EP3SL150F1152C2N FPGA: Features, Applications & Technical Specifications
EP3SL150F1152C2N FPGA: In-Depth Technical Analysis & Industrial Applications
The EP3SL150F1152C2N is a high-end Intel Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that continues to serve critical roles in legacy systems despite its obsolete status. This comprehensive guide explores its architecture, performance benchmarks, and real-world use cases to help engineers evaluate its suitability for specialized projects.
Detailed Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Series | Stratix III |
| Logic Elements | 142,500 |
| Embedded Memory | 6.5 Mb (6,543,360 bits) |
| I/O Pins | 744 |
| Package | 1152-FBGA (35x35mm) |
| Voltage Range | 0.86V - 1.15V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C (TJ) |
Advanced Technical Features
1. Enhanced DSP Performance
The FPGA integrates 384 18x18 multiplier blocks, delivering 576 GMAC/s processing power for complex algorithms like FFTs and FIR filters.
2. Clock Management
Features 12 PLLs with <1.5ps jitter for precise timing control in high-speed serial interfaces (up to 6.375Gbps).
3. Security Protocols
Includes 256-bit AES configuration encryption and volatile key storage for IP protection.
Comparative Analysis
When benchmarked against contemporary FPGAs, the EP3SL150F1152C2N shows:
- 35% higher logic density than Xilinx Virtex-5 LX110
- 2x more memory blocks than Cyclone IV E
- Lower static power (1.2W typical) vs 65nm competitors
Industry Applications
Telecommunications
Deployed in 4G baseband units for channel coding/decoding with <5 s latency.
Medical Imaging
Used in ultrasound beamformers processing 128 channels simultaneously.
Legacy System Maintenance
Critical for military C4ISR systems requiring component-level compatibility.
Migration Alternatives
For new designs, consider:
- Intel Stratix 10 (10TFLOPS performance)
- Xilinx Kintex UltraScale+ (16G transceivers)
- Lattice ECP5 (Low-power alternative)
Procurement Guidance
Available through authorized distributors like Avnet and Arrow Electronics. Lead times typically range 8-12 weeks for obsolete stock.
Technical Support Resources
- Intel Quartus II Web Edition (v13.1 last supported version)
- Stratix III Handbook (Document SIII5V1-4.3)
- Reference Designs for PCIe Gen1 endpoints
Note: This FPGA remains RoHS compliant (exemption 6c) for specific industrial applications.