EPM9560RC304-20N - MAX 9000 CPLD 560 Macro Cells | Altera
MPN: EPM9560RC304-20N β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
EPM9560RC304-20N Overview
A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a programmable logic IC that combines multiple PAL-like logic blocks with a programmable interconnect matrix on a single die. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, a CPLD sits between simple PLDs (SPLDs) and FPGAs: it offers non-volatile configuration, deterministic timing, and instant-on operation, making it the preferred choice for glue logic, bus bridging, and state-machine control. The MAX 9000 family is built on Altera's third-generation Multiple Array MatriX (MAX) architecture, which uses a continuous metal interconnect to deliver predictable, uniform delays across the entire device.
Key features of the EPM9560RC304-20N include 560 macrocells organized into 20 logic array blocks (LABs), 12,000 usable gates, and 212 I/O pins that can be individually configured for 3.3 V or 5.0 V operation. The device is programmed via an EEPROM configuration element, so it retains its design after power-down without an external configuration PROM. The 20 ns speed grade (-20) supports system clock frequencies up to 100 MHz, and the JTAG boundary-scan port enables both in-system programming and board-level interconnect testing.
The MAX 9000 architecture uses a fixed, non-segmented interconnect matrix that guarantees worst-case pin-to-pin delays without the routing-dependent timing variability found in SRAM-based FPGAs. This deterministic timing behavior simplifies static timing analysis and eliminates the need for post-fit timing closure iterations, which is a significant advantage for safety-critical and long-lifecycle industrial designs.
Typical applications include industrial control backplanes, telecommunications line cards, PCI/ISA bus bridging, test-and-measurement instrumentation, and legacy system replacement where a 5.0 V, non-volatile programmable logic device is required. The 304-pin RQFP package provides 212 I/O pins, enough to interface wide parallel buses without external multiplexing.
When designing with the EPM9560RC304-20N, note that the device requires a stable 5.0 V core supply and that the JTAG ISP interface must be accessible for field upgrades. Because the part is a mature, legacy MAX 9000 device, designers should verify current availability and consider pin-compatible MAX 9000 speed-grade variants for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in speed-grade alternatives, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and migration decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM9560RC304-20N 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 EPM9560RC304-20N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Architecture, Logic Array Blocks (LABs), Device Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM9560RC304-20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPM9560RC304-15N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$19.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9560RC304-15
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$9.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9560RC304-20C
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$162 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9560RC304-15C
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$24.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9560RC304-15F
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$18.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM9560RC304-20N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | MAX 9000 (EPM9560) |
| Device Type | EEPROM-based Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) |
| Usable Gates | 12,000 |
| Macrocells | 560 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 20 |
| User I/O Pins | 212 |
| Pin-to-Pin Propagation Delay | 20 ns (speed grade -20) |
| Maximum System Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| I/O Voltage Support | 3.3 V or 5.0 V configurable |
| Configuration Technology | EEPROM (non-volatile, in-system programmable) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG (ISP) |
| Package | 304-pin RQFP (PowerQuad) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | RoHS3 Compliant |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) | 3 (168 Hours) |
| Manufacturer Standard Lead Time | 1-7 Days (distributor listing) |
EPM9560RC304-20N 304-pin rqfp (powerquad) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM9560RC304-20N (304-pin rqfp (powerquad) 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 EPM9560RC304-20N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM9560RC304-20N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Backplane Logic, Telecommunications Line Card Glue Logic, PCI and ISA Bus Bridging, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Legacy System Replacement and Repair, Military and Aerospace Legacy Avionics.
Industrial Control Backplane Logic
The EPM9560RC304-20N fits industrial control backplane logic because its 212 user I/O pins and 560 macrocells can implement wide address/data bus decoding, chip-select generation, and wait-state logic in a single 5.0 V device. Its 20 ns pin-to-pin delay provides deterministic timing that simplifies worst-case analysis in backplane arbitration, and the EEPROM configuration is instant-on, so the controller resumes operation immediately after power-up without a configuration load. The 304-pin RQFP package routes 212 I/O directly to the backplane connector, avoiding external multiplexers. A trade-off is that the 5.0 V core dissipates more power than modern 3.3 V CPLDs, so thermal relief on the RQFP pads is recommended for high-toggle-rate designs.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Glue Logic
The EPM9560RC304-20N is used in telecommunications line cards for glue logic such as TDM bus interfacing, clock domain handoff, and status register aggregation. Its 560 macrocells can absorb the discrete 74-series logic that would otherwise occupy significant board area, and the 100 MHz maximum system frequency supports legacy telecom bus rates. The IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG interface enables in-system programming and boundary-scan testing of the assembled line card, reducing production test time. Because the MAX 9000 interconnect is fixed, timing is predictable across all routing, which is valuable for line cards that must pass strict jitter and setup/hold budgets. The main trade-off is limited availability, since the MAX 9000 family is a legacy product line.
