Altera

EP3C5U256C6 - Cyclone III FPGA, 5K LE, 256-UBGA | Intel / Altera

部品番号: EP3C5U256C6 ✓ 生産中
在庫あり 1〜3営業日以内に発送
1.2 V (typical) Vdss 256-UBGA (U256, FineLine BGA) Package 6 (commercial) Speed 423,936 bits Memory
開始価格 $10.85 USD / 個
MOQ: 1 |
価格更新日: 2026-09-09
ボリューム価格
数量 単価 小計
1 $18.5 $18.50
10 $16.2 $162.00
100 $14.05 $1,405.00
500 $12.4 $6,200.00
1,000 $10.85 $10,850.00
ℹ️ すべての価格はUSDです

EP3C5U256C6 概要

The Intel / Altera EP3C5U256C6 is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone® III Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 256-ball Ultra FineLine BGA (U256 / UBGA) package. It integrates 5,136 logic elements, 423,936 bits of embedded memory (RAM), and 182 user I/O pins in a compact, lead-free surface-mount form factor. Speed grade 6 reflects its commercial temperature and timing characterization within the Cyclone III family.

A Cyclone III FPGA is a programmable logic device that combines look-up tables (LUTs), embedded memory blocks, embedded multipliers, and a programmable interconnect fabric on a single low-power silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs belong to programmable logic devices (PLDs), which sit alongside ASICs and microcontrollers as flexible digital-implementation alternatives. Cyclone III devices are widely used for I/O expansion, custom interface bridging, glue logic, and parallel DSP functions in cost-sensitive industrial, automotive, and consumer designs.

Key features of the EP3C5U256C6 include 5,136 logic elements, 423,936 embedded RAM bits organized in M9K blocks, 23 embedded 18x18 multipliers, four general-purpose PLLs, and 182 maximum user I/O pins. The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL, and HSTL, making it suitable for interfacing to external DDR/DDR2 memory devices via soft IP controllers. The U256 package exposes a high pin count in a small footprint suitable for space-constrained boards.

Built on a low-power process, Cyclone III devices offer static power consumption an order of magnitude lower than earlier Cyclone generations, allowing fanless operation in embedded designs. The architecture combines distributed and block RAM with dedicated multiplier blocks, enabling efficient implementation of DSP pipelines, video processing, and high-speed serial interface protocols when paired with external PHYs.

Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, automotive infotainment and driver-assistance subsystems, telecom line cards, and portable medical instrumentation. Engineers also use Cyclone III devices for I/O expansion around application processors and as cost-effective prototyping vehicles before ASIC conversion.

When designing with this device, verify that the Quartus II / Quartus Prime toolchain supports the U256 package variant in your software version, and confirm that the I/O bank voltage configuration matches the connected memory or peripheral standards. The U256 package has a fine 1.0 mm ball pitch, requiring ENIG surface finish and precise PCB fabrication tolerances.

This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a one-stop reference for sourcing and substitution decisions.

ドロップイン代替品: EP3C5U256C6 — 同一パッケージでピン互換。PCBの作り直しが必要な異なるパッケージの部品は除外されています。

このシリーズのバリエーション

同一シリーズでドロップイン互換のモデル: EP3C5U256C6 (同一形状・フットプリント) — 相違点: Speed Grade, Package, Process Technology, Logic Elements, RoHS Status.

Intel
Speed Grade: 8 (C8, commercial)
Package: 256-ball Ultra FineLine BGA (Ux256, 17 mm x 17 mm)
Process Technology: 65 nm low-power
比較対象 EP3C5U256C6 →
Intel
Speed Grade: -7
Logic Elements: 5,136 LE
RoHS Status: Compliant
比較対象 EP3C5U256C6 →
Intel
Speed Grade: C6
Package: 256-UBGA (Ultra FineLine BGA)
Process Technology: 60 nm low-power CMOS
比較対象 EP3C5U256C6 →
Altera
Speed Grade: -7 (commercial)
Package: 256-UBGA (Ultra FineLine BGA)
Process Technology: 65 nm low-k CMOS
比較対象 EP3C5U256C6 →
Altera
Package: 256-LFBGA (UBGA)
Process Technology: 60 nm CMOS
RoHS Status: Compliant
比較対象 EP3C5U256C6 →
Intel
Speed Grade: 8 (commercial)
Package: 256-LFBGA (UBGA)
Process Technology: 60 nm low-power CMOS
比較対象 EP3C5U256C6 →

クイック比較ツール — 並列比較する代替部品を選択:

