EPM51929C - Altera MAX 5000 High-Density EPLD | Intel
MPN: EPM51929C ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $15.2 | $152.00 |
| 100 | $12.8 | $1,280.00 |
| 500 | $10.95 | $5,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.4 | $9,400.00 |
EPM51929C Overview
A programmable logic device (PLD/EPLD) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the end-user to implement custom digital logic functions. PLDs occupy the intermediate tier between fixed-function ASICs and discrete logic gates: they offer integration density (replacing many 74LS/74HC parts), short development cycles, and in-system reprogrammability for legacy designs. EPLDs use UV-erasable EPROM cells for non-volatile configuration, retaining their logic when power is removed. Within the broader taxonomy: PLD -> EPLD -> CMOS EPLD -> MAX 5000 family -> Altera programmable logic. The EPM51929C specifically targets glue-logic and bus-interface applications requiring high pin count and moderate logic density.
Key characteristics include high-density logic integration, multiple macrocell and expander-product-term structures typical of the MAX 5000 family, and CMOS technology for low static power consumption. The MAX 5000 family was widely deployed in late-1980s and 1990s bus-interface, address-decoding, and state-machine designs. Programmability is achieved via EPROM cells, requiring UV erasure for re-programming. The part is sourced today primarily through the obsolete/legacy distribution channel, making it a target for aftermarket and franchised stocking distributors.
Typical applications for the EPM51929C include address decoding and chip-select generation in 80x86 microprocessor systems, DMA and interrupt controller glue logic, peripheral bus arbitration in VME/Multibus designs, state-machine controllers in industrial automation, and legacy system refresh where the original MAX 5000 design must be maintained without PCB redesign. The part's high pin count allows integration of multiple wide decoding functions in one package.
When designing with the MAX 5000 family, note that parts are programmed using industry-standard PLD programmers that support the JEDEC fuse-map format. UV erasure takes approximately 20-30 minutes under a 12,000 uW/cm^2 UV lamp at 253.7 nm. Static power consumption is low but I/O drive characteristics must be checked against the specific bus interface (TTL/CMOS) used in the target design.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM51929C — 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 EPM51929C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Device Type, RoHS Status, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM5192-1LC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM51929C Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | MAX 5000 |
| Device Type | EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device) |
| Architecture | Multi-array matrix (PAL-based macrocells) |
| Technology | CMOS EPROM |
| Programmability | UV-erasable, JEDEC fuse map |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount or Through-Hole (package dependent) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
EPM51929C standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM51929C (standard 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 EPM51929C.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM51929C is suitable for 6 applications: Microprocessor Address Decoding, Bus Arbitration and DMA Glue Logic, State Machine Controllers, Peripheral Interface Adapters, Legacy Industrial Control Systems, Memory Bank Switching and Page Management.
Microprocessor Address Decoding
The EPM51929C from Altera's MAX 5000 family integrates multiple PAL-style macrocells ideal for address decoding and chip-select generation in 80x86 and 68000 microprocessor systems. Its high pin count accommodates wide address bus decoding (up to 24-bit or 32-bit) within a single device, replacing dozens of 74LS138/139 decoders with one EPLD. Programmable active-high/low outputs and flexible output enables allow designers to implement custom memory maps and bank-switching logic. The 0-70C commercial temperature range suits industrial and embedded computing chassis. For new designs the MAX V 5M80ZE64 is recommended.
Recommended
Bus Arbitration and DMA Glue Logic
In VMEbus, Multibus, and STEbus systems, the EPM51929C serves as central bus arbitration and DMA handshake glue logic, integrating HOLD/HLDA, BUSREQ, and transfer-acknowledge sequencing in a single device. The MAX 5000 architecture's PAL-style macrocells provide deterministic combinatorial and registered outputs required for bus arbitration timing. Multiple I/O pins support parallel arbitration for several bus masters. Engineers maintaining legacy VME systems find the EPM51929C irreplaceable for new-builds; modern migration paths require board redesign with MAX II or MAX V CPLDs.
