EP9100C-30 - 900 Gates Classic EPLD, 30ns CMOS | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP9100C-30 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $15.2 | $152.00 |
| 100 | $11.8 | $1,180.00 |
| 500 | $9.4 | $4,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.95 | $7,950.00 |
EP9100C-30 Overview
A Classic EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that combines multiple PAL-style macrocell arrays on a single CMOS die, erasable via ultraviolet light (windowed packages) or one-time-programmable (OTP) in ceramic DIP form. In the broader taxonomy, EPLDs sit below CPLDs (Complex PLDs) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays); they are predecessors to today's MAX II/MAX V CPLD families from Intel (formerly Altera). EPLDs offer deterministic pin-to-pin timing, predictable interconnect delays, and instant-on operation because the configuration is stored in non-volatile memory rather than loaded from an external flash at boot.
Key features of the EP9100C-30 include a 30 ns combinatorial propagation delay (tPD), a maximum toggle frequency of 62.5 MHz (from the -30 speed grade), 48 macrocells with 24 flip-flops, 24 dedicated input pins, and I/O organized around a Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA). The device supports 5 V single-supply operation (VCC = 4.75 V to 5.25 V), TTL-compatible inputs and outputs, and offers three speed grades (-20, -25, -30, -35) plus a military / MIL-STD-883 variant (EP9100C-30/883). Programming is performed via the Altera Altera Programming Unit (APU) or compatible third-party programmers using the JEDEC fuse-map format.
The EP9100 architecture uses a sum-of-products (AND-OR) macrocell fed by a global Programmable Interconnect Array. Each macrocell contains a programmable AND array, a fixed OR array, an output flip-flop with programmable clock/clear/preset controls, and an I/O pin with tri-state control. Compared to PAL/GAL devices, the EP9100 adds the PIA, which routes any input or feedback signal to any macrocell - enabling true sum-of-products logic for any function. Compared to modern MAX V CPLDs, the EP9100C-30 has lower logic density and slower speeds, but its instant-on non-volatile architecture and 30-year production heritage make it a reliable choice for legacy equipment sustainment and aerospace/defense systems where re-design qualification is costly.
Typical applications include legacy industrial controller glue logic, address decoding for 8086/68000 microprocessor systems, state-machine replacement of discrete 74LS logic, TTL-to-CMOS bus bridging, and aerospace/defense equipment with established reliability data. The EP9100C-30 is also widely used as a drop-in replacement for discrete SSI/MSI logic clusters in 5 V designs where power, board area, and reliability improvements are needed.
When designing with the EP9100C-30, ensure the input rise/fall times are faster than 100 ns to prevent additional propagation delay, and derate outputs according to the DC output current vs. VCCOL curves in the datasheet. Use a bypass capacitor of at least 0.1 Β΅F close to each VCC pin to suppress switching transients on the global PIA clock network. For new designs, consider the Intel MAX V CPLD family (e.g., 5M80ZE64) as a modern equivalent with more density and lower power; however, the EP9100C-30 remains preferred for legacy 5 V systems with established firmware/silicon qualification.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, JEDEC-spec parametric comparison data, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original Altera Classic EPLD datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP9100C-30 β 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 EP9100C-30 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Dedicated Inputs, Family, Mounting Type, Programming Method.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP9100C-40
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP9100DC-30
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP9100C-30/883
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP9100C-25
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP9100C-35
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP9100C-30 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | Altera Classic EPLD |
| Logic Density | 900 usable gates (approx.) |
| Macrocells | 48 |
| Flip-Flops | 24 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 24 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 30 ns |
| Maximum Toggle Frequency (fMAX) | 62.5 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (5 V nominal) |
| I/O Standard | TTL-compatible |
| Technology | CMOS, UV-erasable (window) or OTP |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 40-pin ceramic DIP (CDIP) / 44-pin PLCC (windowed) / 40-pin PDIP |
| Programming Method | JEDEC via Altera APU or compatible programmer |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) / Surface Mount (PLCC) |
| Military Grade Variant | EP9100C-30/883 (MIL-STD-883 compliant) |
EP9100C-30 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group A) |
| Pin 2 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group A) |
| Pin 3 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group A) |
| Pin 4 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group A) |
| Pin 5 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group A) |
| Pin 6 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group A) |
| Pin 7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 8 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group B) |
| Pin 9 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group B) |
| Pin 10 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group B) |
| Pin 11 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group B) |
| Pin 12 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group B) |
| Pin 13 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group B) |
| Pin 14 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 15 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group C) |
| Pin 16 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group C) |
| Pin 17 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group C) |
| Pin 18 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group C) |
| Pin 19 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group C) |
| Pin 20 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group C) |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group D) |
| Pin 23 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group D) |
| Pin 24 | I/O β Bidirectional I/O pin (macrocell I/O group D) |
| Pin 25 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 26 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 27 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 28 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 29 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 30 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 31 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 32 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 33 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 34 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 35 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 36 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 37 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 38 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 39 | INPUT β Dedicated input pin |
| Pin 40 | VCC β +5 V supply |
Typical Applications
EP9100C-30 is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Industrial Controller Glue Logic, 8086/68000 Microprocessor Address Decoding, Aerospace & Defense Sustainment, TTL-to-CMOS Bus Bridging, Discrete 74LS Logic Replacement, State-Machine Replacement for 74LS Sequence Logic, Telecommunications Backplane Glue Logic.
