EPM1270T144C5N - MAX II CPLD, 980 LEs, 212 I/O, TQFP-144 | Intel/Altera
MPN: EPM1270T144C5N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.83 | $38.83 |
| 10 | $34.95 | $349.50 |
| 100 | $28.4 | $2,840.00 |
| 500 | $23.1 | $11,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.75 | $19,750.00 |
EPM1270T144C5N Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that sits between discrete glue logic and FPGAs in the programmable logic taxonomy. It uses a classic AND/OR PLA architecture with non-volatile flash cells, which means the configuration is retained across power cycles and the device begins operation within microseconds of power-up. The MAX II family specifically replaced Altera's legacy MAX 3000/7000 series by integrating flash configuration into the core, eliminating the need for an external configuration memory device and reducing total board cost and complexity.
Key specifications include a maximum internal operating frequency of approximately 201.1 MHz, propagation delay (tPD) of 6.2 ns, a global clock network with up to 4 clocks per device, and supply voltage support for both 2.5 V and 3.3 V core/IO rails. The TQFP-144 package provides ample I/O for high-pin-count glue-logic applications, while JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) and in-system programmability via Altera/Quartus support simplified board-level bring-up and field upgrades.
Typical applications include I/O expansion and bus bridging for microcontrollers, address decoding and glue logic in industrial control systems, power-sequencing and reset distribution, and LED-driving or display interface multiplexing. Because the configuration is non-volatile, the device operates without code shadowing or bootloader delay, making it well suited to deterministic boot-time applications. When designing with this part, account for I/O bank supply grouping (VCCIO banks) and ensure the Quartus II fitter report is reviewed to confirm pin assignment and timing closure before board sign-off.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM1270T144C5N — 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 EPM1270T144C5N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Memory, Operating Temperature, Programming Interface, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM1270T144C4N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM1270T144C3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM1270T144A5N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$32.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM1270T144I5N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM1270T144C5N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX II |
| Device Type | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) |
| Macro Cells | 980 |
| Logic Elements (LEs) | 1270 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 212 |
| Number of Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 127 |
| Process Technology | 0.18 µm |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 6.2 ns |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 201.1 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 1.5 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Package | TQFP-144 (T144), 22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +85 °C (Commercial) |
| Speed Grade | -5 |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), In-System Programmable |
| Configuration Memory | Internal flash (non-volatile, instant-on) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) |
| Halogen-Free | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPM1270T144C5N tqfp-144 (t144), 22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM1270T144C5N (tqfp-144 (t144), 22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPM1270T144C5N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM1270T144C5N is suitable for 6 applications: Microcontroller I/O Expansion and Bus Bridging, Address Decoding and Glue Logic in Industrial Control, Power Sequencing and Reset Distribution, LED Display Multiplexing and Sign Control, Communication Protocol Bridging (SPI/I2C/UART to Parallel), Automotive Body Electronics (with -I or -A grade).
Microcontroller I/O Expansion and Bus Bridging
The EPM1270T144C5N's 212 user I/Os and instant-on flash configuration make it an ideal I/O expander for microcontrollers with limited pin counts. With 980 macro cells and 6.2 ns tPD, the device can map parallel buses, add PWM channels, or bridge between 3.3 V MCU peripherals and 1.8 V sensors in industrial control designs. Its non-volatile configuration means the system boots into a known I/O state within microseconds of power-up, eliminating bootloader delay. Pair with an STM32F4 or similar MCU where pin count is the gating constraint.
Recommended
Address Decoding and Glue Logic in Industrial Control
The MAX II architecture excels at deterministic address decoding for memory-mapped peripherals in PLCs and industrial controllers. The EPM1270T144C5N offers 980 macro cells and 4 global clocks, more than sufficient for decoding 24-bit or 32-bit address spaces with sub-7 ns propagation delay. Its commercial 0-85 °C range suits factory-floor enclosures, and the 2.5/3.3 V core voltage supports legacy 5 V-tolerant interfaces when paired with external level shifters.
Recommended
Power Sequencing and Reset Distribution
The EPM1270T144C5N's instant-on capability and 212 I/Os make it well suited to power-rail sequencing in multi-rail systems. Each of its 212 outputs can drive a MOSFET gate or enable line, and the deterministic 6.2 ns propagation delay enables precise timing of supply ramp-up. The non-volatile flash configuration means no boot PROM or bootloader is required, a critical advantage over FPGAs in safety-critical or reset-distribution roles where deterministic startup matters.
