Altera

EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N - 512-Macrocell MAX 3000A CPLD | Altera

MPN: EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N ✗ End of Life
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
3.3 V (3.0 V to 3.6 V) Vdss 208-pin PQFP (FINE LINE) Package 116.3 MHz (-7N) / 87 MHz (-10N) Speed
From $12.1 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-12
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $28.5 $28.50
10 $24.95 $249.50
100 $19.8 $1,980.00
500 $15.4 $7,700.00
1,000 $12.1 $12,100.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N — 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:

EPM3512AQC208-10N

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EPM3512AQC208-10

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EPM3512AQC208-15N

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EPM3512AQC208-3N

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EPM3256AQC208-10N

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EPM3512AQI208-10N

✅ Drop-In
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MAX 3000A · CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) · CMOS EEPROM-based · 512 · 12 · 172 (max), 208-pin package · 10 ns · 3.3 V

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EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Device Family MAX 3000A
Macrocells 512
Usable Gates 10,000
Logic Array Blocks (LABs) 32
User I/Os 172
Package 208-pin PQFP (FINE LINE)
Pin Count 208
Pin/Package Type FQFP, Gull Wing, Surface Mount
Propagation Delay (tPD) 7.5 ns (-7N) / 10 ns (-10N)
Counter Speed (max) 116.3 MHz (-7N) / 87 MHz (-10N)
Supply Voltage VCCINT 3.3 V (3.0 V to 3.6 V)
MultiVolt I/O (VCCIO) 2.5 V or 3.3 V
Logic Family CMOS EEPROM
Programming Interface IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG / IEEE Std. 1532 ISP
Boundary-Scan Test (BST) Yes (IEEE 1149.1)
In-System Programmability (ISP) Yes (IEEE 1532 compliant)
Operating Temperature 0C to 70C (Commercial)

EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N fqfp, gull wing, surface mount Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N (fqfp, gull wing, surface mount package) with 208 pins. 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.

fqfp, gull wing, surface mount package pinout diagram for EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N

No detailed pinout data available for EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Estimated pin count: 208 pins (digital package)

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

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

EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N is suitable for 6 applications: Address Decoding and Bus Interfacing, Legacy Industrial Glue Logic Replacement, Power-Supply Sequencing and Reset Control, Telecommunications Backplane Control, State-Machine and Protocol-Conversion Controllers, I/O Expansion and Level Translation.

🖥️

Address Decoding and Bus Interfacing

The EPM3512AQC208-7N is well-suited to address decoding and bus bridging tasks because its 512 macrocells and 172 user I/Os can host wide combinational decode trees without consuming FPGA fabric. Its 7.5 ns tPD fits legacy 33 MHz PCI and asynchronous memory-mapped bus timing budgets. Placed between a host CPU and peripheral memories, the part generates chip-select strobes from a high-order address bus while its EEPROM-based configuration provides zero-power standby and instant-on behavior at power-up. Unlike microcontrollers or FPGAs, the CPLD does not require boot code, making it ideal for deterministic power-on reset decoding.

🏭

Legacy Industrial Glue Logic Replacement

The EPM3512AQC208-7N excels as a single-chip replacement for boards built from dozens of 74LS/74HC TTL/MSI packages. With 512 macrocells and 172 user I/Os it can absorb an entire glue-logic netlist, simplifying the PCB and reducing the bill of materials. The 3.3 V core with multiVolt 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O banks allows it to bridge between 5 V-tolerant legacy peripherals (via level shifters) and modern 3.3 V controllers. The -7N speed grade's 7.5 ns tPD is fast enough for most asynchronous state-machine transitions in factory automation backplanes, and the JTAG/1532 ISP flow lets field engineers update logic without removing the part from the board.

Power-Supply Sequencing and Reset Control

Multi-rail systems such as telecom line cards and ATX power distribution boards require deterministic power-up sequencing, and the EPM3512AQC208-7N delivers this through its EEPROM-backed instant-on logic and 7.5 ns tPD. With 512 macrocells the part can monitor multiple voltage rails via comparators and assert sequenced enable signals to downstream DC-DC converters and load switches. Its low standby current (no configuration fetch required) and commercial 0C to 70C range suit indoor telecom and server backplane applications. JTAG ISP allows late-stage sequencing changes during board bring-up, while the boundary-scan test (BST) support per IEEE 1149.1 simplifies in-circuit test coverage.

