EP3CLS70U484C8N - Cyclone III LS 70K LE FPGA, 484-FBGA | Altera
MPN: EP3CLS70U484C8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $368.86 | $368.86 |
| 10 | $332 | $3,320.00 |
| 100 | $295.1 | $29,510.00 |
| 500 | $268.5 | $134,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $244.2 | $244,200.00 |
EP3CLS70U484C8N Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated silicon resources such as block RAM, DSP blocks, and PLLs that the designer programs after manufacture. FPGAs sit above microcontrollers and fixed-function ASICs in flexibility, allowing hardware-level parallelism for signal processing, custom interfaces, and glue logic. Cyclone III LS specifically targets cost-sensitive, power-conscious applications requiring hardware encryption, distinguishing it from the standard Cyclone III family.
Key features include 247 DSP blocks (18x18 multipliers) for high-throughput arithmetic, 8 PLLs for flexible clock synthesis, up to 500 MHz internal clock operation, and 1.2 V core supply with on-chip voltage regulation supporting 3.3 V/2.5 V LVCMOS/LVTTL I/O. The device supports LVDS, RSDS, mini-LVDS, LVPECL, and SSTL I/O standards, and offers DDR/DDR2/QDRII external memory interfaces through dedicated PHY. Per-block static power is typically under 100 mW.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, portable medical devices, automotive infotainment and driver assistance (non-safety), low-cost software-defined radio, and consumer electronics requiring custom hardware acceleration. The 65 nm LP process and dedicated security make the EP3CLS70U484C8N particularly suited for IP protection-critical designs.
When designing with this part, allocate sufficient PCB layers for power distribution (at least 4 layers recommended), use the Quartus II / Quartus Prime design suite for compilation and configuration bitstream generation, and follow Altera's cyclone III LS hardware reference manual for JTAG and AS configuration. Programming files are generated via Quartus and loaded through JTAG, Active Serial (EPCS), or Passive Serial modes.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3CLS70U484C8N — 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 EP3CLS70U484C8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3CLS70U484C7N
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View Datasheet →EP3CLS70U484C8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | Cyclone III LS |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 70,208 |
| Memory Bits | 3,068,928 bits |
| Maximum User I/O | 278 |
| DSP Blocks (18x18 Multipliers) | 247 |
| PLLs | 8 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| Process Technology | TSMC 65 nm Low-Power (LP) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.2 V |
| Speed Grade | 8 (commercial) |
| Package | 484-FBGA (U484) FineLine BGA, 19x19 mm |
| Configuration Modes | AS, PS, JTAG, FPP |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP3CLS70U484C8N 484-fbga (u484) fineline bga, 19x19 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3CLS70U484C8N (484-fbga (u484) fineline bga, 19x19 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 EP3CLS70U484C8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3CLS70U484C8N is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Video Surveillance and Image Processing, Portable Medical Devices, Automotive Infotainment, Software-Defined Radio (SDR), Consumer Electronics Custom Logic, IP-Protected Industrial Controllers.
Industrial Motor Control
The EP3CLS70U484C8N suits multi-axis industrial motor control with 247 DSP blocks enabling 18x18 multiplications and 8 PLLs for precise clock generation across multiple motor phases. Its 70,208 logic elements comfortably host encoder decoding, PID control loops, and field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms in parallel, while the 3 Mbit of block RAM buffers command trajectories and feedback samples. Hardware bitstream AES-128 encryption protects proprietary control firmware from cloning in competitive industrial markets. The 484-FBGA package supports high-density routing for multiple incremental encoder and resolver interfaces required in CNC machinery, servo drives, and robotics.
