EP3SE50F780C2 - Stratix III E FPGA, 47.5K LE, 780-FCBGA | Intel
MPN: EP3SE50F780C2 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1576.45 | $1,576.45 |
| 10 | $1500 | $15,000.00 |
| 100 | $1395 | $139,500.00 |
| 500 | $1295 | $647,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $1195 | $1,195,000.00 |
EP3SE50F780C2 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that engineers configure after manufacturing using a hardware description language. Stratix III E FPGAs belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and sit within the hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor. They are widely used when ASIC-level performance is required but design iteration flexibility is also essential.
Key features of the EP3SE50F780C2 include 1,900 LABs/CLBs, 5.76 Mbits embedded block RAM, 384 DSP blocks (18x18 multipliers) for high-throughput signal processing, and support for DDR3/DDR2/QDR II+/RLDRAM II external memory interfaces. The Stratix III E architecture also integrates a rich fabric of PLLs and clock networks for multi-domain timing closure.
Typical applications span telecom baseband processing, high-speed image and video processing pipelines, ASIC prototyping, military/aerospace signal processing, broadcast video encoding, and high-performance computing accelerators. The device's 600 MHz fabric speed combined with 384 DSP blocks enables real-time DSP workloads such as radar pulse compression, OFDM modulation, and forward-error correction.
When designing with the EP3SE50F780C2, careful PCB layout is required for the 780-ball flip-chip BGA: 12 transceiver channels must each have controlled-impedance differential routing, and the 1.1 V core requires multiple low-impedance decoupling capacitors near the dedicated supply balls. Engineers should use the Quartus II design suite with the Stratix III device library to ensure timing closure.
A typical Stratix III E reference design includes high-speed serial transceivers running at multi-gigabit rates, DDR3 controllers with PHY IP, and partial reconfiguration regions. This product page synthesizes current distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and application-level design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP3SE50F780C2 — 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 EP3SE50F780C2 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Embedded Memory, Speed Grade, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP3SE50F780I2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP3SE110F780C2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4350 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3SL50F780C2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$312 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3SE50F780C3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$890 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3SE50F780C4N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1430 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP3SE50F780C2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Stratix III E |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 47,500 |
| LABs / CLBs | 1,900 |
| Total Memory Bits | 5,760,000 |
| User I/O Count | 488 |
| DSP Blocks (18x18 multipliers) | 384 |
| Core Voltage | 1.1 V |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Operating Frequency | Up to 600 MHz |
| Package | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Pins / Terminals | 780 |
| Form of Terminal | Ball |
| Package Code | BGA |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial (C2) |
EP3SE50F780C2 bga Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP3SE50F780C2 (bga 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 EP3SE50F780C2.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP3SE50F780C2 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom Baseband Processing, High-Speed Image and Video Processing Pipelines, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Military/Aerospace Signal Processing, Broadcast Video Encoding and Transmission, High-Performance Computing Accelerators.
Telecom Baseband Processing
The EP3SE50F780C2 fits telecom baseband processing because its 47,500 logic elements, 384 DSP blocks (18x18 multipliers), and 5.76 Mbits embedded block RAM deliver the throughput needed for multi-carrier DSP chains at 600 MHz fabric speed. The 488 user I/Os and 12 transceiver channels provide the I/O bandwidth required for CPRI/OBSAI fronthaul and backhaul interfaces. Placed on a baseband card with external DDR3 controllers, it implements channel cards, FFT/iFFT engines, and forward-error-correction (FEC) decoders with deterministic latency. Compared to DSP-only solutions, the Stratix III E architecture allows concurrent DSP and control-plane logic on a single device, reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
High-Speed Image and Video Processing Pipelines
The EP3SE50F780C2 is well-suited for image and video processing because its 384 dedicated DSP blocks execute parallel pixel-rate arithmetic and 5.76 Mbits of block RAM buffer full HD frame lines in real time. Per the Stratix III E family datasheet, the device supports DDR3/DDR2/QDR II+/RLDRAM II external memory interfaces at hundreds of megahertz, enabling line buffers and frame stores. Placed between a camera sensor input and a display output, the FPGA performs color-space conversion, scaling, sharpening, and overlay composition at video pixel rate. Designers benefit from reduced system BOM versus discrete DSP plus ASIC implementations.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
The EP3SE50F780C2 is widely used for ASIC prototyping because its 47,500 logic elements and abundant block RAM allow partition of multi-million-gate ASIC designs across multiple Stratix III E devices. The 780-FCBGA package exposes 488 I/Os for chip-to-chip interconnect bridges, while the 600 MHz fabric speed enables full-speed RTL validation before tape-out. The Quartus II design suite provides synthesis and partitioning tools optimized for multi-FPGA ASIC prototyping. Compared to ASIC tape-out, multi-FPGA prototyping cuts validation cost and time to under $1/prototype at small quantities.