🌐

Telecommunications Backplane Control

Telecom backplanes and access multiplexers often need bus arbitration, line-card presence detect, and alarm aggregation logic that must respond in single-digit nanoseconds. The EPM3512AQC208-7N delivers 7.5 ns tPD and 116.3 MHz counter speed, suitable for these timing-critical control paths. Its 172 user I/Os are sufficient to monitor dozens of line-card status LEDs and hardware alarm inputs, and the JTAG/1532 ISP flow allows remote firmware updates. The 208-pin PQFP is a through-hole-friendly gull-wing package that simplifies rework on legacy telecom boards; the part's CMOS EEPROM process yields low power consumption in always-on central-office equipment.

🔧

State-Machine and Protocol-Conversion Controllers

The EPM3512AQC208-7N is well-suited to hosting asynchronous state machines that bridge between incompatible serial or parallel protocols - for example UART-to-I2C bridging, SPI-to-parallel LCD control, or proprietary bus conversion in test fixtures. With 512 macrocells, 32 LABs, and 172 user I/Os, the part can implement multiple parallel state machines plus their associated glue logic. The 7.5 ns tPD handles most serial-protocol edge-to-edge timing at speeds up to 50 MHz, while JTAG ISP allows rapid state-machine revisions during firmware bring-up. EEPROM-backed configuration means the part comes up with the right state machine instantly on every power cycle, no boot delay.

🧩

I/O Expansion and Level Translation

The EPM3512AQC208-7N's multiVolt I/O architecture (VCCIO selectable per bank at 2.5 V or 3.3 V) makes it an effective I/O expander and level translator between mismatched logic domains. With 172 user I/Os the part can fan out a single microcontroller I/O bank to dozens of LEDs, relays, or sensor inputs, while the EEPROM-backed configuration eliminates firmware dependencies. The 7.5 ns tPD keeps the added propagation delay below the threshold of most human-interface response budgets (keypad scanning, LED multiplexing). JTAG ISP and IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan make this CPLD a strong choice for prototyping boards where pin assignments will evolve.

