EP3C16F256A7N

Field Programmable Gate Array Overview

The Altera EP3C16F256A7N is a Cyclone III Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) manufactured using TSMC low-power process technology. It features 15,408 logic elements and 963 LABs within a 256-pin FineLine Ball-Grid Array (FBGA) package measuring 17x17 mm. The device includes 56 M9K memory blocks providing 516,096 total RAM bits and 56 embedded 18x18 multipliers. It supports up to 168 user I/Os and operates with a supply voltage range of 1.15V to 1.25V. The automotive temperature grade (-40°C to 125°C TJ) ensures reliability in thermally challenging environments.

Field Programmable Gate Array Feature Summary

• Supports hot socketing and power sequencing without external devices for mixed-voltage systems
• Includes four phase-locked loops with five outputs each for robust clock management
• Features auto-calibrating PHY megafunctions for DDR and QDR memory interfaces
• Provides dedicated cyclical redundancy code checker circuitry for single-event upset detection

Field Programmable Gate Array Applications

• Video image processing and surveillance systems
• Industrial designs requiring high integration
• Portable applications with strict power budgets

Field Programmable Gate Array Procurement Notes

Verify the component matches the specific automotive temperature grade and lead-free packaging indicated by the suffixes. Confirm the speed grade aligns with timing requirements. Ensure the ordering information corresponds to the correct pin count and package dimensions listed in official documentation before finalizing procurement.

Field Programmable Gate Array Selection Notes

Select this device when design evolution requires vertical migration across densities within the same package. Evaluate the trade-off between logic resources and power consumption against other Cyclone III variants. Consider the availability of Nios II soft processors if embedded processing capabilities are required for the system architecture.

Field Programmable Gate Array Part Context

This component belongs to the Cyclone III family, which offers a balance of functionality and cost-effectiveness. It utilizes SRAM-based configuration and supports multiple schemes including active serial and passive parallel. The family provides extensive IP cores and software support through Quartus II for rapid development.

Field Programmable Gate Array Replacement Considerations

EP3C16F256C7N: Commercial temperature variant with identical electrical characteristics but different operating range.

Field Programmable Gate Array FAQ

What configuration schemes does the EP3C16F256A7N support?

It supports Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), and JTAG configuration schemes.

How many global clock networks are available in this device?

The device includes 20 global clock networks that can be driven from dedicated pins, dual-purpose pins, user logic, or PLLs.

Does this FPGA support differential I/O standards?

Yes, it supports high-speed differential interfaces such as BLVDS, LVDS, mini-LVDS, RSDS, and PPDS.