EP3CLS150F484I7 - Cyclone III 150K LE FPGA | Intel | 484-FBGA
MPN: EP3CLS150F484I7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $158.5 | $158.50 |
| 10 | $142.65 | $1,426.50 |
| 100 | $126.8 | $12,680.00 |
| 500 | $113.95 | $56,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $101.1 | $101,100.00 |
EP3CLS150F484I7 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device containing an array of programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and embedded resources such as memory blocks, multipliers, and high-speed transceivers. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs, but offer substantially higher logic density, parallel processing, and DSP capability, making them the workhorse of custom digital hardware design. The Cyclone III family specifically targets low-power, high-volume applications with logic densities from 5K to 200K logic elements.
Key features of the EP3CLS150F484I7 include 150,000 logic elements (LEs), 6,480 Kbits of embedded RAM, 166 DSP blocks (18x18 multipliers), 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs), and 226 maximum user I/O pins. The 'LS' variant adds a robust security feature set including configuration bitstream encryption and JTAG-based read-back protection via on-chip Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) acceleration. The 484-ball FBGA package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch suitable for multi-layer PCBs with standard assembly tolerances.
Architecturally, the Cyclone III LS device integrates eight I/O banks with programmable drive strength, slew rate, and bus hold. The Logic Array Block (LAB) consists of 16 Logic Elements, each containing a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and a carry chain. Embedded Memory blocks (M9K) provide true dual-port operation at up to 315 MHz, and DSP blocks operate at up to 260 MHz for fixed- and floating-point arithmetic.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, automotive infotainment systems, factory automation controllers, portable medical instrumentation, and communications infrastructure. The wide I/O count and large memory bandwidth also make this device suitable for video bridging and protocol conversion. The 'LS' security features particularly suit applications where bitstream IP protection is critical, such as military, aerospace, and licensed commercial products.
When designing with this device, verify that the Quartus II design tool supports the EP3CLS150F484I7 device variant. Power supply decoupling requires multiple bulk and high-frequency capacitors placed close to the device's VCCINT, VCCA, and VCCIO supply pins. Thermal management must account for the industrial -40C to +85C operating range, with adequate PCB copper and airflow to dissipate junction heat at high toggle rates.
This page synthesizes Cyclone III LS datasheet parameters, drop-in alternative FPGA candidates, and practical board-level design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - including same-package F484 ball-map compatibility checks and recommended companion configuration memory.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3CLS150F484I7 — 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 EP3CLS150F484I7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Embedded Multipliers (18x18), Logic Elements (LE).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3CLS150F484C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$115.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3CLS150F484C8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$119 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3CLS150F484C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$102.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3CLS150F484C7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$720 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3C120F484I7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$595.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3CLS150F484I7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone III LS |
| Logic Elements | 150,000 |
| Embedded Memory | 6,480 Kbits |
| DSP Blocks | 166 (18x18 multipliers) |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Maximum User I/O | 226 |
| Package | 484-ball FBGA (F484) |
| Ball Pitch | 1.0 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Process Technology | 60 nm low-power CMOS |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.2 V |
| Configuration | AES-encrypted bitstream support (LS feature) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Security Feature | On-chip AES bitstream encryption |
| Programming Interface | JTAG / Active Serial / Passive Serial |
EP3CLS150F484I7 484-ball fbga (f484) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3CLS150F484I7 (484-ball fbga (f484) 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 EP3CLS150F484I7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3CLS150F484I7 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Surveillance / Image Processing, Automotive Infotainment, Factory Automation Controllers, Portable Medical Instrumentation, Communications Protocol Bridging, Test & Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP3CLS150F484I7 suits industrial motor control systems where multiple axes of field-oriented control (FOC) must run in parallel. The 166 DSP blocks deliver up to 260 MHz 18x18 multiplies per block, enabling real-time Park/Clarke transforms and PID loops at 50 us cycle times for 4 to 6 axes. With 226 user I/Os the device accepts encoder feedback (QEP, SSI, EnDat) and drives PWM outputs directly to gate drivers without external logic. The AES bitstream encryption protects proprietary control firmware from reverse engineering - critical when competitors could otherwise clone IP. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and the FBGA package's compact footprint simplify integration into sealed drives and inverter cabinets.
