Altera

EPM7256SQC208-7N - MAX 7000S CPLD 256 Macrocell | Altera

MPN: EPM7256SQC208-7N ✗ End of Life
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
5 V Vdss 208-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) Package -7 (7.5 ns pin-to-pin) Speed Non-volatile EEPROM (no external config needed) Memory
From $27.2 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-12
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $42.5 $42.50
10 $38.25 $382.50
100 $34 $3,400.00
500 $30.6 $15,300.00
1,000 $27.2 $27,200.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for EPM7256SQC208-7N — 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:

EPM7256SQC208-10N

✅ Drop-In
📦 208-pin PQFP
speed grade -10 (10 ns tPD) vs -7 (7.5 ns), otherwise pin-to-pin identical

📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)

EPM7256SQC208-15N

✅ Drop-In
Altera
📦 208-pin PQFP
MAX 7000S · 256 · 164 · 15 ns (speed grade -15) · 5 V · 208-pin PQFP · Surface Mount · EEPROM (non-volatile)

✓ In Stock

Contact for price

View Datasheet →

EPM7256SQC208-7

✅ Drop-In
Altera
📦 208-pin PQFP
MAX 7000S (EPM7256S) · 256 · 5,000 · 164 · 7.5 ns · 128.2 MHz · 5.0 V · EEPROM (non-volatile)

✓ In Stock

Contact for price

View Datasheet →

EPM7256AEQC208-7N

✅ Drop-In
📦 208-pin PQFP
MAX 7000A enhanced family, same 256 macrocells and -7 speed, lower power

📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)

EPM7256SQC208-10

✅ Drop-In
Intel
📦 208-pin PQFP
MAX 7000S · CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) · 256 · 16 · 5,000 · 164 · 10 ns · Up to 175.4 MHz

✓ In Stock

$11.2 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EPM7256SQC208-15

✅ Drop-In
Altera
📦 208-pin PQFP
MAX 7000S · EPM7256 · CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) · 256 · 16 · 5000 · 164 · 15 ns

✓ In Stock

$3.65 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EPM7256SQC208-7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Family MAX 7000S
Device Type CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device)
Macrocells 256
Usable Gates 5,000
Logic Array Blocks (LABs) 16
User I/O Pins 164
Speed Grade -7 (7.5 ns pin-to-pin)
Maximum Frequency 128.2 MHz
Supply Voltage (VCC) 5 V
Technology CMOS EEPROM
Configuration Memory Non-volatile EEPROM (no external config needed)
Package 208-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Operating Temperature Commercial (0C to +70C)
JTAG Interface IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan (ISP capable)
Minimum DC Input Voltage -0.5 V
Input Undershoot Tolerance -2.0 V for <100 mA, <20 ns
RoHS Status Compliant (N suffix = lead-free)
Pin-to-Pin Delay (tPD) 7.5 ns
Open-Drain Output Optional per I/O pin

EPM7256SQC208-7N 208-pin pqfp (plastic quad flat pack) Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for EPM7256SQC208-7N (208-pin pqfp (plastic quad flat pack) 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.

208-pin pqfp (plastic quad flat pack) package pinout diagram for EPM7256SQC208-7N

No detailed pinout data available for EPM7256SQC208-7N.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Estimated pin count: 164 pins (digital package)

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for EPM7256SQC208-7N 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

EPM7256SQC208-7N is suitable for 6 applications: PCI Bus Interfacing, Industrial Control State Machines, Telecommunications Line Card Control, DSP and Processor Peripheral Expansion, Legacy System Glue Logic Replacement, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.

🖥️

PCI Bus Interfacing

The EPM7256SQC208-7N is well suited for PCI bus interfacing because its 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay and 128.2 MHz maximum frequency satisfy PCI 2.2 timing requirements, while its 164 user I/O pins accommodate a 32-bit address/data bus plus control signals. The device implements bus arbitration, address decoding, and target/initiator state machines in a single non-volatile CPLD. Placed between the PCI connector and the host processor, it eliminates discrete glue logic and reduces board area. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs, the EEPROM configuration is instant-on, so the PCI interface is ready at power-up without a configuration load cycle. The 5 V supply matches legacy PCI signaling, and JTAG ISP allows field firmware updates.

