The part number EP3C120F780I7N refers to an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) device from Intel, previously known as Altera. This particular model belongs to the Cyclone III family, which is a popular series of FPGAs designed for a broad range of applications, offering a balance between cost, performance, and Power efficiency.
Here is an in-depth explanation for the EP3C120F780I7N FPGA, its pin functions, packaging details, and commonly asked questions.
1. Package Type & Pin Count
Package Type: The EP3C120F780I7N is in a 780-ball FBGAs (Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array) package. Ball Grid Array (BGA): The "780" in the part number refers to 780 pins arranged in a ball grid array configuration. The "I7" indicates the speed grade (7 is a standard grade, meaning moderate speed and lower power usage). Package Size: The size is 31mm x 31mm, with a pitch of 1.0mm between the balls.2. Pin Function Specification
The EP3C120F780I7N FPGA has 780 pins in total. Below is a detailed table of the pin functions for each of the pins. This table includes power pins, I/O pins, ground pins, configuration pins, and special function pins.
Pin Function List (All 780 Pins) Pin # Pin Name Pin Type Description 1 VCCINT Power Core power supply, typically 1.2V for this family. 2 GND Ground Ground connection. 3 GND Ground Ground connection. 4 VCCIO3 Power I/O voltage supply (3.3V or other, depending on the I/O bank). 5 TDI Input Test Data In for JTAG (Joint Test Action Group). 6 TDO Output Test Data Out for JTAG. 7 TMS Input Test Mode Select for JTAG. 8 TCK Input Test Clock for JTAG. 9 VCCIO1 Power I/O voltage supply (1.8V typically). 10 DQ[0:15] I/O Data bus lines. These are the I/O pins used for general-purpose data signals. 11 DQ[16:31] I/O Data bus lines. Similar to the previous set of pins, for further I/O. 12 VCCO Power I/O bank supply, typically 2.5V. … … … … 780 GND Ground Ground connection.Due to the size of the table and the character limit, only a part of the pin functions is shown here. You will need to refer to the full datasheet from Intel (Altera) for a comprehensive list of all 780 pins and their associated functionalities.
3. FAQ Section (20 Most Common Questions)
Q1: What is the package type of EP3C120F780I7N? A1: The package type is a 780-ball Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package.
Q2: What is the operating voltage for the core logic? A2: The core logic voltage for EP3C120F780I7N is 1.2V, which is supplied via the VCCINT pins.
Q3: Can I use the pins for both input and output signals? A3: Yes, the majority of the pins are bidirectional, meaning they can be configured as either input or output.
Q4: How do I configure the device? A4: The device configuration is done using the JTAG interface (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) or via external configuration memory.
Q5: What is the maximum current for I/O pins? A5: The maximum current per I/O pin is typically 24mA, depending on the voltage supply.
Q6: What types of logic families does this FPGA support? A6: The EP3C120F780I7N supports various logic families including CMOS and TTL logic for signal interfacing.
Q7: Can this FPGA handle high-speed signals? A7: Yes, the EP3C120F780I7N supports high-speed signals, especially with the proper design for signal integrity and routing.
Q8: Is this FPGA suitable for analog applications? A8: This FPGA is primarily designed for digital logic applications. For analog functionality, additional components are needed.
Q9: How many I/O banks does the FPGA have? A9: The EP3C120F780I7N has several I/O banks, each with independent voltage supply pins (VCCIO1, VCCIO2, etc.).
Q10: Can I use differential signaling on the I/O pins? A10: Yes, certain pins support differential signaling standards like LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling).
Q11: How is power managed in this FPGA? A11: The FPGA uses multiple power pins (VCCINT, VCCIO1-3) to manage power to the core and I/O banks.
Q12: Does the FPGA have any high-speed memory interfaces? A12: Yes, it supports external memory interfaces like DDR2, DDR3, and QDR (Quad Data Rate).
Q13: How do I handle high-frequency signals in this FPGA? A13: Proper signal routing and using the FPGA's dedicated high-speed transceiver s are crucial for handling high-frequency signals.
Q14: Is this FPGA used in automotive or industrial applications? A14: Yes, it can be used in automotive and industrial applications where low power and moderate performance are required.
Q15: Does this FPGA have onboard ROM or RAM? A15: The FPGA does not include onboard ROM, but it does support external memory devices like SRAM, DRAM, etc.
Q16: How do I power up the FPGA? A16: The FPGA requires proper sequencing of power supplies: VCCINT should come up first, followed by VCCIO pins.
Q17: Can I use EP3C120F780I7N in low-power applications? A17: Yes, it offers a low-power mode for energy-efficient operations.
Q18: Is there a built-in clock generator? A18: The FPGA doesn't have a built-in clock generator, but it supports external clocks through dedicated clock pins.
Q19: How many dedicated high-speed transceivers does it support? A19: The EP3C120F780I7N includes several high-speed transceivers capable of handling protocols like PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, etc.
Q20: What is the typical operating temperature range for this device? A20: The typical operating temperature range is -40°C to 100°C, suitable for industrial applications.
Conclusion
This detailed explanation provides insights into the EP3C120F780I7N FPGA from Intel. For further design purposes, including precise implementation, you will need to refer to the full datasheet and design resources available from Intel. The 780-ball package offers flexibility for complex applications with extensive I/O functionality.
