EPM7256SQC208-15N - MAX 7000S CPLD 256 Macrocell | Altera
MPN: EPM7256SQC208-15N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256SQC208-15N — 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 →EPM7256SQC208-7
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View Datasheet →EPM7256SQC208-15
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View Datasheet →EPM7256BQC208-7
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View Datasheet →EPM7256SQC208-15N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | MAX 7000S |
| Macrocells | 256 |
| User I/O Pins | 164 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay | 15 ns (speed grade -15) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Package | 208-pin PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (ISP) |
| RoHS Status | Lead free / RoHS Compliant |
| Logic Array Blocks | 16 macrocells per LAB |
| Interconnect | Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA) |
| Speed Grade | -15 |
| Product Category | CPLD - Complex Programmable Logic Devices |
| Manufacturer | Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) |
EPM7256SQC208-15N 208-pin pqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Complete pinout information for EPM7256SQC208-15N (208-pin pqfp package) with 164 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.
No detailed pinout data available for EPM7256SQC208-15N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Estimated pin count: 164 pins (digital package)
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
EPM7256SQC208-15N is suitable for 6 applications: PCI Bus Interface, Industrial Automation State Machine, Glue Logic Replacement, DMA Controller, Legacy System Maintenance, Telecom Line Card Control.
PCI Bus Interface
The EPM7256SQC208-15N fits PCI bus interface designs because its 256 macrocells and 164 I/O pins provide sufficient logic and I/O for PCI target and master controllers, while its 15 ns pin-to-pin delay supports the 33 MHz PCI clock with margin. The 5 V supply matches legacy PCI signaling levels. In a typical implementation, the CPLD implements address decoding, wait-state generation, and configuration-space registers between the PCI bus and a local peripheral. Unlike an SRAM-based FPGA, the MAX 7000S EEPROM configuration is instant-on, so the PCI interface is ready before the host completes enumeration. The trade-off is lower logic density than an FPGA, but deterministic timing and no external configuration memory simplify board design.
Recommended
Industrial Automation State Machine
The EPM7256SQC208-15N is well suited to industrial automation state machines because its 256 macrocells can implement complex sequential logic with deterministic 15 ns timing, and its 164 I/O pins interface directly with sensors, relays, and motor drivers. The 5 V supply is compatible with legacy industrial I/O levels, and the EEPROM configuration retains the state machine logic through power cycles without a configuration PROM. In a typical design, the CPLD implements a multi-state controller for a packaging or assembly line, replacing dozens of discrete 74-series logic packages. The non-volatile, instant-on operation is critical in factory environments where boot time and reliability matter. The trade-off versus an FPGA is lower logic capacity, but the CPLD's predictable timing simplifies safety validation.
Recommended
Glue Logic Replacement
The EPM7256SQC208-15N replaces dozens of discrete 74-series TTL glue-logic packages in a single 208-pin PQFP, reducing board area and power. Its 256 macrocells and 164 I/O pins can absorb address decoding, bus arbitration, clock gating, and reset sequencing functions that would otherwise require multiple SSI/MSI devices. The 15 ns pin-to-pin delay is comparable to or faster than discrete TTL propagation delays, so system timing is preserved. The 5 V supply matches legacy TTL levels, and the EEPROM configuration eliminates the need for configuration memory. In a typical design, the CPLD consolidates a board's glue logic, improving reliability by reducing solder joints and component count. The trade-off is that the CPLD requires programming during manufacturing, adding a JTAG step.