EP3C5U256C6N

✅ ドロップイン
Intel
📦 256-UBGA
Cyclone III · Cyclone III FPGA · 5,136 · 321 · 423,936 bits · 182 · 256-UBGA (Ultra FineLine BGA) · 14 x 14 mm

✓ 在庫あり

$25.4 / 個

データシートを見る →

EP3C5U256A7N

✅ ドロップイン
Intel
📦 256-UBGA
Cyclone III · 5,136 LE · 414 kbit (423,936 bits) · 182 · 1.15 V to 1.25 V · SMD/SMT · BGA-256 (U256 Ultra FineLine) · Tray

✓ 在庫あり

$16.2 / 個

データシートを見る →

EP3C10U256C6N

✅ ドロップイン
📦 256-UBGA
upgrade to 10,320 LEs (about 2x logic), same UBGA-256 footprint, same speed grade

📋 参考代替品(カタログ未掲載)

EP3C16U256C8N

✅ ドロップイン
Intel
📦 256-UBGA
Cyclone III · 15,408 · 516,096 bits · 56 · 4 · 168 · 256-ball Ultra FineLine BGA (Ux256, 17 mm x 17 mm) · 1.2 V

✓ 在庫あり

$48.4 / 個

データシートを見る →
ℹ️ 1 異なるパッケージの部品は非表示 — パッケージが異なるとPCBの作り直しが必要で、真のドロップイン代替品ではありません。 お問い合わせ 異なるパッケージの提案が必要な場合。

EP3C5U256C6 最大定格&電気的特性

Series Cyclone III
Logic Elements 5,136
Embedded Memory (RAM) 423,936 bits
Maximum User I/O 182
パッケージ 256-UBGA (U256, FineLine BGA)
Ball Pitch 1.0 mm
Speed Grade 6 (commercial)
ピン数 256
Embedded Multipliers (18x18) 23
General Purpose PLLs 4
Global Clock Networks 10
Supply Voltage (Core) 1.2 V (typical)
実装タイプ Surface Mount (BGA)
RoHS ステータス Lead-free / RoHS compliant

EP3C5U256C6 256-ubga (u256, fineline bga) ピン配置ガイド

EP3C5U256C6 (256-ubga (u256, fineline bga) パッケージ) のピン配置。 このデジタルICには、GPIO、通信インターフェース (UART、SPI、I2C)、および電源ピンが含まれています。代替ピン機能と設定オプションについては、メーカーのデータシートを参照してください。組み込みシステム設計とPCBレイアウトに不可欠です。

EP3C5U256C6 の 256-ubga (u256, fineline bga) パッケージピン配置図

詳細なピン配置データはありません: EP3C5U256C6.

詳細は データシート をご参照ください。

主な用途

EP3C5U256C6 の用途: 6 件s: Industrial Motor Control and Drive, Video Surveillance and Image Processing, Automotive Infotainment and Driver Assistance, Telecom Line Card Glue Logic, Portable Medical Instrumentation, I/O Expansion and Custom Interface Bridging.

🏭

Industrial Motor Control and Drive

The EP3C5U256C6 is well-suited for industrial motor control and variable-frequency drive (VFD) front-ends, where its 23 embedded 18x18 multipliers accelerate Park/Clarke transformations and SVPWM generation in real time. The 5,136 LEs accommodate multiple PID loops, encoder interface logic, and fault-handling state machines without external glue logic. With 182 user I/O, the device can simultaneously interface to resolver-to-digital converters, gate-driver PWM channels, and Modbus / CAN-FD fieldbus links. Low static power consumption typical of Cyclone III allows fanless sealed enclosures, while the 1.2 V core supply simplifies thermal budgets in continuous-duty machinery operating at -40C to +100C.

🎥

Video Surveillance and Image Processing

In IP-camera and machine-vision front-ends, the EP3C5U256C6 implements Bayer demosaicing, motion detection, and JPEG/MJPEG compression pipelines using its on-chip M9K memory blocks and 23 hardware multipliers. The 423 Kbits of embedded RAM are sufficient to buffer at least one CIF frame plus several lines of HD video, while the 182 user I/O accept parallel sensor inputs and drive external DDR/DDR2 memory via soft IP. LVDS I/O support enables direct connection to high-speed image sensors. Engineers pair the EP3C5U256C6 with an external PHY to output Ethernet streams, making it a cost-effective solution for entry-level smart-camera designs.

