EP610PC25 - 16-Macrocell Classic EPLD, 25ns, PDIP-24 | Altera
MPN: EP610PC25 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.8 | $58.00 |
| 100 | $4.95 | $495.00 |
| 500 | $4.2 | $2,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.6 | $3,600.00 |
EP610PC25 Overview
An EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device) is a one-time- or UV-programmable non-volatile logic device that preceded modern CPLDs and FPGAs. EPLDs sit in the PLD hierarchy above simple PAL/GAL devices but below today's high-density FPGAs - useful as glue logic, address decoding, state machines, and bus interface controllers. Within the broader taxonomy, EPLDs fall under programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> CPLDs -> programmable semiconductors, and they share architecture with later MAX-series CPLDs while retaining the Classic-series' distinctive 24-pin PDIP footprint.
Key features of the EP610PC25 include 16 macrocells (each with a programmable flip-flop), 24 dedicated input pins, 16 output pins, and pin-compatible JEDEC-standard programming via standard device programmers. The 25 ns tPD allows clocked logic up to ~40 MHz (synchronous), while pipelined internal paths support up to 100 MHz. Power consumption is approximately 200 mA ICC at 5 V, and the device operates over the commercial 0C to +70C range. The PDIP-24 through-hole package allows easy socket-mounting and rework, valuable in lab and production-line environments.
Architecturally, the EP610PC uses a sum-of-products AND-OR logic array feeding 16 macrocells, each with a configurable D/T/JK flip-flop and output enable. Inputs feed through a global interconnect to the AND array, and outputs drive bidirectional I/O pins. Programming is performed via a standard JEDEC fuse map on a device programmer using Altera's classic flow. The Classic EPLD family was a precursor to the MAX 7000/5000-series CPLDs that subsequently dominated low-density programmable logic.
Typical applications include address decoding for 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessors, glue logic for peripheral interfacing, state machines in industrial controllers, bus arbitration logic in VME/ISA-style backplanes, and replacement of multiple discrete 74LS/74HC TTL gates in legacy systems. The DIP-24 footprint makes it popular in educational lab kits and in long-life-cycle equipment where surface-mount migration is undesirable.
When designing with this device, note that it requires a 5 V supply and a programming voltage of 12 V on the VPP pin. A proper decoupling scheme (100 nF + 10 uF bulk) near the supply pins is mandatory, and unused inputs should be tied to ground through a resistor or to VCC to prevent floating inputs. Designers transitioning from the EP610PC to newer logic should consider the pin-compatible LC/LI/DC speed grades or migrating to a modern MAX II CPLD in a JTAG-programmable package.
Drop-in alternatives for EP610PC25 — 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 EP610PC25 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Propagation Delay (tPD), Supply Voltage (VCC), RoHS Status, Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP610PC-20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$47.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610PC-30
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610PC-35
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610PC-25T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$28.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610LI-25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610LC-25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610DC-25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP610PC25 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | Altera Classic EPLD |
| Logic Type | EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device) |
| Macrocells | 16 |
| Usable Gates | 300 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 25 ns |
| Pipelined Data Rate | Up to 100 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 5 V |
| Programming Voltage (VPP) | 12 V |
| ICC (typical) | 200 mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | PDIP-24 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Programmability | One-Time-Programmable (OTP), UV-erasable variant exists |
| Pin Count | 24 |
| Technology | 5 V CMOS |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete (last shipped ~2000s) |
EP610PC25 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 2 | I/O — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 4 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 5 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 6 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 7 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 8 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 9 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 12 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 13 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 14 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 15 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 16 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 17 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 18 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 19 | INPUT — Dedicated input |
| Pin 20 | I/O — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 21 | I/O — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 22 | VPP — Programming voltage (12 V) |
| Pin 23 | VCC — 5 V supply |
| Pin 24 | I/O — Bidirectional I/O pin |
Typical Applications
EP610PC25 is suitable for 6 applications: Microprocessor Address Decoding, Glue Logic Replacement for 74LS TTL, Industrial State Machines, Bus Arbitration and Interface Logic, Educational Logic Design Lab Kits, Legacy Avionics and Defense Spares.
Microprocessor Address Decoding
The EP610PC25 excels at address-decoding for 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessor systems where 16 macrocells and 24 dedicated inputs provide ample headroom for chip-select logic. Its 25 ns tPD sits comfortably within the address-access budget of 8086/68000-era buses at 8-10 MHz, allowing glue-logic between CPU and peripheral memory without timing violations. The PDIP-24 through-hole footprint integrates easily into backplane designs where surface-mount CPLDs would require board rework, making this part ideal for legacy ISA, VME, or STD-bus controller cards.
Recommended
Glue Logic Replacement for 74LS TTL
The EP610PC25 consolidates 4-6 discrete 74LS138, 74LS151, 74LS244, and 74LS374 functions into a single 24-pin device, reducing board area by ~60% in legacy industrial controllers. Each macrocell provides a programmable flip-flop that can replace external latches, while the 16 dedicated inputs absorb wide parallel-bus signals without external buffers. Compared with discrete TTL, the EPLD eliminates fan-out noise and propagation skew, improving noise margin on long industrial wiring runs in PLCs and process-control backplanes.
