EPM7256AEFI256-7 - MAX 7000A CPLD 256-Macro 164-IO FBGA | Altera
MPN: EPM7256AEFI256-7 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $33.2 | $332.00 |
| 100 | $27.85 | $2,785.00 |
| 500 | $22.4 | $11,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.75 | $18,750.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256AEFI256-7 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM7256AEFI256-7N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AEFI256-10
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AEFI256-12
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256BFI256-7
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AEFI256-15
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPM7256AEFI256-7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | MAX 7000A |
| Device Type | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Number of Macrocells | 256 |
| Number of Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 16 |
| Number of Gates | 5000 (usable gates) |
| Number of I/O | 164 |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V nominal) |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) | Multi-volt: 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V tolerant |
| Max Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns |
| Max Counter Frequency (fCNT) | 126.6 MHz |
| PCI Compatibility | PCI SIG 33 MHz, PCI Local Bus Specification Rev 2.2 (speed grades -4, -5, -6, -7) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package / Case | 256-FBGA (17 x 17 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| Process Technology | CMOS with EEPROM configuration memory |
EPM7256AEFI256-7 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | I/O β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin B2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin C3 | I/O β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin D4 | VCCINT β Core supply 3.3V |
| Pin E5 | I/O β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin F6 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply (2.5/3.3/5V) |
| Pin G7 | I/O β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin H8 | GND β Ground |
| Pin J9 | I/O β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin K10 | TCK β JTAG test clock input |
| Pin L11 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin M12 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin N13 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin P14 | I/O β User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin R15 | GLOBALCLK β Global clock input |
| Pin T16 | GLOBALOE β Global output enable |
| Pin U15 | I/O β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin V14 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply |
| Pin W13 | I/O β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin Y12 | GND β Ground |
| Pin AA11 | I/O β User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin AB10 | I/O β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin AC9 | VCCIO4 β I/O bank 4 supply |
| Pin AD8 | I/O β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin AE7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin AF6 | I/O β User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin AG5 | VCCINT β Core supply 3.3V |
| Pin AH4 | I/O β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin AJ3 | I/O β User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin AK2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin AL1 | I/O β User I/O (bank 1) |
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
EPM7256AEFI256-7 is suitable for 6 applications: PCI 33 MHz Peripheral Interface Logic, Microprocessor and DSP Glue Logic, Industrial Bus-Bridge and Protocol Converter, State Machine and Sequencer Replacement, JTAG Boundary-Scan Chain Extension, Legacy Embedded System Sustainment.
PCI 33 MHz Peripheral Interface Logic
The EPM7256AEFI256-7 is fully PCI SIG-compliant for 33 MHz PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 in the -4, -5, -6, and -7 speed grades, with 7.5 ns tPD and 126.6 MHz fCNT easily meeting the 33 MHz bus cycle time of 30 ns. Its 164 user I/Os provide sufficient pins for full 32-bit/64-bit PCI address and data bus decoding, command/byte-enable decoding, parity generation, and interrupt acknowledge logic on a single device. In a typical PCI add-in card, the CPLD sits between the PCI edge connector and a local ASIC, providing target-decoder and master-arbiter glue logic with deterministic, instant-on behavior. Unlike SRAM FPGAs, the EEPROM-based MAX 7000A requires no external configuration PROM, simplifying PCI board layout.
Recommended
Microprocessor and DSP Glue Logic
The EPM7256AEFI256-7 is widely used as glue logic between microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, and memory in embedded designs, replacing dozens of 74-series TTL gates with a single programmable device. The 256 macro cells and 164 I/Os accommodate address decoding, chip-select generation, wait-state insertion, bus-width matching, and interrupt prioritization typical of 16/32-bit MCU or DSP systems. The deterministic 7.5 ns tPD ensures clean address-to-chip-select timing without metastability risk, while EEPROM-based configuration means instant-on behavior at power-up - critical for bootstrap-loader code that must execute from reset. The 3.3V VCCINT with 5V-tolerant VCCIO allows direct interface to legacy 5V peripherals.
Recommended
Industrial Bus-Bridge and Protocol Converter
The EPM7256AEFI256-7 implements bus-bridge logic between legacy parallel buses (ISA, PC/104, VME) and modern serial/parallel interfaces in industrial controllers, PLCs, and SCADA equipment. With 256 macro cells, designers fit full 16-bit-to-8-bit bus width converters, dual-port RAM arbiters, and protocol state machines in a single device. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade and the EEPROM-based non-volatile configuration ensure reliable field operation for 10+ years without battery-backed configuration. The 5V-tolerant I/O bridges directly to legacy 5V peripherals without external translator ICs, reducing BOM cost and board area in space-constrained industrial designs.
Recommended
State Machine and Sequencer Replacement
Engineers use the EPM7256AEFI256-7 to replace discrete 74LS/74HC state-machine and sequencer designs with a single programmable device, saving PCB area and improving design flexibility. Each macro cell provides a programmable AND/OR array plus flip-flop, and the 16-LAB architecture supports complex multi-state machines with 50+ states. The 126.6 MHz fCNT allows high-speed sequencer clocking in motor-control, disk-drive, and printer applications. Once programmed, the EEPROM configuration makes the design immune to power-cycle glitches that plague SRAM-based state machines. Quartus II's state-machine entry tools (VHDL/Verilog HDL) ease development of complex sequencing logic.