🚗

Automotive Infotainment and Driver Assistance

The EP3C5U256C6 supports automotive infotainment head units and entry-level ADAS subsystems, where its combination of 5,136 LEs and 182 I/O drives LVDS display panels, MOST or CAN-FD vehicle networks, and audio DSP preprocessing. The Cyclone III family is qualified to AEC-Q100 by many tier-1 suppliers and offers the long lifecycle that automotive OEMs require. Its 1.2 V core and low static power simplify thermal design in enclosed dashboard compartments. Designers implement H.264 encode/decode blocks in soft logic and use the embedded multipliers for audio equalization and acoustic echo cancellation, all within a single -40C to +125C operation envelope.

🌐

Telecom Line Card Glue Logic

In telecom line cards and access equipment, the EP3C5U256C6 implements custom framing, TDM time-slot switching, and protocol conversion between legacy T1/E1, ISDN, and modern Ethernet backplanes. The 182 user I/O are sufficient to interface with multiple framers, LIU devices, and SPI/I2C management buses without external bus-expanders. Four general-purpose PLLs synthesize the precise clocks required for E1 (2.048 MHz) and T1 (1.544 MHz) line rates, plus higher-frequency Ethernet clocks. The device's BGA-256 package supports high-density board layouts for compact 1U / 2U shelf equipment.

💊

Portable Medical Instrumentation

Patient-monitoring and portable diagnostic instruments use the EP3C5U256C6 for ECG/EEG digital filtering, blood-oxygen saturation (SpO2) signal conditioning, and TFT display driving. The 5,136 LEs implement 50/60 Hz notch filters, FIR low-pass filters, and QRS-detection algorithms in soft logic, while the 23 embedded multipliers accelerate the multiply-accumulate operations central to DSP front-ends. Low static power consumption extends battery life in handheld pulse oximeters and ambulatory ECG recorders. The device supports both 3.3 V and 1.8 V I/O standards, allowing direct interface to low-power analog front-end ICs and color TFT displays without level shifters.

🧩

I/O Expansion and Custom Interface Bridging

Around application processors and SoCs that lack specific peripheral interfaces, the EP3C5U256C6 functions as a flexible bridge, adding UART, SPI, I2S, I2C, PWM, GPIO, or custom parallel buses on demand. The 182 user I/O accommodate up to 23 octal-bus interfaces or 46 quad-SPI peripherals, while 4 PLLs synthesize any required clock domain. Designers implement custom protocols - such as proprietary display interfaces or legacy industrial buses - that no standard ASSP supports, in a fraction of the time and cost of an ASIC. The BGA-256 package keeps the bridge footprint small enough to fit alongside the host processor on most carrier boards.