Legacy Industrial Controller Glue Logic
The EP9100C-30 fits legacy industrial controller glue-logic applications because of its 30 ns tPD deterministic timing, 5 V TTL-compatible I/O, and instant-on non-volatile architecture. Industrial PLCs and CNC controllers from the 1990s relied on the EP9100 family to integrate address decoding, bus arbitration, and interrupt-control logic that would otherwise require dozens of 74LS series SSI/MSI chips. With 48 macrocells and 24 dedicated inputs, the EP9100C-30 absorbs typical decode-and-control functions in a single 40-pin DIP, reducing PCB area by up to 80% and improving noise immunity through a single CMOS device. Unlike modern CPLDs that require 3.3 V core supply, the EP9100C-30 operates directly from the 5 V industrial backplane without level shifters, simplifying retrofit designs.
Recommended
8086/68000 Microprocessor Address Decoding
The EP9100C-30 was specifically designed for 16-bit microprocessor address decoding in 8086, 68000, and similar legacy CPU systems. Its 24 dedicated inputs can directly accept the full 20-bit (1 MB) or 24-bit (16 MB) address bus of these processors, and the 48 macrocells generate chip-select signals for memory and peripheral banks with a deterministic 30 ns propagation delay. This single-device replacement for multi-chip 74LS138/74LS139 decoder trees improves system reliability, reduces board area, and simplifies spare-parts logistics for legacy computing platforms. The PIA (Programmable Interconnect Array) allows any address or control signal to feed any macrocell, supporting complex banked-memory or wait-state generation logic.
Recommended
Aerospace & Defense Sustainment
The EP9100C-30 and its MIL-STD-883 variant EP9100C-30/883 are widely used in aerospace and defense sustainment programs where re-design qualification would cost millions of dollars. Military avionics, radar signal processors, and naval communication systems built in the 1990s and 2000s contain Altera Classic EPLDs that are still operational; replacing them with modern CPLDs would require re-running DO-254 / MIL-HDBK-454 qualification, which is impractical. The EP9100C-30/883 variant operates from -55C to +125C, meets MIL-STD-883 environmental and reliability screening, and is procured as new old stock (NOS) through authorized defense distributors. The non-volatile UV-erasable architecture also allows in-system prototype iteration during equipment refurbishment.
Recommended
TTL-to-CMOS Bus Bridging
The EP9100C-30 works well as a TTL-to-CMOS bus bridge in mixed-logic systems because its inputs accept TTL-level signals directly and its outputs can drive CMOS loads with proper VCC selection. Legacy 5 V TTL peripherals (e.g., 74LS245 transceivers, 74LS374 registers) often need protocol translation, hand-shaking, or wait-state insertion when interfaced to newer 3.3 V ASICs - functions that map naturally to the EP9100C-30's programmable I/O. The 24 dedicated inputs and 24 bidirectional I/O pins provide enough headroom for 16-bit data buses plus 8 control signals in a single device, eliminating external transceivers. With 30 ns tPD, the device adds minimal latency to bridge paths, preserving timing margins in legacy bus systems.
Recommended
Discrete 74LS Logic Replacement
The EP9100C-30 replaces clusters of 74LS-series SSI/MSI logic (74LS00, 74LS138, 74LS151, 74LS244, 74LS374) by integrating 4 to 10 individual packages into a single CMOS EPLD, dramatically reducing board area, power consumption, and inventory SKU count. A typical 74LS-based decoder/registered-logic cluster dissipates 200-400 mW; the same function in EP9100C-30 CMOS EPLD consumes under 100 mW, an improvement of 2-4x. The instant-on non-volatile configuration means no boot PROM is required and the design starts in a defined state at power-up - critical for industrial and aerospace systems where undefined logic states at boot can cause spurious faults. The same JEDEC fuse-map is portable across speed grades and temperature variants of the EP9100 family.
