EP1C3T144C8 - Cyclone FPGA, 2910 LEs, 144-LQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP1C3T144C8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.8 | $16.80 |
| 10 | $15.5 | $155.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.2 | $11,200.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EP1C3T144C8 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP1C3T144C7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144C6N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144C6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144C8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144I7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$54.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C3T144C8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Cyclone |
| Logic Elements | 2,910 |
| Total RAM bits | 58,880 |
| Embedded RAM Blocks (M4K) | 13 |
| Embedded PLLs | 1 |
| Maximum User I/O | 104 |
| User I/O Banks | 4 |
| Package | 144-LQFP (T144) |
| Pin Count | 144 |
| Process Node | 0.13 µm SRAM |
| Core Voltage | 1.5 V |
| Speed Grade | C8 (8 ns commercial) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +85 °C (commercial) |
| Configuration Mode | JTAG / AS / PS |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing) |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EP1C3T144C8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O Bank 1 — User I/O / dual-purpose pin (per AN-272 pin table) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | VCCINT — Core 1.5 V supply |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 1) |
| Pin 37 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 44 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 52 | VCCINT — Core 1.5 V supply |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 2) |
| Pin 71 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 76 | VCCIO3 — I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 83 | VCCINT — Core 1.5 V supply |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 3) |
| Pin 106 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 110 | VCCIO4 — I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 117 | VCCINT — Core 1.5 V supply |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O (Bank 4) |
| Pin 140 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 141 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 142 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 143 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 144 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.
Typical Applications
EP1C3T144C8 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Low-Cost Display Controllers, Consumer Electronics Glue Logic, Sensor Pre-Processing Front-End, Education and Development Platforms, Legacy Bridge / Protocol Converter, Motor Control PWM Generator.
Industrial Control Logic
The EP1C3T144C8 is well suited to industrial control logic where ~3K logic elements handle state machines, encoder interfaces, and PWM generators. Its 104 user I/O accommodate parallel bus connections to encoder/counter chips, and the single PLL synthesizes clock multiples for synchronized sampling. Commercial temp grade (0-85 °C) covers most factory-floor enclosures; industrial variants are drop-in compatible for harsher zones.
Recommended
Low-Cost Display Controllers
With 13 M4K RAM blocks (58,880 bits) and 104 user I/O, the EP1C3T144C8 implements RGB/VGA timing controllers, character-overlay engines, and small frame buffers for QVGA panels. The 1.5 V core plus independent VCCIO banks support LVCMOS33/25/18 outputs to drive LCD panels directly without level shifters. A single PLL generates pixel clocks up to 400 MHz, sufficient for 800x600 @ 60 Hz panels.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Glue Logic
The EP1C3T144C8 replaces discrete 74-series logic and small CPLDs in consumer devices - USB-to-parallel bridges, IR protocol decoders, or audio mux switches. Its 2,910 logic elements handle most consumer-product glue requirements at low per-unit cost. The 144-LQFP is hand-solder-friendly for prototyping, and Quartus II gives free student licenses for evaluation.
Recommended
Sensor Pre-Processing Front-End
The EP1C3T144C8 acts as a pre-processing front-end for parallel-output image or position sensors. 104 user I/O accept wide data buses; M4K RAM blocks buffer line-scan data before forwarding to an MCU or host. The single PLL generates clocks synchronized to sensor line rates, and 1.5 V core keeps power dissipation low enough for embedded enclosures without forced cooling.
Recommended
Education and Development Platforms
The EP1C3T144C8 is widely used in university and hobbyist FPGA courses. Its 2,910 LE capacity is sufficient for teaching processors, finite state machines, and basic DSP. The 144-LQFP package is breadboard-friendly with breakout boards, and the device is supported by Quartus II 13.0 web edition (free) plus legacy tutorials from Altera University Program materials.
Recommended
Legacy Bridge / Protocol Converter
The EP1C3T144C8 bridges between legacy parallel buses (ISA, PC/104, custom MCU buses) and modern serial interfaces. 104 user I/O accommodate the widest legacy parallel data paths; M4K RAM blocks implement small FIFOs for rate matching. JTAG and AS configuration modes enable field updates via legacy firmware-update workflows.
Recommended
Motor Control PWM Generator
The EP1C3T144C8 generates multi-channel PWM signals for 3-phase motor drives using logic elements for switching logic and M4K blocks for dead-time tables. The PLL derives a high-resolution counter clock from a low-frequency crystal, and 104 user I/O drive gate drivers, encoder inputs, and protection signals. Commercial temp grade suits most enclosed motor controllers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP1C3T144C8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP1C3T144C7N | EP1C3T144C6N | EP1C3T144C6 | EP1C3T144C8N | EP1C3T144I7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (T144) | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same | 144-LQFP (T144) - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same | Intel (Altera) - same |
| Logic Elements | 2,910 | 2,910 | 2,910 | 2,910 | 2,910 | 2,910 |
| Speed Grade | C8 (8 ns) | C7 (7 ns) - faster | C6 (6 ns) - fastest | C6 (6 ns) - fastest | C8 (8 ns) - same | I7 (7 ns industrial) - faster + wider temp |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial 0 to +85 °C | Commercial 0 to +85 °C - same | Commercial 0 to +85 °C - same | Commercial 0 to +85 °C - same | Commercial 0 to +85 °C - same | Industrial -40 to +100 °C - wider |
| Lead-Free (N suffix) | No (C8 standard) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | No | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
| Total RAM bits | 58,880 | 58,880 - same | 58,880 - same | 58,880 - same | 58,880 - same | 58,880 - same |
| Maximum User I/O | 104 | 104 - same | 104 - same | 104 - same | 104 - same | 104 - same |
| Embedded PLLs | 1 | 1 - same | 1 - same | 1 - same | 1 - same | 1 - same |
| Lifecycle Status (2026-09-06) | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Faster C7 speed grade available (vs EP1C3T144C7N)
- Fastest C6 speed grade available (vs EP1C3T144C6N)
- Industrial temperature variant available (vs EP1C3T144I7N)
Design Notes
The EP1C3T144C8 requires a 1.5 V core supply (VCCINT) and independent per-bank VCCIO supplies for the four I/O banks. Decoupling must include 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors within 5 mm of every VCCINT pin plus bulk 33 µF tantalum at the regulator output. VCCIO banks may be set to 1.5/1.8/2.5/3.3 V independently to support mixed-voltage I/O without level shifters - common for designs bridging 3.3 V MCU buses and 1.8 V DDR memory.
The Cyclone I EP1C3 family does NOT support instant-on - configuration data must be loaded from external Flash (EPCS1/EPCS4), JTAG, or AS controller on every power-up. Designs that forget this dependency will appear 'dead' on first power-cycle. Use Altera Quartus II 13.0 or later for the legacy device library; Quartus II 14.x dropped Cyclone I support. For new designs, migrate to Cyclone IV E (EP4CE6E22) or Lattice ECP5.
The 144-LQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch leads and 1.4 mm body height. Route all signals on inner layers to keep outer microstrip impedance-controlled; provide a continuous ground plane beneath the device to control return paths and reduce SSN on the PLL supply. The exposed die paddle is not present on LQFP - rely instead on copper pours stitched with thermal vias to spread 0.5-1 W typical dissipation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Intel/Altera product declarations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety applications. Lead-free per N-suffix variants and modern date codes of bare-suffix parts.
