EPM7256SQC208-15 - 256-Macrocell MAX 7000S CPLD, 15ns | Altera
MPN: EPM7256SQC208-15 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.32 | $43.20 |
| 100 | $4.24 | $424.00 |
| 500 | $3.95 | $1,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.65 | $3,650.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256SQC208-15 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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EPM7256SQC208-10
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View Datasheet βEPM7256SQC208-7
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View Datasheet βEPM7256BQC208-7
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View Datasheet βEPM7256AQC208-7
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View Datasheet βEPM7256SQC208-15N
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View Datasheet βEPM7256SQC208-15 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 7000S |
| Series | EPM7256 |
| Device Type | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) |
| Macrocells | 256 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 16 |
| Usable Gates | 5000 |
| User I/O Pins | 164 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) | 15 ns |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Package | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programmable Power Mode | Yes (per-macrocell turbo-bit) |
| JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) Boundary-Scan | Yes |
| In-System Programmability (ISP) | Yes |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| RoHS Status | Contains lead / RoHS non-compliant (per third-party listing) |
| Lead-Free Status | Contains lead |
EPM7256SQC208-15 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O β User I/O pin (LAB distributed) |
| Pin 2 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | VCCINT β Internal supply voltage (4.75V-5.25V) |
| Pin 8 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 12 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 18 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 20 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 23 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 28 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 29 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 30 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 31 | VCCIO β I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 33 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 37 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 38 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 39 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 40 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 50 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 51 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 52 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 53 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 54 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 55 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 56 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 57 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 58 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 59 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 60 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 61 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 70 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 71 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 72 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 73 | VCCINT β Internal supply voltage (4.75V-5.25V) |
| Pin 74 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 75 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 76 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 80 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 81 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 82 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 83 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 94 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 95 | VCCIO β I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 96 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 102 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 103 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 104 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 105 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 116 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 117 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 118 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 119 | VCCINT β Internal supply voltage (4.75V-5.25V) |
| Pin 120 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 121 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 128 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 129 | GND β Ground |
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| Pin 142 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 143 | VCCIO β I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 144 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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| Pin 152 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 153 | GND β Ground |
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| Pin 208 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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
EPM7256SQC208-15 is suitable for 6 applications: Microprocessor Bus-Bridging and Glue Logic, Address Decoding and Chip-Select Generation, Industrial Control State Machines, Telecommunications and Networking Equipment, Replacement of Multiple 74-Series TTL Logic, Legacy Peripheral Interface Bridging.
Microprocessor Bus-Bridging and Glue Logic
The EPM7256SQC208-15 is widely used as 5V glue logic between legacy microprocessors, memory, and peripherals. With 256 macrocells and 164 user I/Os in a 208-pin PQFP, it can decode full 24-32 bit address buses, generate chip selects for ROM/RAM/IO banks, and arbitrate interrupts without external 74-series TTL parts. The 15 ns pin-to-pin delay easily meets the timing of 33 MHz 80C186, 68k, and 80C51 microcontroller buses, while the 5V VCCINT matches standard TTL rails. Non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the CPLD powers up ready to run, eliminating boot PROM cost and complexity. Designers benefit from deterministic timing that simplifies worst-case analysis in safety-critical industrial controllers.
Recommended
Address Decoding and Chip-Select Generation
The EPM7256SQC208-15 excels at address decoding for embedded systems, generating chip-select signals for memory banks and peripherals from a wide microprocessor address bus. Its 256 macrocells can hold dozens of independent address comparators in parallel, each producing a chip-select with deterministic 15 ns propagation - ideal for asynchronous memory and peripheral interfaces. The 164 user I/Os comfortably handle full 32-bit address plus control signal decoding in 80x86, MIPS, and ARM-based designs. JTAG-boundary-scan support allows in-system reprogramming for late-stage BOM changes, and the non-volatile EEPROM ensures the decoder table survives power cycles without boot memory.
Recommended
Industrial Control State Machines
In industrial automation, the EPM7256SQC208-15 implements deterministic finite state machines for motor control sequences, safety interlocks, and PLC-style ladder-logic replacement. The 5V tolerance and commercial 0C to +70C operating range suit factory-floor enclosures, while the 16 LAB architecture supports parallel FSMs controlling multiple axes concurrently. The 5000 usable gates and 256 macrocells allow complex sequencer logic - encoder decoding, PWM generation, watchdog timers, and HMI button debouncing - all in a single chip. JTAG ISP enables firmware updates on deployed equipment without removing the CPLD, a key advantage over legacy PAL-based designs.
Recommended
Telecommunications and Networking Equipment
The EPM7256SQC208-15 was a workhorse in telecom and networking hardware for PCI/CompactPCI bus arbitration, Utopia framing, and TDM bus multiplexing. Its 164 user I/Os and 15 ns delay handle 33 MHz PCI bus signals with margin, while per-macrocell power-down enables low standby current in always-on network appliances. The 208-pin PQFP footprint is shared with companion ASICs and ASSPs from that era, simplifying board layout. Non-volatile configuration prevents misprogramming from network glitches, and JTAG boundary-scan allows remote board-test access during manufacturing.
