EPM7256SRC208-7 - 256-Macrocell 5V CPLD | Altera | 208-Pin RQFP
MPN: EPM7256SRC208-7 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
EPM7256SRC208-7 Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a programmable logic IC built from an array of macrocells connected by a programmable interconnect matrix. Unlike an FPGA, which uses fine-grained lookup tables and routing, a CPLD uses wide AND-OR macrocells that implement sum-of-products logic in a single pass, giving deterministic, non-volatile timing. In the product hierarchy, the EPM7256S sits under CPLD -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. The MAX 7000S family is EEPROM-based, so configuration is retained without an external boot device.
Key differentiators include 256 macrocells (the largest MAX 7000S density), 164 I/Os, 7.5 ns tPD, 128.2 MHz fMAX, and 5 V EEPROM non-volatile configuration. The -7 speed grade is the fastest standard grade in the family, and the 208-pin RQFP footprint is shared across the EPM7256S speed and temperature variants, allowing board reuse.
Architecturally, the device uses EEPROM-based programmable interconnect and macrocells with programmable output enable, global clocking, and fast input registers. The 5 V core and I/O simplify interfacing to legacy TTL/CMOS logic without level shifters, and the non-volatile array eliminates configuration PROMs and boot delays.
Typical applications include legacy bus bridging (ISA/PCI glue logic), industrial control backplanes, telecom line-card address decoding, and test equipment that must remain pin-compatible with existing 5 V designs. The 164 I/Os support wide parallel buses, and the 7.5 ns delay supports state machines up to roughly 100 MHz.
A key design consideration is that the MAX 7000S family is a mature, non-recommended-for-new-design product; new designs should evaluate MAX V or MAX 10, but existing 5 V boards can continue to use the EPM7256SRC208-7 as a drop-in. Verify the 208-pin RQFP land pattern and thermal pad before layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for replacement and lifecycle decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256SRC208-7 — 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 EPM7256SRC208-7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Usable Gates, Device Type, Operating Temperature, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM7256SRC208-10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM7256SRC208-15N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM7256SRC208-7N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256SQC208-7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPM7256SQC208-10
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM7256SQC208-15
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM7256SRC208-7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 7000S |
| Device Type | EEPROM-based Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) |
| Macrocells | 256 |
| Usable Gates | 5,000 |
| User I/O Pins | 164 |
| Pin-to-Pin Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns |
| Maximum Internal Frequency (fMAX) | 128.2 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT/VCCIO) | 5 V |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| Package | 208-pin RQFP (PowerQuad Flat Pack) |
| Package Code | FQFP |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Number of Terminals | 208 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Speed Grade | -7 (fastest standard grade) |
| Packaging | Tray |
EPM7256SRC208-7 fqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM7256SRC208-7 (fqfp 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 EPM7256SRC208-7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM7256SRC208-7 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy 5 V Bus Glue Logic, Industrial Control Backplane Logic, Telecom Line-Card Address Decoding, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Legacy Equipment Spares and Repair, Industrial Automation I/O Expansion.
Legacy 5 V Bus Glue Logic
The EPM7256SRC208-7 fits legacy 5 V bus glue logic because its 5 V core and I/O interface directly to TTL/CMOS backplanes without level shifters, and its 164 I/Os can absorb wide address and data buses. With 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay and 128.2 MHz fMAX, it implements address decoding, wait-state generation, and chip-select logic fast enough for ISA and early PCI timing. Designers replace dozens of 74-series gates with one 208-pin RQFP device, cutting board area and part count. The EEPROM array is non-volatile, so the logic is live at power-up with no configuration PROM. A trade-off is that the 5 V core dissipates more power than modern 1.8 V CPLDs, so provide adequate copper for thermal relief.
