EPM7256AEFC100-7 - 256-Macrocell MAX 7000A CPLD, 100-FBGA | Intel
MPN: EPM7256AEFC100-7 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33.55 | $33.55 |
| 10 | $28.5 | $285.00 |
| 100 | $22.4 | $2,240.00 |
| 500 | $18.75 | $9,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.2 | $15,200.00 |
EPM7256AEFC100-7 Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile, instantly-on programmable logic device that sits between discrete 74-series glue logic and larger FPGAs. It is typically used to implement boot-time-immune decode logic, I/O expander bridges, bus-arbitration state machines, and address-latching interfaces, and it boots in milliseconds because configuration is stored in on-chip EEPROM rather than loaded from external flash.
Key features include in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, 5 V tolerant I/O, programmable power management with pin-per-pin enable/disable, and four global clock networks with product-term or I/O-pin control. Each macro cell contains a programmable AND/OR array with a register that can be configured as D, T, JK, or SR flip-flop, and the 256 macro cells are partitioned into 16 Logic Array Blocks for efficient partitioning of wide decode and arithmetic functions.
The MAX 7000A architecture combines an EEPROM-based configuration memory (true non-volatility - no external boot PROM) with a MultiVolt core and MultiVolt I/O interface, allowing the core to operate at 3.3 V while the I/O banks interface directly to 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V devices. The 100-pin FBGA offers a compact footprint that suits high-density PCB designs where TQFP variants would be too large.
Typical applications span industrial control boards, telecom base-station glue logic, PCI/ISA bus decode in legacy industrial backplanes, address decoding in 32-bit embedded systems, and prototype ASIC replacement. Designers choose the MAX 7000A family for instant-on behavior, deterministic timing, and a known-silicon IP portfolio that has shipped for decades.
When designing with this part, observe the 3.3 V VCCINT supply (separate from VCCIO if MultiVolt is used), keep JTAG chain lengths short, and respect the 100-FBGA thermal pad layout recommended in the Intel MAX 7000A device handbook. Decoupling the eight VCCINT and four VCCIO balls with 0.1 uF X7R ceramics placed within 3 mm of each ball cluster is recommended for reliable in-system programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing as of 2026-09-13, MAX 7000A family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement (and do not duplicate) the official MAX 7000A device handbook.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256AEFC100-7 β 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 EPM7256AEFC100-7 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, RoHS Status, Operating Temperature, Programmability, Programming Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM7256AEFC100-10N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$24.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM7256AEFC100-7N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AEFI100-7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$65.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM7256AEFI100-7N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AETC100-7
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$10.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM7256AEQC100-7
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AEFC100-7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 7000A |
| Macro Cells | 256 |
| Usable Gates | 5,000 |
| Logic Array Blocks | 16 |
| User I/Os | 84 |
| Package | 100-pin FBGA (11x11 mm) |
| Pin Count | 100 |
| Supply Voltage - VCCINT | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage - VCCIO | 2.5 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V (MultiVolt) |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns |
| Internal Toggle Rate | 250 MHz |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 126.6 MHz |
| Programmable Type | In-System Programmable (EEPROM) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (FBGA) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +90C (commercial) |
EPM7256AEFC100-7 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin A2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin A3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin A4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin A5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin A6 | VCCINT β Core supply 3.3 V |
| Pin A7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin A8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin A9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin A10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin B1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin B2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin B3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin B4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin B5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin B6 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin B7 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply |
| Pin B8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin B9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin B10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin C1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin C2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin C3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin C4 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin C5 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin C6 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin C7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin C8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin C9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin C10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin D1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin D2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin D3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin D4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin D5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin D6 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin D7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin D8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin D9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin D10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin E1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin E3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin E4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin E5 | INPUT/GCLK1 β Global clock 1 input |
| Pin E6 | INPUT/GCLK2 β Global clock 2 input |
| Pin E7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin E8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin E9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin E10 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply |
| Pin F1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin F2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin F3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin F4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin F5 | OE1 β Output enable bank 1 |
| Pin F6 | OE2/GCLK3 β Output enable bank 2 / global clock 3 |
| Pin F7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin F8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin F9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin F10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin G1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin G2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin G3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin G4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin G5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin G6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin G7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin G8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin G9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin G10 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin H2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin H3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin H4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin H5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin H6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin H7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin H8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin H9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin H10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin J1 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply |
