In today’s fast-paced electronic design and manufacturing environment, choosing the right FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can define the balance between performance, cost, and development agility. One component that has become a staple for OEMs and engineers seeking flexibility and scalability is the EP3C16F484I7N – a part of the Cyclone® III family by Altera (now part of Intel).
This article will explore the technical specifications, applications, and advantages of the EP3C16F484I7N, and how DRex Electronics can support your sourcing and procurement needs.
What is EP3C16F484I7N?
The EP3C16F484I7N is an FPGA from the Cyclone III series, designed to provide low power consumption and high logic density at a competitive cost. Manufactured by Altera (Intel), this device is widely adopted in applications that require efficient logic integration without the overhead of high-end FPGAs.
📌 Key Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Altera (Intel) |
| Part Number | EP3C16F484I7N |
| Family | Cyclone® III |
| Logic Elements | 15,408 |
| Embedded Memory | 516 Kbits |
| Maximum I/O Pins | 295 |
| Package | BGA-484 |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +100°C (Industrial Grade) |
| Voltage Supply | 1.2V core, 3.3V I/O |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Global Clock Networks | 20 |
| Internal RAM Blocks | 52 |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes |
For a full datasheet and in-depth product specifications, click here (PDF).
Why Choose EP3C16F484I7N?
The EP3C16F484I7N strikes a fine balance between performance, power efficiency, and cost, making it an ideal choice for industries such as:
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Automotive
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Telecommunications
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Aerospace and Defense
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Consumer Electronics
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Industrial Automation
Unlike high-power FPGAs used in data centers, the Cyclone III series targets low-power embedded designs, enabling engineers to meet strict thermal and form factor constraints.
Common Applications
Thanks to its versatility and efficiency, the EP3C16F484I7N is deployed across a wide range of systems, including:
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Smart grid and power systems – For logic control and signal processing
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Automotive infotainment units
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Base stations and communication infrastructure
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Medical imaging equipment
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Industrial control systems
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Test and measurement instruments
With over 15,000 logic elements and a compact footprint, it allows engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy custom digital logic without the need for complex ASIC development.
EP3C16F484I7N vs. Similar FPGAs
Compared to other FPGAs in its class, such as the Xilinx Spartan-6 or Lattice ECP3, the EP3C16F484I7N offers:
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Lower static power consumption
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Broad I/O voltage support
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Robust support tools via Intel Quartus Prime
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A large ecosystem of IP cores and design references
Efficient Sourcing with DRex Electronics
At DRex Electronics, we understand that consistent access to genuine components like the EP3C16F484I7N is mission-critical for OEMs and manufacturers.
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We offer FPGA components from trusted suppliers including Intel, Xilinx, and Lattice.
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Our global sourcing network ensures fast lead times and competitive pricing.
Looking for a reliable strategic sourcing partner? Contact DRex to get a quote or request a datasheet.
Design Support and Tools
Development with EP3C16F484I7N is simplified using Intel’s Quartus Prime software, which offers:
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HDL simulation
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Logic synthesis
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Timing analysis
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Power estimation
You can also take advantage of Intel’s IP Library to accelerate design cycles.
For hands-on developers, Intel’s Cyclone III Starter Kit provides a ready-made platform for evaluation.
Industrial Grade Reliability
The EP3C16F484I7N is rated for industrial temperature ranges, making it suitable for rugged environments often seen in aerospace and factory automation. With RoHS compliance and lead-free packaging, it also meets global sustainability and safety standards.
Why DRex Electronics?
Choosing the right FPGA is only part of the solution. Sourcing, traceability, and customer support are equally important. DRex Electronics is:
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ISO 9001 Certified – Ensuring top-tier quality management
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A trusted distributor of high-performance integrated circuits including FPGAs, SoCs, CPLDs, and microprocessors
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Serving clients in telecom, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries
🚀 Need EP3C16F484I7N today? Visit our product catalog or request a custom quote from our team of sourcing experts.
Final Thoughts
The EP3C16F484I7N offers a compelling blend of power efficiency, flexibility, and logic density. Whether you’re building an industrial automation system or next-gen embedded hardware, this FPGA provides a cost-effective, scalable solution.
With DRex Electronics, you gain a partner who understands not only the technical specifications but also the supply chain dynamics that keep your production line running.
