EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 - MAX 3000A 512-Macrocell CPLD | Intel
MPN: EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.1 | $11,100.00 |
EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that combines multiple PAL/GAL-style macrocell arrays with a central programmable interconnect matrix. In the broader system hierarchy, a CPLD sits above discrete logic (74-series gates) and below FPGAs in complexity: it provides deterministic pin-to-pin propagation delay (typically 5-15 ns), instant-on configuration from on-chip EEPROM, and excellent glue-logic integration for bus decoding, state machines, and I/O expansion. The MAX 3000A family was Altera's mainstream 3.3 V CPLD line, later acquired and maintained by Intel as a mature legacy product.
Key features of the EPM3512AQC208-7 include 208 user I/O pins (the highest I/O count in the MAX 3000A family when packaged in PQFP-208), in-system programmability (ISP) via JTAG, multiVolt I/O supporting 1.8 V/2.5 V/3.3 V/5 V mixed-voltage interfaces, and a propagation delay of 7.5 ns with a 116.3 MHz internal fMAX. The -10 speed grade offers 10 ns tPD for cost-sensitive designs that do not require the fastest timing. Both grades share the same pinout and die, making them fully interchangeable on the PCB.
Architecturally, the EPM3512A uses a classic MAX-style Logic Array Block (LAB) structure with 16 macrocells per LAB, a Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA), and per-pin flip-flop/latch/three-state control. The on-chip EEPROM configuration memory provides instant-on behavior with no external boot device, which is critical for power-sequenced or safety-sensitive designs. The device also offers 5 V tolerant I/O on input pins (with appropriate current limiting), JTAG boundary-scan (IEEE 1149.1), and open-drain output options.
Typical applications include bus interface bridging (PCI, ISA, VME), peripheral I/O expansion for microcontrollers and DSPs, glue-logic replacement in telecom and industrial control, state-machine controllers, and legacy system upgrades. The 208 I/O count makes this particular variant suited for designs that need to consolidate many discrete 74LS/74HC logic chips onto a single programmable device.
When designing with this part, always enable JTAG ISP access on the board, provide a clean 3.3 V core supply with adequate bulk decoupling, and avoid leaving unused I/Os floating - tie them to a defined logic level through the Quartus software. The MAX 3000A is mature and well-supported by legacy Altera Quartus II versions (13.0 and earlier). New designs should consider MAX II or MAX V as modern replacements, but the EPM3512A remains in service for long-lifecycle programs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings across the MAX 3000A family, and practical PCB design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 — 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 EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Logic Array Blocks (LABs), In-System Programmability, Device Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3512AQC208-10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-10N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$42.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-15N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3256AQC208-7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 3000A |
| Device Type | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) |
| Logic Family | CMOS EEPROM-based |
| Usable Gates | 10,000 |
| Macro Cells | 512 |
| User I/Os | 208 |
| Package | 208-pin PQFP (FINE LINE BGA-256 marking, actual PQFP-208) |
| Propagation Delay (tPD, -7 grade) | 7.5 ns |
| Propagation Delay (tPD, -10 grade) | 10 ns |
| Maximum Internal Frequency (fMAX) | 116.3 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 3.3 V |
| MultiVolt I/O Support | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V mixed |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (JTAG, 3.3 V ISP) |
| Operating Temperature (I suffix) | -40C to +100C (Industrial) |
| Configuration Memory | On-chip EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| JTAG Boundary Scan | IEEE 1149.1 compliant |
EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 208-pin pqfp (fine line bga-256 marking, actual pqfp-208) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 (208-pin pqfp (fine line bga-256 marking, actual pqfp-208) 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 EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 is suitable for 6 applications: PCI / ISA Bus Interface Bridging, Microcontroller I/O Expansion & Glue Logic, Industrial Control State Machines, Telecom Backplane Glue Logic, Legacy System Maintenance & Repair, DSP / Processor Address Mapping & Peripheral Control.
