EP610DC-15 - 16 Macrocell Classic EPLD, 17ns tPD | Altera
MPN: EP610DC-15 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.25 | $112.50 |
| 100 | $9.8 | $980.00 |
| 500 | $8.75 | $4,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.95 | $7,950.00 |
EP610DC-15 Overview
A Classic EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device) is the predecessor to modern CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices). It is a non-volatile, reprogrammable logic IC that combines the simplicity of PAL architecture with the density of multiple PAL-like macrocell arrays on a single die. The Classic EPLD sits within the broader taxonomy: programmable logic -> PLD -> EPLD -> CMOS EPLD -> Classic EPLD family. Compared to modern CPLDs, Classic EPLDs offer lower density but retain useful advantages: deterministic timing, simple JEDEC fuse-map programming, and 5V tolerant I/O.
The device features 20 dedicated inputs and 16 bidirectional I/O pins, organized as four Logic Expanders with 160 total product terms, supporting sum-of-products Boolean implementation through a fixed AND/OR/three-state structure. The EP610DC-15 operates from a single 5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V) and offers a typical quiescent current around 50 mA, with commercial 0C to 70C operating range as denoted by the DC package code.
Architecture-wise, the EP610 uses Altera's Classic AND-OR architecture with each macrocell providing a programmable D/T/J-K flip-flop, four product terms for logic, and one output enable product term. Programming is performed using a standard JEDEC fuse map via Altera's programming hardware; the UV window in the ceramic DIP enables erasure by exposure to ultraviolet light, hence the name UV PLD.
Typical applications include bus decoding and address mapping in 8086/68K microprocessor systems, state-machine replacement for SSI/MSI logic, I/O decoding and wait-state generation, and TTL-to-CMOS logic consolidation. It is also used in legacy industrial controllers, test equipment, and prototyping where modern CPLDs are not required.
When designing with the EP610DC-15, ensure the programming algorithm and JEDEC file are compatible with the 610 macrocell architecture. The CDIP-24 ceramic package has a transparent quartz window for UV erasure; protect the window from ambient light with opaque labels after programming to prevent data corruption.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP610DC-15 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with EP610DC-15 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Propagation Delay (tPD), Technology, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP610DC-10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610DC-25
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PALCE610
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
GAL22V10D-15L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AMPAL16R8ALDCB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AMPAL16R4ALDC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP610DC-15 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | Classic EPLD (EP610) |
| Architecture | UV-erasable CMOS PAL-type |
| Macrocells | 16 |
| Logic Expanders | 4 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 20 |
| Bidirectional I/O Pins | 16 |
| Total Product Terms | 160 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 15 ns (speed grade -15) |
| Maximum Internal Clock Frequency | 71.4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to 70C (commercial) |
| Package | 24-pin Ceramic DIP (CDIP-24) with UV window |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Programming Method | JEDEC fuse map, UV erasure |
| Technology | CMOS |
EP610DC-15 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O0 — Bidirectional I/O pin 0 |
| Pin 2 | I/O1 — Bidirectional I/O pin 1 |
| Pin 3 | I/O2 — Bidirectional I/O pin 2 |
| Pin 4 | I/O3 — Bidirectional I/O pin 3 |
| Pin 5 | I/O4 — Bidirectional I/O pin 4 |
| Pin 6 | I/O5 — Bidirectional I/O pin 5 |
| Pin 7 | I/O6 — Bidirectional I/O pin 6 |
| Pin 8 | I/O7 — Bidirectional I/O pin 7 |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | I/O8 — Bidirectional I/O pin 8 |
| Pin 11 | I/O9 — Bidirectional I/O pin 9 |
| Pin 12 | I/O10 — Bidirectional I/O pin 10 |
| Pin 13 | I/O11 — Bidirectional I/O pin 11 |
| Pin 14 | I/O12 — Bidirectional I/O pin 12 |
| Pin 15 | I/O13 — Bidirectional I/O pin 13 |
| Pin 16 | I/O14 — Bidirectional I/O pin 14 |
| Pin 17 | I/O15 — Bidirectional I/O pin 15 |
| Pin 18 | IN0 — Dedicated input 0 |
| Pin 19 | IN1 — Dedicated input 1 |
| Pin 20 | IN2 — Dedicated input 2 |
| Pin 21 | IN3 — Dedicated input 3 |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, used for programming) |
| Pin 23 | VCC — +5V supply voltage |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, used for programming) |
Typical Applications
EP610DC-15 is suitable for 6 applications: 8086/68K Bus Address Decoding, State-Machine Replacement for SSI/MSI Logic, I/O Decoding and Wait-State Generation, TTL-to-CMOS Logic Consolidation, Glue Logic for Legacy Industrial Controllers, Retro-Computing and Hobbyist Reproduction.
