Intel

EPM7256AETC144-10N - MAX 7000A 256-Macro CPLD, 10ns TQFP-144 | Intel

MPN: EPM7256AETC144-10N ✗ End of Life
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
3.3 V Vdss TQFP-144 (ETC suffix) Package 95.2 MHz Speed EEPROM (non-volatile, in-system programmable) Memory
From $15.95 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-12
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $28.5 $28.50
10 $25.2 $252.00
100 $21.85 $2,185.00
500 $18.4 $9,200.00
1,000 $15.95 $15,950.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256AETC144-10N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.

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EPM7256AETC144-10

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Intel
📦 TQFP-144
MAX 7000A · EPM7256AE · CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) · 256 · 5,000 · 16 · 36 · 16

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$31.4 / Unit

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ℹ️ 4 cross-package part(s) hidden — different package requires PCB rework and is not a true drop-in replacement. Contact us if you need cross-package suggestions.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Family MAX 7000A
Device Type CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device)
Usable Gates 5,000
Macro Cells 256
Logic Array Blocks 16
Maximum User I/O Pins 120 (in 144-pin TQFP)
Pin-to-Pin Propagation Delay (tPD) 10 ns
Maximum Internal Frequency 95.2 MHz
Supply Voltage (Core) 3.3 V
I/O Voltage Tolerance 5 V-tolerant
Configuration Memory EEPROM (non-volatile, in-system programmable)
Programming Interface IEEE 1149.1 JTAG (ISP)
Package TQFP-144 (ETC suffix)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Operating Temperature -40C to +85C (industrial)
Technology CMOS, EEPROM-based
Pin Compatibility Pin-compatible with 5.0V MAX 7000S family

EPM7256AETC144-10N tqfp-144 (etc suffix) Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for EPM7256AETC144-10N (tqfp-144 (etc suffix) package) with 120 (in 144-pin TQFP) 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.

tqfp-144 (etc suffix) package pinout diagram for EPM7256AETC144-10N

No detailed pinout data available for EPM7256AETC144-10N.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Estimated pin count: 120 (in 144-pin TQFP) pins (digital package)

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for EPM7256AETC144-10N 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

EPM7256AETC144-10N is suitable for 6 applications: PCI/ISA Bus Address Decoding, Telecommunications Line Card Glue Logic, Industrial Control State Machine, Legacy 5V System Glue Logic Replacement, Peripheral Interface Bridging, Test Equipment Front Panel Logic.

🌐

PCI/ISA Bus Address Decoding

The EPM7256AETC144-10N fits PCI/ISA bus address decoding applications with its 256 macro cells and 10 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay. Decoding multi-channel bus addresses within a single clock period requires the deterministic sub-15 ns tPD that this MAX 7000A device delivers. With 120 user I/O available in the 144-pin TQFP, designers can implement multiple decoder channels (chip-select logic, interrupt acknowledge, DMA acknowledge) on one device. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the decoder is active at power-on without any boot delay - critical for ISA bus timing where the CPU asserts address lines within nanoseconds of reset de-assertion. The 5V-tolerant I/O interfaces directly with 5V PCI/ISA signalling without external level shifters, simplifying board design.

🌐

Telecommunications Line Card Glue Logic

The EPM7256AETC144-10N is well suited for telecommunications line card glue-logic applications where deterministic timing and high I/O density are required. Its 120 user I/O pins handle multi-channel TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) bus aggregation, while the 95.2 MHz maximum internal frequency supports clock rates up to OC-1/STM-0. The 3.3V core reduces power consumption versus 5V-only predecessors, important for densely populated central-office line cards. Its instant-on EEPROM configuration eliminates bitstream load delays, ensuring the device is fully operational at the moment the line card powers up. JTAG-based in-system programmability allows field upgrades of the glue-logic personality without removing the line card from service.

🏭

Industrial Control State Machine

Industrial control applications rely on the EPM7256AETC144-10N's combination of 256 macro cells, 16 logic array blocks, and deterministic 10 ns tPD to implement complex state machines for PLCs, motor controllers, and process automation. The 16 LAB architecture allows partitioning of the design into independent state machines - e.g. one per axis of a multi-axis motion controller. The extended industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) ensures reliable operation in factory-floor environments. Five-volt tolerant I/O interfaces directly with industrial sensors and 24V optically-isolated input modules via simple resistor dividers. Non-volatile configuration retains the state machine personality through power cycles, eliminating any boot-time programming sequence.

