EPM9480RC240-15 - MAX 9000 CPLD 480 Macro Cells 15ns | Altera
MPN: EPM9480RC240-15 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $143.25 | $143.25 |
| 10 | $128.93 | $1,289.30 |
| 100 | $114.6 | $11,460.00 |
| 500 | $103.14 | $51,570.00 |
| 1,000 | $91.68 | $91,680.00 |
EPM9480RC240-15 Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a programmable logic IC that combines the flexibility of a field-programmable gate array with the non-volatile, instant-on behavior of a PAL. CPLDs sit between simple PLDs and FPGAs in the programmable logic hierarchy: PLD -> CPLD -> FPGA -> programmable logic device -> digital IC. MAX 9000 devices use EEPROM configuration cells, so they retain their design without an external boot PROM and are live within microseconds of power-up.
Key features include 480 macro cells, 12,000 usable gates, 15 ns pin-to-pin delay (tPD), 5.0 V in-system programmability through a built-in IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG interface, and 4.75 V to 5.25 V internal supply operation. The 240-pin RQFP package provides up to 191 user I/O pins, enabling wide bus interfaces in a single device.
The MAX 9000 architecture uses a Multiple Array MatriX of logic array blocks (LABs) interconnected by a fast, predictable routing structure. Because timing is fixed and deterministic, EPM9480RC240-15 designs do not require the timing closure iterations typical of SRAM-based FPGAs, which simplifies worst-case timing analysis for 5 V legacy systems.
Typical applications include 5 V industrial control glue logic, ISA/PCI bus bridging, legacy telecom line-card control, test and measurement instrumentation, and replacement of discrete 74-series logic in existing designs. The 15 ns speed grade suits moderate-speed state machines and address decoding.
When designing with this device, note that the MAX 9000 family is a mature, non-RoHS 5 V technology; verify availability and plan for a lifecycle strategy. Decouple every VCC pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed close to the package.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for the EPM9480RC240-15.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM9480RC240-15 — 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 EPM9480RC240-15 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Usable Gates, Architecture, In-System Programmability, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM9560RC240-15
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$174.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM9480RC208-15
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM9480RC208-15N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPM9400RC240-15
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM9400RC240-20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPM9480RC240-15 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) |
| Device Family | MAX 9000 |
| Macro Cells | 480 |
| Usable Gates | 12,000 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) | 15 ns |
| Internal Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Configuration Technology | EEPROM-based (non-volatile) |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE Std. 1149.1 |
| Package | 240-pin RQFP (32x32 mm) |
| Supplier Device Package | 240-RQFP (32x32) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant |
| Logic Architecture | Multiple Array MatriX (MAX) third-generation |
| Supply Voltage (5.0 V nominal) | 5.0 V |
EPM9480RC240-15 240-rqfp (32x32) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM9480RC240-15 (240-rqfp (32x32) 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 EPM9480RC240-15.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM9480RC240-15 is suitable for 6 applications: 5V Industrial Control Glue Logic, ISA/PCI Bus Bridging, Legacy Telecom Line-Card Control, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Discrete 74-Series Logic Replacement, Legacy System Maintenance and Repair.
5V Industrial Control Glue Logic
The EPM9480RC240-15 fits 5 V industrial control glue logic because it operates from a 4.75 V to 5.25 V supply and provides 480 macro cells with a deterministic 15 ns pin-to-pin delay. In a typical PLC or motor-control card, it replaces dozens of 74-series logic packages by implementing address decoding, state machines, and handshake logic in one 240-pin RQFP device. Its EEPROM configuration is instant-on, so the controller is live within microseconds of power-up, unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that need a boot PROM. The trade-off is higher static power than modern 3.3 V CPLDs, but the 5 V interface eliminates level shifters in legacy backplanes.
