EPM3512AQC208-3N - MAX 3000A CPLD, 512 Macrocells, 172 I/O | Intel
MPN: EPM3512AQC208-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $21.75 | $2,175.00 |
| 500 | $18.9 | $9,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.4 | $16,400.00 |
EPM3512AQC208-3N Overview
What is a CPLD? A Complex Programmable Logic Device is a non-volatile, electrically reprogrammable digital logic IC that sits between discrete logic gates and FPGAs in complexity. Within the programmable logic hierarchy, CPLDs sit below FPGAs and above simple PLDs (SPLDs/PALs); they offer predictable timing, instant-on operation from on-chip EEPROM, and are well-suited to glue logic, bus decoding, and state-machine replacement in cost-sensitive industrial designs.
Key features include 512 macrocells distributed across 16 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 32 macrocells per LAB, 12 ns maximum global clock setup time, and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan testing. The 3 ns speed grade is the slowest (most relaxed timing) of the MAX 3000A family, trading off propagation delay for lower dynamic power and lower cost.
The device uses a non-volatile EEPROM cell array to store the configuration, giving true instant-on behavior without external boot memory. The MultiVolt I/O interface supports 5.0 V, 3.3 V, 2.5 V, and 1.8 V logic levels through separate VCCIO banks, allowing direct interfacing to legacy 5 V peripherals and modern low-voltage ASICs without level shifters. The MAX 3000A architecture delivers predictable, deterministic timing that is independent of routing density - a critical advantage over SRAM-based FPGAs for control-plane logic.
Typical applications include industrial glue logic and bus decoding, motor control and PLC I/O expansion, telecommunications line-card address decoding, and legacy peripheral replacement in 5 V mixed-voltage systems. The wide 5 V tolerance and instant-on behavior also make it suitable for safety-critical systems where deterministic boot latency is required.
When designing with this part, remember that the 3 ns speed grade is the slowest tier of the MAX 3000A family; if your timing budget is tight, consider -7 (7 ns) or -10 (10 ns) speed grades. Decoupling must include at least one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor per VCC/VCCIO pin pair placed within 5 mm of the package, plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor per supply rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand speed-grade variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - including a quantitative comparison of macrocell counts and timing across the MAX 3000A family.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3512AQC208-3N — 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 EPM3512AQC208-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Logic Array Blocks (LABs), Process Technology, Logic Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3512AQC208-10N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$42.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$41.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-15N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-10S
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-10NS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$32.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256AQC208-10N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 3000A |
| Macrocells | 512 |
| User I/O Pins | 172 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 16 |
| Macrocells per LAB | 32 |
| Pin-to-Pin Logic Delay | 3 ns (speed grade -3) |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 3.3 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V (MultiVolt 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V tolerant) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | PQFP-208 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Technology | EEPROM (non-volatile, in-system programmable) |
| JTAG / Boundary Scan | IEEE 1149.1 compliant |
| ISP Compliance | IEEE Std. 1532 |
EPM3512AQC208-3N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | VCCIO1 — I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
Typical Applications
EPM3512AQC208-3N is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Glue Logic and Bus Decoding, Telecommunications Line-Card Address Decoding, Motor Control and PLC I/O Expansion, Legacy Peripheral Replacement in 5 V Mixed-Voltage Systems, Test and Measurement Instrumentation Front-End, Aerospace Avionics Interface Logic, Consumer Electronics Display Timing Controllers.
Industrial Glue Logic and Bus Decoding
The EPM3512AQC208-3N fits industrial glue-logic and bus-decoding roles because of its 512 macrocells, instant-on EEPROM configuration, and 5 V-tolerant MultiVolt I/O that interfaces directly to legacy 5 V peripherals without level shifters. With 172 user I/Os it can absorb address-decoding, chip-select generation, and bus-arbitration logic for multi-master VME, ISA, or proprietary backplane designs, replacing dozens of discrete 74-series gates with deterministic timing that is independent of routing density - a key advantage for control-plane logic where SRAM-based FPGAs would add boot latency. Pin-to-pin logic delay of 3 ns comfortably meets register-to-register timing for most asynchronous bus protocols.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line-Card Address Decoding
The EPM3512AQC208-3N is well-suited to telecommunications line-card address decoding because its 16 LABs provide ample capacity for multi-protocol address-matching, chip-select fan-out, and interrupt-priority logic. The 3.3 V core with 5 V-tolerant MultiVolt I/O allows direct connection to TDM backplanes and older ASICs, while the JTAG/IEEE 1532 ISP interface supports field upgrades without removing line cards from service. Deterministic pin-to-pin delay ensures that address-valid signals arrive before the next TDM frame regardless of logic density, critical for E1/T1 timing budgets.