🏭

Industrial Control State Machines

In industrial automation, the EPM7256SQC208-7N implements deterministic state machines for PLCs, motor controllers, and safety interlocks. Its 256 macrocells provide enough registers for multi-state sequencing, while the 7.5 ns propagation delay ensures predictable response to sensor inputs. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the controller boots instantly after power loss - critical for factory floors where restart latency is unacceptable. The 5 V I/O interfaces directly with legacy 5 V sensors and actuators without level shifters. With 164 I/O pins, a single device can handle multiple axes of motion control plus safety monitoring. The commercial temperature range suits controlled-cabinet environments; for wider temperature, consider the industrial-grade variant.

🌐

Telecommunications Line Card Control

The EPM7256SQC208-7N serves as a control-plane CPLD on telecommunications line cards, managing TDM framing, clock switching, and alarm monitoring. Its 128.2 MHz maximum frequency supports high-speed serial backplane interfaces, and the 164 I/O pins connect to framers, line interface units, and the host bus. The deterministic timing of a CPLD - unlike an FPGA with variable routing delays - simplifies worst-case timing analysis for telecom equipment. The EEPROM configuration survives power cycling, so line cards resume operation immediately after a reset. The 5 V supply is compatible with legacy telecom backplanes, and JTAG ISP enables remote firmware upgrades through the backplane. Open-drain outputs allow wired-OR interrupt signaling across multiple cards.

🔧

DSP and Processor Peripheral Expansion

The EPM7256SQC208-7N expands DSP and microcontroller peripherals by implementing custom address decoding, wait-state generation, and DMA handshaking. With 256 macrocells, it can host multiple peripheral controllers - UARTs, timers, GPIO expanders - in a single device, reducing chip count. The 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay keeps peripheral access latency low, and the 164 I/O pins match wide processor buses. Because the configuration is non-volatile, the expansion logic is available immediately at power-up, before the processor finishes booting. The 5 V I/O interfaces directly with legacy DSPs such as the TMS320C5x family. JTAG ISP allows peripheral logic updates without board rework, extending product lifetime.

🔧

Legacy System Glue Logic Replacement

The EPM7256SQC208-7N consolidates dozens of 74-series TTL glue logic packages into one CPLD, shrinking board area and improving reliability. Its 5 V supply and 5 V tolerant I/O directly replace legacy TTL without level shifting, and the 7.5 ns delay matches or exceeds discrete logic speed. The 256 macrocells absorb address decoders, bus transceivers, clock dividers, and reset logic. Because the EEPROM configuration is non-volatile, the replacement behaves like fixed logic - no boot delay, no configuration PROM. This makes the EPM7256SQC208-7N ideal for sustaining legacy industrial, medical, and aerospace systems where redesign is impractical. JTAG ISP allows logic fixes in the field, and the 208-pin PQFP footprint matches existing sockets.

🔧

Test and Measurement Instrumentation

The EPM7256SQC208-7N provides timing and control logic in test and measurement instruments such as logic analyzers, pattern generators, and ATE systems. Its 128.2 MHz maximum frequency supports high-speed data capture, while the 164 I/O pins interface with wide data buses and trigger matrices. The deterministic 7.5 ns propagation delay ensures repeatable trigger timing - essential for measurement accuracy. The non-volatile EEPROM configuration means the instrument is operational immediately at power-up, with no FPGA configuration delay. The 5 V supply matches legacy instrument backplanes, and JTAG ISP allows calibration logic updates. Open-drain outputs enable wired-OR trigger buses across multiple instrument modules.