| Pin J2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin J3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin J4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin J5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin J6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin J7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin J8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin J9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin J10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin K1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin K2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin K3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin K4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin K5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin K6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin K7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin K8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin K9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin K10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin L1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin L2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin L3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin L4 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin L5 | DEV_CLRn β Device clear (optional, may be unused) |
| Pin L6 | DEV_OE β Device output enable (optional, may be unused) |
| Pin L7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin L8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin L9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin L10 | VCCINT β Core supply 3.3 V |
| Pin M1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin M2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin M3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin M4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin M5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin M6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin M7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin M8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin M9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin M10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin N1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin N2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin N3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin N4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin N5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin N6 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply |
| Pin N7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin N8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin N9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin N10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin P1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin P2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin P3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin P4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin P5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin P6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin P7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin P8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin P9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin P10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin R1 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin R2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin R3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin R4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin R5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin R6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin R7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin R8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin R9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin R10 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin T1 | VCCINT β Core supply 3.3 V |
| Pin T2 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin T3 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin T4 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin T5 | I/O β User I/O bank 1 |
| Pin T6 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin T7 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin T8 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin T9 | I/O β User I/O bank 2 |
| Pin T10 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply |
Typical Applications
EPM7256AEFC100-7 is suitable for 6 applications: PCI/ISA Bus Decode and Address Latching, Industrial Control Board Glue Logic, Telecom Base Station Backplane Logic, ASIC Prototype and Pre-Production Bridge, Legacy Embedded System Address Decoder, I/O Expander and Bus Bridge for Microcontroller Boards.
PCI/ISA Bus Decode and Address Latching
The EPM7256AEFC100-7's 256 macro cells, 7.5 ns propagation delay, and 84 user I/Os make it an ideal decoder for legacy 33 MHz PCI and ISA backplanes where deterministic timing and instant-on behavior are mandatory. The MAX 7000A family's 250 MHz internal toggle rate comfortably absorbs the 30 ns PCI bus decode budget, while 5 V MultiVolt I/O banks interface directly to 5 V peripheral chips without level shifters. Designers typically instantiate 8-16 deep address decoders plus 4-8 state-machine channels for arbitration. Quartus Prime legacy flow supports the design with bitstream programming via JTAG. Compared to discrete 74-series glue logic, the part reduces board area by 70-80% and improves EMC by collapsing long decode traces into a single chip.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Glue Logic
Factory automation PLCs and motor controllers use the EPM7256AEFC100-7 to consolidate 30-60 discrete 74HC/74LVC logic gates into a single instant-on programmable device. The part's 5 V-tolerant MultiVolt I/O bridges 3.3 V MCUs to 5 V driver ICs without external level shifters, while its in-system programmability allows last-minute BOM changes via JTAG without re-spinning the board. Industrial temperature variants (EPM7256AEFI100-7) extend operation to -40C to +85C for harsh environments. EEPROM-based configuration means no boot PROM, no FPGA bitstream load time, and predictable power-on state - all critical for IEC 61131-2 compliant PLCs.
Recommended
Telecom Base Station Backplane Logic
The EPM7256AEFC100-7 is widely deployed in telecom backplanes for E1/T1 framer interface glue, HDLC channel aggregation, and timing-reference distribution. Its deterministic 7.5 ns tPD and 250 MHz toggle rate handle 8.192 MHz E1 and 1.544 MHz T1 streams with substantial timing margin, while the 100-FBGA package fits dense 6U cPCI/ATCA board layouts. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration survives board-level power cycles without external boot devices, and JTAG in-system programming enables firmware updates on deployed hardware. The 5 V MultiVolt I/O allows direct connection to legacy bus-interface ASICs that remain common in telecom infrastructure.
Recommended
ASIC Prototype and Pre-Production Bridge
Design teams use the EPM7256AEFC100-7 as a stand-in for missing or in-development ASICs, prototyping board interfaces months before mask tape-out. The 256 macro cells comfortably implement medium-complexity glue (memory controllers, peripheral bridges, custom register blocks), and Quartus Prime synthesis preserves timing closure so the ASIC tape-out starts from a verified reference design. When the ASIC returns from the fab, the same JTAG programming flow accommodates a small CPLD-resident management block that survives the ASIC migration. This pattern saves 4-8 weeks of system bring-up time compared to waiting for the ASIC.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Address Decoder
The EPM7256AEFC100-7 integrates 32-bit address decoders for 68k, MIPS, ARM7, and PowerPC embedded hosts in single-chip form. Its 256 macro cells partition into independent decode regions (chip-select, wait-state generator, interrupt prioritization, bus-error handler) without resource contention. The 84 user I/Os expose enough pins for 16-24 chip-select outputs plus interrupt and DMA acknowledge signals. Designers benefit from the MAX 7000A family's deterministic tPD, which avoids the bus-cycle stretch issues common to FPGA-based decoders that route through LUT chains. Quartus legacy flow supports all classic embedded CPU glue patterns.
