EPM7256AETC100-7N - 256-Macrocell MAX 7000A CPLD, 3.3V, 100TQFP | Intel
MPN: EPM7256AETC100-7N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $78.5 | $78.50 |
| 10 | $70.2 | $702.00 |
| 100 | $62.85 | $6,285.00 |
| 500 | $55.4 | $27,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $48.75 | $48,750.00 |
EPM7256AETC100-7N Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that combines multiple PAL/GAL-style macrocell blocks with a centralized programmable interconnect matrix. In the system hierarchy it sits between discrete 74-series glue logic and larger FPGAs, providing deterministic, single-clock-cycle latency and instant-on behavior with no external boot memory required. The MAX 7000A family was one of Altera's most widely adopted EEPROM-based CPLD lines, valued for its In-System Programmability (ISP) via JTAG and its predictable timing closure for control-plane logic.
Key features of the EPM7256AETC100-7N include 5,000 usable gates, 256 macro cells, 84 I/Os, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, and a commercial operating temperature range of 0C to 70C. The device also supports multiple I/O standards (3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS), open-drain output options, and user-selectable slow-rate slew control for signal-integrity tuning. Programmable Security Bits protect the user's design against unauthorized readback.
Architecturally, the MAX 7000A device ties 16 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) together via a global Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA). Each LAB contains 16 macro cells, each built around a product-term AND/OR array feeding a programmable flip-flop, supporting D, T, JK, or SR flip-flop operation. The 7.5 ns tPD figure refers to the combinational path through the PIA plus one macrocell, and the 126.6 MHz fCNT figure refers to the maximum flip-flop toggle frequency.
Typical applications include bus-interface bridging between microprocessors and peripherals, address decoding and chip-select generation for memory-mapped systems, power-up sequencing logic, and replacement of multiple discrete 74LS/74HC glue-logic devices. The 84 I/O count comfortably supports 32-bit data buses plus dedicated control signals.
When designing with this part, ensure that the JTAG chain is properly terminated with the TCK pull-up required by IEEE 1149.1 and that the VCCINT and VCCIO rails are decoupled with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each supply pin. For ISP via JTAG, follow Altera's BSDL file and ByteBlaster/USB-Blaster programming flow.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256AETC100-7N — 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 EPM7256AETC100-7N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Series, Process Technology.
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View Datasheet →EPM7256AETC100-7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | MAX 7000A |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) |
| Number of Macrocells | 256 |
| Number of Logic Elements/Blocks | 16 |
| Number of User I/Os | 84 |
| Number of Gates | 5000 |
| Propagation Delay tPD (max) | 7.5 ns |
| Maximum Frequency fCNT | 126.6 MHz |
| Supply Voltage - Internal | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to 70 C (Commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14 x 14 mm) |
| Technology | CMOS, EEPROM-based |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EPM7256AETC100-7N 100-pin tqfp (14 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM7256AETC100-7N (100-pin tqfp (14 x 14 mm) 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 EPM7256AETC100-7N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM7256AETC100-7N is suitable for 6 applications: Microprocessor Bus Glue Logic and Chip-Select Decoding, 3.3V Peripheral Interface Bridging, Power-Up Sequencing and Reset Distribution, Legacy Glue Logic Consolidation (74-Series Replacement), Communications Backplane Logic and Protocol Handlers, Test & Measurement Front-End Logic.
Microprocessor Bus Glue Logic and Chip-Select Decoding
The EPM7256AETC100-7N's 256 macro cells and 84 user I/Os make it a workhorse for microprocessor-to-peripheral glue logic, particularly address decoding, chip-select generation, and wait-state insertion. Its 7.5 ns tPD translates to roughly 83 MHz maximum combinational throughput, well above common 33-66 MHz 3.3V bus speeds (PCI, MPCI, generic 68K, and PowerPC local buses). Place the CPLD between the CPU address bus and the peripheral CS pins, and route 32-bit address lines plus 4-6 control signals into 84 available I/Os with ample margin. Compared to discrete 74LS/74FCT decoder trees, the CPLD consolidates 4-6 decoder packages into one device and allows post-board logic changes via JTAG reprogramming.
Recommended
3.3V Peripheral Interface Bridging
With 3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS I/O on all 84 pins, the EPM7256AETC100-7N bridges legacy 5V-tolerant buses to modern 3.3V peripherals by re-mapping protocols and re-driving control signals. Its 7.5 ns tPD keeps propagation delay well under one 66 MHz clock period (15 ns), preserving timing margins for handshaking protocols. Use the CPLD to translate between an asynchronous SRAM interface and a synchronous FIFO, or to bridge a legacy 16-bit local bus to an SPI/I2C peripheral cluster. In-System Programmability lets the engineer iterate on glue logic post-tapeout without board rework.