Recommended
Industrial State Machines
The 16 macrocells of the EP610PC25 comfortably implement 16-state (4-bit) FSMs with output-decoded Mealy/Moore logic, suitable for sequencing relays, motor starters, and valve controllers in industrial automation. The 100 MHz pipelined data path supports high-speed sensor interfacing, while the 5 V supply is compatible with legacy PLC I/O modules. The PDIP-24 socketed package simplifies field replacement in long-life-cycle equipment where factory downtime for surface-mount rework is unacceptable.
Recommended
Bus Arbitration and Interface Logic
For VMEbus, Multibus, or STD-bus arbitration, the EP610PC25 implements request/grant chains, address latching, and interrupt prioritization in a single device, replacing stacks of 74LS244/373 transceivers. Its 25 ns tPD fits within the bus-access window of 5-8 MHz shared-bus systems, and the 24-pin DIP package simplifies insertion into wire-wrap or through-hole prototype cards. Designers benefit from one-time-programmability, allowing locked logic that cannot be modified without re-programming.
Recommended
Educational Logic Design Lab Kits
The EP610PC25 remains a popular choice in university logic-design and digital-electronics courses due to its socketed DIP-24 form factor and straightforward JEDEC fuse-map programming model. Students can implement combinational logic, sequential FSMs, and small CPU datapaths in a single device, learning programmable logic fundamentals before transitioning to modern JTAG-programmable CPLDs. The through-hole package supports wire-wrap and breadboard prototyping without specialized SMT soldering equipment.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and Defense Spares
Long-life military and avionics platforms still rely on the EP610PC25 and its ceramic-packaged EP610DC variants for in-service spares replenishment. The Altera Classic EPLD meets the 25 ns timing required by MIL-STD-1750 and similar legacy processors, and Rochester Electronics continues to manufacture traceable, factory-authorized replacements. Aerospace integrators prefer the through-hole ceramic DIP for vibration resistance and ease of conformal-coating rework in field-deployed systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP610PC25 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP610PC-20 | EP610PC-30 | EP610PC-35 | EP610LI-25 | EP610LC-25 | EP610DC-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-24 | PDIP-24 - same | PDIP-24 - same | PDIP-24 - same | PDIP-24 - same | PDIP-24 - same | DIP-24 ceramic - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 25 ns | 20 ns (-20%) | 30 ns (+20%) | 35 ns (+40%) | 25 ns | 25 ns | 25 ns |
| Macrocells | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial, low-power) | -55C to +125C (military) |
| Package Material | Plastic (PDIP) | Plastic (PDIP) | Plastic (PDIP) | Plastic (PDIP) | Plastic (PDIP) | Plastic (PDIP) | Ceramic (CERDIP) |
| Erasability | OTP (one-time-programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | UV-erasable (windowed) |
| Pipelined Data Rate | Up to 100 MHz | Up to 100 MHz | Up to 100 MHz | Up to 100 MHz | Up to 100 MHz | Up to 100 MHz | Up to 100 MHz |
| Price (qty 1, as of 2026-09-10) | USD 6.50 | USD 7.20 | USD 5.80 | USD 5.20 | USD 9.50 | USD 8.10 | USD 22.00 |
Key Differentiators
- PDIP-24 socketable through-hole form factor (vs Modern MAX II CPLD (TQFP-100 surface mount))
- Five same-brand pin-compatible speed grades (vs Lattice ispMACH 4000ZE)
- OTP simplicity without JTAG overhead (vs Modern JTAG-programmable CPLD)
Design Notes
The EP610PC25 requires a stable 5 V +/- 5% VCC supply with at least a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin (pin 23) and a 10 uF bulk tantalum or electrolytic capacitor on the same rail. The device draws approximately 200 mA ICC typical, scaling with output switching frequency. A separate 12 V VPP rail (pin 22) is required only during device programming and should be gated to 0 V in normal operation to avoid unintended programming or stress. Designers should budget a 5 V regulator capable of at least 500 mA to accommodate transient switching currents.
Use a standard 24-pin DIP-24 PCB land pattern with 2.54 mm (0.1 in) pin pitch. Keep all signal traces short and avoid routing high-frequency signals adjacent to the VPP pin. Ground the GND pin (pin 10) directly to a low-impedance ground plane to minimize ground bounce, which can otherwise cause false clocking of the per-macrocell flip-flops. If socketing the device, use a high-quality machine-pin DIP-24 socket to maintain reliable contact over decades of service in long-life industrial equipment.
Do not leave any of the 24 input pins floating - tie unused inputs to GND through a 10 kohm resistor or directly to VCC to prevent noise-induced logic transitions. When programming the device, ensure the JEDEC fuse map matches the Altera Classic EPLD family format expected by your device programmer (Data I/O Unisite, BP-1200, or equivalent). Avoid using the EP610PC25 in new 3.3 V designs - the device requires 5 V VCC and its TTL-compatible I/Os are not 3.3 V-tolerant. Designers migrating to 3.3 V systems should switch to MAX II or MAX V CPLDs instead.
Compliance Information
Compliance status for the EP610PC25 PDIP-24 plastic package is not explicitly documented in the verified web data. Original Altera parts predate the 2006 RoHS directive and typically use SnPb plating; Rochester Electronics may supply RoHS-converted variants on request.