Recommended
I/O Expander and Bus Bridge for Microcontroller Boards
8-bit and 16-bit microcontroller boards use the EPM7256AEFC100-7 as an SPI/I2C-to-parallel I/O expander, gaining 30-60 additional GPIO bits with bit-bangable direction and pull-up control. The MAX 7000A architecture's instant-on behavior means the I/O expander is ready before the MCU completes boot, avoiding the brown-out glitches seen with FPGA-based expanders. The 84 user I/Os can be partitioned into multiple virtual ports (8-bit, 16-bit, mixed) each with independent direction control. Designers program the part via JTAG during board bring-up, then lock the bitstream with the on-chip security bit to prevent field modification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM7256AEFC100-7 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM7256AEFC100-10N | EPM7256AEFC100-7N | EPM7256AEFI100-7 | EPM7256AEFI100-7N | EPM7256AETC100-7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 100-FBGA (11x11 mm) | 100-FBGA (11x11 mm) - same | 100-FBGA (11x11 mm) - same | 100-FBGA (11x11 mm) - same | 100-FBGA (11x11 mm) - same | 100-TQFP - different land pattern |
| Macro Cells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns | 10 ns (+33%) | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns |
| Usable Gates | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| User I/Os | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +90C (commercial) | 0C to +90C | 0C to +90C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +90C |
| Lead-Free / Pb-Free | non-Pb-free (legacy SnPb) | Pb-free | Pb-free | non-Pb-free (legacy SnPb) | Pb-free | non-Pb-free (legacy SnPb) |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest speed grade (-7 = 7.5 ns tPD) in 100-FBGA MAX 7000A family (vs EPM7256AEFC100-10N)
- Industrial temperature variant available in identical package (vs EPM7256AEFI100-7)
- Largest macro cell density at 100-FBGA pin count (vs EPM7192SQC160-10)
Design Notes
Estimated: at fMAX = 126.6 MHz with 84 I/Os toggling, ICCINT draws approximately 30-50 mA from the 3.3 V VCCINT rail. Decouple each VCCINT ball cluster with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic placed within 3 mm of the ball. Use a shared 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor at the regulator output. If MultiVolt is enabled, each VCCIO bank (VCCIO1, VCCIO2) requires its own 0.1 uF + 10 uF decoupling pair to suppress simultaneous-switching noise (SSN) on the 5 V-tolerant I/O.
The 100-FBGA at 11x11 mm uses 1.0 mm ball pitch, which requires 0.5 mm via-pad and 0.2 mm trace/space rules on a 4-layer PCB. Fanout the inner-row power and ground balls with short dog-bone or via-in-pad microvias for low inductance. Keep JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) traces short and well-spaced from switching I/O to avoid programming glitches. The MAX 7000A device handbook recommends a continuous ground plane on layer 2 for SSN suppression.
Drive 5 V TTL loads from the MultiVolt I/O banks at VCCIO = 5 V with no external pull-ups. For 33 MHz PCI applications, source-terminate clock traces with 33 ohm series resistors at the CPLD output to damp reflections. When bridging to 2.5 V LVCMOS2 devices, set the relevant VCCIO bank to 2.5 V and avoid 5 V signal injection - the MultiVolt interface is unidirectional (5 V tolerant input, but VOH will not reach 5 V from a 2.5 V bank).
Do not confuse EPM7256AEFC100-7 (commercial temp, SnPb) with EPM7256AEFI100-7 (industrial temp) or EPM7256AEFC100-7N (Pb-free) - the package and pinout are identical but the qualification levels differ. The -7 speed grade (7.5 ns tPD) is the fastest; using -10 instead may violate 33 MHz PCI timing. Always program the security bit in production to lock the bitstream against field read-back, and verify the JTAG chain with the Quartus Prime programmer before generating the final bitstream.
Compliance Information
EPM7256AEFC100-7 is the legacy SnPb (non-Pb-free) variant per the Altera ordering guide. For Pb-free compliance, choose EPM7256AEFC100-7N. AEC-Q100 not applicable - MAX 7000A is not qualified for automotive safety. RoHS/REACH/halogen status not explicitly confirmed in verified web data; mark as unknown pending Intel product-page check.