Recommended
Industrial Control Backplane Logic
In industrial control backplanes, the EPM7256SRC208-7 consolidates board-select, interrupt arbitration, and handshake logic into a single non-volatile CPLD. Its 256 macrocells and 164 I/Os handle multi-slot address decoding, while the 7.5 ns propagation delay keeps backplane cycle times short. Because the MAX 7000S array is EEPROM-based, the logic survives power cycling without a boot device, which is critical for factory equipment that must restart deterministically. The 5 V interface matches legacy industrial I/O racks directly. Designers should note the commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C); for wider ambient ranges, verify the specific grade or add thermal management. The 208-pin RQFP footprint is shared across speed grades, simplifying spares planning.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Address Decoding
The EPM7256SRC208-7 suits telecom line-card address decoding because its 164 I/Os can map wide backplane buses and its 128.2 MHz fMAX supports fast state machines. The device implements slot-ID comparison, chip-select fan-out, and interrupt aggregation in one 208-pin RQFP package, replacing discrete logic and reducing line-card footprint. Non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the card is functional immediately after power-up, avoiding the configuration latency of SRAM-based FPGAs. The 5 V I/O matches legacy telecom backplanes. A design consideration is that the MAX 7000S family is mature, so new line-card designs should evaluate MAX V while existing cards can continue using the EPM7256SRC208-7 as a drop-in. Confirm the RQFP land pattern and thermal pad before layout.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EPM7256SRC208-7 is used in test and measurement instrumentation for trigger logic, counter control, and front-panel interface glue. Its 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay supports timing-critical trigger paths, and 256 macrocells implement multiple counters and state machines in one device. The 5 V I/O interfaces directly to legacy instrument buses, and the non-volatile EEPROM array ensures the instrument boots into a known logic state without configuration memory. The 208-pin RQFP package provides 164 I/Os for wide data paths. Designers should account for the commercial temperature grade and provide adequate decoupling on the 5 V rail. Because the family is mature, keep a qualified drop-in such as EPM7256SRC208-10 or EPM7256SRC208-7N in the approved-vendor list for long-life instruments.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Spares and Repair
The EPM7256SRC208-7 is a common spare for legacy equipment repair because it is a socket-compatible MAX 7000S CPLD in the 208-pin RQFP package. Repair depots stock the -7, -10, and -15 speed grades and the lead-free -7N variant, all of which share the same 256-macrocell die and pinout, so a single board can be repaired with any available grade. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration means a replacement device retains its programmed logic without a configuration file, simplifying field replacement. A key consideration is authenticity: because the family is mature, source parts from franchised or traceable channels and verify date codes. Confirm the RQFP land pattern and exposed pad before rework.
Recommended
Industrial Automation I/O Expansion
The EPM7256SRC208-7 supports industrial automation I/O expansion by implementing parallel I/O expansion, debounce logic, and handshake state machines in a single non-volatile CPLD. Its 164 I/Os can drive multiple I/O modules, and 256 macrocells absorb the glue logic that would otherwise require several discrete devices. The 5 V interface matches legacy automation racks, and the EEPROM array keeps the logic live at power-up for deterministic machine startup. The 7.5 ns delay supports fast handshake cycles. Designers should note the commercial temperature grade and add thermal relief for the 5 V core. For new designs, evaluate MAX V or MAX 10; for existing racks, the EPM7256SRC208-7 remains a drop-in with same-family alternatives available.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM7256SRC208-7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM7256SRC208-10 | EPM7256SRC208-15 | EPM7256SRC208-7N | EPM7256SQC208-7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-pin RQFP | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Macrocells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| User I/O Pins | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns | 10 ns | 15 ns | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| Speed Grade | -7 | -10 | -15 | -7 | -7 |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest standard MAX 7000S speed grade (vs EPM7256SRC208-10)
- Non-volatile EEPROM configuration (vs EPM7256SQC208-7)
- Lead-free drop-in available (vs EPM7256SRC208-7N)
Design Notes
Decouple every VCC pin of the EPM7256SRC208-7 with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus at least one 10 uF bulk capacitor per power plane. The 5 V EEPROM-based MAX 7000S core draws transient current during macrocell switching; inadequate decoupling causes ground bounce and erratic logic. Estimated: at 128.2 MHz with 164 I/Os switching, supply transients can exceed 200 mV without local decoupling. Follow the MAX 7000 family recommended decoupling scheme.
The 208-pin RQFP uses a gull-wing lead frame with an exposed thermal pad. Solder the exposed pad to a matching copper land connected to ground with multiple vias to spread heat and provide a low-impedance return. Verify the land pattern against the MAX 7000 family package drawing before layout, and confirm pin 1 orientation. Estimated: the exposed pad improves thermal resistance by roughly 20-30% versus a non-pad RQFP, based on typical package behavior.
Do not assume the EPM7256SRC208-7 is pin-compatible with the PQFP EPM7256SQC208-7 without checking the land pattern: both are 208-pin but the RQFP and PQFP bodies differ. Also confirm the speed grade before substituting a -10 or -15 part, since slower grades reduce timing margin. Finally, the MAX 7000S family is mature; source from traceable channels and verify date codes to avoid counterfeit devices.
Compliance Information
Compliance data for EPM7256SRC208-7 was not present in the verified web data. The -7N variant is understood to be the lead-free (RoHS) version, but this was not confirmed by the retrieved sources. Verify compliance with the manufacturer or distributor before design release.
