EPM3256AQC208-7N - MAX 3000A CPLD, 256 Macros, 7.5ns | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPM3256AQC208-7N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $28.75 | $287.50 |
| 100 | $25.1 | $2,510.00 |
| 500 | $22.4 | $11,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.95 | $19,950.00 |
EPM3256AQC208-7N Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic IC that sits between simple PAL/GAL devices and larger FPGAs in the programmable logic hierarchy. CPLD -> Programmable Logic -> Logic IC -> Semiconductor. The MAX 3000A family uses an EEPROM-based architecture, so designs are retained without an external configuration memory and the device powers up instantly to its programmed state, an advantage over SRAM-based FPGAs that require a configuration flash.
Key features include 5,000 usable gates, a maximum internal operating frequency of 126.6 MHz, 3.3-V in-system programmability (ISP) compliant with IEEE Std. 1532, four dedicated inputs for global clock/clear/preset/OE control, and a programmable interconnect array that routes every macro cell pin to any I/O. MultiVolt I/O lets VCCIO be tied to 3.3 V or 2.5 V independently of VCCINT, supporting mixed-voltage board designs.
The EPM3256AQC208-7N uses a classic MAX architecture with EEPROM configuration cells, an LAB (Logic Array Block) of 16 macro cells each, an expandable product-term allocator, and a programmable interconnect array (PIA). JTAG boundary-scan and ISP together enable board-level programming and test without removing the device, simplifying manufacturing flow.
Typical applications include bus-interface glue logic in industrial controllers, address decoding and register decoding in legacy microcontroller boards, state-machine and protocol-bridge implementation in telecom backplane designs, and glue logic between processors and peripherals in 3.3 V embedded systems. The 161 available I/Os suit medium-density parallel interfaces such as 16/32-bit memory buses.
When designing with this device, route VCCINT and VCCIO planes with low-impedance decoupling. Place one 0.1 uF + one 10 uF per supply pin pair, and use the Quartus (or legacy MAX+PLUS II) toolchain for fitting, timing analysis, and ISP programming. The PQFP-208 footprint requires careful soldering and inspection for production reliability.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MAX 3000A variants, comparison data, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3256AQC208-7N — 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 EPM3256AQC208-7N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, User I/Os, Propagation Delay (tPD), Usable Gates.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3256AQC208-7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256AQC208-10N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256AQC208-10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256AQC208-7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 3000A |
| Device Type | CPLD - Complex Programmable Logic Device |
| Macro Cells | 256 |
| User I/Os | 161 |
| Logic Gates (Usable) | 5,000 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 126.6 MHz |
| Supply Voltage VCCINT | 3.3 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage VCCIO | 3.3 V or 2.5 V (MultiVolt) |
| Programming Technology | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| In-System Programmability | Yes, IEEE Std. 1532 compliant |
| JTAG Boundary Scan | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Package | 208-pin PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPM3256AQC208-7N 208-pin pqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM3256AQC208-7N (208-pin pqfp 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 EPM3256AQC208-7N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM3256AQC208-7N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Bus Interface Glue Logic, Address Decoding for Legacy Microcontroller Boards, Telecom Protocol-Bridge Implementation, State-Machine Control Logic in Embedded Systems, Peripheral Expansion Glue for 3.3 V Processors, Legacy Industrial PC / ISA Card Design.
Industrial Bus Interface Glue Logic
The EPM3256AQC208-7N provides deterministic 7.5 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay ideal for bus-arbitration, address-decoding, and wait-state generation in industrial PLC backplanes. With 161 user I/Os, it can interface directly to a 16/32-bit parallel data bus while supporting 3.3 V / 2.5 V MultiVolt I/O. Unlike an FPGA, the EEPROM-based MAX 3000A architecture powers up instantly to the programmed state, eliminating FPGA configuration delay in safety-critical industrial loops. Decoupling: 0.1 uF + 10 uF per VCCINT/VCCIO pin pair.
Recommended
Address Decoding for Legacy Microcontroller Boards
The EPM3256AQC208-7N serves as a programmable address decoder for 8051, ARM7, or PowerPC-based boards requiring chip-select generation across large memory maps. Its 256 macro cells support wide AND/OR decode planes, and the 161 I/Os can fan out to dozens of peripheral chip-selects. The 5.0-V tolerant inputs (when VCCIO = 3.3 V) ease retrofit into legacy 5 V systems with level shifting. JTAG ISP allows in-board programming via a standard 4-wire JTAG header for prototype iteration.
Recommended
Telecom Protocol-Bridge Implementation
The EPM3256AQC208-7N bridges between telecom protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, and proprietary backplane buses in central-office equipment. Its 126.6 MHz fMAX supports high-speed serial bit-banging and clock-domain crossing between 3.3 V and 2.5 V logic domains via independent VCCIO banks. 161 I/Os accommodate the wide buses typical of legacy telecom shelves. EEPROM non-volatility ensures the bridge state survives power cycles - critical for in-service telecom hardware.