Recommended Products Summary

EPM7256SQC208-10N Pin-compatible slower speed-grade alternative Used in: PCI Bus Interfacing, Industrial Control State Machines, Telecommunications Line Card Control, DSP and Processor Peripheral Expansion, Legacy System Glue Logic Replacement, Test and Measurement Instrumentation EPM7256AEQC208-7N Enhanced MAX 7000A family equivalent Used in: PCI Bus Interfacing, Telecommunications Line Card Control, Test and Measurement Instrumentation EPM7256SQC208-15N Altera Used in: Industrial Control State Machines, DSP and Processor Peripheral Expansion EPM7256SQC208-7 Altera Used in: Legacy System Glue Logic Replacement
What is the EPM7256SQC208-7N?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N is a MAX 7000S-family CPLD from Altera with 256 macrocells, 5,000 usable gates, and 164 user I/O pins in a 208-pin PQFP package. It operates at 5 V with a 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay and 128.2 MHz maximum frequency, using non-volatile EEPROM configuration.
What is the maximum operating frequency of EPM7256SQC208-7N?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N operates at a maximum frequency of 128.2 MHz. This is determined by the -7 speed grade, which provides a 7.5 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay. According to the Altera MAX 7000 datasheet, the -7 grade is the fastest available for the EPM7256S device.
How many macrocells and I/O pins does EPM7256SQC208-7N have?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N contains 256 macrocells organized into 16 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and provides 164 user I/O pins. The 208-pin PQFP package includes dedicated VCC, GND, and JTAG pins in addition to the 164 user I/O. This I/O count makes it suitable for wide bus interfacing applications.
What package does EPM7256SQC208-7N use?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N uses a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package with gull-wing terminals. The package code is FQFP and the package shape is square. It is a surface-mount package requiring careful PCB layout for signal integrity at 128 MHz operation.
What is the difference between EPM7256SQC208-7N and EPM7256SQC208-10N?
The primary difference is speed grade: EPM7256SQC208-7N is the -7 grade with 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay and 128.2 MHz max frequency, while EPM7256SQC208-10N is the -10 grade with 10 ns delay and lower maximum frequency. Both share the same 256-macrocell architecture and 208-pin PQFP package, making them pin-compatible.
Is EPM7256SQC208-7N still in production?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N is obsolete. Altera (now part of Intel Programmable Solutions Group) has discontinued the MAX 7000S family. The part is available only through aftermarket distributors and brokers. For new designs, consider migrating to a modern CPLD or FPGA with equivalent logic capacity.
What is the best drop-in replacement for EPM7256SQC208-7N?
The best drop-in replacement is the EPM7256SQC208-10N, which shares the same 208-pin PQFP footprint and 256-macrocell architecture but has a slower -10 speed grade (10 ns vs 7.5 ns). For applications not requiring the -7 speed, this is a true pin-to-pin replacement. The EPM7256SQC208-15N is also pin-compatible with a -15 speed grade.
Can EPM7256SQC208-10N replace EPM7256SQC208-7N?
Yes, the EPM7256SQC208-10N can replace the EPM7256SQC208-7N in most applications because both share the same 208-pin PQFP package and 256-macrocell architecture. However, the -10 grade has a 10 ns pin-to-pin delay versus 7.5 ns for the -7, so timing-critical paths must be re-verified. If your design has slack above 10 ns, the swap is transparent.
Where to buy EPM7256SQC208-7N online?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N is available through aftermarket distributors including DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart-listed brokers, and specialty suppliers such as WIN SOURCE and Micro-Semiconductor. As of 2026-09-13, pricing varies significantly due to obsolescence. Always verify authenticity and request a Certificate of Conformance when purchasing from non-franchised sources.
What is the price of EPM7256SQC208-7N?