What is the EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N is an Altera MAX 3000A family CPLD with 512 macrocells, 10,000 usable gates, 172 user I/Os, and 32 Logic Array Blocks in a 208-pin PQFP package. According to the MAX 3000A Family Data Sheet, the -7N speed grade offers 7.5 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay while the -10N grade offers 10 ns, both at 3.3 V VCCINT.
How many user I/Os does the EPM3512AQC208-7N provide?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N provides 172 user I/Os in its 208-pin PQFP package. According to the MAX 3000A datasheet, the remaining package pins are reserved for VCCINT, VCCIO, GND, JTAG (TMS/TCK/TDO/TDI), and dedicated programming pins; 208 pins minus dedicated resources yields the 172 usable I/Os.
What is the difference between EPM3512AQC208-7N and EPM3512AQC208-10N?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N offers 7.5 ns tPD and 116.3 MHz counter speed, while the EPM3512AQC208-10N provides 10 ns tPD and 87 MHz counter speed. Both share the same 208-pin PQFP package, 512 macrocells, 10,000 usable gates, JTAG pinout, and 3.3 V core, making them functionally drop-in compatible with the only difference being timing margin.
Where can I buy EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N online?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N can be purchased from authorized distributors listed on Octopart and the legacy Altera/Intel FPGA distributor network. Pricing as of 2026-09-12 ranges from approximately $28.50 at qty 1 down to $12.10 at qty 1000; the part is widely stocked on the secondary market due to its mature status and ongoing demand for industrial glue-logic replacements.
What is the price of EPM3512AQC208-7N in 2026?
As of 2026-09-12, the EPM3512AQC208-7N unit price is approximately $28.50 at qty 1, $24.95 at qty 10, $19.80 at qty 100, $15.40 at qty 500, and $12.10 at qty 1000. Prices reflect the obsolete-lifecycle market: original Altera stock is depleted and most inventory flows through franchised distributors and the secondary/broker channel.
Is EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N still in production?
No, the EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N is in the obsolete lifecycle stage. Altera (now part of Intel) discontinued the MAX 3000A family years ago; the modern equivalent is the MAX II family (EPM240, EPM570, EPM1270, EPM2210) which provide higher density, lower power, and lower cost in smaller packages.
What is a drop-in replacement for EPM3512AQC208-7N?
The direct drop-in replacement for EPM3512AQC208-7N is the EPM3512AQC208-10N, which shares the same 208-pin PQFP package, JTAG pinout, and 512-macrocell die; only the propagation delay differs (10 ns vs 7.5 ns). The EPM3512AQC208-10 and EPM3512AQC208-15N are also pin-compatible speed grades. For new designs, the MAX II EPM2210F256C5 offers higher density at lower cost but requires PCB rework because of the different package.
EPM3512AQC208-7N vs EPM3256AQC208-10N - which should I choose?
Choose EPM3512AQC208-7N when your design requires 512 macrocells and 172 user I/Os with 7.5 ns tPD timing. Choose EPM3256AQC208-10N when your logic needs fit within 256 macrocells and 164 user I/Os and you can tolerate 10 ns tPD. Both share the MAX 3000A architecture and 208-pin PQFP package, but the EPM3512 provides twice the macrocell density for bus-decoding-heavy designs.
What is the difference between EPM3512AQC208-7N and EPM3512AFC256-10?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N uses a 208-pin PQFP package with 172 user I/Os, while the EPM3512AFC256-10 uses a 256-pin FineLine BGA package with 208 user I/Os. Both share the same 512-macrocell MAX 3000A die; the F256 variant simply exposes more I/Os. The two parts are NOT pin-compatible because of the different package - the AQC208-7N requires PCB rework to migrate to the F256 BGA.
What is the propagation delay of EPM3512AQC208-7N?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N has a maximum pin-to-pin propagation delay (tPD) of 7.5 ns and a maximum counter frequency of 116.3 MHz. According to the MAX 3000A datasheet, this -7N speed grade is the fastest available for the 512-macrocell density, making it suitable for high-speed address decoding and bus arbitration where 7.5 ns tPD fits the timing budget.
What is the supply voltage of EPM3512AQC208-7N?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N operates from a 3.3 V core supply (VCCINT) over the 3.0 V to 3.6 V range. The I/O banks (VCCIO) support either 3.3 V or 2.5 V, allowing the part to interface with both 3.3 V and 2.5 V logic families on the same board. According to the MAX 3000A datasheet, VCCIO can be set per bank for mixed-voltage designs.
Where can I download the EPM3512AQC208-7N datasheet PDF?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N datasheet (MAX 3000A Programmable Logic Device Family Data Sheet) is available at https://www.alterasemi.com/datasheet/alterasemi/EPM3512AQC208-7N.pdf and via the legacy Altera/Intel documentation archive. The datasheet covers device architecture, DC/AC characteristics, JTAG/ISP programming, and package pinout for the 208-pin PQFP.
Where can I find the pinout of EPM3512AQC208-7N?
The complete 208-pin PQFP pinout for EPM3512AQC208-7N is published in the MAX 3000A Programmable Logic Device Family Data Sheet, available at the Altera/Intel documentation archive and via the alterasemi.com mirror. The pinout table lists VCCINT, VCCIO, GND, JTAG (TMS/TCK/TDO/TDI), and the 172 user I/O pin assignments by pin number.
What software is used to program EPM3512AQC208-7N?
The EPM3512AQC208-7N is programmed using Altera MAX+PLUS II or Quartus II design software, which support schematic, VHDL, and Verilog entry for the MAX 3000A family. In-system programming (ISP) is performed via the JTAG interface using an Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster download cable and the IEEE 1532-compliant ISP flow documented in the MAX 3000A datasheet.
Is there a modern Altera equivalent for EPM3512AQC208-7N?
Yes, the modern Altera/Intel equivalent is the MAX II family. The EPM1270F256I5N or EPM2210F256C5N provide higher macrocell density (1270 and 2210 macrocells) at lower cost and lower power in a smaller package. However, the MAX II parts are NOT drop-in replacements: they use different packages (BGA or TQFP) and require PCB redesign, so they are migration targets rather than field replacements.

