EPC1C3T144C8 - Cyclone FPGA 2,910 LEs 144-TQFP C8 | Intel
MPN: EPC1C3T144C8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $28.9 | $2,890.00 |
| 500 | $24.5 | $12,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $21 | $21,000.00 |
EPC1C3T144C8 Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, embedded memory, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed post-manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital functions. FPGAs sit hierarchically between fixed-function ASICs (highest performance, highest NRE) and microcontrollers (lowest flexibility, lowest unit cost at high volume), occupying the niche where parallelism, custom datapaths, and rapid design iteration are required. The Cyclone family was Altera's (now Intel FPGA's) low-cost, low-power answer to this niche, optimized for glue logic, consumer electronics, and industrial control.
The EPC1C3T144C8 features 2,910 logic elements backed by 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers and 59,904 bits of embedded RAM distributed across M4K memory blocks. It offers 104 user I/O pins supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and a low-power 1.5V core operating from a 0.13um process. Configuration is via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), and JTAG modes, supported by Altera EPCS configuration devices.
Architecturally, the Cyclone device combines a fabric of LABs (Logic Array Blocks, each containing 10 LEs) with row and column interconnects, an embedded memory array, and multiplier blocks adjacent to the RAM to enable DSP-style operations. The 1.5V core with I/O ring flexibility and four PLLs allow designers to synthesize multiple clock domains from a single reference, while the 13 multipliers support up to 13 concurrent 18-bit MAC operations.
Typical applications include audio/video processing front-ends, industrial motor control and glue logic, video bridging and format conversion, and embedded protocol bridging (I2C, SPI, UART, parallel interfaces) in consumer and industrial products. The 144-TQFP package supports conventional SMT assembly on 4-layer PCBs without requiring BGA-class PCB fabrication.
When designing with this device, use the Altera Quartus II design suite (the modern toolchain is Intel Quartus Prime) and select the EP1C3 device family. Plan for configuration memory with a serial configuration device such as EPCS4 or EPCS16, and validate timing closure with Quartus TimeQuest before committing the design to prototype.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Information current as of 2026-09-11.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1C3T144C8 — 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 EPC1C3T144C8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Family, Speed Grade, PLLs, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP1C3T144I7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$18.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C6T144C8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C4F400C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1C3T144C8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone (EP1C3) |
| Logic Elements | 2,910 |
| Total RAM Bits | 59,904 |
| Embedded 18x18 Multipliers | 13 |
| User I/O Pins | 104 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Package | 144-LQFP / TQFP |
| Speed Grade | C8 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Core Voltage | 1.5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.13 um |
| Configuration Modes | PS, AS, JTAG |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC1C3T144C8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 24 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 33 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 37 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 41 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 44 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 49 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 53 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 57 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 61 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 64 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 69 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 73 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 77 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 81 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 84 | VCCIO5 — I/O bank 5 supply voltage |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 89 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 93 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 97 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 101 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 104 | VCCIO6 — I/O bank 6 supply voltage |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 109 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 113 | VCCIO7 — I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 117 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 121 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 124 | VCCIO7 — I/O bank 7 supply voltage |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 129 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 133 | VCCIO8 — I/O bank 8 supply voltage |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 137 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 141 | VCCINT — Core 1.5V supply |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 144 | VCCIO8 — I/O bank 8 supply voltage |
Typical Applications
EPC1C3T144C8 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Glue Logic Replacement, Video Format Conversion and Bridging, Motor Control and Drive Logic, Audio Processing and Mixing, Embedded Protocol Bridging, Low-Volume ASIC Replacement.
Industrial Glue Logic Replacement
The EPC1C3T144C8 is widely deployed as a replacement for clusters of 74-series TTL/CMOS glue logic in industrial control boards, where its 2,910 logic elements and 104 user I/O pins can absorb dozens of discrete logic chips into a single programmable device. The 144-TQFP package supports conventional SMT assembly without BGA-class PCB processes. With 4 PLLs, designers can synthesize multiple clock domains from one reference, and 59,904 bits of embedded RAM support small FIFO buffers for protocol bridging. This consolidation reduces BOM cost and PCB area while allowing field firmware updates.
Recommended
Video Format Conversion and Bridging
The EPC1C3T144C8 is used in mid-range video bridging applications such as BT.656/BT.1120 to parallel RGB conversion, VGA timing generation, and low-resolution video scaling. Its 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers support real-time FIR filtering for chroma resampling, and 59,904 bits of embedded RAM hold line buffers and lookup tables. The 104 user I/O pins interface to video ADCs/DACs without external bus multiplexers. Cyclone's Quartus II IP library provides free reference designs for common video timing controllers, accelerating development versus discrete logic implementations.
Recommended
Motor Control and Drive Logic
The EPC1C3T144C8 serves as the central control logic in industrial motor drives, implementing field-oriented control (FOC) state machines, PWM generation, and current-loop timing with deterministic latency. Its 2,910 LEs easily fit typical 3-phase PWM controllers and quadrature encoder interfaces, while the 13 multipliers support Clarke/Park transforms for sensorless control. The 144-TQFP package is rated for industrial-grade assembly and supports conventional thermal management. The 4 PLLs generate the high-frequency PWM carrier from low-frequency crystals.
