EPM3128AFI256-10N - MAX 3000A CPLD, 128 Macros, 256-FBGA | Altera
MPN: EPM3128AFI256-10N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPM3128AFI256-10N Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that combines multiple PAL/GAL-style macro cell arrays with a central interconnect matrix, providing deterministic, single-clock-cycle propagation delays for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine implementation. The MAX 3000A family sits within the broader programmable logic hierarchy: CPLD -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. CPLDs complement FPGAs by offering instant-on, EEPROM-based configuration and predictable timing, which is why they remain preferred for I/O expansion, address decoding, and power-sequencing controllers.
The EPM3128AFI256-10N features 4.5-ns pin-to-pin logic delays on internal macros and supports counter frequencies up to 227.3 MHz. The MultiVolt I/O interface allows the 3.3-V core to communicate with 5.0-V, 3.3-V, and 2.5-V logic levels without external level shifters, simplifying mixed-voltage board designs. In-system programmability (ISP) via JTAG enables field updates without removing the device from the board. The PCI SIG PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliance across all speed grades (-4, -5, -6, -7, -10) makes it directly usable on PCI bus interfaces.
Architecturally, the MAX 3000A device uses a classic MAX-style logic array block (LAB) organization with a programmable interconnect array (PIA) and a per-macro-cell product-term allocator. Each macro cell contains a programmable AND/OR array feeding a configurable flip-flop, giving the designer full synchronous or combinatorial control. The EEPROM configuration cell technology provides non-volatile storage that retains the bitstream through power cycles without an external configuration PROM.
Typical applications include PCI/CompactPCI bus interface glue logic, JTAG-controlled I/O expansion for microprocessors and DSPs, industrial control state machines, address decoding for memory-mapped systems, and power-supply sequencing controllers. The 256-FBGA package supports high-density board designs where 98 user I/Os are needed within a compact footprint.
When designing with this device, plan for 3.3-V core supply and observe the MultiVolt I/O bank restrictions when mixing 5.0-V and 2.5-V peripherals on the same device. The -10 speed grade is the slowest in the family - upgrade to -7 or -5 for timing-sensitive PCI or high-frequency state machines. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the device supports ISP via the JTAG interface per IEEE Std 1149.1.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives within the MAX 3000A family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3128AFI256-10N — 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 EPM3128AFI256-10N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, User I/Os, Macro Cells, I/O Compatibility.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3128AFC256-10N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM3128AFC256-7N
✓ In Stock
$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3128AFI256-10N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 3000A |
| Logic Density | 2.5K gates |
| Macro Cells | 128 |
| User I/Os | 98 |
| Speed Grade | -10 (10 ns pin-to-pin) |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 10 ns |
| Counter Frequency (max) | 227.3 MHz |
| Logic Family | CMOS, EEPROM-based |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 3.3 V |
| I/O Compatibility | 5.0 V, 3.3 V, 2.5 V (MultiVolt) |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (JTAG / IEEE 1149.1) |
| Package | 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, per 'I' suffix) |
| Pin Count | 256 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| PCI Compliance | PCI Local Bus Spec Rev 2.2 |
EPM3128AFI256-10N 256-ball fineline bga (fbga-256) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM3128AFI256-10N (256-ball fineline bga (fbga-256) 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 EPM3128AFI256-10N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM3128AFI256-10N is suitable for 6 applications: PCI Bus Interface Glue Logic, Microprocessor I/O Expansion, Industrial Control State Machines, Address Decoding for Memory-Mapped Systems, Power Supply Sequencing Controller, DSP/Processor Bus Interface Bridge.
PCI Bus Interface Glue Logic
The EPM3128AFI256-10N is well suited for PCI Local Bus Revision 2.2 glue logic. With PCI compliance across all MAX 3000A speed grades and 98 user I/Os, the device can implement address decoding, bus arbitration, and interrupt steering in a single chip. The 10 ns pin-to-pin delay easily meets the 33 MHz PCI bus AC timing requirements (which allow up to 11 ns tPD). The 3.3-V core with 5.0-V tolerant MultiVolt I/O allows direct connection to legacy 5.0-V PCI slots without external buffers.
Recommended
Microprocessor I/O Expansion
Designers often use the EPM3128AFI256-10N as an I/O expander for microprocessors that have insufficient native GPIO. With 98 user I/Os and JTAG in-system programmability, the CPLD can add parallel ports, keypad scanners, or display interfaces while the host firmware is being developed. The 256-FBGA package's fine 1.0 mm pitch requires careful PCB layout, but the non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the expansion board boots instantly with no external PROM.
Recommended
Industrial Control State Machines
The EPM3128AFI256-10N's deterministic 10 ns tPD and 227.3 MHz counter frequency make it ideal for industrial state machines controlling motor drives, solenoid sequencing, or conveyor logic. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range (denoted by the 'I' suffix) supports factory-floor deployment. Designers can implement up to 128 state bits in combinational or registered logic, with the JTAG interface allowing field updates when production lines are retooled.
