EPM9400RC208-20 - MAX 9000 CPLD 400 Macro Cells 20ns | Altera
MPN: EPM9400RC208-20 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $94.52 | $94.52 |
| 10 | $85.07 | $850.70 |
| 100 | $75.62 | $7,562.00 |
| 500 | $68.05 | $34,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $60.49 | $60,490.00 |
EPM9400RC208-20 Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a programmable logic IC that combines multiple logic blocks and a programmable interconnect matrix on a single die, allowing designers to implement custom digital logic without fabricating an ASIC. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, the CPLD sits alongside the FPGA under programmable logic devices (PLDs), which in turn belong to the broader digital integrated circuit family. The MAX 9000 architecture uses a third-generation Multiple Array MatriX (MAX) structure with EEPROM-based configuration, meaning the device retains its programmed logic after power-down without an external configuration memory.
The EPM9400RC208-20 delivers 400 macro cells organized into logic array blocks, with 8,000 usable gates for glue logic, state machines, bus interfaces, and address decoding. Its 20 ns pin-to-pin delay supports system clock rates up to 100 MHz, and the 5.0 V core allows direct interfacing with legacy TTL and CMOS logic without level shifters. The EEPROM configuration technology provides non-volatile operation, eliminating the boot-time configuration latency found in SRAM-based FPGAs.
Typical applications include legacy industrial control boards, telecommunications line cards, test and measurement instruments, and military/aerospace systems where 5 V logic compatibility and long-term availability are required. The 208-pin RQFP package provides up to 164 user I/O pins, enabling wide bus interfaces and multi-device glue logic consolidation.
When designing with this device, ensure the 5.0 V supply is well decoupled and that the JTAG chain is properly terminated for reliable in-system programming. Because the MAX 9000 family is a mature, legacy architecture, designers should verify current availability and consider migration paths to modern CPLD families for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for evaluation and procurement of the EPM9400RC208-20.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM9400RC208-20 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 EPM9400RC208-20 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Usable Gates, Propagation Delay (tPD), Device Type, In-System Programmability.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM9400RC208-20N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM9400RI208-20
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM9320RC208-20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$21.9 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9320RC208-20N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPM9320RI208-20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$18.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9320RI208-20N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPM9400RC208-20 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 9000 |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) |
| Macro Cells | 400 |
| Usable Gates | 8,000 |
| Pin-to-Pin Propagation Delay | 20 ns |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Internal) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Configuration Technology | EEPROM-based (non-volatile) |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE Std. 1149.1 |
| Package | 208-pin RQFP (28x28 mm) |
| Supplier Device Package | 208-RQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Speed Grade | -20 (20 ns) |
EPM9400RC208-20 208-rqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM9400RC208-20 (208-rqfp 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 EPM9400RC208-20.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM9400RC208-20 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control Boards, Telecommunications Line Cards, Test and Measurement Instruments, Military and Aerospace Systems, Legacy Computing and Peripheral Cards, Industrial Automation and Motion Control.
Legacy Industrial Control Boards
The EPM9400RC208-20 fits legacy industrial control boards because its 5.0 V core interfaces directly with TTL and CMOS logic without level shifters, and its 400 macro cells provide enough capacity for address decoding, bus arbitration, and state-machine glue logic. With 8,000 usable gates and a 20 ns pin-to-pin delay, it handles real-time control loops up to 100 MHz. The EEPROM configuration retains logic after power-down, so the board boots instantly without an external configuration PROM. Designers maintaining existing 5 V industrial platforms use this CPLD to consolidate discrete 74-series logic, reducing board area and component count while preserving the original timing behavior.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
The EPM9400RC208-20 suits telecommunications line cards where wide bus interfaces and protocol glue logic must be implemented in a single non-volatile device. Its 208-pin RQFP package provides a high I/O count for interfacing with backplane buses, framers, and line interface units, while the 400 macro cells implement HDLC controllers, clock multiplexing, and status registers. The 100 MHz maximum frequency supports T1/E1 and lower-rate SONET tributary processing. Because the MAX 9000 architecture is EEPROM-based, the line card retains its configuration through power cycles, which is critical for always-on telecom equipment that cannot afford configuration reload delays after a power interruption.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
The EPM9400RC208-20 is used in test and measurement instruments for timing generation, trigger logic, and instrument bus control. Its 20 ns pin-to-pin delay provides deterministic timing that is essential for triggering and sampling circuits, and the 400 macro cells can implement multiple counters, comparators, and sequencers in one device. The 5.0 V interface matches the logic levels of legacy instrument front ends and ADC/DAC peripherals. Because the device is in-system programmable via IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG, field firmware updates to the logic configuration are possible without removing the CPLD, extending the service life of deployed instruments.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Systems
The EPM9400RC208-20 has been used in military and aerospace systems that require 5 V logic compatibility and long-term configuration retention. The EEPROM-based MAX 9000 architecture is immune to the configuration loss that affects SRAM-based FPGAs during radiation events or power interruptions, and the non-volatile logic is available immediately at power-up. Its 400 macro cells implement bus interfaces, discrete I/O expansion, and safety interlocks. The 208-pin RQFP package supports the high I/O count needed for avionics backplanes. Designers should note that the commercial temperature grade may require screening for extended-temperature military applications.