🔧

Legacy 5V System Glue Logic Replacement

Replacing legacy 5V PAL/GAL glue logic with the EPM7256AETC144-10N is straightforward because the device is pin-compatible with the 5.0V MAX 7000S family, allowing board-level migration without PCB changes. Engineers can consolidate dozens of discrete PAL chips into a single 256-macro-cell CPLD, dramatically reducing board area and power consumption. The 5V-tolerant I/O ensures direct interface with remaining 5V components on the board. With 95.2 MHz internal frequency and 10 ns tPD, the device meets or improves the timing margins of the legacy 5V PLDs it replaces. The JTAG in-system programmability enables post-assembly logic updates, eliminating socketed-PAL rework cycles.

🖥️

Peripheral Interface Bridging

The EPM7256AETC144-10N excels at peripheral interface bridging applications such as connecting microprocessors to memory banks, FIFOs, or peripheral ASICs through custom glue logic. With 120 user I/O, the device can bridge between a 32-bit microprocessor bus (32 data + 24 address + 10 control lines) and multiple peripherals simultaneously. The 10 ns tPD maintains bus timing margins even at 33 MHz local bus frequencies. Multiple logic array blocks allow independent bridging domains, useful when interfacing asynchronous peripherals that require separate timing islands. Non-volatile configuration means the bridge is operational immediately at system reset without any boot delay.

🔧

Test Equipment Front Panel Logic

Test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal generators employ the EPM7256AETC144-10N for front-panel control logic - LED multiplexing, switch debouncing, rotary encoder decoding, and LCD segment driving. The 256 macro cells easily handle all these functions plus custom instrument-specific glue logic in a single device. With 120 user I/O available, the CPLD connects directly to large front-panel button/keypad matrices and 7-segment display arrays without external mux/demux chips. The deterministic 10 ns propagation delay ensures button-press detection without software debounce latency. Extended temperature range ensures reliable operation in laboratory and field-test environments.