What is the logic element count of the EP3C5U256C6?
The EP3C5U256C6 contains 5,136 logic elements (LEs). According to the Cyclone III family datasheet, each LE consists of a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, and a carry chain, making the device well-suited to glue logic, I/O expansion, and small DSP pipelines in cost-sensitive designs.
What package does EP3C5U256C6 use and how many user I/O pins are available?
The EP3C5U256C6 ships in a 256-ball Ultra FineLine BGA (UBGA) package with a 1.0 mm ball pitch. Per the Cyclone III device handbook, the U256 package exposes up to 182 maximum user I/O pins, supporting LVCMOS, LVTTL, LVDS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards for direct connection to DDR/DDR2 memory.
Where can I download the EP3C5U256C6 datasheet PDF?
The official EP3C5U256C6 datasheet and Cyclone III family handbook are available from Intel's FPGA product page at intel.com under the Cyclone III device family documentation. Distributors such as Octopart also host datasheet PDFs at octopart.com/datasheet/intel/EP3C5U256C6 for convenient download.
What is the embedded memory size of the EP3C5U256C6?
The EP3C5U256C6 includes 423,936 bits of embedded RAM organized into M9K (9 Kbit) memory blocks. These blocks can be configured as RAM, ROM, shift registers, or FIFO buffers, providing flexible on-chip storage for buffering, packet processing, and DSP coefficient tables.
Is the EP3C5U256C6 in stock at major distributors?
As of 2026-09-09, the EP3C5U256C6 shows non-zero stock at Micro-Semiconductor.com (2,426 pieces) and Heisener.com (2,192 pieces). DigiKey and Mouser listings exist for reference and pricing, but buyers should verify real-time distributor inventory before placing orders.
How much does the EP3C5U256C6 cost in volume?
As of 2026-09-09, single-unit pricing is approximately $18.50, dropping to about $14.05 at 100 pieces and roughly $10.85 at 1,000 pieces. Bulk pricing varies by distributor; comparing real-time quotes on Octopart across 14 distributors typically yields the lowest available price for a given quantity break.
What is the typical lead time for EP3C5U256C6 orders?
Lead time for the EP3C5U256C6 depends on the distributor's stock position. Authorized distributors with factory allocation typically ship in 8 to 12 weeks, while independent distributors with on-hand inventory can ship in 1 to 3 business days. As of 2026-09-09, several independent distributors report stock exceeding 2,000 pieces.
EP3C5U256C6 vs EP3C5F256C6 - which is better for I/O expansion?
Both the EP3C5U256C6 (UBGA-256) and EP3C5F256C6 (FBGA-256) integrate 5,136 logic elements and 182 maximum user I/O, but the UBGA package offers slightly better signal-integrity characteristics for high-speed parallel interfaces due to its larger ball pitch tolerance. Choose EP3C5U256C6 for designs where PCB fabrication yields are a concern.
EP3C5U256C6 vs EP3C10F256C6 - which Cyclone III should I choose?
The EP3C5U256C6 delivers 5,136 logic elements while the EP3C10F256C6 offers 10,320 logic elements in the same 256-ball BGA family. Choose EP3C10F256C6 when your design exceeds ~4K LEs after synthesis; choose EP3C5U256C6 when cost dominates and the design fits within 5K LEs plus 423 Kbits of block RAM.
When should I choose EP3C5U256C6 over a Cyclone IV or Cyclone V device?
Choose EP3C5U256C6 when your design fits 5K LEs and you want the lowest unit cost in a long-lifecycle Cyclone family. Migrate to Cyclone IV E (EP4CE6) for lower static power and longer-term Intel support; choose Cyclone V (5CEBA4) only when you need transceivers, hard memory controllers, or higher DSP block counts.
What is the best drop-in replacement for the EP3C5U256C6?
The EP3C5U256C6N is the closest drop-in alternative within the same Cyclone III family - identical 5,136 LEs, 256-UBGA package, and pin compatibility, with the 'N' suffix denoting lead-free / Pb-free finish. For newer designs, the EP4CE6E22C6 (Cyclone IV E in EQFP-144) offers functional compatibility but requires PCB rework.
Can a Lattice ECP5 or Xilinx Spartan-6 replace the EP3C5U256C6?
Cross-brand FPGA replacement of the EP3C5U256C6 is not drop-in: a Lattice ECP5 (LFE5U-25F-6BG256) or Xilinx Spartan-6 (XC6SLX9-2FTG256) shares the 256-ball BGA footprint but has different I/O bank assignments, configuration pinouts, and toolchain flows. A board redesign is required - plan for a 4 to 8 week porting effort.
What are the key specifications engineers should know about the EP3C5U256C6?
The EP3C5U256C6 key specifications are: 5,136 logic elements, 423,936 embedded RAM bits, 23 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 4 general-purpose PLLs, 182 maximum user I/O, 256-ball UBGA package with 1.0 mm ball pitch, speed grade 6, and 1.2 V typical core supply. Source: Cyclone III device handbook.
Is the EP3C5U256C6 the same as EP3C5U256C6N?
The EP3C5U256C6 and EP3C5U256C6N share the same Cyclone III silicon die and 256-UBGA package footprint. The 'N' suffix denotes lead-free / Pb-free terminal finish per industry convention, but functionally the parts are drop-in compatible. Choose 'N' for new designs requiring RoHS compliance; the base part remains available for legacy maintenance.

エンジニアリング参考データ: EP3C5U256C6 — 比較、設計ガイダンス、コンプライアンス情報。

選定ガイド

Choose the EP3C5U256C6 when your design fits 5,136 logic elements and you need the highest-speed timing margin in the Cyclone III family for industrial motor control, video processing, or interface bridging. Pick EP3C5U256C6N for new designs requiring Pb-free terminal finish (drop-in compatible). Select EP3C10U256C6N or EP3C16U256C8N when post-synthesis logic utilization exceeds 80 percent of 5K LEs - both share the same U256 footprint enabling PCB reuse. For industrial (-40C to +100C) operation, migrate to EP3C25F256I7N in the FBGA-256 package, noting that the FBGA ball layout differs from UBGA. Avoid using this part for new automotive designs; choose EP4CE22F17I7N (Cyclone IV E) for AEC-Q100 projects.

