You can use the EPF10K50VBC356-3 as an FPGA from Intel’s Flex-10K FPGA line. This device provides logic power and is flexible for reconfigurable computing systems in digital designs. Many engineers choose this FPGA for testing ideas and demonstrating how things work because it can adapt to fit different jobs. Understanding the IC helps you repair or enhance older systems, as Intel continues to offer support and information for these legacy parts, even though they are no longer in production.
Key Takeaways
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The EPF10K50VBC356-3 FPGA is very flexible. It works well for changing digital designs. You can update it easily. You do not need new hardware.
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This FPGA is mid-level. It has 2880 logic elements. It also has 274 I/O pins. It fits many uses in automation. It works in telecommunications too.
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Always check if it is compatible before you use it. Look at support options as well. The EPF10K50VBC356-3 is not made anymore. It may be hard to find.
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Use Intel's programming tools for your designs. These tools help you load and manage your work. They make sure the FPGA runs well in your projects.
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Think about using the EPF10K50VBC356-3 for old systems. It is good for repairs. It has important logic and memory features. These help keep older digital designs working.
Understanding the IC
Overview
When you learn about this ic, you find it is very flexible. You can use it to make digital circuits that can change when needed. This ic is part of a group called programmable logic devices. You can set it up to do many jobs. The ic uses SRAM for its memory. This means you have to load its setup each time you turn it on. The ic can fit new designs or updates without changing the hardware.
Knowing how the ic works helps you see why engineers pick it for projects that need changes. The ic is good for testing ideas or fixing problems fast. You can use it in many areas, like industry and communication.
Classification
The EPF10K50VBC356-3 is a mid-level fpga. It is not basic, but not high-end either. It gives you a good mix of logic power and input/output choices. The table below shows how this ic matches up with other types:
| FPGA Class | Logic Density | I/O Capabilities | Application Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Level (EPF10K50VBC356-3) | Medium (50,000 gates) | Moderate (varied) | Industrial automation, telecommunications |
| High-End (EPF10K100ABC356-3) | High (100,000 gates) | Extensive (274 pins) | Complex projects, communication systems |
If you look at the table, you can see how knowing about the ic helps you choose the best one. The mid-level fpga has enough power for most jobs in factories and telecom. It does not have as many features as the high-end ones, but it also does not need as much space or power.
Function
You use the EPF10K50VBC356-3 to build digital logic circuits that you can change later. The ic lets you design, test, and update your system without making new hardware every time. You program the ic with special tools from Intel. The table below lists some main features and needs:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Logic Type | Programmable |
| Package/Case | 356-BGA |
| Leaded Process Compatible | No |
| Peak Reflow Compatible (260 C) | No |
| Series | 10K |
| RoHS Compliant | No |
| Temperature Range | 0 to 85°C |
| Configuration Data Storage | SRAM cells (volatile memory) |
| Configuration Requirement | Must be loaded each time the device powers up |
You need a setup file every time you turn on the ic. This makes it important to know how the ic works when you design your system. You must plan a way to load the setup data. You also need the right tools for development. Intel gives you programming tools that work with this fpga. The table below shows the tools you should use:
| FPGA Model | Compatible Development Tools |
|---|---|
| EPF10K50VBC356-3 | Standard FPGA programming environments supported by Intel |
| Verify specific software and hardware requirements before use |
Note: Always check what software and hardware you need before you start programming the ic. This step helps you avoid problems when you are working.
When you know how the ic works, you can use it to fix many digital design problems. You get a device that can change for your needs, supports updates, and works in many systems.
FPGA Features
Logic Elements
The fpga helps you make many digital circuits. The EPF10K50VBC356-3 has 2880 logic elements. Each one lets you build different parts of your design. You can put these logic elements together to make things like counters or adders. You can also make special circuits with them. The fpga has 360 logic array blocks, called LABs. These blocks group logic elements to keep things neat. This setup helps you organize your work. You can try out new ideas or change your logic without new hardware. The fpga lets you fix or improve your system easily.
Memory
The fpga has built-in memory for data and logic. The EPF10K50VBC356-3 gives you 40,960 RAM bits. This memory helps your logic do jobs like buffering or storing values. It also helps with data streams. You can use this memory for:
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Custom digital logic designs
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Reconfigurable computing systems
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Digital signal processing projects
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Prototyping and proof-of-concept
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Educational and research use
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Legacy system support
The memory works well with your logic. You can keep temporary data or help your logic go faster. You can change how you use the memory as your needs change.
Integration
The fpga lets you connect many parts of your system. The EPF10K50VBC356-3 has up to 274 I/O pins. These pins let your logic talk to other chips or sensors. The fpga has 360 logic blocks for mid-level designs. You can build complex systems that need lots of connections. The device also has 20,480 bits of RAM for safe data storage.
The fpga comes in a BGA package. This keeps the fpga small but gives you many connections. The BGA package helps you fit the fpga on new circuit boards. You can make small systems with strong logic and memory.
Tip: You can change your logic and memory setup as your project grows. This makes the fpga a good choice for designs that need updates or changes.
Specifications
Package
You will find the EPF10K50VBC356-3 in a 356-ball BGA (Ball Grid Array) package. This package type helps you save space on your circuit board. The BGA design also gives you many connections for your system. Here is a quick look at the main package details:
| Product Attribute | Attribute Value |
|---|---|
| Supplier Device Package | 356-BGA (35x35) |
| Package / Case | 356-LBGA |
When you use a BGA package, you need to follow special steps for assembly. You should use Non-Solder-Mask-Defined (NSMD) pads for better soldering. Place vias carefully to avoid problems with solder joints. X-ray inspection is necessary because you cannot see the solder joints under the chip. Always use enough heat to melt all solder balls and apply the right force during placement.