Recommended
LED Display Multiplexing and Sign Control
The EPM1270T144C5N's 212 I/Os can directly drive multiplexed LED matrices, scrolling signs, or RGB panels without external driver chips. With 980 macro cells the device can implement PWM dimming, gamma correction, and pattern storage in a single chip. Its 201.1 MHz max frequency comfortably supports multiplex refresh rates above 1 kHz, eliminating visible flicker. Pair with high-current line drivers such as ULN2803 for higher-current displays.
Recommended
Communication Protocol Bridging (SPI/I2C/UART to Parallel)
The EPM1270T144C5N can implement custom protocol converters between serial interfaces and parallel buses, useful for legacy peripherals lacking modern serial controllers. With 980 LEs the device can handle full-duplex UART, SPI master/slave, and I2C controllers in a single chip, while exposing the decoded data as a parallel register file. The 2.5/3.3 V I/O banks allow direct connection to both legacy 3.3 V and modern 1.8 V SoCs without level shifters.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (with -I or -A grade)
The EPM1270 family includes industrial (EPM1270T144I5N) and automotive (EPM1270T144A5N) temperature grades in the same TQFP-144 footprint, enabling drop-in migration from commercial to AEC-Q100 environments. The base C5N commercial grade suits non-automotive body-electronics prototypes and pre-production designs where the industrial variant is reserved for production deployment. 212 I/Os comfortably handle body-control modules with LIN/CAN fan-out.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM1270T144C5N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM1270T144C4N | EPM1270T144C3N | EPM1270T144A5N | EPM1270T144I5N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | TQFP-144 | TQFP-144 - same | TQFP-144 - same | TQFP-144 - same | TQFP-144 - same |
| Speed Grade | -5 | -4 (slower) | -3 (faster) | -5 (same) | -5 (same) |
| Macro Cells | 980 | 980 (same) | 980 (same) | 980 (same) | 980 (same) |
| Maximum User I/Os | 212 | 212 (same) | 212 (same) | 212 (same) | 212 (same) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +85 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +85 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +85 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +125 °C (Automotive) | -40 °C to +100 °C (Industrial) |
| Core Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V | 2.5 V / 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V (same) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Key Differentiators
- Instant-on non-volatile configuration without external boot PROM (vs Small FPGAs (e.g., Cyclone IV))
- 212 user I/Os in TQFP-144 - among the highest density in MAX II family (vs EPM240T100 (smaller MAX II device))
- Multiple VCCIO bank voltages (1.5/1.8/2.5/3.3 V) for mixed-voltage bridging (vs Single-voltage 5 V CPLDs (legacy MAX 7000))
Design Notes
The TQFP-144 package has 0.5 mm pitch leads which require careful PCB design: use 4-mil (0.1 mm) traces between pads with 8-mil (0.2 mm) space, escape the inner leads with via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out, and maintain a continuous ground plane beneath the device. Add 4 to 8 decoupling capacitors (100 nF X7R) clustered around each VCCIO bank to suppress switching transients. Estimate: trace width of 0.1 mm at 1 oz copper handles ~500 mA continuous current comfortably for low-speed glue logic.
Power the EPM1270T144C5N core from a stable 2.5 V or 3.3 V LDO with at least 200 mA headroom; during ISP programming the inrush current can briefly exceed the steady-state 50 mA typical ICC. Place a 10 µF bulk capacitor and a 100 nF decoupling cap within 5 mm of each VCC pin. The VCCIO banks should be powered before or simultaneously with VCCINT to avoid I/O latch-up, per the manufacturer datasheet power-up sequencing section.
Do not assume that 100% of the 212 user I/Os are simultaneously available - the exact count depends on the I/O standard mix and pin assignments the Quartus fitter produces. Always check the fitter report before sign-off. Also, JTAG chain conflicts are common when sharing the TCK/TMS lines with other devices; add series 100 Ω resistors on the JTAG lines to dampen reflections. The flash programming cycles are rated at 100+ endurance cycles, so avoid unnecessary ISP reprogramming during bring-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings. Halogen-free per GlobalSpec datasheet cross-reference. The base EPM1270T144C5N is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; choose the EPM1270T144A5N variant for automotive applications. Country of Origin is Malaysia/Philippines per distributor data.