PCI / ISA Bus Interface Bridging
The EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 is well-suited for PCI/ISA bus bridge applications where its 208 user I/Os match the wide bus width and where its deterministic 7.5 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay ensures predictable bus arbitration timing. The MAX 3000A's MultiVolt I/O interface lets it drive 5 V PCI bus signals directly while running on a 3.3 V core supply, simplifying power architecture. Compared with discrete 74LS245/74LS244 transceivers and PAL address decoders, integrating the bridge logic into a single CPLD reduces board area by 60-70 percent and improves signal integrity by eliminating inter-chip bus stubs. The on-chip EEPROM provides instant-on configuration so the bridge is active at power-up without boot delays. Engineers typically place the CPLD between the microcontroller/DSP and the PCI bus, using the JTAG port for in-system reprogramming during board bring-up.
Recommended
Microcontroller I/O Expansion & Glue Logic
For 8051, ARM7, or PIC microcontroller designs that need additional I/O or specialized peripheral interfaces, the EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 provides 208 user I/Os and 512 macrocells to implement UART, SPI, PWM, keypad scan, and LCD interface controllers as on-chip peripherals. Its 7.5 ns tPD lets the CPLD respond to microcontroller interrupts and bus cycles with deterministic latency, avoiding the variable-timing issues of discrete logic. The MAX 3000A's instant-on EEPROM configuration means the expansion logic is ready before the MCU completes its reset sequence, eliminating boot-time race conditions. Compared with adding a second MCU for I/O expansion, the CPLD approach saves BOM cost and power while freeing the MCU from polling tasks. In typical use, the CPLD sits on the address/data bus and decodes select lines to enable peripherals only when addressed.
Recommended
Industrial Control State Machines
In factory automation, motor controllers, and PLC backplanes, the EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 implements complex state machines and timing controllers with up to 208 I/O points. The industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C for the I suffix) ensures reliable operation in harsh factory environments, while the 116.3 MHz fMAX supports fast encoder feedback decoding and PWM generation up to several hundred kHz. The deterministic 7.5 ns propagation delay is critical for safety interlocks where predictable response time matters more than absolute speed. The MultiVolt I/O lets the CPLD interface directly with 24 V industrial sensors through external resistor networks and 5 V relay drivers. Compared with discrete CMOS 4000-series logic, a single CPLD replaces dozens of packages, simplifying PCB layout and reducing EMI from shorter trace lengths.
Recommended
Telecom Backplane Glue Logic
Telecom equipment such as ATCA/cPCI backplanes and baseband processing cards uses the EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 for address decoding, bus arbitration, hot-swap control, and clock distribution among FPGAs, DSPs, and network processors. The 208 I/Os comfortably handle the wide backplane data bus plus numerous control signals, while the 7.5 ns tPD ensures arbitration decisions complete within one clock cycle at typical telecom frequencies. The MAX 3000A's proven reliability in long-lifecycle telecom programs makes it a preferred choice for equipment vendors who must support installed base for 15-20 years. Compared with newer MAX V CPLDs, the MAX 3000A has more mature qualification data for telecom NEBS compliance, which is important for carrier-grade deployments. The on-chip EEPROM eliminates boot PROM complexity on the backplane.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance & Repair
The EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 is commonly required as a maintenance replacement for legacy industrial, military, and telecom systems designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Because the original MAX 3000A design is in service in many long-lifecycle programs, distributors continue to stock this part for repair and refurbishment, even though it is NRND for new designs. Engineers working on field repairs should verify that the replacement CPLD is re-programmed with the original JEDEC fuse map before soldering, as the EEPROM configuration is device-specific to each board. Compared with attempting to redesign the legacy board around a modern CPLD (which would require weeks of re-validation), using the original EPM3512AQC208-7 as a like-for-like replacement minimizes downtime and regulatory re-qualification cost. The PQFP-208 package is also compatible with manual rework and standard leaded-solder repair techniques.
