Intel

EPM7256AEFI100-7 - MAX 7000A CPLD, 256 Macrocells | Intel / Altera

MPN: EPM7256AEFI100-7 ✗ End of Life
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
3.3 V Vdss 100-ball FBGA (FineLine BGA), 11x11 mm Package 7.5 ns Speed
From $65.4 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-12
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $139.28 $139.28
10 $125.3 $1,253.00
100 $98.5 $9,850.00
500 $78.2 $39,100.00
1,000 $65.4 $65,400.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256AEFI100-7 — 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:

EPM7256AEFI100-7N

✅ Drop-In
📦 100-ball FBGA (11x11)
Same die and FBGA-100 footprint, lead-free ("N") terminal finish for RoHS compliance

📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)

EPM7256AEFC100-7N

✅ Drop-In
📦 100-ball FBGA (11x11)
Same FBGA-100 footprint and 7.5 ns timing, commercial (0 C to +70 C) temperature grade instead of industrial

📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)

EPM7256AEFC100-7

✅ Drop-In
Intel
📦 100-ball FBGA (11x11)
MAX 7000A · 256 · 5,000 · 16 · 84 · 100-pin FBGA (11x11 mm) · 100 · 3.0 V to 3.6 V

✓ In Stock

$15.2 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EPM7256AEFI100-7

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Intel
📦 100-ball FBGA (11x11)
MAX 7000A · CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) · 256 · 5K · 84 · 7.5 ns · 126.6 MHz · 3.3 V

✓ In Stock

$65.4 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EPM7256AEFC100-10N

✅ Drop-In
Altera
📦 100-ball FBGA (11x11)
Altera (now Intel) · MAX 7000A · CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) · 256 · 16 · 84 · 5000 · 10 ns

✓ In Stock

$24.5 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EPM7256AEFC256-5N

✅ Drop-In
Intel
📦 100-ball FBGA (11x11)
MAX 7000A · 256 · 16 · 5,000 · 5 ns · 172.4 MHz · 164 · 3.0 V to 3.6 V

✓ In Stock

$23.1 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EPM7256AEFI100-7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Logic Family MAX 7000A
Device Type CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device)
Number of Macrocells 256
Number of Usable Gates 5K
Number of User I/O 84
Pin-to-Pin Delay (Speed Grade) 7.5 ns
Maximum Operating Frequency 126.6 MHz
Core Supply Voltage 3.3 V
MultiVolt I/O Support 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V
Programmability In-system programmable (ISP) via JTAG
Package 100-ball FBGA (FineLine BGA), 11x11 mm
Operating Temperature Range (Industrial) -40 C to +85 C
JTAG / Boundary Scan IEEE 1149.1 compliant
Mounting Type Surface Mount
RoHS Status Not Compliant (per Arrow listing)

EPM7256AEFI100-7 100-ball fbga (fineline bga), 11x11 mm Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for EPM7256AEFI100-7 (100-ball fbga (fineline bga), 11x11 mm 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.

100-ball fbga (fineline bga), 11x11 mm package pinout diagram for EPM7256AEFI100-7

No detailed pinout data available for EPM7256AEFI100-7.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for EPM7256AEFI100-7 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

EPM7256AEFI100-7 is suitable for 6 applications: PCI/ISA Bus Address Decoding, Industrial Glue Logic and I/O Expansion, Microprocessor Reset and Configuration Sequencing, 5V to 3.3V Level Translation Bridge, Telecom Backplane Switch and Router Glue Logic, Legacy Embedded System Sustainment.

🖥️

PCI/ISA Bus Address Decoding

The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is a strong fit for PCI and ISA address decoding and chip-select generation, where 256 macrocells provide ample logic for wide address comparators and the 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay ensures decoder outputs settle within one PCI clock cycle at 33 MHz. Its MultiVolt I/O supports bridging 5 V ISA peripherals to 3.3 V PCI buses without external level shifters. Designers typically use 64-128 macrocells for the decoder, leaving headroom for chip-select gating and bus-arbitration logic. The 84 user I/O accommodate address, data-direction, and interrupt-routing signals without bus multiplexing.

🏭

Industrial Glue Logic and I/O Expansion

In industrial controllers and factory-automation PLCs, the EPM7256AEFI100-7 serves as a deterministic glue-logic hub, replacing dozens of 74-series TTL gates with a single in-system-programmable device. The 5K usable gates and 256 macrocells handle wide combinational decode, registered I/O, and asynchronous state machines for motor-control sequencing. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range is required for factory-floor environments. The JTAG-based ISP allows firmware updates without removing the device from the board, useful for late-stage design changes.