Recommended
Military/Aerospace Signal Processing
The EP3SE50F780C2 (commercial grade) and its industrial-temp sibling EP3SE50F780I2 serve military/aerospace signal processing applications where deterministic DSP performance and abundant logic density are required. Per Stratix III E datasheet, the 65 nm process and 1.1 V core operate reliably in ruggedized enclosures when paired with appropriate thermal management. Placed on a ruggedized signal-processing card, the FPGA performs radar pulse compression, electronic-warfare channelization, and secure modem DSP workloads. Designers can layer cryptographic and DSP functions concurrently, and the device's BGA package suits conformal-coated military PCBs.
Recommended
Broadcast Video Encoding and Transmission
The EP3SE50F780C2 fits broadcast video encoding because its 384 DSP blocks implement H.264/AVC or HEVC encoding pipelines at real-time rates for SD/HD streams. The 488 user I/Os provide connectivity to broadcast SDI inputs/outputs and ASI/TS multiplexers. The 5.76 Mbits embedded memory supports macroblock line buffers required for motion estimation. Placed on an encoder card with external DDR3 frame buffers, the FPGA achieves broadcast-grade encoding at lower latency than software-only implementations. Compared to discrete DSP plus CPU, the Stratix III E reduces system latency and bill-of-materials cost.
Recommended
High-Performance Computing Accelerators
The EP3SE50F780C2 serves HPC accelerator roles because its 47,500 logic elements and 384 DSP blocks deliver co-processing throughput alongside CPUs. The 488 user I/Os provide multiple high-speed PCIe or serial transceiver links for host-to-accelerator data movement. Per Stratix III E documentation, the 600 MHz fabric speed allows custom SIMD engines and FFT accelerators to offload compute from the host CPU. Placed on a coprocessor card with DDR3/QDR II+ memory, the FPGA delivers per-card floating-point throughput measured in tens of GFLOPS. Designers benefit from reprogrammable hardware that adapts to new workloads without ASIC redesign.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP3SE50F780C2 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP3SE50F780I2 | EP3SE110F780C2 | EP3SL50F780C2N | EP3SE50F780C3 | EP3SE50F780C4N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA - same | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA - same | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA - same | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA - same | 780-BBGA, FC-FBGA - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Logic Elements | 47,500 | 47,500 | ~110,000 (+131%) | 47,500 | 47,500 | 47,500 |
| DSP Blocks | 384 | 384 | 896 (+133%) | 384 | 384 | 384 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 5,760,000 | 5,760,000 | ~13,500,000 | 5,760,000 | 5,760,000 | 5,760,000 |
| Speed Grade | C2 (commercial) | I2 (industrial temp) | C2 (commercial) | C2 (low power) | C3 (faster) | C4 (fastest) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial 0C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +100C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +85C |
| Process / Core Voltage | 65 nm / 1.1 V | 65 nm / 1.1 V | 65 nm / 1.1 V | 65 nm / 1.1 V (low power) | 65 nm / 1.1 V | 65 nm / 1.1 V |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in industrial-temp variant available (vs EP3SE50F780I2)
- Higher-density same-package upgrade path (vs EP3SE110F780C2)
- Low-power same-pinout variant (vs EP3SL50F780C2N)
Design Notes
The 780-ball FC-FBGA package requires controlled-impedance routing for the 12 high-speed transceiver channels (differential 100 ohm). Use a multilayer PCB with dedicated ground and power planes adjacent to the BGA breakout, and via-in-pad or microvia technology to escape the dense 1.0 mm ball pitch. Per Stratix III hardware guidelines, keep transceiver trace lengths matched within 5 mils for the P/N pair and within 50 mils across channels to meet the jitter budget.
Estimated: At full utilization (47.5K LE at 80% toggle rate, 600 MHz, 384 active DSP blocks), the EP3SE50F780C2 dissipates approximately 8-10 W. The 780-FCBGA package has a theta_JA of approximately 12-15 C/W with a 4-layer JEDEC test board; this implies a junction temperature rise of 96-150 C above ambient. A heatsink or forced-air cooling is required for reliable operation at high toggle rates. Add thermal vias under the exposed die area and use a high-Tg PCB laminate (FR408HR or equivalent).
Per Stratix III power guidelines, the EP3SE50F780C2 requires multiple supply rails: 1.1 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V auxiliary, 1.2-1.5 V PLL supply, and per-pin I/O supplies. Each supply must have at least 100 uF of bulk capacitance plus 0.1 uF and 0.01 uF decoupling near every power ball group. Power sequencing is critical: the 1.1 V core must rise monotonically within the datasheet-specified 100 ms window to avoid latch-up. The PowerPlay Power Analyzer tool in Quartus II generates rail-by-rail current estimates for the design.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance not stated in the verified web data; Altera/Intel Stratix III FPGAs are typically compliant with these directives but this should be confirmed against the latest manufacturer documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (FPGA family does not target automotive).