Recommended
State-Machine Replacement for 74LS Sequence Logic
The EP9100C-30 is well-suited to implementing complex state machines that previously required cascading 74LS161 counters, 74LS151 multiplexers, and 74LS174 flip-flop registers. A typical 8-state or 16-state control sequencer with conditional branching might require 8-12 individual SSI/MSI chips; the same function fits in 8-16 EP9100C-30 macrocells, with the added benefit of deterministic 30 ns state-to-output propagation. The integrated flip-flops (24 total) with programmable clock/clear/preset controls directly support Moore and Mealy state-machine patterns. The non-volatile configuration means the state-machine logic survives power cycles without reloading, and the CMOS implementation provides excellent noise immunity for factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Telecommunications Backplane Glue Logic
The EP9100C-30 was deployed in 1990s telecommunications backplanes (e.g., SDH/SONET multiplexers, ATM switches, ISDN line cards) for HDLC framing, channel-association logic, and clock-domain crossing glue between line-interface units and switch fabrics. Its 5 V TTL compatibility and 30 ns tPD suit the LVTTL / 5 V CMOS backplane signaling standards of that era, and the 48 macrocells handle typical 16-channel framing/control logic in a single device. Modern 3.3 V / 1.8 V CPLDs cannot be dropped into these 5 V backplanes without level shifting, making the EP9100C-30 and its -25 / -40 speed-grade siblings the lowest-risk sustainment choice. The PLCC package variant with UV window allows in-circuit erasure for prototype redesigns during equipment refurbishment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP9100C-30 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP9100C-40 | EP9100DC-30 | EP9100C-30/883 | EP9100C-25 | EP9100C-35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin DIP | 40-pin DIP - same | 40-pin DIP - same | 40-pin DIP - same | 40-pin DIP - same | 40-pin DIP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Density (gates) | 900 | 900 | 900 | 900 | 900 | 900 |
| Macrocells | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| tPD (ns) | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 35 |
| fMAX (MHz) | 62.5 | 45 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 70.0 | 55.5 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +85C (industrial) | -55C to +125C (military) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 5 V Β±5% | 5 V Β±5% | 5 V Β±5% | 5 V Β±5% | 5 V Β±5% | 5 V Β±5% |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced speed-grade option in the Altera Classic family (vs EP9100C-25 (faster) and EP9100C-40 (slower))
- Commercial temperature grade is sufficient for most industrial use cases (vs EP9100DC-30 (industrial -40C to +85C))
- 40-pin ceramic DIP package with through-hole mounting simplifies legacy board repair (vs Modern CPLDs (MAX V 5M80ZE64 in TQFP-64))
Design Notes
The EP9100C-30 is a 5 V TTL-compatible device and MUST NOT be driven by 3.3 V logic without a level shifter. Inputs above VCC + 0.5 V can latch up the CMOS die; inputs below -0.5 V can forward-bias the input protection diodes and inject substrate current. If your design uses a 3.3 V microcontroller or modern ASIC, add 74HCT245 or similar TTL-input level shifters on all signals feeding the EP9100C-30. Additionally, the device is sensitive to input rise/fall times; signals slower than 100 ns add propagation delay beyond the 30 ns tPD specification.
Place a 0.1 Β΅F ceramic bypass capacitor as close as physically possible to each VCC pin (pin 40 on the 40-pin DIP) and to each GND pin (pins 7, 14, 21). Estimated: at 50 MHz toggle activity the EP9100C-30 draws transient currents up to 30 mA per VCC pin; without local bypassing these transients inject noise into the global PIA clock network and can cause intermittent timing failures. Add a bulk 10 Β΅F tantalum capacitor at the board power-entry point to handle the average ICC (typically 100-150 mA at 50% toggle activity per the Altera Classic datasheet).
Keep all EP9100C-30 outputs short and matched when driving a bus; mismatched trace lengths cause bus skew and can violate setup/hold times on the receiving 74LS or CMOS logic. A 30 ns tPD device with 50 pF load can drive 50 mm of trace on FR-4 before edge rates degrade below TTL thresholds. Place the EP9100C-30 close to the signals it decodes or controls to minimize PIA delay and avoid stubs on high-speed buses. For DIP packages, use a ground plane on the solder side to provide low-impedance return paths for switching transients.
Estimated: at 5 V VCC and 25% toggle activity (typical 74LS-replacement workload), the EP9100C-30 in a 40-pin ceramic DIP dissipates approximately 0.5-0.8 W. The ceramic DIP package has a theta_JA of approximately 50-60 C/W, giving a junction temperature rise of 25-48 C above ambient. This is well within the commercial 0C to +70C operating range at room ambient. For MIL-STD-883 variant EP9100C-30/883 in sealed aerospace enclosures, derate by an additional 30% to account for reduced convection cooling.
The EP9100C-30 outputs are TTL totem-pole drivers with limited slew-rate control; long PCB traces (>100 mm) or capacitive loads (>100 pF) cause edge degradation and ground-bounce-induced false clocking. Series-damping resistors of 22-33 Ξ© placed within 25 mm of the EP9100C-30 output pin dampen reflections on controlled-impedance traces. Unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs driving LOW or as inputs with external pull-downs; floating inputs can oscillate and add noise to the VCC rail. Per Altera Classic datasheet, do NOT leave more than 5 pins floating in any design.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free compliance information not available in verified web data; the Altera Classic EPLD family was designed before RoHS (2006) and many DIP variants historically used SnPb lead finish. MIL-STD-883 variant EP9100C-30/883 explicitly meets military environmental/reliability screening.