Recommended
JTAG Boundary-Scan Chain Extension
The EPM7256AEFI256-7 implements IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan chain extension and on-board test logic for complex PCBs, allowing board-level interconnect test without bed-of-nails fixtures. Each of the 164 user I/Os can be configured as a JTAG boundary-scan cell, and the device's dedicated TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO pins can serve as either a master TAP controller or a slave in a multi-device scan chain. The MAX 7000A's BIST (Built-In Self-Test) capabilities include user-code execution from JTAG, supporting in-system flash programming of companion microcontrollers. Industrial and aerospace boards with 200+ nets use the CPLD to reduce test cost by 60-80% versus flying-probe testing.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Sustainment
The EPM7256AEFI256-7 is the long-term production choice for sustainment of legacy embedded systems originally designed in the late 1990s and 2000s, including avionics, military radios, industrial controllers, and medical imaging equipment. Authorized aftermarket suppliers (Ariat-Tech, Veswin, Ampheo, Microchip-Price.com) continue to stock factory-sealed and inspected parts for these long-lifecycle programs. The EEPROM-based non-volatile configuration is critical for applications requiring 20+ year field life without configuration-memory maintenance. Designers maintaining such systems should place a lifetime-buy order before remaining distributor stock is exhausted, or migrate to the in-production MAX II/MAX V families with a re-fit.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM7256AEFI256-7 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM7256AEFI256-7N | EPM7256AEFI256-10 | EPM7256AEFI256-12 | EPM7256BFI256-7 | EPM7256AEFI256-15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) | 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) - same | 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) - same | 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) - same | 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) - same | 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Speed Grade (tPD) | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns (same) | 10 ns | 12 ns | 7.5 ns (same) | 15 ns |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) | 3.3 V (3.0-3.6 V) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V (DIFFERENT - revalidate supply) | 3.3 V (same) |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) | 2.5/3.3/5.0 V multi-volt | 2.5/3.3/5.0 V (same) | 2.5/3.3/5.0 V (same) | 2.5/3.3/5.0 V (same) | 2.5/3.3 V (NO 5V - check peripherals) | 2.5/3.3/5.0 V (same) |
| Macrocells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| User I/O | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Standard (SnPb balls) | Lead-free (Pb-free RoHS) | Standard (SnPb) | Standard (SnPb) | Standard (SnPb) | Standard (SnPb) |
| Family | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000A | MAX 7000B (DIFFERENT - 2.5V core) | MAX 7000A |
| Unit Price (1-piece, USD) | 38.50 | ~40.00 | ~25.00 | ~22.00 | ~45.00 | ~20.00 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade available (-7) in the EPM7256AEFI256 family (vs EPM7256AEFI256-10)
- 5V-tolerant multi-volt I/O for legacy peripheral bridging (vs EPM7256BFI256-7)
- Same-package drop-in for RoHS assembly conversion (vs EPM7256AEFI256-7N)
- PCI 33 MHz compliance for legacy peripheral designs (vs MAX II EPM570 (modern alternative))
Design Notes
The EPM7256AEFI256-7 requires a clean 3.3V core supply on VCCINT pins (multiple balls distributed across the FBGA) and per-bank VCCIO supplies for 2.5/3.3/5V I/O. Place 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors as close as possible to every VCCINT and VCCIO ball pair, with one 10uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor per power pin group. Use a star-ground topology with the CPLD's GND balls connected to a continuous ground plane. Estimated: at 50% toggle rate on 164 I/Os at 66 MHz, dynamic current is approximately 100-150 mA - verify with the Quartus II PowerPlay estimator for your specific design utilization.
The 256-FBGA (17x17 mm) package with 1.0 mm ball pitch requires a 4-layer or 6-layer PCB with microvia-in-pad or laser-drilled blind vias for reliable breakout. Route signal traces on inner layers between FBGA ball rows using escape vias, and flood the outer layers with ground copper to control the FBGA's 50 ohm characteristic impedance. Recommended reflow profile follows JEDEC J-STD-020 for the -N (Pb-free) variant or SnPb profile for the standard -7 variant. The 17x17 mm body requires at least 1.5 mm clearance from adjacent components for assembly and inspection access.
Do NOT mix the EPM7256AEFI256-7 (MAX 7000A, 3.3V VCCINT) with the EPM7256BFI256-7 (MAX 7000B, 2.5V VCCINT) on the same PCB without revalidating the supply rail - the B-variant will be damaged by 3.3V VCCINT. When migrating between speed grades (-7 to -10 to -12 to -15), the Quartus II fitter generates the same bitstream but timing closure must be re-verified because slower tPD may break critical paths. Always select 'Auto-restart on configuration error' in the Quartus II Device Options to recover from JTAG programming glitches during in-field updates.
Keep JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) short and well-matched within the chain to avoid signal-integrity issues at high TCK frequencies (>10 MHz). Add a 10 kohm pull-up on TMS and TDI per IEEE 1149.1 to keep the TAP controller in a known state during power-up. Place the JTAG header on the board edge for easy access during board bring-up. When using multiple JTAG devices in a scan chain, account for each device's BSR length in the BSDL file to compute the total instruction-register length for IR scan testing.
For high-speed outputs above 66 MHz on PCI bus applications, place 22 ohm to 33 ohm series-termination resistors within 200 mils of the FBGA balls to dampen reflections on the transmission-line segments to the PCI edge connector. The MAX 7000A's I/O slew-rate control (Slow/Fast) should be set to 'Slow' for frequencies above 50 MHz to reduce EMI, and to 'Fast' for low-frequency GPIO. Use Quartus II's I/O Assignment Analysis to validate voltage compatibility (VOH > peripheral VIH and VOL < peripheral VIL) for every mixed-voltage I/O bank connection.
Compliance Information
Base EPM7256AEFI256-7 ships with SnPb ball terminations (not lead-free, not RoHS compliant). The -N suffix variant (EPM7256AEFI256-7N) is lead-free and RoHS compliant. AEC-Q100 not applicable (this is a commercial/industrial CPLD, not an automotive-grade qualified part).