Recommended
State Machine Controllers
The EPM51929C's registered outputs with feedback paths make it well suited for implementing multi-state finite state machines for protocol converters, traffic controllers, and industrial sequencers. Each macrocell contains a flip-flop that can be configured as D, T, JK, or SR, supporting complex Mealy and Moore machines. The MAX 5000 product-term expander pool allows wide logic functions within a single device. UV-erasable programmability enables prototyping with field-revision updates via UV erasure. New designs should target MAX V (5M series) which offers JTAG in-system programming.
Recommended
Peripheral Interface Adapters
The EPM51929C implements custom peripheral interfaces such as GPIB (IEEE-488) talker/listener logic, SCSI handshake controllers, and parallel-port-to-ISA bus converters. High output drive capability of the MAX 5000 family (24 mA IOL typical) allows direct connection to bus transceivers without external buffers. Programmable I/O polarity and feedback simplify the design of bidirectional bus interfaces. Engineers maintaining legacy test equipment and industrial controllers rely on the EPM51929C for parts continuity; new designs should migrate to MAX II or Lattice ispMACH 4000V.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Systems
Long-lifecycle industrial machinery, military avionics, and railway signaling systems designed in the early 1990s use MAX 5000 family EPLDs such as the EPM51929C for safety-critical glue logic. The EPROM-based configuration provides non-volatility without battery backup, an important feature for systems requiring 20+ year operational life. Industrial PLCs and CNC controllers integrate the EPM51929C for motor-control timing, sensor multiplexing, and encoder decoding. Obsolescence management programs maintain last-time-buy stock for these applications.
Recommended
Memory Bank Switching and Page Management
The EPM51929C's high pin count and multiple registered outputs make it suitable for memory bank-switching logic in expanded-memory systems, particularly in 16-bit and 32-bit designs using 1MB or 4MB DRAM banks. The device can decode upper address bits, generate RAS/CAS steering signals, and control page-mode DRAM access timing within one package. Programmable output enables allow selective bank activation based on processor state. Modern equivalents with comparable bank-switching capability include MAX II EPM240 and Lattice ispMACH 4000ZE.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM51929C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM5192-1LC | EPM5064LC | EPM5128LC-1 | EPM5130LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Family | MAX 5000 EPLD | MAX 5000 EPLD | MAX 5000 EPLD | MAX 5000 EPLD | MAX 5000 EPLD |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Technology | CMOS EPROM | CMOS EPROM | CMOS EPROM | CMOS EPROM | CMOS EPROM |
| Programming Method | UV-erasable, JEDEC fuse map | UV-erasable, JEDEC fuse map | UV-erasable, JEDEC fuse map | UV-erasable, JEDEC fuse map | UV-erasable, JEDEC fuse map |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Macrocell Density Class | High-density (MAX 5000 series) | High-density | Low-density | High-density | High-density |
Key Differentiators
- High-density member of MAX 5000 EPLD family (vs EPM5064LC)
- Commercial temperature grade suitable for industrial control (vs EPM5192-1LC)
- UV-EPROM non-volatile configuration (vs MAX V (5M80ZE64))
Design Notes
The EPM51929C uses UV-erasable EPROM cells, NOT EEPROM or SRAM. Re-programming requires removing the device from the circuit, exposing it to 253.7 nm UV light at 12,000 uW/cm^2 for 20-30 minutes (datasheet typical), then re-programming via a JEDEC-format PLD programmer. In-system programming is NOT supported - this is a critical design constraint for any field-upgrade scenario.
When migrating from MAX 5000 EPLDs to modern MAX V or MAX II CPLDs, the PCB must be redesigned because the package footprints, JTAG pin assignments, and I/O structures differ. MAX V devices use 1.8V or 3.3V core voltages with 5V-tolerant I/Os, whereas MAX 5000 devices use 5V VCC. Voltage translation buffers may be required for mixed-voltage designs during migration.
Because the EPM51929C is obsolete, last-time-buy inventory from authorized distributors should be secured for any production design. Engineers should consult Intel/Altera's Product Discontinuance notices, file a PCN tracking request, and qualify second-source alternatives such as the MAX V 5M80ZE64 or MAX II EPM240T100 before committing to a long-lifecycle production build.
Compliance Information
MAX 5000 family predates RoHS directive; most stock is lead-bearing. RoHS compliance unknown because original datasheet does not specify and part is obsolete. Not qualified for AEC-Q100 automotive applications.