Recommended
PCI and ISA Bus Bridging
The EPM9560RC304-20N suits PCI and ISA bus bridging because its 212 I/O pins can directly interface a 32-bit PCI bus and a legacy ISA bus without external transceivers, and its 5.0 V I/O supports ISA signaling natively. The 560 macrocells implement address decoding, byte-enable steering, and wait-state generation, while the 20 ns propagation delay keeps bridge latency within PCI timing budgets. EEPROM configuration means the bridge logic is live immediately at power-up, which is required for boot-time bus enumeration. Designers should note that the 5.0 V core requires careful decoupling and that the 304-pin RQFP package needs a solid ground plane to control simultaneous switching noise on the wide bus.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EPM9560RC304-20N is used in test and measurement instrumentation for trigger logic, pattern generation, and instrument bus control. Its deterministic 20 ns pin-to-pin delay allows repeatable trigger timing, which is essential for oscilloscopes and logic analyzers where jitter directly degrades measurement accuracy. The 560 macrocells can implement state machines and counters that would otherwise require multiple discrete ICs, and the 212 I/O pins interface front-panel controls, relays, and data converters. Non-volatile EEPROM configuration ensures the instrument boots into a known state without a configuration PROM. The trade-off is that the 5.0 V supply and RQFP package require more board area and power than a modern low-voltage CPLD.
Recommended
Legacy System Replacement and Repair
The EPM9560RC304-20N is a primary replacement part for legacy 5.0 V systems that used MAX 9000 CPLDs and can no longer source the original device. Because the MAX 9000 family is EEPROM-based and non-volatile, a replacement device can be reprogrammed with the original JEDEC file and dropped into the existing 304-pin RQFP socket without board changes. The 212 I/O pins and 560 macrocells match the original EPM9560 density, preserving the existing netlist. Engineers should verify the speed grade against the original design's timing budget, since a -20 part may be slower than a -15 original. Availability is the main constraint, as remaining stock is limited to distributor and broker inventory.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy Avionics
The EPM9560RC304-20N is found in legacy avionics and military systems that were designed around 5.0 V MAX 9000 CPLDs and require long-term form-fit-function replacement. Its EEPROM configuration is immune to the single-event upsets that affect SRAM-based FPGAs, and the fixed interconnect provides deterministic timing that simplifies certification of safety-critical control paths. The 212 I/O pins support wide avionics data buses, and the 304-pin RQFP package matches existing board footprints. Because the part is obsolete, sustainment programs should qualify a pin-compatible speed-grade variant and verify operation over the full military temperature range, which is not specified in the commercial datasheet.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM9560RC304-20N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM9560RC304-20 | EPM9560RC304-15N | EPM9560RC304-15 | EPM9560RC304-20C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 304-pin RQFP | 304-pin RQFP - same | 304-pin RQFP - same | 304-pin RQFP - same | 304-pin RQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Propagation Delay | 20 ns | 20 ns | 15 ns | 15 ns | 20 ns |
| Macrocells | 560 | 560 | 560 | 560 | 560 |
| User I/O Pins | 212 | 212 | 212 | 212 | 212 |
| Usable Gates | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Configuration Technology | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| JTAG ISP Support | Yes (IEEE Std. 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE Std. 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE Std. 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE Std. 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE Std. 1149.1) |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-free RoHS3 package finish (vs EPM9560RC304-20)
- Deterministic 20 ns timing (vs EPM9560RC304-15N)
- Non-volatile EEPROM configuration (vs EPM9560RC304-20C)
Design Notes
The EPM9560RC304-20N requires a stable 5.0 V core supply. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor on every VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the device. Because the MAX 9000 architecture draws current in bursts during macrocell switching, keep the supply impedance low across the 1-100 MHz range. Estimated: at 100 MHz with 50% macrocell toggle, dynamic current can reach several hundred milliamps, so verify the regulator can supply the transient without droop.
The 304-pin RQFP package requires a solid ground plane under the device to control simultaneous switching noise on the 212 I/O pins. Route the JTAG TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO signals as short, matched traces with a ground reference, and keep them away from high-speed I/O. Provide a dedicated ISP header footprint so the device can be reprogrammed in-system after assembly. Use thermal relief on the ground pads to aid soldering of the fine-pitch RQFP leads.
Do not assume the -20 speed grade meets a design originally built with a -15 part; the 20 ns pin-to-pin delay is 33% slower and may violate setup/hold margins. Also verify that the JTAG ISP chain is not disabled by the security bit, which permanently prevents reprogramming. Because the MAX 9000 family is obsolete, qualify incoming stock for authenticity and confirm the date code before committing to production.
Compliance Information
RoHS3 Compliant per fpgalink.com distributor listing. The 'N' suffix denotes lead-free package finish. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not stated in the verified web data.