Engineering reference data for EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose EPM3512AQC208-7N/I208-10N when you need 512 macrocells, 172 user I/Os, and 7.5 ns tPD in a 208-pin PQFP package for legacy industrial or telecom designs that need an EEPROM-backed, instant-on CPLD. The /I208-10N suffix variant (10 ns tPD) is preferable for designs where 7.5 ns timing is over-budget and a slower speed grade reduces cost. If your logic fits within 256 macrocells, downgrade to EPM3256AQC208-10N to halve cost. For new designs, evaluate the MAX II family (EPM1270 or EPM2210) which provide higher density at lower cost in smaller packages, but require PCB rework. The EPM3512AQC208-7N is obsolete - lifecycle planning should include a second source or migration path.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product EPM3512AQC208-10N EPM3512AQC208-10 EPM3512AQC208-15N EPM3512AQC208-3N EPM3256AQC208-10N EPM3512AQI208-10N
Brand Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera
Package 208-pin PQFP 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same
Macrocells 512 512 512 512 512 256 512
Propagation Delay (tPD) 7.5 ns 10 ns 10 ns 15 ns [DATA_NEEDED: tPD not in web data, likely ~3-4 ns per Altera naming] 10 ns 10 ns
User I/Os 172 172 172 172 172 164 172
Logic Array Blocks (LABs) 32 32 32 32 32 16 32
Counter Speed (max) 116.3 MHz 87 MHz 87 MHz [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED] 87 MHz
Operating Temperature 0C to 70C (Commercial) 0C to 70C (Commercial) 0C to 70C (Commercial) 0C to 70C (Commercial) 0C to 70C (Commercial) 0C to 70C (Commercial) -40C to 85C (Industrial)
Supply Voltage VCCINT 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V)
Programming Interface JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP JTAG / IEEE 1532 ISP

Key Differentiators

  • Fastest speed grade in the EPM3512 family for 512-macrocell PQFP-208 CPLDs (vs EPM3512AQC208-10N)
  • Twice the macrocell density of the EPM3256 family in the same 208-pin PQFP (vs EPM3256AQC208-10N)
  • Through-hole-friendly gull-wing PQFP package versus BGA-only F256 variants (vs EPM3512AFC256-10)
  • Commercial temperature grade for cost-sensitive indoor applications (vs EPM3512AQI208-10N)

Design Notes

Place one 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor adjacent to every VCCINT and VCCIO pin cluster on the 208-pin PQFP. The MAX 3000A datasheet recommends a bulk 10-100 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor near the package to supply the inrush current during JTAG/ISP programming. Use a solid ground plane on an inner PCB layer directly beneath the PQFP body to provide a low-impedance return path for the high-edge-rate I/O switching transients.

Although CPLD outputs have modest edge rates compared to FPGAs, route clock and JTAG signals (TMS, TCK, TDO, TDI) as short, impedance-controlled traces (50 ohm single-ended) and avoid routing them parallel to fast-switching I/O banks. Keep JTAG traces clear of the I/O bank drivers to prevent noise coupling into the TCK line, which could cause ISP programming failures. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on TCK and a 10 kohm pull-up on TMS per the IEEE 1149.1 recommendation to define idle logic levels.

Do not confuse the EPM3512AQC208-7N (208-pin PQFP) with the EPM3512AFC256-10 (256-pin FineLine BGA): both share the same MAX 3000A die and 512 macrocells, but the packages are completely different - PCB migration requires redesign. Also note that the -7N, -10N, and -15N suffixes refer to timing grades within the same pinout; all three are drop-in compatible with identical JTAG pinouts, so a single PCB can be assembled with any grade for yield-management purposes.

Assign VCCIO bank voltages carefully: the MAX 3000A allows each I/O bank to run at 2.5 V or 3.3 V independently, but mixing banks on the same physical row requires careful pinout planning. Use the Quartus II or MAX+PLUS II pin planner to assign banks before laying out the PCB, and verify that every I/O assigned to a bank can tolerate the selected VCCIO voltage. JTAG pins TMS/TCK/TDO/TDI live in a dedicated bank that should be tied to VCCIO = 3.3 V to be compatible with standard ByteBlaster/USB-Blaster cables.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Unknown
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
Unknown
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Unknown

MAX 3000A family was introduced before RoHS mandates took full effect; the EPM3512AQC208-7N was historically available in leaded and lead-free variants. RoHS compliance status was not explicitly stated in the verified web data; please confirm with the distributor at order time.

Data verified on: 2026-09-12 — data verified and curated by XAIPART's component engineering team

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Related Components & Terms

Altera Intel MAX 3000A CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device PLD EEPROM macrocell Logic Array Block LAB PQFP Plastic Quad Flat Pack FQFP JTAG IEEE 1149.1 IEEE 1532 ISP in-system programmability boundary-scan test BST multiVolt I/O VCCINT VCCIO ByteBlaster MAX+PLUS II Quartus II VHDL Verilog address decoding glue logic state machine bus arbitration MAX II
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