EPM3256ATC144-10N - 256-Macro CPLD, 10ns, 144-TQFP | Altera
MPN: EPM3256ATC144-10N ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.8 | $24.80 |
| 10 | $22.5 | $225.00 |
| 100 | $19.2 | $1,920.00 |
| 500 | $16.85 | $8,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $14.5 | $14,500.00 |
EPM3256ATC144-10N Overview
A Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that sits between discrete logic gates and FPGAs in the programmable logic hierarchy. Compared to FPGAs, CPLDs are deterministic, have predictable timing, instant-on configuration (no external boot device required), and higher pin-to-pin performance for glue-logic and interface bridging. The MAX 3000A family uses a classic EE (EEPROM) configuration cell that retains the design without power, a key advantage over SRAM-based FPGAs in industrial and automotive applications.
Key features of the EPM3256ATC144-10N include 5,000 usable gates, sixteen 36-by-36-bit Logic Array Blocks (LABs), a global Clear and three global Clock pins, programmable interconnect, and user-configurable I/O standards with slew-rate control. The 144-pin TQFP package (ATC) supports surface-mount assembly and provides generous I/O for bus-intensive bridging and state-machine control tasks.
Typical applications include bus-interface bridging (e.g., legacy 5 V/3.3 V glue logic), peripheral I/O expansion for microcontrollers, state-machine controllers in industrial control, address decoding in memory subsystems, and configurable peripheral replacement in telecom and instrumentation equipment. Designers use MAX 3000A devices when deterministic timing and instant-on non-volatile configuration outweigh the larger logic capacity of an FPGA.
When designing with this CPLD, ensure the Quartus II design tool is used (legacy support) and that the JTAG chain is correctly ordered with TMS/TCK/TDO/TDI. Decoupling: place 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors close to every VCC pin to suppress switching noise on the 3.3 V rail.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3256ATC144-10N — 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 EPM3256ATC144-10N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Propagation Delay (tPD), Usable Gates, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3256ATC144-7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256ATC144-10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256ATC144-10AA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256ATC100-10N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AETC144-10N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3128ATC144-10N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256ATC144-10N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | MAX 3000A |
| Device Type | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) |
| Macro Cells | 256 |
| Usable Gates | 5,000 (up to 10,000 usable in family) |
| Number of I/Os | 116 |
| Number of Logic Elements / Blocks | 16 LABs |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 3.3 V |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 10 ns |
| Maximum Counter Frequency | 227.3 MHz |
| Global Clocks | 3 |
| Global Clear / OE | Yes (1 global clear, 1 global OE) |
| Program Memory Type | EEPROM (non-volatile, in-system programmable) |
| JTAG Support | IEEE Std. 1149.1 with pin-locking |
| ISP Compliance | IEEE Std. 1532 |
| Boundary-Scan Test (BST) | Built-in, IEEE 1149.1 compliant |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP, ATC suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPM3256ATC144-10N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GCLK1 — Global clock input 1 |
| Pin 2 | GCLK2 — Global clock input 2 |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin (macrocell I/O) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin (macrocell I/O) |
| Pin 5 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 17 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 22 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 32 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 37 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 42 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 47 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 52 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 57 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 62 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 67 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 72 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 77 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 82 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 87 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 92 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 97 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 102 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 107 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 112 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 115 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 116 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 117 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 118 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 119 | GCLRn — Global Clear (active low) |
| Pin 120 | OE1 — Global Output Enable 1 |
| Pin 121 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 126 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 131 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 136 | VCCIO — 3.3 V I/O supply |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 138 | OE2/GOE — Global Output Enable 2 |
| Pin 139 | GCLK0 — Global clock input 0 |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 142 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin |
Typical Applications
EPM3256ATC144-10N is suitable for 6 applications: Bus-Interface Bridging / Glue Logic, Microcontroller I/O Expansion, Address Decoding & Memory Mapping, State-Machine Controllers, Legacy Peripheral Replacement & Board Revisions, Telecom & Instrumentation Front-End Logic.
Bus-Interface Bridging / Glue Logic
The EPM3256ATC144-10N's 116 user I/Os and 256 macrocells make it ideal for bridging between microcontrollers and legacy peripherals running at different bus widths or voltages (with external level shifters). Its 10 ns pin-to-pin delay is fast enough to pipeline 50 MHz address/data buses without adding wait states, and the EEPROM-based instant-on configuration avoids the boot-time latency of FPGAs - critical in power-on-reset sequences. Compared to discrete 74-series logic, a single CPLD replaces dozens of gates, reducing board area and BOM cost. Quartus II design entry allows the same pinout to be reprogrammed for different peripherals, enabling one PCB to support multiple product variants via software rather than rework.
Recommended
Microcontroller I/O Expansion
When an MCU runs out of GPIO pins, the EPM3256ATC144-10N provides 116 user I/Os that can be addressed via a simple parallel bus (address latch + data + CS + RD/WR). With a 10 ns tPD and 227.3 MHz internal counter frequency, it can debounce inputs, generate PWM outputs, and multiplex displays in real time without burdening the host CPU. The 3.3 V supply matches modern ARM Cortex-M MCUs directly, eliminating level shifters. Designers often use it to implement keypad scanners, LED matrix drivers, or rotary-encoder quadrature decoders that would otherwise consume MCU cycles. JTAG in-system programming allows firmware upgrades without removing the chip.
Recommended
Address Decoding & Memory Mapping
The EPM3256ATC144-10N excels at address decoding in 16- and 32-bit memory systems, where it generates chip-select signals for multiple memory banks, peripherals, and dual-port RAMs. With 256 macrocells it can decode wide address ranges (e.g., 24-bit address bus into 16 chip-select outputs) with full address-bus skew compensation thanks to its 10 ns propagation delay - well within one clock cycle at 50 MHz. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the memory map is fixed at power-on with no FPGA boot delay, making it ideal for systems that boot from ROM/Flash at predictable timing. JTAG-driven design changes let engineers update memory maps without PCB rework.