Recommended
Power-Up Sequencing and Reset Distribution
The EPM7256AETC100-7N provides deterministic, single-cycle latency for multi-rail power-up sequencing in telecom, networking, and industrial systems. Its non-volatile EEPROM configuration ensures instant-on behavior with no boot memory, while 84 I/Os are sufficient to drive up to 20-30 separate reset/enable signals with control logic. The 7.5 ns tPD enables sub-microsecond sequencing decisions, well within the 10-100 ms typical power-rail rise time. Compared to discrete supervisor chains or sequencer ASICs, the CPLD delivers configurable threshold logic and supports in-system updates if the sequencing matrix changes.
Recommended
Legacy Glue Logic Consolidation (74-Series Replacement)
A single EPM7256AETC100-7N replaces dozens of discrete 74LS/74HC/74FCT decoder, mux, latch, and flip-flop packages, freeing substantial board area and reducing BOM cost. With 256 macro cells and 16 logic array blocks, it can absorb up to 200 equivalent 74-series gates while preserving the same logic function at 7.5 ns propagation delay. The 100-pin TQFP footprint keeps the consolidated design in a small, surface-mountable package. JTAG-based ISP via ByteBlaster/USB-Blaster allows last-minute logic fixes without board respins - a major advantage during prototyping or in low-volume industrial systems.
Recommended
Communications Backplane Logic and Protocol Handlers
In telecom and industrial backplanes the EPM7256AETC100-7N implements protocol handlers for HDLC, UART, and SPI, plus custom clock-data recovery and frame-synchronization logic. Its 126.6 MHz fCNT supports up to 60 MHz synchronous serial data rates, ample for typical backplane links up to 50 MHz. The 84 I/Os accommodate multiple serial channels plus status LEDs and configuration EEPROMs. Compared to an FPGA, the CPLD offers deterministic, instant-on behavior with no boot memory, lower BOM cost, and simpler thermal design - ideal for always-on backplane controllers.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Front-End Logic
The EPM7256AETC100-7N is widely deployed in test equipment as a front-end signal-routing and pattern-generation CPLD, switching up to 84 channels between the device-under-test, instruments, and comparators. Its 7.5 ns tPD keeps channel-to-channel skew well below 1 ns, critical for high-speed production test. The non-volatile, instant-on configuration eliminates the boot-time variability that FPGAs introduce in ATE fixtures. JTAG-based ISP lets test engineers re-task the front-end for new DUT families without firmware recompiles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM7256AETC100-7N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM7256AETC100-7 | EPM7256AETC100-10N | EPM7256AETC100-5N | EPM7256AETI100-7N | EPM7256AEFC100-7 | EPM7256AEFC100-10N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP | 100-pin TQFP - same | 100-pin TQFP - same | 100-pin TQFP - same | 100-pin TQFP - same | 100-pin TQFP - same | 100-pin TQFP - same |
| Macrocells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| Propagation Delay tPD | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns | 10 ns | 5 ns | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns | 10 ns |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| User I/O Count | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Family / Series | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A |
Key Differentiators
- Highest in-system reprogrammability density in 100-pin TQFP from MAX 7000A family (vs EPM7128AETC100-7N)
- Faster speed grade (7.5 ns tPD) supports 83 MHz combinational throughput vs 10 ns grade (vs EPM7256AETC100-10N)
- Commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) - lower cost vs industrial (vs EPM7256AETI100-7N)
- Non-volatile EEPROM configuration = instant-on at power-up, no boot memory needed (vs MAX V CPLD (5M240ZT100))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VCCINT and VCCIO pin. The 100-pin TQFP package typically has four VCC and four GND pins distributed around the perimeter - one cap per VCC pin is sufficient. Add a single 10 uF tantalum or polymer bulk capacitor near the supply input. Ground returns should be a continuous plane under the device to minimize inductance.
Although the MAX 7000A is a relatively slow CPLD, signal-integrity rules still apply for high-fanout or bus-driving nets. Use the device's programmable slow-rate slew-rate control on high-frequency clocks or bus-switching outputs to reduce EMI by 6-10 dB. Source-terminate clocks with a 22-33 ohm resistor in series if trace length exceeds 50 mm. Series damping resistors (22 ohm) on heavily-loaded outputs reduce undershoot on 32-bit-wide buses.
Brown-out conditions can corrupt the EEPROM configuration of the MAX 7000A. Add a power-on reset supervisor (e.g., TPS3808) to hold the JTAG TCK line low and keep the device in bypass until VCCINT is stable above 3.0V. If ISP is performed in-circuit, ensure the JTAG chain is correctly ordered per IEEE 1149.1: TDI -> Device 1 -> ... -> Device N -> TDO, with 10 kohm pull-up on TCK. Verify the BSDL file IDCODE matches the silicon revision before programming.
The EPM7256AETC100-7N in the 100-pin TQFP has a typical theta_JA of approximately 45-55 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. At 3.3V with 100% I/O toggling and a 50% gate-utilization estimate, worst-case power dissipation is in the 0.5-1.5 W range, yielding a junction temperature rise of 25-80 C above ambient. For sealed enclosures or stacked-board designs, derate by 10-15% and consider airflow if junction temperature approaches 100 C.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per manufacturer product page; the -N suffix indicates lead-free (Pb-free) finish. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade CPLD; for automotive, an AEC-Q100-qualified part should be sourced separately.