Recommended
Video Surveillance / Image Processing
The EP3CLS150F484I7 fits video surveillance and image processing pipelines that require real-time pixel processing at HD resolutions. Its 6,480 Kbits of embedded M9K memory supports line buffers for 1920x1080 60 fps video (approx. 4.9 Mbits per frame buffer), and 166 DSP blocks enable 2D convolution, Sobel edge detection, and motion estimation within the FPGA fabric without external DSP chips. The 226 user I/Os accept MIPI CSI-2 or parallel RGB input from image sensors and output to HDMI or LVDS displays. AES bitstream protection safeguards proprietary video analytics IP. The industrial temperature range allows deployment in outdoor PoE camera enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment
Although the EP3CLS150F484I7 is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely used in non-safety-critical automotive infotainment subsystems where the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade covers cabin environments. The 150K logic elements and 226 I/Os drive multi-display head units combining a digital instrument cluster, central infotainment touchscreen, and rear-seat entertainment displays. The DSP blocks accelerate audio decoding (MP3, AAC, FLAC) and the M9K memory blocks store graphic frame buffers. AES encryption protects the infotainment boot image and licensed UI assets. For safety-critical ADAS or instrument-cluster designs, migrate to AEC-Q100 qualified Cyclone IV or Cyclone V devices.
Recommended
Factory Automation Controllers
The EP3CLS150F484I7 enables programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed I/O modules in factory automation systems. Its 226 I/Os accept digital inputs from sensors, contactors, and limit switches, and drive transistor outputs to solenoids, relays, and motor starters. The 4 PLLs synthesize independent clocks for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherCAT, or Ethernet/IP industrial communication stacks running in the FPGA fabric. The 150K logic elements implement soft-core CPUs (Nios II) and protocol stacks without external ASICs. AES bitstream encryption protects factory floor IP from industrial espionage. The FBGA package is well-suited to sealed IP67 enclosures where vibration resistance is required.
Recommended
Portable Medical Instrumentation
The EP3CLS150F484I7 fits portable patient monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters, ECG Holter recorders, and ultrasound front-end boards where low-power operation and DSP performance are both required. The 60 nm low-power Cyclone III process consumes roughly 0.5 W at moderate toggle rates, enabling battery-powered operation. The 166 DSP blocks implement digital filtering (FIR, IIR) for bio-signal conditioning in real time. The 6,480 Kbits of M9K memory buffers waveform samples between processing and wireless transmission (BLE, Wi-Fi). The AES bitstream encryption protects patient data algorithm IP. The industrial temperature range supports both clinical and field-use environments.