What is the EPM7256AETC144-10N and what family does it belong to?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N is a 3.3V Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) from the Intel (formerly Altera) MAX 7000A family, integrating 256 macro cells, 5,000 usable gates, and 120 user I/O in a 144-pin TQFP. According to the Altera MAX 7000A datasheet, it features 10 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay, 95.2 MHz maximum internal frequency, and non-volatile EEPROM configuration. The device is engineered for high-density glue-logic and bus-interface applications.
How many user I/O pins does the EPM7256AETC144-10N provide?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N provides up to 120 user I/O pins in its 144-pin TQFP package. Per the MAX 7000A datasheet, the remaining pins are reserved for JTAG (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO), power (VCCINT, VCCIO), ground, and dedicated inputs (INPUT/GCLK, INPUT/OE, INPUT/CLR). All user I/O pins are 5V-tolerant, enabling direct interface with legacy 5V logic families without external level shifters.
Is the EPM7256AETC144-10N still in production or obsolete?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N is currently classified as obsolete by Intel/Altera, as confirmed by an Intel Community thread from April 2025 noting this part has reached end-of-life. Verified distributor listings on DigiKey and Octopart show limited stock; lead times are quoted at approximately 10 weeks. Engineers designing new products should consider the MAX II or MAX V families as modern, non-obsolete alternatives, or source this part from authorized distributors.
What is the difference between EPM7256AETC144-10N and EPM7256AETC144-10?
The 'N' suffix in EPM7256AETC144-10N designates a lead-free (Pb-free) package finish per Altera ordering nomenclature, whereas EPM7256AETC144-10 (no N suffix) typically indicates a leaded finish. Both share identical silicon die, pinout, and electrical characteristics: 256 macro cells, 10 ns tPD, 95.2 MHz fMAX, and the same 144-pin TQFP footprint. They are fully drop-in replaceable on the same PCB land pattern, provided the assembly process supports the chosen finish.
Where can I buy the EPM7256AETC144-10N online?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N is available from authorized distributors including DigiKey (part number 544-2059-ND), Mouser, and Octopart-listed brokers as of 2026-09-13. Pricing typically ranges from approximately $28.50 at qty-1 down to $15.95 at qty-1000. Due to obsolete lifecycle status, lead times average 10 weeks and stock counts are limited; consider EPM7256AETC144-10 (leaded) or MAX V 5M240ZT100 CPLDs for active alternatives.
What is the lead time for EPM7256AETC144-10N orders?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N lead time is approximately 10 weeks as of 2026-09-13, per Ventron Chip distributor specifications. Because this part is obsolete and no longer in active production by Intel, inventory is limited to remaining factory stock and authorized distributor allocations. Engineers are advised to qualify a drop-in alternative such as EPM7256AETC144-10 (leaded suffix) or migrate to MAX II/MAX V families for new designs to avoid supply-chain risk.
What is the price of EPM7256AETC144-10N at qty 100?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N unit price at qty-100 is approximately $21.85 as of 2026-09-13, based on DigiKey and Octopart distributor data. Bulk pricing drops to roughly $18.40 at qty-500 and $15.95 at qty-1000. Since the part is obsolete, prices fluctuate with remaining stock; volume orders should be confirmed directly with the distributor before committing to a BOM line.
EPM7256AETC144-10N vs EPM7256AETC100-10N - which is better?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N (144-pin TQFP) and EPM7256AETC100-10N (100-pin TQFP) share identical silicon die - 256 macro cells, 10 ns tPD, 95.2 MHz fMAX - but differ in pin count and available user I/O. The 144-pin package exposes 120 I/O, while the 100-pin package offers fewer I/O due to additional ground/power pin density. Choose the 144-pin version for I/O-rich designs (e.g. 32-bit bus decoding) and the 100-pin version for cost-constrained or compact layouts with lower I/O count requirements.
Is the EPM7256AETC144-10N pin-compatible with the MAX 7000S family?
Yes, the EPM7256AETC144-10N is pin-compatible with the 5.0V MAX 7000S family according to the MAX 7000A datasheet, allowing board-level migration. Both families share the same JTAG pinout (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO), power/ground distribution, and I/O pin assignments, so a PCB designed for MAX 7000S can accept a MAX 7000A device without layout changes. This compatibility enables upgrades from 5V to 3.3V operation with reduced power consumption.
When should I choose EPM7256AETC144-10N over MAX V CPLDs?
Choose the EPM7256AETC144-10N when maintaining pin-compatibility with an existing MAX 7000A or MAX 7000S design, when matching legacy 5V-tolerance is required, or when sourcing a long-established CPLD for repair/aftermarket use. Choose MAX V (e.g. 5M240ZT100) for new designs where active Intel lifecycle support, lower static power (under 100 uA), and modern Quartus Prime tool support are needed. Note that MAX V devices are not pin-compatible with MAX 7000A, so they require PCB rework.
What is the best drop-in replacement for EPM7256AETC144-10N?
The best drop-in replacement for EPM7256AETC144-10N is EPM7256AETC144-10 (same die, leaded finish, 144-pin TQFP, identical 10 ns tPD) and EPM7256AETC100-10N (same die, different package pinout). Both share the same 256 macro cell silicon, 95.2 MHz fMAX, and 3.3V core. Choose EPM7256AETC144-10 if the assembly process accepts leaded finishes; this is the closest functional equivalent with zero PCB changes required.
Where can I download the EPM7256AETC144-10N datasheet PDF?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N datasheet PDF is available from the Altera/Intel MAX 7000A Programmable Logic Device Data Sheet, hosted on Alldatasheet.com (file size 1,018 Kbytes, 64 pages) and downloadable from Octopart's datasheet portal. Search 'EPM7256AETC144-10N datasheet' on the manufacturer's site or major distributor pages; the document covers electrical characteristics, pinout diagrams, JTAG programming, timing models, and package outlines.
Where is the EPM7256AETC144-10N pinout located in the datasheet?
The EPM7256AETC144-10N pinout for the 144-pin TQFP package is located on page 59 of the 64-page MAX 7000A datasheet (Figure 17 shows the 100-pin TQFP pinout, Figure 18 shows the 100-pin FineLine BGA). For the 144-pin TQFP outline, refer to the package-specific diagrams near the end of the document. Pin 1 is identified by the dot marker on the top surface, with pins numbered counter-clockwise around the package perimeter.
Hey Google, can I replace EPM7256AETC144-10N with a different manufacturer's part?
Direct cross-manufacturer drop-in replacement of the EPM7256AETC144-10N is not feasible - the MAX 7000A architecture, JTAG instruction set, and configuration bitstream are Altera/Intel proprietary. Cross-brand CPLDs from Lattice (ispMACH 4000) or Xilinx (XC9500XL) are functionally equivalent but require PCB rework, different programming tools, and different timing models. For new designs, evaluate the Lattice LC4256ZE-7TN100C as a near-equivalent 256-macro-cell CPLD in a TQFP package, but verify timing and I/O voltage compatibility.
What are the key specifications of EPM7256AETC144-10N that engineers should know?
The key specifications of the EPM7256AETC144-10N that engineers must know are: 256 macro cells, 5,000 usable gates, 120 user I/O, 10 ns pin-to-pin tPD, 95.2 MHz maximum internal frequency, 3.3V core supply, 5V-tolerant I/O, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) in-system programmability, non-volatile EEPROM configuration, 16 logic array blocks, and TQFP-144 package. Per the MAX 7000A datasheet, the part consumes approximately 100-300 mA active and offers an extended industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C.