8086/68K Bus Address Decoding
The EP610DC-15's 16 macrocells and 160 product terms make it an ideal address decoder for legacy 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessor systems. Each macrocell can implement one chip-select equation using AND-OR sum-of-products logic, so the EP610 replaces 4-6 standard 24-pin PALs in a typical 1 MB address map. The 15 ns propagation delay fits within 8086 (8 MHz) and 68K (8-12 MHz) memory-access timing without wait states, while the 5V-tolerant I/O matches TTL bus transceivers directly. The ceramic DIP-24 footprint plugs into through-hole prototype sockets common in industrial 8086 SBCs. Best for: address decoding, chip-select generation, and bus isolation logic in legacy 5V-only systems.
Recommended
State-Machine Replacement for SSI/MSI Logic
The EP610DC-15 replaces dozens of 74LS series TTL gates implementing state machines, counters, and sequencers with a single programmable device. With 16 macrocells providing D/T/JK flip-flops and 160 product terms, the EP610 typically implements a 16-state Moore or Mealy machine in one chip. The 15 ns tPD matches 74LS153/74LS151 multiplexer delays, ensuring timing closure in retrofitted TTL designs. The non-volatile UV-erasable storage protects designs from power-cycle loss, and the simple JEDEC programming flow fits existing PLD programming workflows. Best for: replacing 74LS00/74LS74/74LS151 gate arrays in industrial controllers and test fixtures.
Recommended
I/O Decoding and Wait-State Generation
The EP610DC-15 generates I/O chip-select signals and programmable wait states for legacy peripheral interfaces. With 16 dedicated inputs and 20 I/O pins, the device monitors address, status, and ready signals while asserting chip-selects and wait-request lines. The 15 ns propagation delay fits within 1-2 wait-state cycles of 8086/8088 systems at 5 MHz, and the 5V I/O matches peripheral bus drivers without level translation. The Classic EPLD architecture provides deterministic combinational delays critical for DMA arbitration and interrupt acknowledge logic. Best for: PC/XT peripheral decoding, ISA bus wait-state controllers, and floppy-disk controller glue logic.
Recommended
TTL-to-CMOS Logic Consolidation
The EP610DC-15 consolidates 5-15 discrete 74LS/74HC TTL/CMOS gates into a single programmable device, reducing PCB area and power consumption in legacy 5V systems. Each macrocell implements any 4-product-term Boolean function plus an optional flip-flop, so a typical 74LS00/74LS08/74LS32/74LS86/74LS138 replacement saves 8-12 packages. The 5V-tolerant CMOS I/O matches both TTL and CMOS logic levels, and the 50 mA typical quiescent current is lower than equivalent discrete logic. The 24-pin CDIP package through-hole form factor fits standard DIP prototyping boards. Best for: legacy industrial control boards, retro-computer reproductions, and aerospace systems requiring MIL-spec logic consolidation.