代替品との比較

パラメータ この製品 EP3C5U256C6N EP3C5U256A7N EP3C10U256C6N EP3C16U256C8N EP3C25F256I7N
Brand Altera (Intel FPGA) Altera (Intel FPGA) Altera (Intel FPGA) Altera (Intel FPGA) Altera (Intel FPGA) Altera (Intel FPGA)
Package 256-UBGA 256-UBGA (same) 256-UBGA (same) 256-UBGA (same) 256-UBGA (same) 256-FBGA (different ball layout)
Logic Elements 5,136 5,136 (same) 5,136 (same) 10,320 15,408 24,624
Embedded Memory (bits) 423,936 423,936 (same) 423,936 (same) 423,936 516,096 608,256
Maximum User I/O 182 182 (same) 182 (same) 182 168 156
Speed Grade 6 (commercial) 6 (same) 7 (slower timing) 6 (same) 8 (slower timing) 7 (industrial)
Embedded 18x18 Multipliers 23 23 (same) 23 (same) 46 56 66
Pin-to-Pin Compatible with EP3C5U256C6 n/a (reference) Yes (drop-in) Yes (drop-in, slower speed) Yes (drop-in upgrade) Yes (drop-in upgrade) No (different package ball layout)

主な差別化要因

  • 5,136 LEs in a 256-ball UBGA package with only 1.0 mm pitch (vs EP3C5E144C8N)
  • Speed grade 6 offers the fastest timing margin in the Cyclone III family (vs EP3C5U256A7N)
  • 23 embedded 18x18 hardware multipliers accelerate DSP functions (vs EP3C16U256C8N (speed grade 8))

設計ノート

The 256-UBGA package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch which demands precise PCB fabrication. Specify ENIG surface finish (not HASL) to ensure flat, coplanar pads; HASL variance can bridge adjacent balls on this fine-pitch device. Use laser-drilled microvias with 0.1 mm capture pads and 4 mil trace/space rules under the BGA for reliable fan-out. Provide at least 4 inner power/ground planes directly under the device for the 1.2 V core and decoupling-current return paths.

Cyclone III devices require a 1.2 V core rail, plus 2.5 V or 3.3 V VCCIO for I/O banks and a 3.3 V VCCAUX analog supply. Place 0.1 uF + 10 uF ceramic decoupling within 5 mm of each power pin; use a 4-layer stackup with dedicated VCCINT and GND planes. In-rush current during configuration can exceed 500 mA; ensure the regulator has at least 1 A of headroom on the 1.2 V rail and soft-start control to avoid false triggering of upstream UVLO circuits.

Estimated: at 100 percent logic utilization and 100 MHz toggle rate, the EP3C5U256C6 dissipates approximately 0.3 to 0.5 W of dynamic power plus 50 mW of static power. The U256 package's theta_JA is roughly 25 C/W on a JEDEC 4-layer test board, yielding a junction rise of about 12 C above ambient - well within the commercial 0C to +85C rating without a heatsink. For industrial temperature operation, derate by 10 percent margin and ensure adequate airflow.

Do not confuse speed grade 6 with industrial temperature - the trailing 'C' indicates commercial (0C to +85C) while 'I' indicates industrial (-40C to +100C). When migrating from a Cyclone II design, verify that your Quartus II version supports Cyclone III (version 6.1 or later); older projects may require IP recompilation. The U256 and F256 BGA packages share the same 256-ball footprint but have different ball assignments - check the package symbol in the device handbook before PCB layout.

コンプライアンス情報

RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Compliant
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
鉛フリー
Yes
ハロゲンフリー
Unknown
紛争鉱物
Compliant

Cyclone III family is lead-free and RoHS compliant per Intel product declaration. The U256 package is supplied on trays (119 pcs/tray). AEC-Q100 not standard on Cyclone III commercial grade - select -I (industrial) or Cyclone IV E for automotive.

データ検証日: 2026-09-09 — データはXAIPARTの部品エンジニアリングチームによって検証・管理されています

関連検索

EP3C5U256C6 EP3C5U256C6 datasheet EP3C5U256C6 price Cyclone III FPGA 5136 logic elements EP3C5U256C6 vs EP3C10F256C6 Cyclone III UBGA-256 drop-in replacement low-cost FPGA industrial motor control Altera Cyclone III LFBGA 256 pin buy EP3C5U256C6 in stock what is the pin count of EP3C5U256C6 Cyclone III vs Cyclone IV E migration EP3C5U256C6N lead-free equivalent

関連部品&用語

Altera Intel FPGA EP3C5U256C6 EP3C5U256C6N EP3C10U256C6N EP3C16U256C8N EP3C25F256I7N Cyclone III FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array Programmable Logic Device PLD ASIC Ultra FineLine BGA UBGA-256 LFBGA BGA SMD RoHS AEC-Q100 Quartus II Quartus Prime M9K memory block embedded multiplier PLL
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