Recommended
DMA Controller
The EPM7256SQC208-15N can implement a multi-channel DMA controller because its 256 macrocells provide enough registers and counters for address generation, transfer counting, and bus arbitration, while its 164 I/O pins interface with memory and peripheral buses. The 15 ns pin-to-pin delay supports legacy bus speeds up to approximately 33 MHz. The 5 V supply matches ISA and other legacy bus signaling. In a typical design, the CPLD implements DMA channels for a data-acquisition system, moving samples from an ADC to memory without CPU intervention. The EEPROM configuration ensures the DMA controller is active immediately at power-up, which is important for systems that must begin acquisition before software initialization completes. The trade-off versus an ASIC is lower performance but far lower NRE cost.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance
The EPM7256SQC208-15N is a critical part for maintaining legacy systems because it is the exact CPLD used in many 1990s and 2000s industrial, telecom, and medical designs. When a legacy board fails, replacing the EPM7256SQC208-15N with an identical part preserves the original timing and functionality without requalification. Its 256 macrocells, 164 I/O pins, and 208-pin PQFP footprint match the original design, and the 15 ns speed grade matches the original timing budget. Because the MAX 7000S family is obsolete, sourcing genuine parts is the primary challenge. Drop-in alternatives such as the EPM7256SQC208-10 can extend system life when the exact -15 grade is unavailable, provided timing margins allow.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Control
The EPM7256SQC208-15N fits telecom line card control because its 256 macrocells can implement per-channel control logic, alarm monitoring, and bus interfacing, while its 164 I/O pins connect to multiple line interfaces and a backplane bus. The 15 ns pin-to-pin delay supports the control-plane timing of legacy telecom equipment, and the 5 V supply matches the line card's power rails. In a typical design, the CPLD manages channel activation, loopback testing, and fault reporting for a T1/E1 or SONET line card. The EEPROM configuration ensures the line card controller is operational immediately at power-up, which is required for telecom equipment that must restore service quickly after a power event. The trade-off versus an FPGA is lower logic density, but the CPLD's deterministic timing aids compliance testing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM7256SQC208-15N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM7256SQC208-10 | EPM7256SQC208-7 | EPM7256SQC208-15 | EPM7256BQC208-7 | EPM7256AQC208-7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-pin PQFP | 208-pin PQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP - same | 208-pin PQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Macrocells | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| User I/O Pins | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 | 164 |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay | 15 ns | 10 ns | 7.5 ns | 15 ns | 7 ns | 7 ns |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Configuration Memory | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) | EEPROM (non-volatile) |
| RoHS Status | Lead free / RoHS Compliant | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] | Non-RoHS (leaded) | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] |
| JTAG ISP | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Non-volatile EEPROM configuration (vs SRAM-based FPGAs)
- Deterministic 15 ns pin-to-pin timing (vs EPM7256SQC208-10)
- Lead-free RoHS-compliant package (vs EPM7256SQC208-15)
- High I/O count in a single package (vs Discrete 74-series logic)
Design Notes
Decouple every VCC pin of the EPM7256SQC208-15N with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the pin as possible, plus at least one 10 uF bulk capacitor per power plane. The MAX 7000S architecture switches many macrocells simultaneously, causing transient current spikes; inadequate decoupling leads to ground bounce and logic errors. Estimated: at 5 V and a typical 100 mA dynamic current, a 0.1 uF capacitor supplies charge for approximately 2 ns of switching before the bulk capacitor responds. Use a low-inductance ground plane and avoid daisy-chaining power traces between pins.
Route the JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as short, controlled-impedance traces and keep them away from high-speed clock and I/O signals to avoid programming failures. Terminate TCK with a series resistor if reflections are observed. Place the JTAG header close to the CPLD to minimize stub length. For the 208-pin PQFP, use a thermal pad and sufficient copper area under the device to spread heat, although power dissipation is typically low. Follow the manufacturer's recommended land pattern to ensure solder-joint reliability.
Do not assume the EPM7256SQC208-15N is still in production - the MAX 7000S family is obsolete, so verify authenticity and date codes when sourcing. Counterfeit or re-marked parts are common for obsolete CPLDs. Also, the 'N' suffix denotes lead-free packaging; mixing leaded and lead-free parts on the same board can cause solder-joint reliability issues. Finally, the 15 ns speed grade limits maximum clock frequency; if your design was migrated from a faster grade, re-verify timing closure with the slower part.
Compliance Information
Micro-Semiconductor lists the EPM7256SQC208-15N as 'Lead free / RoHS Compliant'. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not found in the provided data.