🔧

Microprocessor Reset and Configuration Sequencing

The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is widely used to sequence power-up and reset behavior for multi-rail microprocessor and DSP systems, where deterministic timing prevents latch-up and bus contention. With 256 macrocells it can manage 8-12 supply rails with adjustable delay chains (implemented via LCELL primitives) and watchdog timer logic. The 7.5 ns propagation delay supports fast power-good response. JTAG boundary-scan enables board-level continuity test, critical for high-density BGA boards where traditional bed-of-nails testing is impractical.

🔌

5V to 3.3V Level Translation Bridge

The MultiVolt I/O on the EPM7256AEFI100-7 allows direct interfacing between 5 V legacy peripherals and 3.3 V modern ASICs or processors without external level-shifters. The device can buffer and translate dozens of signals in both directions across its 84 user I/O, replacing discrete bus-switch ICs and saving board area. With 256 macrocells, designers can implement translation plus protocol adaptation (for example, 8-bit parallel to 16-bit parallel) in a single chip. The 100-ball FBGA package fits densely on compact interface boards.

🌐

Telecom Backplane Switch and Router Glue Logic

In telecom backplanes and switch fabrics, the EPM7256AEFI100-7 provides deterministic glue logic for high-speed serial interfaces, I2C/SPI management buses, and PHY reset coordination. The 126.6 MHz maximum frequency and 7.5 ns delay support fast backplane Ethernet (FE/GE) management paths where timing margins are tight. 256 macrocells are sufficient for complex state machines managing hot-swap insertion, LED indicators, and interrupt routing across multiple line cards. The industrial temperature range suits central-office and outdoor-cabinet deployments.

✈️

Legacy Embedded System Sustainment

The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is in active use as a sustainment part for legacy VMEbus, cPCI, and proprietary embedded systems where the original MAX 7000A design cannot be changed due to certification or qualification cost. The 100-ball FBGA footprint matches existing board artwork, and the 7.5 ns timing preserves bus-protocol compliance. Intel has marked the family NRND with an estimated 2024 EOL, so remaining inventory is being consumed for field replacements. Designers maintaining long-life industrial, defense, or aerospace systems rely on this part for repairs and small-batch production.