Recommended
Legacy Computing and Peripheral Cards
The EPM9400RC208-20 serves legacy computing and peripheral cards where ISA, PCI, or VME bus glue logic must be maintained. Its 5.0 V core matches the bus signaling of these older standards, and the 400 macro cells implement address decoding, wait-state generation, and interrupt arbitration. The 100 MHz maximum frequency is sufficient for PCI clock domains, and the 208-pin package provides enough I/O for full bus widths. Because the device is non-volatile, the card is operational immediately after power-up, which is required for boot devices and option ROM cards. This makes the EPM9400RC208-20 a practical choice for repairing or extending installed base systems.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Motion Control
The EPM9400RC208-20 is applied in industrial automation and motion control for encoder interfacing, PWM generation, and safety logic. Its 20 ns propagation delay supports deterministic response to position feedback, and the 400 macro cells can implement multiple axis controllers and fault-detection state machines. The 5.0 V interface connects directly to legacy industrial sensors and drivers, avoiding level-shifter cost and latency. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration ensures the controller resumes its logic immediately after a power cycle, which is important for machinery that must restart safely without a configuration reload sequence. The 208-pin package accommodates the I/O needed for multi-axis systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM9400RC208-20 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM9400RC208-20N | EPM9400RI208-20 | EPM9320RC208-20 | EPM9320RI208-20N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-pin RQFP | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin RQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Macro Cells | 400 | 400 | 400 | 320 | 320 |
| Usable Gates | 8,000 | 8,000 | 8,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay | 20 ns | 20 ns | 20 ns | 20 ns | 20 ns |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Industrial |
| Configuration Technology | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| JTAG ISP | IEEE Std. 1149.1 | IEEE Std. 1149.1 | IEEE Std. 1149.1 | IEEE Std. 1149.1 | IEEE Std. 1149.1 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher logic capacity than EPM9320 in the same package (vs EPM9320RC208-20)
- Lead-free option available (vs EPM9400RC208-20N)
- Industrial temperature option (vs EPM9400RI208-20)
Design Notes
Decouple the 5.0 V supply with at least one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor per power pin, plus a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the device. The MAX 9000 family draws transient current during logic switching, and inadequate decoupling can cause ground bounce that corrupts EEPROM configuration during in-system programming. Keep the decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of the power pins and use short, wide traces to minimize inductance.
Route the JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as short, controlled-impedance traces and terminate TCK with a series resistor if the chain is long. The IEEE Std. 1149.1 interface is used for both programming and boundary-scan test, so signal integrity on these lines directly affects programming reliability. Avoid routing JTAG traces near high-speed switching nodes, and provide a dedicated ground return path for the programming header.
Do not assume the EPM9400RC208-20 is a drop-in replacement for lower-density MAX 9000 devices without checking the logic capacity. The EPM9320 offers only 320 macro cells versus 400 in the EPM9400, so a design that fits the EPM9400 may not fit the EPM9320. Always recompile and verify the fitter report when substituting within the MAX 9000 family, and confirm the speed grade matches the original timing budget.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not available in the verified web data. The EPM9400RC208-20N variant is lead-free per its N suffix, but the standard EPM9400RC208-20 termination finish is not confirmed in the provided data.
