EPM3256AFC256-10N - 5K Gate 256-Macro MAX 3000A CPLD | Altera
MPN: EPM3256AFC256-10N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42.5 | $42.50 |
| 10 | $38.2 | $382.00 |
| 100 | $33.75 | $3,375.00 |
| 500 | $29.4 | $14,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $25.95 | $25,950.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3256AFC256-10N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3256AFC256-10
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View Datasheet →EPM3128AFC256-7N
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View Datasheet →EPM3128AFI256-10N
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View Datasheet →EPM1270F256C5N
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View Datasheet →EPM2210F256C5N
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View Datasheet →EPM3256AFC256-10N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 3000A |
| Device Type | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) |
| Usable Gates | 5,000 gates |
| Macrocells | 256 |
| Maximum User I/O | 161 |
| Pin-to-Pin Logic Delay | 10 ns |
| Maximum Counter Frequency | 227.3 MHz |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V |
| I/O Logic Level Compatibility | 5.0 V / 3.3 V / 2.5 V (MultiVolt) |
| Programmability | EEPROM, in-system programmable (ISP) |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE 1532 / JTAG (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) |
| Package | 256-pin FineLine BGA |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| PCI Compliance | PCI Local Bus Specification Rev 2.2 (at -10 grade) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to 70 C (commercial) |
EPM3256AFC256-10N Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin A2 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin A3 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin A4 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin A5 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin A6 | VCCINT — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin A7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin A8 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin A9 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin A10 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin A11 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin A12 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin A13 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin A14 | VCCIO2 — I/O bank 2 reference supply |
| Pin A15 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin A16 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin B1 | GND — Ground |
| Pin B16 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin TDO | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin EP | GND — Exposed center pad - thermal/ground bond (per datasheet) |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.
Typical Applications
EPM3256AFC256-10N is suitable for 6 applications: PCI Bus Address Decoding and Glue Logic, Power-On Reset and Multi-Rail Sequencer, Microprocessor Address/Data Bus Interface Bridge, DSP / Microprocessor Address Decoder and Chip-Select Generator, Legacy Industrial Control Board Consolidation, Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic and Test Access.
PCI Bus Address Decoding and Glue Logic
The EPM3256AFC256-10N's 10 ns pin-to-pin delay and 161 user I/Os make it well suited as the central glue-logic device on legacy PCI add-in cards and backplanes. The -10 speed grade meets PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 timing, while the 256 macrocells can absorb a full 32-bit address decoder, chip-select generator, and interrupt steering matrix in one device.
Recommended
Power-On Reset and Multi-Rail Sequencer
In telecom and industrial boards, the EPM3256AFC256-10N replaces dozens of 74-series TTL gates by implementing voltage-rail sequencing, POR delays, and reset distribution in one non-volatile part. The EEPROM-based configuration means outputs settle to known states within microseconds of VCC ramp - faster than any SRAM FPGA - which is critical for processor and DSP supply rails that must come up in a specific order.
Recommended
Microprocessor Address/Data Bus Interface Bridge
The 161 user I/Os and 3.3 V MultiVolt I/O make the EPM3256AFC256-10N ideal as a bus-bridge between legacy 5 V microprocessors and modern 3.3 V peripherals or memories. It can latch, multiplex, or transpose address and data buses without external bus drivers, eliminating 2-3 octal transceiver ICs per port. The 10 ns tPD safely meets 50 MHz bus timing with adequate margin.
Recommended
DSP / Microprocessor Address Decoder and Chip-Select Generator
DSP systems require precise, glitch-free chip-select generation for external SRAM, Flash, and peripheral chips. The EPM3256AFC256-10N's 256 macrocells can decode the full 24-bit address space of typical DSPs while the 227.3 MHz maximum counter frequency supports fast memory-cycle generation. Predictable combinational delay (10 ns worst-case) eliminates address-decode glitches that cause memory corruption in discrete-logic decoders.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Board Consolidation
On long-life industrial motherboards (CNC, PLC, motor drives), the EPM3256AFC256-10N replaces 10-20 discrete 74HC/74LS logic packages, reducing board area and improving long-term reliability. Its 0 C to +70 C commercial temperature range suits most factory-floor enclosures, while the EEPROM-based design holds configuration through power cycles without an external boot PROM.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic and Test Access
The EPM3256AFC256-10N's JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) support, 5V-tolerant I/O, and high I/O count suit telecom line-card applications as the central test-access and signal-routing hub. Designers use it to mux between operational and diagnostic modes, implement BERT loopbacks, and consolidate framer/serializer select logic - tasks that previously required multiple 74-series packages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3256AFC256-10N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3256AFC256-10 | EPM3128AFC256-7N | EPM3128AFI256-10N | EPM1270F256C5N | EPM2210F256C5N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 256-ball FineLine BGA | 256-ball FineLine BGA - same | 256-ball FineLine BGA - same | 256-ball FineLine BGA - same | 256-ball FineLine BGA - same | 256-ball FineLine BGA - same |
| Family | MAX 3000A | MAX 3000A | MAX 3000A | MAX 3000A | MAX V | MAX V |
| Macrocells | 256 | 256 | 128 | 128 | 980 | 1700 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay | 10 ns | 10 ns | 7.5 ns | 10 ns | 5.0 ns | 5.0 ns |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial 0 to 70 C | Commercial 0 to 70 C | Commercial 0 to 70 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Commercial 0 to 70 C | Commercial 0 to 70 C |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes (N suffix) | No (tin-lead finish) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (N suffix) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (EOL by Intel) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in compatibility with the non-N (tin-lead) variant (vs EPM3256AFC256-10)
- Highest macrocell count of any MAX 3000A device (vs EPM3128AFI256-10N)
- Most I/O of any MAX 3000A BGA option (vs EPM3128AFI256-10N)
Design Notes
Estimated: the EPM3256AFC256-10N requires two supplies - VCCINT (3.3 V core) and VCCIO (per bank, 2.5/3.3/5 V tolerant). Decouple every VCC/VCCIO/GND pair with a 0.1 uF ceramic placed within 5 mm of the package ball. Add a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic near the VCCINT pin. Unused I/O banks should still have their VCCIO pin tied to a valid voltage, not left floating - per Altera's MAX 3000A datasheet, floating VCCIO can cause I/O behaviour to drift during configuration.
The 256-ball FineLine BGA requires X-ray inspection or proper BGA rework tools - hand soldering is impractical. Plan your JTAG chain order before PCB layout: TCK and TMS need 10 kohm pull-ups to VCCIO, and the chain must include any other JTAG devices between TDI and TDO. A common mistake is to chain the CPLD last; instead, put it first so ISP works even when downstream boundary-scan parts are absent on early prototype builds.
Estimated: at 227 MHz internal counters, output edge rates are 1-2 ns, so keep high-speed outputs (clock, OE, chip-select) on short matched-length traces. Use a continuous ground plane under the BGA and avoid routing signals between BGA balls on inner layers. For PCI applications, the -10 speed grade is at the upper limit of PCI 2.2 timing; route the 33 MHz PCI clock with 50 ohm controlled impedance and length-match it within 250 mils across all loads.
Compliance Information
Lead-free finish indicated by 'N' suffix per Altera ordering information. Part is end-of-life as of 2026; new designs should target MAX II / MAX V / MAX 10 CPLDs.