Recommended
Glue Logic for Legacy Industrial Controllers
The EP610DC-15 provides 5V glue logic for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial controllers in factory automation systems that have been in service since the 1980s-1990s. The 16 macrocells implement motor-control sequencing, sensor debouncing, encoder interfacing, and safety-interlock logic without modern firmware overhead. The 71.4 MHz maximum clock supports high-speed encoder pulse counting, and the 15 ns propagation delay fits within standard 1 ms PLC scan cycles with substantial margin. The ceramic CDIP-24 package withstands industrial temperature cycling and vibration better than plastic CPLDs. Best for: PLC replacement of obsolete PALs, CNC machine logic consolidation, and process-control I/O conditioning.
Recommended
Retro-Computing and Hobbyist Reproduction
The EP610DC-15 is a popular part for hobbyists building authentic reproductions of 1980s home computers and arcade machines, where modern CPLDs are anachronistic. Its ceramic DIP-24 UV-erasable package matches the period-correct through-hole construction, and its 15 ns tPD matches original 8088/6502/6809 timing budgets. The 5V-only supply matches vintage power rails, and the simple JEDEC programming flow works with classic EPROM erasers and PLD programmers. The 160 product terms provide sufficient density for bus decoding, video timing, and I/O mapping in systems like the Apple II expansion bus or Commodore PET I/O logic. Best for: Apple II expansion cards, IBM PC clone motherboards, and arcade-board reproductions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP610DC-15 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP610DC-10 | EP610DC-25 | PALCE610 | GAL22V10D-15L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | AMD/Vantis | Lattice Semiconductor |
| Package | CDIP-24 (24-pin Ceramic DIP) | CDIP-24 - same | CDIP-24 - same | CDIP-24 - same | CDIP-24 - same |
| Macrocells | 16 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 10 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 15 ns | 10 ns (faster) | 25 ns (slower) | 15 ns | 15 ns |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75V to 5.25V | 4.75V to 5.25V | 4.75V to 5.25V | 4.75V to 5.25V | 4.75V to 5.25V |
| Programming Method | UV-erasable (CDIP window) | UV-erasable | UV-erasable | UV-erasable | Electrically erasable (EECMOS) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to 70C (commercial) | 0C to 70C | 0C to 70C | 0C to 70C | 0C to 70C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher macrocell density than 22V10-class alternatives (vs GAL22V10D-15L)
- Deterministic AND-OR architecture with predictable timing (vs PALCE610)
- Native 5V I/O tolerance without level shifters (vs Modern MAX V CPLDs (e.g., 5M80ZE64))
Design Notes
The EP610DC-15's UV-erasable ceramic DIP package has a transparent quartz window that must be protected from ambient fluorescent and sunlight exposure after programming, because UV photons below 400 nm can erase the JEDEC fuse map and corrupt the design. Apply an opaque label or cover the window with electrical tape before deploying boards in field environments. Failing to shield the window is the most common cause of unexplained logic failures in EP610-based legacy systems.
The CDIP-24 ceramic package has higher parasitic inductance than modern plastic packages, so signal integrity is critical for high-speed logic paths above 50 MHz. Place 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VCC/GND pin pair. Use a ground plane under the device for the I/O signals and keep clock traces shorter than 50 mm to avoid ringing. For -10 and -15 speed grades, the 10-15 ns propagation delay budget permits 25-30 mm trace lengths on FR-4 PCB without termination.
The EP610DC-15 operates from a single 5V supply with 4.75V to 5.25V tolerance, suitable for direct connection to TTL and 5V CMOS logic. According to the Altera datasheet, typical quiescent current is around 50 mA, but dynamic current can peak at 200 mA during simultaneous macrocell switching. Use a bulk 10 uF tantalum capacitor at the board power entry plus a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling cap at each VCC pin to suppress switching transients that could couple into adjacent analog circuits.
Compliance Information
The EP610DC-15 is a ceramic DIP package containing a quartz UV window, which historically contained lead-bearing ceramic materials. RoHS compliance status is unknown from the verified web data; the part is obsolete and not subject to current RoHS exemptions documentation. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because the part is commercial grade (0C to 70C). For modern RoHS-compliant EPLD alternatives, choose plastic-packaged MAX V or ATF150x parts.