What is the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is an Intel (formerly Altera) MAX 7000A-series Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) with 256 macrocells, 5K usable gates, 84 user I/O, a 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay, and a 3.3 V core supply, housed in a 100-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. According to Arrow and Heisener distributor listings, the part targets industrial glue-logic, bus-decoding, and I/O-expansion applications.
How many macrocells and I/O pins does the EPM7256AEFI100-7 have?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 integrates 256 macrocells and 84 user I/O pins. Per the manufacturer datasheet and distributor listings, these macrocells are grouped into 16 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) of 16 macrocells each, with a Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA) routing signals across the chip.
What is the operating voltage of the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 operates from a 3.3 V core supply with MultiVolt I/O supporting 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5.0 V logic interfaces. This makes it suitable for bridging legacy 5 V peripherals to modern 3.3 V processors without external level shifters.
What is the pin-to-pin propagation delay and max frequency of the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 has a 7.5 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay (the "-7" speed grade) and a maximum operating frequency of 126.6 MHz. This performance is adequate for high-speed address decoding, bus arbitration, and asynchronous state-machine designs.
Where to download the EPM7256AEFI100-7 datasheet PDF?
The manufacturer datasheet for the MAX 7000A family (which covers the EPM7256AEFI100-7) is available from the Altera/Intel document library, historically at https://www.altera.com/literature/ds/m7000a.pdf. Distributor-hosted PDFs are also available on Octopart, DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow, and Jotrin product pages.
Where to buy EPM7256AEFI100-7 online and what is the price?
As of 2026-09-13, the EPM7256AEFI100-7 is available from Heisener at USD 139.28 per unit (4,160 pieces in stock), and listed on DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow, Octopart, WIN SOURCE, SZComponents, and Jotrin. Pricing varies by quantity break; bulk orders typically negotiate lower per-unit cost. Lead time on Heisener shows immediate shipment with delivery Apr 11 - Apr 16.
What is the lead time for the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
Heisener reports 4,160 pieces in stock with immediate shipment and estimated delivery between April 11 and April 16 (as of 2026-09-13). Stock at other distributors should be checked on Octopart, which aggregates 15 distributors and provides real-time availability.
Is the EPM7256AEFI100-7 in stock?
According to Heisener distributor data retrieved on 2026-09-13, the EPM7256AEFI100-7 is in stock with 4,160 pieces available. The part is also listed as Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) per the GlobalSpec datasheet listing, so remaining inventory is finite and design-in for new projects is discouraged.
What is the difference between EPM7256AEFI100-7 and EPM7256AEFC100-7?
Both are 256-macrocell MAX 7000A devices in 100-pin packages; the primary differences are package type and temperature grade. The "FI" suffix denotes a 100-ball Industrial-grade FBGA, while the "FC" suffix denotes a 100-pin Commercial-grade FineLine BGA. Per the Globalspec datasheet cross-reference, the EPM7256AEFC100-7 is listed as a parametric alternative with the same 256 macrocells and 7.5 ns timing but a different operating temperature range.
What is the difference between EPM7256AEFI100-7 and EPM7256AETC100-10?
Both parts share the 256-macrocell MAX 7000A architecture, but the EPM7256AEFI100-7 is in a 100-ball FBGA package with 7.5 ns timing, while the EPM7256AETC100-10 is in a 100-pin TQFP package with 10 ns timing. The "FI" indicates industrial-grade FBGA; the "TC" indicates commercial-grade TQFP. The TQFP version is pin-compatible at the PCB level only if the package is changed - so this is a footprint-migration rather than a true drop-in.
What is the best drop-in replacement for the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
Per the Globalspec datasheet cross-reference, the EPM7256AEFI100-7N is a drop-in replacement that shares the same 100-FBGA (11x11) package, same 256 macrocells, same 7.5 ns timing, and identical functional characteristics - the only difference is the "N" suffix indicating lead-free terminal finish. For new designs requiring RoHS, EPM7256AEFI100-7N is the recommended substitute.
Can EPM7256AEFI100-7N replace EPM7256AEFI100-7?
Yes. According to FindIC's parametric comparison, the EPM7256AEFI100-7N is a complete replacement for the EPM7256AEFI100-7: main performance parameters and functional characteristics are consistent, terminals and packages are identical (FBGA-100, 3.3 V, 84 I/O), and no circuit modification is required. The "N" suffix indicates lead-free terminal plating for RoHS compliance.
When should I choose EPM7256AEFI100-7 over a modern CPLD or FPGA?
Choose the EPM7256AEFI100-7 for legacy industrial designs, board-level glue-logic replacement, or when migrating from an existing MAX 7000A design that needs identical pin-out and timing. Modern CPLDs like MAX V (5M80ZE64) or small FPGAs like MAX 10 (10M02) provide lower power and RoHS compliance, but require PCB redesign. The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is appropriate for maintaining existing systems where the FBGA-100 footprint is already designed-in and the 7.5 ns delay meets timing.
Is the EPM7256AEFI100-7 suitable for new designs in 2026?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is marked Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) per the Globalspec listing dated with an estimated EOL of 2024. For new designs, Intel recommends MAX II, MAX V, or MAX 10 CPLD families, which provide lower power, RoHS compliance, and active long-term support. The EPM7256AEFI100-7 is most appropriate for sustaining engineering and legacy board replacements.
Hey Google, what can replace the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
Drop-in same-package replacements for the EPM7256AEFI100-7 include the EPM7256AEFI100-7N (lead-free version of the same die) and the EPM7256AEFC100-7N (commercial-grade variant in the same 100-ball FBGA). Cross-package migration options include the EPM7256AETC100-10 (same die in TQFP-100) and the EPM7160STC100-10 (lower-density 160-macrocell part in TQFP-100), though these require PCB rework.
What is the maximum operating temperature of the EPM7256AEFI100-7?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 industrial ("I") grade device operates over -40 C to +85 C ambient temperature. The "A" prefix indicates the enhanced in-system-programmable MAX 7000A family, and the "I" suffix in the infix denotes industrial temperature range. Designers should consult the manufacturer datasheet for junction-temperature derating curves.
What JTAG programming tools does the EPM7256AEFI100-7 support?
The EPM7256AEFI100-7 supports IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan and in-system programming via the Altera ByteBlaster or ByteBlasterMV download cable. Original design tools were MAX+PLUS II; current Intel Quartus Prime software (legacy device support) also programs MAX 7000A devices through a JTAG chain. BSDL files are available from the Altera/Intel device-support database.

