS scheduling in parallel. The 65 nm low-power process keeps thermal dissipation manageable in fanless outdoor enclosures, while the 278 user I/O handle multiple SFP/SFP+ cages through LVDS SERDES-friendly I/O. The device supports in-field reconfiguration through JTAG, enabling secure firmware updates with rollback capability. Quartus II provides IP cores for AES, SHA, and RSA acceleration that map directly onto the device's embedded multipliers and RAM.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio Baseband
The EP3CLS100U484C7 supports SDR baseband processing because its embedded 18x18 multipliers, M9K/M144K RAM blocks, and 100K logic elements implement multi-tap FIR filters, FFT engines, and digital down-converters in parallel. The 278 user I/O accommodate dual-channel ADC/DAC interfaces through LVDS, while the device's PLLs synthesize the precise sampling clocks required for coherent demodulation. Internal clock rates up to 450 MHz comfortably handle the symbol rates needed for LTE, Wi-Fi, and custom waveforms. The 256-bit AES encryption on the LS sub-family protects waveform IP and proprietary modulation schemes, a strong requirement for defense and commercial radio vendors.
Recommended
Portable Medical Instrumentation
The EP3CLS100U484C7 fits portable medical instrumentation because its low-power 65 nm Cyclone III LS core reduces battery drain while delivering 100,448 logic elements for DSP-intensive signal conditioning and feature extraction. Typical implementations include ECG/EEG front-end processing, pulse oximetry filter chains, and ultrasound beamforming with deterministic latency. The 278 user I/O accommodate multi-channel analog front-ends, TFT displays, and wireless module interfaces simultaneously. The 256-bit AES bitstream encryption protects proprietary diagnostic algorithms in compliance with FDA cybersecurity guidance. Quartus II design tools support medical-grade documentation and verification flows, including IEC 62304 lifecycle traceability when paired with proper software processes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3CLS100U484C7 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3C80U484C7 | EP3C80U484C8 | EP3C55U484C7 | EP3C40U484C7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | UFBGA-484 (19x19 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) | UFBGA-484 - same | UFBGA-484 - same | UFBGA-484 - same | UFBGA-484 - same |
| Logic Elements | 100,448 | 81,264 (-19%) | 81,264 (-19%) | 55,856 (-44%) | 39,600 (-61%) |
| AES Bitstream Encryption | Yes (LS sub-family) | No (standard Cyclone III) | No | No | No |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 4,451,328 | 2,810,880 (-37%) | 2,810,880 (-37%) | 2,396,160 (-46%) | 1,161,216 (-74%) |
| User I/O | 278 | 277 (-1) | 277 (-1) | 277 (-1) | 277 (-1) |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V | 1.2 V |
| Speed Grade | C7 | C7 | C8 | C7 | C7 |
| Param Match Percentage | 100% | 80% | 80% | 70% | 70% |
Key Differentiators
- 256-bit AES bitstream encryption (vs EP3C80U484C7)
- Highest logic density in U484 footprint within Cyclone III family (vs EP3C55U484C7)
- Faster speed grade (C7) over C8 alternatives (vs EP3C80U484C8)
Design Notes
The EP3CLS100U484C7 requires three independent supply rails: 1.2 V core (VCCINT), 2.5 V analog (VCCA), and 1.2 V/2.5 V/3.3 V I/O banks (VCCIO). Per the Cyclone III handbook, power-on sequencing must follow VCCINT before VCCA to prevent latch-up, with monotonic ramp rates between 50 us and 100 ms. Decoupling: place 0.1 uF X7R capacitors within 100 mils of every VCCINT pin and bulk 47-220 uF tantalum or polymer caps on each rail near the device. Estimated quiescent current at room temperature is approximately 0.5-1.5 A on VCCINT depending on utilization and clock rate.
The UFBGA-484 package with 0.8 mm pitch requires a 4-layer to 8-layer PCB stack-up. Microvia technology (laser-drilled) is recommended for inner-row breakout; standard 0.4 mm via-in-pad requires HDI processes. Per Cyclone III handbook recommendations, maintain a continuous ground plane on layer 2 directly beneath the device for thermal dissipation and return-path integrity. Leave at least 8 mm of clearance around the BGA for escape routing and decoupling capacitor placement. Signal integrity simulations are recommended above 200 MHz toggling rates, particularly for LVDS pairs.
Do not confuse the EP3CLS (LS sub-family, with AES) with the EP3C standard Cyclone III family. Designers using the EP3CLS100U484C7 must enable bitstream encryption in Quartus II's Convert Programming Files tool - omitting this leaves the bitstream unprotected despite using the LS part. Also ensure the configuration mode pins (MSEL[3:0]) are correctly strapped to select Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), or Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) mode. A common mistake is leaving unused I/O pins floating; configure them as input tri-stated with weak pull-up enabled in the Quartus pin planner to avoid unwanted power consumption.
Compliance Information
Specific compliance certifications not stated in the verified web data; the 'N' suffix in related part numbers indicates lead-free when present. Verify the latest RoHS/REACH status directly from Intel's product compliance documentation before committing to regulated markets.