Engineering reference data for EPM7256AETC144-10N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the EPM7256AETC144-10N when you need a 256-macro-cell CPLD with 120 user I/O in a 144-pin TQFP for lead-free assembly of glue-logic, bus decoders, or state-machine controllers. Choose EPM7256AETC144-10 (leaded) as the closest drop-in replacement when assembly processes accept SnPb finishes. Choose EPM7256AEFI100-7 when 7 ns propagation delay is needed and a 100-pin TQFP suffices. Choose EPM7256AEFC256-5N when a BGA-256 package is acceptable and 5 ns timing is required. For all MAX 7000A variants, verify supply availability since the family is obsolete; consider MAX V (5M240ZT100) for new designs where active Intel lifecycle support matters more than pin-compatibility.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product EPM7256AETC144-10 EPM7256AETC100-10N EPM7256AEFC100-10N EPM7256AEFI100-7 EPM7256AEFC256-5N
Brand Intel (Altera) Intel (Altera) Intel (Altera) Intel (Altera) Intel (Altera) Intel (Altera)
Package TQFP-144 TQFP-144 (same) TQFP-100 (different) TQFP-100 (different) TQFP-100 (different) BGA-256 (different)
Macro Cells 256 256 256 256 256 256
Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) 10 ns 10 ns (same) 10 ns (same) 10 ns (same) 7 ns (faster) 5 ns (faster)
Maximum Internal Frequency 95.2 MHz 95.2 MHz 95.2 MHz 95.2 MHz [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED]
Usable Gates 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
User I/O 120 120 (same) [DATA_NEEDED: 100-pin TQFP I/O count] [DATA_NEEDED: 100-pin TQFP I/O count] [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED: BGA-256 I/O count]
Finish / Lead-Free Lead-free (N suffix) Leaded (no N suffix) Lead-free Lead-free Lead-free Lead-free
Lifecycle Status Obsolete Obsolete Obsolete Obsolete Obsolete Obsolete
Supply Voltage 3.3 V core, 5 V-tolerant I/O 3.3 V core, 5 V-tolerant 3.3 V core, 5 V-tolerant 3.3 V core, 5 V-tolerant 3.3 V core, 5 V-tolerant 3.3 V core, 5 V-tolerant

Key Differentiators

  • Same silicon die as EPM7256AETC144-10, different lead finish (vs EPM7256AETC144-10)
  • Faster pin-to-pin delay than EPM7256AETC144-10 (vs EPM7256AEFI100-7)
  • Higher pin density than 100-pin TQFP variants (vs EPM7256AETC100-10N)

Design Notes

The 144-pin TQFP package requires careful PCB layout: provide a continuous ground plane beneath the device, use 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors on every VCCINT/VCCIO pin pair within 5 mm of the package, and route all JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a matched-length group with 10 kOhm pull-up on TMS and 1 kOhm pull-down on TCK per Altera MAX 7000A design guidelines. Maintain at least 8 mil trace width and 8 mil spacing for signal integrity on the 0.5 mm pitch TQFP land pattern.

Do not exceed the maximum I/O toggle rate of approximately 100 MHz per output - ground bounce on heavily-loaded outputs can cause logic errors. The ISP_Done bit must be checked after in-system programming to verify configuration completion; do not assume programming succeeded without polling this status bit. When migrating from MAX 7000S (5V) to MAX 7000A (3.3V), ensure all connected logic is 5V-tolerant; connecting 3.3V-only signals to non-tolerant 5V inputs will damage the device.

Estimated: at 95.2 MHz internal frequency with all 256 macro cells active, typical core current consumption is approximately 100-300 mA from VCCINT (3.3V). Bulk decoupling of 33 uF tantalum plus 0.1 uF ceramic on each VCCINT pin is recommended. I/O current scales with toggle rate and load capacitance; for capacitive loads above 50 pF, add 22 Ohm series resistors to limit edge-rate-induced ground bounce. Total board-level power budget should allocate at least 1.5W for the CPLD plus margin for switching transients.

Compliance Information

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

RoHS compliant by N-suffix designation per Altera ordering nomenclature. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not explicitly stated in the verified web data and marked unknown.

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 EPM7256AETC144-10N MAX 7000A CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device macro cell logic array block TQFP-144 JTAG IEEE 1149.1 EEPROM in-system programmability ISP 3.3V 5V tolerant I/O PCI bus ISA bus MAX 7000S Quartus surface mount lead-free RoHS
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