Recommended
Audio Processing and Mixing
The EPC1C3T144C8 is suitable for digital audio mixing consoles and effect processors where its 13 multipliers enable parallel biquad filter stages, and 59,904 RAM bits hold audio delay lines. The 104 user I/O pins interface to multiple I2S/TDM audio codecs simultaneously for multi-channel mixing. Cyclone's LVDS capability supports professional audio interfaces such as AES3/EBU. The Quartus II DSP Builder accelerates MAC-based filter design versus hand-coded HDL, shortening time-to-prototype for audio engineers new to FPGA development.
Recommended
Embedded Protocol Bridging
The EPC1C3T144C8 is commonly used as a protocol bridge IC, converting between I2C, SPI, UART, parallel buses, and proprietary interfaces in industrial and consumer products. Its 104 I/O pins support multiple concurrent bus interfaces, while 59,904 bits of RAM buffer data between protocols of differing speeds. The Cyclone IP catalog provides free UART, I2C, and SPI controller cores. The 144-TQFP package simplifies field-replaceable module designs where legacy bus compatibility is required alongside modern peripheral connectivity.
Recommended
Low-Volume ASIC Replacement
The EPC1C3T144C8 is widely used as an ASIC replacement in low-to-medium-volume products (typically below 50K units annual) where ASIC NRE costs cannot be amortized. Its 2,910 LEs and 144-TQFP package cover the complexity range of small custom ICs such as appliance controllers, instrument front-ends, and specialty industrial sensors. Designers benefit from zero NRE, instant prototype turnaround, and field-updatable logic. Migration to ASIC is straightforward later if volumes justify, since Quartus-synthesized netlists are portable to Altera HardCopy structured ASICs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1C3T144C8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP1C3T144I7 | EP1C3T144C7 | EP1C3T144C8N | EP1C6T144C8 | EP1C4F400C8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 144-LQFP / TQFP | 144-LQFP / TQFP (same) | 144-LQFP / TQFP (same) | 144-LQFP / TQFP (same) | 144-LQFP / TQFP (same) | FBGA-400 (different package) |
| Logic Elements | 2,910 | 2,910 (same) | 2,910 (same) | 2,910 (same) | 5,980 (+105%) | 4,000 (+37%) |
| Total RAM Bits | 59,904 | 59,904 (same) | 59,904 (same) | 59,904 (same) | 92,160 (+54%) | 78,336 (+31%) |
| User I/O Pins | 104 | 104 (same) | 104 (same) | 104 (same) | 98 (-6%) | 301 (+189% in F400 BGA) |
| Multipliers (18x18) | 13 | 13 (same) | 13 (same) | 13 (same) | 20 (+54%) | 17 (+31%) |
| Speed Grade | C8 | I7 (industrial) | C7 (faster) | C8 (same) | C8 (same) | C8N (same) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) | -40C to +100C (industrial) | 0C to +85C (commercial) | 0C to +85C (commercial) | 0C to +85C (commercial) | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest pin-compatible LE upgrade within Cyclone family (vs EP1C6T144C8)
- Same die, industrial temperature variant available (vs EP1C3T144I7)
- Pin-compatible speed upgrade available (vs EP1C3T144C7)
Design Notes
The EPC1C3T144C8 requires three separate supply rails: VCCINT (1.5V core), VCCA (2.5V PLL analog), and VCCIO (per bank, 1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V selectable). Use a low-dropout regulator such as the TI TPS7A4515 for VCCINT with a 22uF ceramic output capacitor placed within 5mm of the FPGA pins. Estimate core current at approximately 500 mA worst case with all RAM and multipliers active. Decouple every VCCIO pin with a 0.1uF X7R ceramic capacitor plus a 10uF bulk capacitor per bank.
The 144-pin TQFP package has 0.5mm lead pitch and 22mm x 22mm body size, allowing assembly on conventional 4-layer PCBs. Route all four PLL power pins (VCCA_PLL) with a guard ring of vias to a quiet ground island, and keep clock traces under 25mm with impedance-controlled 50-ohm routing. Provide four-layer stackup with continuous ground plane beneath the FPGA for return current and thermal dissipation. Avoid routing high-speed signals across the TQFP lead rows to minimize crosstalk.
Do not leave CONFIG_DONE or nSTATUS floating - the Cyclone family requires a 10k-ohm pull-up on each for reliable configuration. Failing to connect MSEL pins to the correct logic levels for the desired configuration mode is a frequent board bring-up issue: 00=AS, 01=PS, 10=JTAG-only, 11=fast AS. Verify with Quartus programmer before power-on. Also note that I/O bank voltages must not exceed 4.0V even momentarily during hot-plug events, as the absolute maximum diode clamp ratings are easily exceeded.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and lead-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data; marked unknown pending manufacturer datasheet confirmation. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial/commercial only).