Recommended
Video Surveillance and Image Processing
The EP3CLS70U484C8N's 247 DSP blocks deliver the multiply-accumulate throughput required for real-time video processing pipelines including H.264 encoding, edge detection, and motion analysis. With 70,208 logic elements, the FPGA can host camera interface controllers (MIPI CSI-2, BT.656, parallel RGB), DMA engines, and image preprocessing functions on a single die. The 3 Mbit block RAM acts as line buffers for video frame storage, while 8 PLLs synthesize pixel clocks for various display resolutions. Cyclone III LS hardware encryption prevents unauthorized access to surveillance firmware in security-sensitive deployments, and the U484 BGA exposes sufficient I/O for parallel sensor arrays.
Recommended
Portable Medical Devices
The EP3CLS70U484C8N's 65 nm low-power process delivers reduced static power consumption critical for battery-powered medical devices such as patient monitors, portable ultrasound, and point-of-care diagnostics. Its 70K logic elements host signal conditioning, DSP filter chains, and graphical user interfaces simultaneously. Hardware bitstream AES-128 encryption protects patient data and proprietary algorithms, meeting HIPAA and FDA cybersecurity guidance. The 3 Mbit block RAM buffers ECG, EEG, and pulse oximetry waveforms, while 8 PLLs generate sampling clocks for multi-channel analog front ends. The U484 484-ball BGA measures 19x19 mm, fitting compact medical form factors.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment
The EP3CLS70U484C8N's 278 maximum user I/O pins support multiple display interfaces (LVDS for head units, CAN/LIN for vehicle networking) simultaneously. With 70,208 logic elements, the FPGA hosts audio decoders (MP3, AAC, FLAC), video processors, and touchscreen controllers in a single device. The 247 DSP blocks accelerate audio DSP operations including equalization, surround decoding, and noise cancellation. Hardware bitstream AES encryption protects OEM infotainment firmware and DRM keys from unauthorized cloning. The 484-FBGA package supports high-density routing required for LVDS display panels and MIPI camera links in head-unit designs.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio (SDR)
The EP3CLS70U484C8N's 247 DSP blocks enable real-time digital down-conversion, channelization, and demodulation for low-cost software-defined radio platforms. Its 70,208 logic elements host DDC filters, FFT engines, and protocol-specific modulators simultaneously. The 8 PLLs synthesize the multiple clock domains required for ADC/DAC sampling and baseband processing. With 3 Mbit block RAM, the FPGA buffers IQ sample streams between processing stages. The 1.2 V core voltage and 65 nm low-power process keep power budgets manageable for portable SDR applications including ham radio transceivers and tactical communications.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Custom Logic
The EP3CLS70U484C8N replaces discrete glue logic in consumer products where off-the-shelf microcontrollers cannot meet specific interface or timing requirements. Its 70,208 logic elements host custom display controllers, sensor hubs, and proprietary protocol bridges. Hardware bitstream encryption prevents reverse engineering of consumer product features that differentiate brands. The U484 484-ball BGA supports high-density PCB routing for products like smart appliances, gaming peripherals, and educational devices. The 3 Mbit block RAM provides local caching for protocol translation and command queuing.