Recommended
DSP / Processor Address Mapping & Peripheral Control
When designing around TI TMS320 DSPs, PowerPC, or MIPS processors, the EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 implements chip-select decoding, wait-state generation, DMA arbitration, and peripheral control with deterministic 7.5 ns response time. The 208 user I/Os are enough to map the full address space plus multiple peripheral chip selects without needing external address latches. The MultiVolt I/O lets a 3.3 V DSP interface to 5 V peripherals without level translators, simplifying board design. Compared with discrete 74FCT address latches and PLD decoders, the CPLD approach provides reprogrammability for late-stage address-map changes without board spins - a major advantage during DSP firmware development. The on-chip EEPROM configuration means the chip-select logic is ready before the DSP completes its PLL lock and reset sequence.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3512AQC208-7/I208-10 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3512AQC208-10 | EPM3512AQC208-10N | EPM3512AQC208-3 | EPM3512AQC208-3N | EPM3512AQC208-15N | EPM3256AQC208-7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | PQFP-208 | PQFP-208 (same) | PQFP-208 (same) | PQFP-208 (same) | PQFP-208 (same) | PQFP-208 (same) | PQFP-208 (same) |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns | 10 ns | 10 ns | 3 ns (faster) | 3 ns (faster) | 15 ns | 7.5 ns |
| Macro Cells | 512 | 512 (same) | 512 (same) | 512 (same) | 512 (same) | 512 (same) | 256 (lower density) |
| User I/Os | 208 | 208 (same) | 208 (same) | 208 (same) | 208 (same) | 208 (same) | 208 (same) |
| Maximum Internal Frequency (fMAX) | 116.3 MHz | 100 MHz (estimated from tPD) | 100 MHz | Higher than -7 | Higher than -7 | Lower than -10 | 116.3 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 3.3 V | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) |
| Lead-Free Reflow Compatible | Unknown (likely pre-RoHS) | Unknown | Yes (N suffix) | Unknown | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Unknown |
Key Differentiators
- Highest I/O count in MAX 3000A family at PQFP-208 (vs EPM3256AQC208-7)
- Multiple speed grades in same pinout enable cost-performance tuning (vs EPM3512AQC208-3)
- On-chip EEPROM for instant-on (no boot PROM needed) (vs SRAM-based FPGAs in the same vintage)
Design Notes
The EPM3512A requires a clean 3.3 V core supply with at least 100 uF of bulk capacitance near the package. Place 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors close to every VCCINT/GND pair (typically 4-5 pairs around the PQFP-208 perimeter). Add a ferrite bead or LC filter on the 3.3 V rail feeding the CPLD if the supply is shared with switching converters. Estimated: at 116.3 MHz internal frequency and typical 50% toggle rate across 100 I/O pins, the device draws approximately 200-300 mA from VCCINT - a 3.3 V regulator rated at 500 mA with adequate headroom is recommended.
Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, TRST) with 50-ohm controlled impedance and keep traces under 10 cm if possible. Provide a JTAG header on the PCB even if ISP is not initially used - field updates often require JTAG access. Ensure unused I/O pins are configured to a defined state (input with pull-up or output driving low) in the Quartus design, never leave them floating. For the PQFP-208 package, use a 0.5 mm pitch footprint with generous thermal relief on power/ground pads.
Common pitfalls when designing with this part: (1) Do not assume newer Quartus Prime software supports MAX 3000A - use Quartus II 13.0 or earlier. (2) The 5 V tolerant input spec has a maximum input current limit per pin; do not apply 5 V to inputs when the device is unpowered or the absolute maximum ratings will be exceeded. (3) ISP via JTAG requires the 3.3 V VCCIO bank to be powered; verify all banks are powered before programming. (4) The -7 grade is the fastest in this family; designs requiring 7 ns or faster should target the -3 grade instead.
For high-speed signals (>50 MHz) on the 208 I/Os, use controlled-impedance traces (50 ohm single-ended) and keep stub lengths minimal. The MAX 3000A's output drive strength is approximately 8 mA at 3.3 V - sufficient for moderate-speed buses but may require external buffers for heavily loaded buses. For multi-drop clock or address distribution, use a clock buffer rather than driving multiple loads directly from the CPLD. Series termination resistors (22-33 ohm) are recommended on outputs driving traces longer than 5 cm.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance status for this part is not explicitly stated in the verified web data. The 'N' suffix variants (e.g., EPM3512AQC208-10N) indicate lead-free reflow compatibility per Altera naming convention. Request RoHS certificate from distributor at time of purchase.