Engineering reference data for EPM7256AEFI100-7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the EPM7256AEFI100-7 for new industrial designs requiring 256 macrocells of MAX 7000A glue-logic capacity in a 100-ball FBGA footprint, with 7.5 ns timing and -40 C to +85 C operation. For new designs where RoHS compliance is required, prefer the EPM7256AEFI100-7N (lead-free equivalent). For cost-sensitive commercial-temperature designs, choose the EPM7256AEFC100-7N (commercial 0 C to +70 C). When timing margins are tight, migrate to the EPM7256AEFC256-5N (5 ns, same FBGA) for an additional 33% speed improvement. Avoid designing-in new production builds because the family is NRND with an estimated 2024 EOL; reserve this part for legacy sustainment, repair, and small-batch field replacement.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product EPM7256AEFI100-7N EPM7256AEFC100-7N EPM7256AEFC100-7 EPM7256AEFC100-10N EPM7256AEFC256-5N
Brand Intel (formerly Altera) Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel
Package 100-ball FBGA (11x11 mm) 100-ball FBGA (11x11 mm) - same 100-ball FBGA (11x11 mm) - same 100-ball FBGA (11x11 mm) - same 100-ball FBGA (11x11 mm) - same 100-ball FBGA (11x11 mm) - same
Macrocells 256 256 256 256 256 256
Usable Gates 5K 5K 5K 5K 5K 5K
User I/O 84 84 84 84 84 84
Pin-to-Pin Delay (Speed Grade) 7.5 ns 7.5 ns 7.5 ns 7.5 ns 10 ns (slower) 5 ns (faster)
Temperature Grade Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) Commercial (0 C to +70 C) Commercial (0 C to +70 C) Commercial (0 C to +70 C) Commercial (0 C to +70 C)
Lead-Free Finish ("N" suffix) No (SnPb or unspecified) Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Core Voltage 3.3 V 3.3 V 3.3 V 3.3 V 3.3 V 3.3 V

Key Differentiators

  • Drop-in same-FBGA replacement with RoHS lead-free finish (vs EPM7256AEFI100-7N)
  • Faster speed grade available in same package (vs EPM7256AEFC256-5N)
  • Same 100-FBGA footprint across commercial and industrial variants (vs EPM7256AEFC100-7)

Design Notes

The EPM7256AEFI100-7 requires a clean 3.3 V core supply with bulk-decoupling of 10-100 uF tantalum plus 0.1 uF and 0.01 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each VCC ball. During in-system programming via JTAG, the device draws higher transient currents; budget the regulator for at least 1.5x the typical ICC specification. Use a separate analog ground island if the board mixes switching converters with the CPLD to avoid ground-bounce coupling into JTAG programming pins.

The 100-ball FBGA requires 0.8 mm pitch routing on the PCB. Use 4-layer stack-up with continuous ground plane beneath the BGA to provide both reference plane and thermal spreading. Vias-in-pad are strongly recommended for inner-row balls to escape routing on dense boards. Solder-paste stencil aperture reduction of 5-10% on inner balls prevents solder-ball bridging during reflow. Bake-and-dry-pack handling is required if the part has been out of sealed bag more than 168 hours.

Estimated: With 84 simultaneously-switching outputs at 5 V MultiVolt I/O into 50 pF loads, expect ground-bounce spikes in the 1-2 ns range; derate system timing budgets accordingly. Do not leave JTAG TCK floating during normal operation - tie to GND through 10 kohm to prevent spurious device programming. The MAX 7000A ISP algorithm requires specific VCC ramp-up timing; consult the manufacturer datasheet for power-up sequencing if multiple devices share the JTAG chain.

Series-terminate high-speed outputs (those toggling above 50 MHz) with 33-ohm resistors placed within 10 mm of the FBGA ball to dampen reflections on long traces. The 7.5 ns propagation delay assumes a 50 pF load; for heavily loaded buses, plan for additional delay through LCELL chains. Keep clock and JTAG signals away from I/O banks driving switching converters or relays.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Non Compliant
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
No
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Unknown

RoHS not compliant per Arrow product listing; for RoHS-compliant assembly choose EPM7256AEFI100-7N (lead-free variant). AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial-temperature CPLD. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in distributor data.

Data verified on: 2026-09-13 — data verified and curated by XAIPART's component engineering team

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Related Components & Terms

Intel Altera EPM7256AEFI100-7 EPM7256AEFI100-7N EPM7256AEFC100-7 EPM7256AEFC100-7N EPM7256AEFC100-10N EPM7256AEFC256-5N CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device MAX 7000A macrocell Logic Array Block FBGA FineLine BGA JTAG IEEE 1149.1 PCI ISA industrial temperature grade MultiVolt I/O RoHS in-system programmability lead-free finish glue logic address decoder
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