Recommended
Address Decoding for Memory-Mapped Systems
In 16-bit or 32-bit memory-mapped systems, the EPM3128AFI256-10N provides clean, glitch-free address decoding for chip-select generation. The 128 macro cells easily accommodate 8-12 chip-select outputs with partial-address matching, while the 98 user I/Os leave room for additional control signals. The 10 ns tPD keeps the chip-select path within one clock cycle of typical 50-100 MHz processor buses. The MultiVolt I/O allows direct connection to 5.0-V SRAMs or 3.3-V SDRAMs from the same device.
Recommended
Power Supply Sequencing Controller
The EPM3128AFI256-10N can orchestrate power-up and power-down sequencing for multi-rail systems (e.g., 1.2 V core, 3.3 V I/O, 5.0 V analog). Each macro cell can implement a programmable delay chain using its internal counter, sequencing 6-10 rails within 10 ns resolution. The EEPROM-based configuration ensures the sequence is correct from the first power-on, eliminating the configuration-time glitches that FPGAs exhibit. The 5.0-V tolerant I/O enables direct interface to supervisor ICs.
Recommended
DSP/Processor Bus Interface Bridge
The EPM3128AFI256-10N serves as a flexible bus bridge between DSPs, microcontrollers, and peripherals operating at different voltages or bus widths. With 98 user I/Os, the device can implement 16-bit to 32-bit bus width conversion, voltage-level translation (via the MultiVolt I/O), and protocol translation (e.g., SRAM to async memory). The 227.3 MHz internal counter frequency and 10 ns tPD allow bridging between 50 MHz synchronous buses without wait states, simplifying DSP system design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3128AFI256-10N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3128AFC256-10N | EPM3128AFC256-7N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 256-FBGA | 256-FBGA (same) | 256-FBGA (same) |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Speed Grade | -10 (10 ns tPD) | -10 (same) | -7 (7 ns, 30% faster) |
| Macro Cells | 128 | 128 (same) | 128 (same) |
| User I/Os | 98 | 98 (same) | 98 (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Counter Frequency | 227.3 MHz | 227.3 MHz (same) | Higher (not specified for -7) |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest I/O count in the EPM3128A device subset (vs EPM3064ATC100-10N)
- Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) (vs EPM3128AFC256-10N)
- MultiVolt I/O supports 5.0V, 3.3V, and 2.5V logic (vs MAX II family (EPM240T100C5N))
- Non-volatile EEPROM configuration (vs SRAM-based FPGAs)
Design Notes
The 256-ball FineLine BGA uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch, which requires PCB designers to use laser-drilled micro vias or via-in-pad technology for reliable assembly. Per the Altera MAX 3000A datasheet, the device uses a 16x16 ball grid with JTAG balls in fixed positions (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK). Use 4-6 layer PCB stackup with continuous ground plane beneath the device to minimize simultaneous switching noise (SSN) on the 98 I/O banks.
The EPM3128AFI256-10N requires a clean 3.3-V core supply with at least 10 uF of bulk decoupling plus 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each VCCINT ball. The MultiVolt I/O banks (VCCIO) can be powered independently at 5.0 V, 3.3 V, or 2.5 V; if any I/O bank runs at 5.0 V, ensure all other VCCIO banks on the same device are powered before applying inputs to avoid latch-up. Decouple each VCCIO bank separately with 0.1 uF capacitors.
When driving long PCB traces or cables, configure the EPM3128AFI256-10N I/O pins in slow slew-rate mode to reduce simultaneous switching noise (SSN). Each I/O bank supports 3.3-V or 5.0-V PCI-compliant drive strengths, but mixing high-drive outputs with sensitive analog signals on the same bank can couple noise through the shared ground bounce. According to the Altera datasheet, the device supports PCI 2.2 edge rates when VCCIO is set to 3.3 V.
Do not confuse the MAX 3000A EPM3128AFI256-10N with the MAX 7000A EPM7128AEFC256-10N - although they share the same 256-FBGA package and 128 macro cells, the MAX 3000A uses a 3.3-V core while the MAX 7000A requires a 5.0-V core. Bitstreams are also incompatible between the two families. Verify the top-marking and family prefix ('EPM3128A' vs 'EPM7128A') before PCB assembly, especially when sourcing from authorized distributors that may cross-reference similar parts.
Route the JTAG signals (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) as a daisy-chain with no stubs, and place a 10 kohm pull-up on TCK and TMS to keep the TAP controller in a known state at power-up. The EPM3128AFI256-10N shares the JTAG chain with other JTAG devices on the board; ensure the BSDL files are loaded into the Quartus programmer for correct boundary-scan operation. Per the datasheet, the JTAG interface complies with IEEE Std 1149.1.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Altera product page. AEC-Q100 not qualified - industrial temp grade (-40C to +85C) is available but does not constitute automotive qualification. PCI SIG compliance per PCI Local Bus Spec Rev 2.2 applies to speed grades -4, -5, -6, -7, -10.