Recommended
Communications Protocol Bridging
The EP3CLS150F484I7 excels at communications protocol bridging between legacy and modern interfaces - common in industrial gateway and telecom line-card designs. The 4 PLLs provide independent clock domains for SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe Gen1, SGMII, and SRIO interfaces simultaneously, while the 150K logic elements implement soft PHYs and MAC layers. The 6,480 Kbits of embedded memory buffers packet payloads during rate adaptation. The 226 user I/Os accept multiple parallel LVCMOS or LVDS buses. AES bitstream encryption protects routing protocol implementations. Industrial temperature range ensures deployment in outdoor telecom cabinets and industrial control rooms.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EP3CLS150F484I7 powers benchtop test and measurement instruments such as arbitrary waveform generators, logic analyzers, and protocol exercisers. The 226 user I/Os connect to test pin electronics at up to 200+ MHz LVDS, while the 166 DSP blocks implement real-time DSP (FFT, windowing, correlation) on captured waveforms. The 6,480 Kbits of embedded memory stores deep acquisition buffers (millions of samples). The 4 PLLs synthesize independent sampling clocks for multi-channel ATE systems. AES bitstream protection safeguards proprietary test IP. The industrial temperature range supports laboratory and production-floor environments with consistent timing margins across temperature.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3CLS150F484I7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3CLS150F484C8N | EP3CLS150F484C8 | EP3CLS150F484C7N | EP3CLS150F484C7 | EP3C120F484I7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 484-ball FBGA (F484) | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same | 484-ball FBGA (F484) - same |
| Logic Elements | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 120,000 (-20%) |
| Embedded Memory | 6,480 Kbits | 6,480 Kbits | 6,480 Kbits | 6,480 Kbits | 6,480 Kbits | 3,888 Kbits |
| DSP Blocks | 166 | 166 | 166 | 166 | 166 | 244 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | 0C to +85C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Security (AES Encryption) | Yes (LS family) | Yes (LS family) | Yes (LS family) | Yes (LS family) | Yes (LS family) | No (Cyclone III, not LS) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- AES bitstream encryption with on-chip decryption engine (vs EP3C120F484I7)
- Higher logic density in same F484 footprint (vs EP3C120F484I7)
- Industrial temperature range coverage (vs EP3CLS150F484C8N)
- Higher memory density than lower-tier Cyclone III LS parts (vs EP3CLS100F484I7)
Design Notes
The EP3CLS150F484I7 requires multiple separate power rails: VCCINT (1.2 V for core logic), VCCA (2.5 V for PLLs and analog), VCCIO (1.2 V to 3.3 V per I/O bank), and VCCPD (3.3 V for pre-drivers). Each rail needs at least one 10 uF bulk ceramic plus four 0.1 uF high-frequency decoupling capacitors placed within 5 mm of the respective supply pins. Estimated core current draw at 50% toggle rate is approximately 800 mA; verify with the Early Power Estimator (EPE) tool before finalizing the power tree.
At maximum junction temperature of 100C and ambient of +85C, allowable junction rise is only 15C. The F484 FBGA package has a typical theta_JA of approximately 11 C/W with adequate PCB thermal via array (at least 9 thermal vias under the central die area connected to internal ground planes). For designs at high toggle rates exceeding 60% across all 150K LEs, attach a small heatsink or use forced airflow to keep junction temperature within margins.
The 484-ball FBGA package with 1.0 mm pitch requires a 4-layer or 6-layer PCB with micro-via or via-in-pad technology for signal breakout. Use 0.5 oz copper on outer layers and 1 oz on inner power/ground planes. Escape routing on the top layer should fan out to 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) pitch headers. Match all differential pair traces to within 5 mil length mismatch for LVDS signals to preserve signal integrity at >500 MHz toggle rates.
Do not confuse EP3CLS150F484I7 (Cyclone III LS, with AES security) with EP3C120F484I7 (Cyclone III standard, no security) or with the automotive EP3CLS150F484I7N-A variant. Also note that 'I7' and 'C7' indicate industrial and commercial temperature grades respectively - using a commercial-grade part outside 0C to +85C causes timing failure. Configuration memory selection matters: use EPCS64 (64 Mbit) or larger for designs approaching the full 150K-LE capacity, otherwise bitstream overflow corrupts configuration.
For high-speed LVDS or LVTTL interfaces running above 200 MHz, place series termination resistors (22 to 33 ohm) within 3 mm of the FPGA output pin to dampen reflections. Use the FPGA's programmable drive strength and slew rate control to fine-tune edge rates; slower slew rates reduce EMI at the cost of setup/hold margin. The Cyclone III device handbook section on high-speed I/O provides specific termination and layout guidelines per I/O standard.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Intel material declarations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use automotive-grade Cyclone IV or Cyclone V devices for safety-critical automotive applications. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C.