Recommended
Motor Control and PLC I/O Expansion
The EPM3512AQC208-3N suits motor-control and PLC I/O expansion boards because the 172 I/Os comfortably absorb encoder interfacing, PWM conditioning, optocoupler-isolated I/O mapping, and safety-interlock logic in a single device. The instant-on EEPROM configuration eliminates FPGA boot delays that would be unacceptable in safety-critical emergency-stop paths, while the MultiVolt I/O allows direct connection to 24 V PLC signal-conditioning front-ends through external resistor dividers. The PQFP-208 footprint is compatible with hand-solderable rework, important for low-volume industrial production.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Replacement in 5 V Mixed-Voltage Systems
The EPM3512AQC208-3N excels at replacing legacy peripherals in mixed-voltage 5 V/3.3 V systems because the MultiVolt I/O banks accept 5.0 V inputs while running from a 3.3 V core. Designers can map 5 V peripheral chip-selects, read/write strobes, and interrupt flags into a single CPLD, retiring aging 74F/74AS TTL parts that consume more board area and power. The 512 macrocells also enable emulation of discontinued proprietary ASICs by reproducing state machines, timers, and bus-protocol engines in deterministic, instant-on programmable logic.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation Front-End
The EPM3512AQC208-3N fits test-and-measurement front-ends where deterministic timing is required for waveform sequencing, channel multiplexing, and trigger logic. The 3 ns pin-to-pin delay enables precise delay-line generation for time-interval measurement, while the 172 I/Os allow direct drive of multiple relay multiplexers and ADC front-ends. The EEPROM-based instant-on configuration ensures the instrument is operational within microseconds of power-up, eliminating the FPGA configuration interval that would disrupt fast-startup automated-test sequences.
Recommended
Aerospace Avionics Interface Logic
The EPM3512AQC208-3N is used in aerospace avionics interface logic where instant-on non-volatile configuration is mandatory and radiation-tolerant behavior is acceptable for non-critical subsystems. The 172 I/Os handle ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and discrete avionics signal routing, while the 5 V tolerance interfaces directly to legacy cockpit instrumentation. Designers verify lot-by-lot traceability and apply derating per DO-254 guidelines; this obsolete part is typically retained only for legacy airframe sustainment rather than new avionics certifications.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Display Timing Controllers
The EPM3512AQC208-3N serves in consumer display timing controllers where the 172 I/Os drive LVDS bridges, backlight PWM, and on-screen-display overlay logic. The 3 ns propagation delay enables precise horizontal/vertical timing alignment for LCD panel column/row drivers, and the MultiVolt I/O accepts 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V signaling across multiple source-IC generations. The instant-on EEPROM configuration ensures the panel initializes without flicker on cold-boot, an important user-experience factor in televisions and monitors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3512AQC208-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3512AQC208-10N | EPM3512AQC208-7N | EPM3512AQC208-15N | EPM3512AQC208-10S | EPM3256AQC208-10N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-208 | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same |
| Macrocells | 512 | 512 | 512 | 512 | 512 | 256 |
| Pin-to-Pin Logic Delay | 3 ns (-3 grade) | 10 ns (-10 grade) | 7 ns (-7 grade) | 15 ns (-15 grade) | 10 ns (-10 grade) | 10 ns (-10 grade) |
| User I/O Pins | 172 | 172 | 172 | 172 | 172 | 164 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 8 |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Programming Technology | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM | EEPROM |
| JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Largest macrocell density in MAX 3000A family (vs EPM3256AQC208-10N)
- Slowest, lowest-cost speed grade available (vs EPM3512AQC208-10N)
- MultiVolt I/O supports 5V legacy peripheral interfacing (vs EPM240T100C5N (MAX II))
Design Notes
The EPM3512AQC208-3N requires one 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor per VCCINT and VCCIO pin pair, placed within 5 mm of the package body. Add one bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor per supply rail at the board edge connector. The PQFP-208 has 12 VCCINT pins distributed around the perimeter; do not allow any single VCCINT pin to drive more than ~5 macrocells without local decoupling, or VCC sag during ISP programming will corrupt the configuration.
The PQFP-208 package has a theta-JA of approximately 35 C/W in still air on a 2-layer board, rising to 28 C/W on a 4-layer board with a thermal pad and via array. Estimated: at maximum operating current the device dissipates ~1.5 W; in a sealed enclosure at 70C ambient this would push the junction to 70 + 1.5*35 = 122.5C, which exceeds the commercial rating - add airflow or heatsink if designing for high-altitude/high-ambient industrial environments.
Route all JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a 4-wire chain with pull-ups on TCK/TMS/TDI; the JTAG chain should be daisy-chained across all programmable devices on the board to minimize connector pin count. Keep JTAG traces short (<50 mm) and away from switching power-supply edges; the IEEE 1149.1 standard requires stable TCK edges during scan to avoid false boundary-scan failures.
Common pitfalls include: (1) failing to program the MultiVolt I/O banks with the correct VCCIO voltage, which can permanently damage 3.3 V-only peripherals connected to a 5 V-configured bank; (2) using the -3 grade in a timing path that requires <3 ns register-to-register delay - the spec is pin-to-pin, not setup-time-based; (3) forgetting that JTAG ISP requires a minimum VCCINT ramp time of 1 ms to avoid configuration failure on cold start.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance not stated in the retrieved DigiKey/Mouser/Vemeko snippets for this obsolete part; EPM3512AQC208-10NS variant is confirmed lead-free per the NS suffix. Lifecycle is obsolete across the entire MAX 3000A family.
