ALTERA EP3SL150F1152C3N
- 150,000 logic elements for complex digital signal processing
- 1,152-pin fine-pitch ball grid array package
- Support for multiple high-speed serial interfaces
- Extended temperature range operation
- Built-in power management and clock recovery circuits
In radar and electronic warfare systems, signal processing demands high-density logic integration and reliable performance under extreme conditions. The ALTERA EP3SL150F1152C3N delivers the processing power needed for real-time data analysis, waveform generation, and threat detection in these critical applications.
This Stratix III L series FPGA balances logic capacity with power efficiency, making it suitable for size- and weight-constrained defense platforms. Its flexible architecture supports rapid reconfiguration, which is essential for adapting to evolving mission requirements without hardware redesign.
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The Altera EP3SL150F1152C3N is identical to the EP3SL150F1152C2N in every respect except speed grade: C3 is one grade below C2, providing the same 57,000 ALMs, 355 M9K blocks, 16 M144K blocks, 384 multipliers, 8 PLLs, and F1152 package at reduced maximum fabric frequency and typically lower unit cost. The C3 grade is the most commonly specified commercial speed grade for Stratix III Logic devices when C2 timing margins are not required — covering the vast majority of bus interface, control-plane, and moderate-speed signal processing applications.
When to Specify C2 vs. C3 for EP3SL150F1152
| Criterion | C2 | C3 (this OPN) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Fabric Frequency | Highest | Slightly lower |
| Unit Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Timing Margin | Tightest designs | Moderate/standard designs |
| Availability | Standard | Most common |
| Typical Application | PCIe Gen2, DDR3 at max rate | Bus interfaces, control logic, moderate DSP |
| Temperature Range | 0°C to +85°C | 0°C to +85°C |
For most avionics computing, embedded processor interfaces, and protocol bridging applications, the C3 grade provides sufficient timing margin while reducing BOM cost versus C2. The C3 grade should be specified by default unless timing analysis of the completed design explicitly requires C2. Both grades are fully supported in Intel Quartus Prime and are pin-compatible in the F1152 package, allowing a post-synthesis speed grade upgrade from C3 to C2 without any PCB modification if timing closure requires it.
FAQ
What is the only difference between EP3SL150F1152C3N and EP3SL150F1152C2N?
Speed grade: C3 vs. C2. All logic resources, memory, DSP blocks, PLLs, package, and temperature range are identical. C2 achieves higher maximum fabric frequency; C3 is typically more cost-effective and more widely stocked.
Can a C3-targeted design be re-timed to C2 without PCB changes?
Yes. C2 and C3 devices in the F1152 package are pin-compatible. If post-synthesis timing analysis reveals the design requires C2, substituting C2 for C3 requires no board modification.
What is the typical lead time for EP3SL150F1152C3N?
Stratix III devices are mature and widely available from authorized distributors including Mouser, Arrow, and Avnet. Lead times vary; contact distributor for current stock and lead time. Sparkle Milchip maintains inventory with full lot traceability.
Does Stratix III support DDR3 memory interfaces?
Yes. Stratix III provides dedicated hard memory interface PHY with support for DDR, DDR2, DDR3, QDRII, and RLDRAM memory standards at rates up to 1,067 Mbps for DDR3.
What design security features does Stratix III offer?
Stratix III supports 256-bit AES encryption of the configuration bitstream with both volatile (battery-backed) and non-volatile key storage options, providing design IP protection against copying and reverse engineering.
Is EP3SL150 available in industrial temperature?
Yes — the EP3SL150F1152I4N (industrial grade I4, −40°C to +100°C) is available. The C2N and C3N OPNs in this listing are commercial grade only.