Recommended
Replacement of Multiple 74-Series TTL Logic
A single EPM7256SQC208-15 can replace dozens of 74LS, 74HC, and 74FTTL packages on legacy boards, freeing board area and reducing power consumption. With 256 macrocells, designers can consolidate address latches, bus transceivers, parity generators, and interrupt controllers into one 208-pin PQFP IC. The 5V TTL-compatible I/O eliminates level-shifters, and the deterministic 15 ns delay is comparable to 74LS TTL, making timing drop-in compatible. EEPROM-backed configuration survives factory reprogramming cycles, while JTAG ISP allows board-level logic changes during prototyping without re-spinning PCBs.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Interface Bridging
The EPM7256SQC208-15 bridges legacy peripheral interfaces - ISA bus, parallel port, SCSI, IDE - to modern embedded CPUs. With 164 user I/Os, it can multiplex 16-bit ISA data with 24-bit address, plus control signals, in a single device. The 15 ns pin-to-pin delay matches 8 MHz ISA timing, and the 5V tolerance preserves compatibility with legacy peripheral cards. Designers use macrocell-based tri-state buffers to implement bidirectional bus transceivers with arbitration, replacing multiple 74F245/74F244 chips. Non-volatile configuration means the bridge logic is ready instantly at power-up, critical for boot-time peripheral access.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM7256SQC208-15 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM7256SQC208-10 | EPM7256SQC208-7 | EPM7256BQC208-7 | EPM7256AQC208-7 | EPM7256SQC208-15N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Package | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) - same | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) - same | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) - same | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) - same | 208-pin PQFP (28x28 mm) - same |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) | 15 ns | 10 ns (33% faster) | 7.5 ns (50% faster) | 7.5 ns (50% faster) | 7.5 ns (50% faster) | 15 ns (same) |
| Macrocells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Usable Gates | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| User I/O Pins | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 4.75V - 5.25V | 4.75V - 5.25V | 4.75V - 5.25V | 4.75V - 5.25V | 4.75V - 5.25V | 4.75V - 5.25V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 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 (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Silicon Revision / Family Variant | MAX 7000S (S-series, ISP) | MAX 7000S (same family) | MAX 7000S (same family) | MAX 7000 (B-step, no ISP) | MAX 7000 (A-step, no ISP) | MAX 7000S (same family, lead-free) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard MAX 7000S in-system programmability (vs EPM7256BQC208-7)
- Cost-optimized speed grade with full macrocell count (vs EPM7256SQC208-10)
- PQFP package availability for legacy board reuse (vs EPM7256SQC208-15N)
Design Notes
Provide separate decoupling for VCCINT (4.75V-5.25V) and VCCIO rails with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each supply pin. The 208-pin PQFP package has multiple VCC/GND pins distributed across all four quadrants to maintain signal integrity for the 164 user I/Os. A bulk 10-100 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on each rail handles transient current demand during simultaneous output switching. Keep digital ground returns short and use a solid ground plane beneath the PQFP footprint to minimize VCC bounce on heavily loaded outputs.
The 208-pin PQFP package uses 0.5 mm lead pitch and requires careful PCB layout: 0.15-0.20 mm trace width, 0.15 mm trace spacing, and matched-length routing for critical clock or JTAG signals. Per the MAX 7000 datasheet family layout guidelines, fan-out traces on inner PCB layers should use via-in-pad or near-pad stitching to escape the fine-pitch gull-wing leads. Place the JTAG header (TDI/TMS/TCK/TDO) within 50 mm of the device to keep the boundary-scan chain reliable. Maintain continuous ground plane under the package thermal pad region even though PQFP does not have an exposed pad.
The EPM7256SQC208-15 outputs are TTL-compatible with 24 mA drive strength, suitable for driving terminated 5V buses but care must be taken with simultaneous switching outputs (SSO). Limit the number of simultaneously switching outputs to one LAB (16 macrocells) where possible to control ground bounce. For high-speed buses (>33 MHz), use 22-33 ohm series damping resistors on heavily loaded outputs to reduce ringing. The 15 ns pin-to-pin delay sets a maximum toggle frequency of approximately 33 MHz for registered signals and approximately 50 MHz for combinational paths under ideal conditions.
Do not confuse the speed-grade suffix with macrocell count: the '-15' denotes 15 ns tPD, not 1500 gates. EPM7256 has 256 macrocells regardless of speed grade. Also note that older MAX 7000 (non-S) variants like EPM7256AQC208-7 and EPM7256BQC208-7 lack in-system programmability and require a standalone programmer, while MAX 7000S parts (with the 'S' suffix) support JTAG ISP. When migrating designs between revisions, verify with Altera/Intel MAX+PLUS II legacy software since modern Quartus versions may not support the original MAX 7000 family.
Compliance Information
Per Altera-Price.com listing, EPM7256SQC208-15 contains lead and is RoHS non-compliant in the standard variant. The 'N' suffix variant (EPM7256SQC208-15N) is lead-free reflow-compatible. AEC-Q100 not applicable for legacy commercial-grade CPLD.