Recommended
State-Machine Control Logic in Embedded Systems
The EPM3256AQC208-7N implements complex multi-state controllers in embedded systems such as motor drives, RFID readers, and instrument front-ends. Each MAX 3000A macro cell includes a flip-flop with programmable clear/preset/clock polarity, supporting Mealy/Moore state machines with deterministic 7.5 ns latency. The four dedicated global inputs supply independent clock, clear, preset, and OE control. Quartus / MAX+PLUS II State Machine entry tools accelerate development versus discrete 74-series logic.
Recommended
Peripheral Expansion Glue for 3.3 V Processors
The EPM3256AQC208-7N expands I/O and adds custom peripherals to 3.3 V processors such as the Altera Nios II, ARM Cortex-M3, or MIPS cores. With VCCIO = 3.3 V, its outputs drive the processor bus directly without level shifters, and its 161 I/Os support banked GPIO expansion, PWM generators, and quadrature decoders. IEEE 1532 ISP enables field firmware updates via the same JTAG chain used for the processor debug, simplifying service and field upgrades.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial PC / ISA Card Design
The EPM3256AQC208-7N is widely deployed in legacy ISA / PCI add-in cards and industrial PCs where 161 I/Os map cleanly to bus buffers, BIOS-decoding logic, and custom register interfaces. Its 5.0-V tolerant inputs (with VCCIO = 3.3 V) tolerate the 5 V signaling still found on older industrial backplanes. The PQFP-208 footprint is well-supported by standard SMT lines, and the EEPROM-backed configuration means a failed ISP cannot brick the card - the device retains its last programmed logic.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3256AQC208-7N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3256AQC208-7 | EPM3256AQC208-10N | EPM3256AQC208-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-pin PQFP | 208-pin PQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Speed Grade (tPD) | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns | 10 ns | 10 ns |
| Macro Cells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| User I/Os | 161 | 161 | 161 | 161 |
| VCCINT | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (IEEE 1532) | No (legacy non-ISP) | Yes (IEEE 1532) | No (legacy non-ISP) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard MAX 3000A EEPROM-based CPLD with Quartus + MAX+PLUS II toolchain support (vs Generic discrete 74-series glue logic (e.g., 74LS138 + 74LS244))
- Instant-on behavior from non-volatile EEPROM configuration (vs SRAM-based FPGAs (e.g., Altera Cyclone, Xilinx Spartan))
- MultiVolt I/O supports 3.3 V and 2.5 V systems with 5.0-V tolerant inputs (vs Single-voltage competitors (e.g., Lattice ispMACH 4000V at 3.3 V only))
Design Notes
The EPM3256AQC208-7N requires 3.3 V on VCCINT and 3.3 V or 2.5 V on VCCIO. Place one 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to every VCCINT/VCCIO pin pair, plus one bulk 10-47 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor per supply rail. Estimated: with 256 macro cells switching at 126.6 MHz, dynamic current can exceed 200 mA on VCCINT - use wide power planes and multiple vias to the BGA/power pad.
The 208-pin PQFP package has 0.5 mm pitch leads with substantial thermal mass. Use solder paste stencil apertures of 0.2-0.25 mm width, reflow with a soak at 150 C for 60-90 s followed by peak at 245 C for 20-30 s. The exposed pad (if present on the package variant) should be soldered to a ground copper pour with multiple thermal vias for heat dissipation, although the -7N commercial grade does not strictly require it.
Estimated: tying unused I/Os to GND or VCCIO via 10 kohm resistors (not directly) prevents floating-input oscillation that can increase ICC by 5-10 mA per pin. JTAG TRST should be tied to GND through a 4.7 kohm resistor (not directly) to enable ISP - tying TRST directly low disables boundary scan. Verify VCCIO selection: 2.5 V mode disables 5.0 V tolerance on inputs, so outputs driving 3.3 V logic will be underspec.
Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) with ground guard traces or as a 4-wire daisy chain to keep them noise-immune during ISP. Place the JTAG header near the device, route signals < 50 mm, and add 22-ohm series damping if the route exceeds 25 mm. Concurrent ISP per IEEE 1532 allows programming multiple MAX 3000A devices on one chain - assign unique positions in the BSDL file.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not explicitly listed in retrieved distributor data; the -7N suffix in legacy Altera nomenclature typically denotes 'no lead' Pb-free packaging per JEDEC J-STD-020, but XAIPART recommends checking the manufacturer datasheet or contacting Intel for authoritative compliance certifications. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade CPLD; industrial/automotive variants carry -I suffixes.