Recommended
ISA/PCI Bus Bridging
The EPM9480RC240-15 is well suited to ISA and PCI bus bridging because its 480 macro cells and 15 ns tPD can implement bus protocol translation, wait-state generation, and address latching within a single clock cycle at 5 V. In a legacy industrial PC card, it sits between the host bus and peripheral devices, absorbing glue logic that would otherwise require multiple PALs. The MAX 9000 Multiple Array MatriX routing is fixed and predictable, so worst-case bus timing can be analyzed without iterative place-and-route. The main consideration is that the 240-pin RQFP package needs a large land pattern and careful signal-integrity layout for the 5 V bus traces.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Line-Card Control
The EPM9480RC240-15 suits legacy telecom line-card control because telecom equipment often runs on 5 V rails and requires long product lifecycles with deterministic timing. Its 480 macro cells can implement channel supervision, alarm handling, and backplane interface logic, while the 15 ns speed grade supports moderate-speed serial control buses. EEPROM-based configuration means the card boots instantly after a power cycle, which matters in central-office equipment where downtime is costly. Because the MAX 9000 family is obsolete, designers should qualify the EPM9560RC240-15 as a same-package second source and stock buffer inventory for the remaining production life.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EPM9480RC240-15 is used in test and measurement instrumentation for trigger logic, timing generation, and front-panel interface control. Its 15 ns pin-to-pin delay provides adequate timing resolution for moderate-speed measurement front ends, and the 480 macro cells can implement multiple counters and state machines in one device. The 5 V supply matches the analog rails common in older instrument designs, avoiding level-shifter noise. A key design consideration is that the 240-pin RQFP package's many I/O pins simplify wide parallel interfaces to ADCs and DACs, but the non-RoHS status may conflict with newer environmental compliance requirements.
Recommended
Discrete 74-Series Logic Replacement
The EPM9480RC240-15 replaces banks of discrete 74-series logic in existing 5 V designs by integrating address decoders, multiplexers, and flip-flops into a single in-system programmable device. With 480 macro cells and 12,000 usable gates, it can absorb the equivalent of dozens of SSI/MSI packages, reducing board area and assembly cost. Because the device is EEPROM-based, the replacement design is non-volatile and requires no configuration memory. The main trade-off is that the 240-pin RQFP footprint is much larger than the discrete packages it replaces, so this approach suits new layouts or boards with available area rather than dense retrofits.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance and Repair
The EPM9480RC240-15 is frequently sourced for legacy system maintenance and repair, where existing boards must be kept running after the original manufacturer ends production. Its 240-pin RQFP package and 5 V operation match the original MAX 9000 design, so a replacement device can be dropped into an existing socket or land pattern without redesign. Because the part is obsolete, repair depots should verify authenticity and store devices under proper moisture-control conditions. The EPM9560RC240-15 is a same-package substitute when the EPM9480RC240-15 cannot be found, though the configuration file may need recompilation for the larger device.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM9480RC240-15 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM9560RC240-15 | EPM9480RC208-15 | EPM9400RC240-15 | EPM9400RC240-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-pin RQFP (32x32 mm) | 240-pin RQFP (32x32 mm) - same | 208-pin RQFP - different | 240-pin RQFP (32x32 mm) - same | 240-pin RQFP (32x32 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Macro Cells | 480 | 560 | 480 | 400 | 400 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) | 15 ns | 15 ns | 15 ns | 15 ns | 20 ns |
| Internal 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 |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) | In System Programmable (ISP) | In System Programmable (ISP) | In System Programmable (ISP) | In System Programmable (ISP) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher logic capacity than EPM9400RC240-15 (vs EPM9400RC240-15)
- Same logic capacity in a smaller package than EPM9560RC240-15 (vs EPM9560RC240-15)
- Faster speed grade than EPM9400RC240-20 (vs EPM9400RC240-20)
Design Notes
Decouple every VCC pin of the EPM9480RC240-15 with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the package as possible, plus at least one bulk 10 uF capacitor per device. The MAX 9000 family operates from a 4.75 V to 5.25 V supply, so verify the rail stays within tolerance under all load conditions. Estimated: at 5 V and typical MAX 9000 ICC, a single 0.1 uF per VCC pin keeps high-frequency switching noise below the device's input noise margin.
The 240-pin RQFP (32x32 mm) package requires a large land pattern with a thermal/ground pad. Route the JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as short, matched traces to the programming header and keep them away from high-speed switching nodes. Provide a solid ground plane under the device to control return paths, and use the exposed pad for both thermal relief and ground connection.
The MAX 9000 family is obsolete and the EPM9480RC240-15 is RoHS non-compliant, so do not assume new production availability. Before committing a design, qualify the EPM9560RC240-15 as a same-package second source and confirm that the configuration file can be recompiled for the larger device. Also verify that the 5 V supply sequencing does not violate the device's power-up requirements.
Compliance Information
Distributor listing states RoHS non-compliant for EPM9480RC240-15. REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not found in the provided data.