Recommended
IP-Protected Industrial Controllers
The EP3CLS70U484C8N's Cyclone III LS hardware security features protect intellectual property in industrial automation, building controls, and security systems where firmware cloning is a concern. AES-128 bitstream encryption and JTAG access control prevent unauthorized bitstream readback. With 70,208 logic elements, the FPGA hosts complex control algorithms, communication stacks (Modbus, EtherCAT, PROFINET), and HMI logic. The 247 DSP blocks accelerate motion control math, while 8 PLLs synchronize multiple industrial network segments. The 484-FBGA package supports high-density industrial PCBs with mixed analog and digital sections.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3CLS70U484C8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3CLS70U484C7N | EP3CLS70U484C8 | EP3CLS100U484C8N | EP3CLS100U484C8 | EP3C80U484C8N | EP3C55U484C8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 484-FBGA (U484) | 484-FBGA (U484) - same | 484-FBGA (U484) - same | 484-FBGA (U484) - same | 484-FBGA (U484) - same | 484-FBGA (U484) - same | 484-FBGA (U484) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Elements | 70,208 | 70,208 | 70,208 | 100,448 | 100,448 | 81,264 | 55,856 |
| Family / Security | Cyclone III LS (AES-128 bitstream encryption) | Cyclone III LS (AES-128) | Cyclone III LS (AES-128) | Cyclone III LS (AES-128) | Cyclone III LS (AES-128) | Cyclone III standard (no LS security) | Cyclone III standard (no LS security) |
| Speed Grade | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Memory Bits | 3,068,928 | 3,068,928 | 3,068,928 | 3,888,896 | 3,888,896 | 2,810,880 | 2,396,160 |
| DSP Blocks | 247 | 247 | 247 | 333 | 333 | 244 | 156 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware bitstream AES-128 encryption (vs EP3C80U484C8N)
- Higher logic density with same package (vs EP3C55U484C8N)
- Larger block RAM and DSP count vs lower-density LS variants (vs EP3C40U484C8N)
- Same-package density upgrade option (vs EP3CLS70U484C7N)
Design Notes
The EP3CLS70U484C8N requires a stable 1.2 V core supply with at least 1.5 A peak current capability. Per the Cyclone III LS datasheet, decoupling requires 100 uF bulk + 10 x 0.1 uF ceramic + 10 x 0.001 uF ceramic placed close to the U484 BGA power balls. VCCIO must be ramped before or simultaneously with VCCINT to prevent I/O latchup. Use a dedicated LDO (e.g., TI TPS74401) for VCCINT, not a switching regulator, to minimize core noise that could couple into PLL circuits.
The 484-FBGA U484 package has theta_JA of approximately 12 C/W with a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board. Estimated: at full utilization (70K LE + 247 DSP blocks @ 100% toggle rate) the device can dissipate 1.5-2.5 W, resulting in a 18-30 C junction temperature rise above ambient. For industrial (-40 to +100 C) operation, ensure ambient stays below 70 C with proper airflow or thermal vias under the central BGA balls. The exposed pad/die-attach balls should be soldered to a thermal pad on the PCB with 9 thermal vias to inner ground plane for optimal heat dissipation.
Route all 8 PLL analog supply pins (VCCA_PLL) with star connections to a filtered 2.5 V or 1.2 V supply, isolated from digital switching noise by an LC filter (10 ohm + 0.1 uF). Per the Cyclone III LS handbook, use 100 ohm differential impedance for LVDS pairs and 50 ohm single-ended for LVCMOS. Match all DDR/DDR2 address/command traces within 50 mils for proper timing. Use the Altera PCB design guidelines for fine-pitch BGA fanout: 8 mil trace / 8 mil space microvia stackup is recommended for the U484 1.0 mm pitch BGA.
For Cyclone III LS security, generate encrypted configuration bitstreams in Quartus II using the 'Enhanced Configuration with AES' option. Store encrypted bitstreams in EPCS16, EPCS64, or EPCQ16 configuration memories. Per the handbook, JTAG access can be disabled after configuration for tamper resistance. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on nCONFIG and a 1 kohm pull-up on MSEL pins. Use AS (Active Serial) mode for fastest single-device configuration from EPCS flash; JTAG for prototyping and boundary-scan testing.
Do not exceed the maximum I/O bank VCCIO of 3.3 V - higher voltages damage the I/O cells. Always include proper decoupling on every VCCIO bank as specified in the datasheet. Ensure the configuration mode pins MSEL[3:0] match the selected mode (AS, PS, FPP, JTAG). Estimated: with 247 DSP blocks all running at maximum throughput, the core current draw can peak at 1.8 A, so use a 2.5 A-rated LDO for VCCINT. Do not leave JTAG pins floating - either tie them to known states or connect to a JTAG header for in-system programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Altera product page; 'N' suffix indicates lead-free finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive safety-critical applications should use AEC-Q100 qualified parts. Halogen-free status not explicitly documented in retrieved web data.