Recommended
State-Machine Controllers
Complex sequential control logic - such as motor-control sequencers, industrial machine safety interlocks, and instrumentation state machines - is the natural application for a 256-macrocell CPLD like the EPM3256ATC144-10N. Its deterministic 10 ns timing allows state transitions to be guaranteed within strict scheduling budgets, with no jitter from SRAM-based FPGA configuration. The 16 LABs and global Clear/Clock pins simplify multi-clock-domain designs, and the 3.3 V core matches industrial 24V->3.3V buck-converter rails. Engineers can implement Mealy/Moore state machines with dozens of states and parallel outputs without consuming any MCU cycles, freeing the host processor for higher-level tasks.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Replacement & Board Revisions
The EPM3256ATC144-10N is widely used to replace obsolete or EOL 74-series TTL/CMOS glue logic, custom ASICs, and legacy PAL/GAL devices, condensing dozens of discrete parts onto a single reprogrammable chip. With 116 I/Os, it can emulate multiple standard peripherals (8255 PPI, 16450 UART glue, etc.) on a single board, and JTAG in-system programmability allows last-minute board revisions without respinning the PCB. The 144-pin TQFP package matches legacy ASIC footprints, simplifying drop-in board upgrades. Engineers can ship one hardware design and reconfigure it per customer via software, reducing inventory SKUs and time-to-market.
Recommended
Telecom & Instrumentation Front-End Logic
Telecom line cards, test-and-measurement instruments, and data-acquisition front-ends use the EPM3256ATC144-10N for clock-distribution, framing, and protocol-interfacing glue logic. Its 227.3 MHz internal counter frequency supports high-speed serial bit-clock generation, and 116 I/Os are sufficient to bridge parallel LVDS buses to backplane connectors with custom framing logic. The deterministic, non-volatile nature of the CPLD ensures reliable power-on behaviour in unattended telecom equipment, and IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan test (BST) simplifies board-level testing in production. Modern replacements such as MAX V EPM240 or MAX 10 are smaller but require PCB rework.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3256ATC144-10N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3256ATC144-7N | EPM3256ATC144-10 | EPM3256ATC144-10AA | EPM7256AETC144-10N | EPM3128ATC144-10N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 144-LQFP (TQFP) | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same | 144-LQFP (TQFP) - same |
| Series / Family | MAX 3000A | MAX 3000A | MAX 3000A | MAX 3000A | MAX 7000AE | MAX 3000A |
| Macro Cells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 128 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 10 ns | 7.5 ns | 10 ns | 10 ns | 10 ns | 10 ns |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Obsolete | Last Time Buy |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible same-footprint drop-in across speed and temperature grades (vs EPM3256ATC144-7N)
- Same TQFP-144 package but 50% more macrocells than the smaller sibling (vs EPM3128ATC144-10N)
- Non-volatile EEPROM configuration with no boot latency (vs SRAM-based FPGAs (e.g., Cyclone series))
Design Notes
Decoupling is critical for the EPM3256ATC144-10N: place one 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of every VCCINT pin and one 10 µF tantalum or polymer bulk capacitor near the package. With 116 I/Os switching simultaneously at 50 MHz, the inrush current can spike to 200 mA; insufficient decoupling will cause VCC droop and trigger false JTAG errors during ISP. Each VCCIO bank must also have its own 0.1 µF capacitor if the I/Os are driving diverse loads. Estimated: assuming 16 simultaneous switching outputs at 50 pF each into 50 MHz, the dynamic supply current is approximately 200 mA per VCCINT pin cluster.
The 144-pin TQFP has a 0.5 mm pitch; use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane under the CPLD to provide a low-impedance return path for switching outputs. Place the JTAG connector (TMS/TCK/TDO/TDI plus GND) within 50 mm of the device and add 10 kΩ pull-ups on TMS and TDI per IEEE 1149.1. Glob-top or under-fill is recommended for industrial environments, since the exposed lead tips of the TQFP are vulnerable to vibration and humidity-induced dendritic growth.
Three common pitfalls when using the EPM3256ATC144-10N: (1) Mixing 3.3 V and 5 V signals - the I/Os are NOT 5 V-tolerant and a 5 V input will damage the silicon; use external level-shifters. (2) Using modern Quartus Prime - MAX 3000A support was dropped after Quartus II 13.0; you must install legacy Quartus II or use a ByteBlasterMV-compatible programmer. (3) Forgetting the global clear pin - GCLRn defaults to an input on power-up; if left floating, the device may power up in an undefined state. Tie GCLRn high via a 10 kΩ pull-up to VCCIO if you do not need asynchronous clear.
Long TQFP leads (~1.5 mm) introduce noticeable inductance (~1 nH each) - keep traces from the EPM3256ATC144-10N short (<25 mm) for signals above 50 MHz. Series-terminate clock and high-speed outputs with 33 Ω resistors at the driver end to dampen ringing. For bus interfaces >50 MHz, use controlled-impedance (50 Ω single-ended) traces and avoid stubs. The 10 ns tPD assumes an output load of 35 pF; exceeding this load will degrade timing margins significantly.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH / lead-free / halogen-free status for the EPM3256ATC144-10N could not be confirmed from the verified web snippets and is marked [DATA_NEEDED]. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified (commercial temp only per the -N suffix). Engineers concerned with EU regulatory compliance should request a compliance certificate directly from Intel/legacy Altera support.