Voltage
The EPF10K50VBC356-3 works with a supply voltage from 3.0V to 3.6V. This voltage range helps you match the FPGA with other parts in your system. You can use this FPGA with both older 5.0V systems and newer 3.3V logic levels because the input pins can handle 5.0V signals. This feature makes your design more flexible and helps you connect to different devices.
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Supply voltage: 3.0V to 3.6V
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5.0V tolerant input pins
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Works with both old and new logic levels
Speed Grade
You can identify the speed grade of this FPGA by the "-3" in its part number. The speed grade tells you how fast the chip can run. A lower number means a faster device. The "-3" grade gives you a good balance between speed and power use. This makes the FPGA suitable for many mid-level digital designs.
I/O
You get 274 I/O pins with the EPF10K50VBC356-3. These pins let you connect your FPGA to other chips, sensors, or systems. The high pin count supports complex designs and lets you build systems with many connections.
- 274 I/O pins for flexible connections
Other Key Specs and Considerations
| Compliance Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| RoHS Compliance | Non-compliant |
| Product Obsolescence | Marked as obsolete |
| Number of Gates | 116,000 |
⚠️ Note: This FPGA is not RoHS compliant and is marked as obsolete. You should check if it fits your project’s rules and long-term needs before using it. Obsolescence may affect sourcing and future support.
These specifications help you plan your board layout, choose power supplies, and connect your system. Always review these details to make sure the FPGA fits your design and meets your project goals.
Digital Applications
Industry Use
The EPF10K50VBC356-3 is used in many industries. This FPGA helps control machines in factories. It can help cars with driver-assist and entertainment systems. Data centers use it to process lots of information quickly. MRI machines and other medical tools use it for tests. The military uses this FPGA for safe communication and radar. People in research use it to try out new digital ideas.
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Industrial automation
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Automotive systems
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Data processing centers
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Medical diagnostic equipment
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Military and defense systems
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Research and development labs
Example Systems
This FPGA is found in many real systems. It helps make routers and switches for communication. Factories use it in controllers and robots. Designers use it in smart devices for special hardware. Some old machines still need this FPGA to work right. These uses show how the EPF10K50VBC356-3 can do many jobs.
If you fix old systems, you might need this FPGA for repairs or upgrades. Many engineers use it because it works in lots of digital projects.
Design Benefits
Picking the EPF10K50VBC356-3 gives you some good things. The table below shows why this FPGA is helpful:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | You can make custom digital logic easily. |
| Resource Availability | There are enough logic parts, memory, and pins for many uses. |
| Ease of Use | You can test ideas and build early systems fast. |
| Educational Value | You learn about digital systems by working with it. |
| Legacy Support | You can keep old digital systems working well. |
You should know the EPF10K50VBC356-3 is not made anymore. This makes it harder to find and fix. The table below shows the problems:
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Harder to source | It can be tough to find new parts for your projects. |
| Fewer support options | There is less help and fewer ways to fix problems. |
Tip: Always check if you can get this FPGA before starting a new project. Since it is not made anymore, it could change your plans for digital projects.
Selection Tips
Suitability
Check if the EPF10K50VBC356-3 fits your project before you begin. This FPGA is good for jobs where you need to change how things work. It is helpful when you want to try out new ideas or make a test model. You get enough logic for medium projects, and the RAM helps move data fast. The voltage range lets you use it with different power management ic setups. If you work with old machines or need to change how your system works, this FPGA can help keep things running.
Here is a table to help you see if this FPGA is a good choice:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Enough logic, lots of I/O pins, built-in RAM, flexible voltage, works with Intel tools, good for testing and changing designs |
| Disadvantages | Hard to find, not RoHS compliant, only works in normal temperatures, slower than new FPGAs, not much support |
| Applications | Testing, learning, fixing old systems, changing how things work |
Tip: If you want your project to be very fast or have new features, you might need a newer FPGA. The EPF10K50VBC356-3 may not have everything you need for the newest projects or power management ic setups.
Compatibility
You also need to see if this FPGA works with your system. The EPF10K50VBC356-3 uses old software, so you may need an older computer to program it. It is not RoHS compliant, so you might not be able to use it in new products. It only works in normal temperatures, so it may not work in very hot or cold places. If you need more memory or faster speed, this FPGA might not be enough.
Here are some ways this FPGA is not as good as newer ones:
| Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| RoHS Compliance | Not RoHS compliant |
| Availability | Not made anymore, hard to find |
| Temperature Range | Only works in normal temperatures |
| Performance | Slower and less powerful than new FPGAs |
| Memory | Not enough for big new projects |
| Software | Needs old tools, may not work on new computers |
If you want your project to work better, look at other choices. For example, the EPF10K50VQC240-3 and EPF10K50VRI240-4N are similar but may work in more places or have different packages. The EPF10K50SBC356-2 has more memory and I/O pins, which helps with switching regulators or step-down conversion in small systems.
Note: Always check if your regulator and power management ic work with the FPGA’s voltage. For changing designs, make sure your system is efficient and works well. If you use switching regulators, check that they match the FPGA’s voltage for best results.
Think about what your project needs for changing designs, testing, and working with regulators. This helps you pick the right FPGA and makes sure your system works the way you want.
You now know the EPF10K50VBC356-3 is a flexible FPGA. It has strong logic, memory, and I/O features. This chip works in many digital systems. People use it in factories and research labs. Some important specs are the 356-ball BGA package, 3.0–3.6V supply, and 274 I/O pins.
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Always check if you need RoHS compliance or long-term support.
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Look at what your project needs and if this FPGA will work.
Picking the right FPGA helps you avoid trouble finding parts or making upgrades later.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
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