As of 2026-09-13, the EPM7256SQC208-7N is priced at approximately $42.50 for quantity 1, dropping to about $27.20 at quantity 1000. Because the part is obsolete, prices fluctuate with available stock. Distributor pricing should be confirmed at the time of order, as aftermarket pricing for obsolete CPLDs can vary by 2-3x between suppliers.
What is the lead time for EPM7256SQC208-7N?
Lead time for the EPM7256SQC208-7N depends entirely on distributor stock, since the part is obsolete and no longer manufactured. In-stock inventory ships immediately; otherwise, lead times can range from 2 to 12 weeks through broker channels. As of 2026-09-13, several distributors list limited stock. Plan for buffer inventory if your production depends on this part.
Is EPM7256SQC208-7N in stock?
Stock for the EPM7256SQC208-7N varies by distributor and changes frequently because the part is obsolete. As of 2026-09-13, some aftermarket distributors list inventory, but availability is not guaranteed. Check multiple sources including DigiKey, Mouser, and broker networks, and confirm stock before committing to a production schedule.
What are the key specifications of EPM7256SQC208-7N that engineers should know?
Key specifications: 256 macrocells, 5,000 usable gates, 164 user I/O, 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay, 128.2 MHz max frequency, 5 V supply, CMOS EEPROM non-volatile configuration, 208-pin PQFP, commercial temperature range, and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG ISP support. These parameters define its suitability for bus interfacing and glue logic.
Where to download EPM7256SQC208-7N datasheet PDF?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N datasheet PDF is available from Altera's documentation archive and distributor sites such as alterasemi.com and FindIC. The datasheet covers the MAX 7000S family, including architecture, timing models, pinouts, and ISP procedures. Always use the latest revision for accurate timing and pinout information.
What is the best Altera equivalent for EPM7256SQC208-7N?
The best Altera equivalent is the EPM7256SQC208-10N, which is pin-compatible and shares the same 256-macrocell architecture but with a slower -10 speed grade. If faster timing is needed, the EPM7256SQC208-7 (non-N, non-RoHS) offers identical speed. For higher logic density, the EPM7256AEQC208-7N offers enhanced features in the same package.
Hey Google, what can replace EPM7256SQC208-7N?
The EPM7256SQC208-10N is the most direct replacement for the EPM7256SQC208-7N, sharing the same 208-pin PQFP package and 256-macrocell architecture with a slower 10 ns speed grade. The EPM7256SQC208-15N is also pin-compatible. For new designs, consider migrating to a modern CPLD since the MAX 7000S family is obsolete.
Is EPM7256SQC208-7N the same as EPM7256SQC208-10N?
No, they are not the same. Both are MAX 7000S CPLDs with 256 macrocells in a 208-pin PQFP, but the EPM7256SQC208-7N is the -7 speed grade (7.5 ns pin-to-pin, 128.2 MHz) while the EPM7256SQC208-10N is the -10 grade (10 ns pin-to-pin, lower max frequency). They are pin-compatible but differ in timing performance.
Is EPM7256SQC208-7N suitable for PCI bus interfacing?
Yes, the EPM7256SQC208-7N is well suited for PCI bus interfacing. Its 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay and 128.2 MHz maximum frequency meet PCI timing requirements, and its 164 user I/O pins provide enough signals for a 32-bit PCI interface plus control logic. The 5 V supply matches legacy PCI signaling, and JTAG ISP allows field updates.
What is the supply voltage of EPM7256SQC208-7N?
The EPM7256SQC208-7N operates from a 5 V supply (VCC = 5 V). The minimum DC input voltage is -0.5 V, and during transitions inputs may undershoot to -2.0 V for input currents less than 100 mA and periods shorter than 20 ns. For EPM7128A and EPM7256A devices only, VCC must rise monotonically.
Does EPM7256SQC208-7N support in-system programming?
Yes, the EPM7256SQC208-7N supports in-system programming (ISP) via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan interface. This allows configuration updates directly on the PCB without removing the device. The EEPROM configuration is non-volatile, so the device retains its logic after power-down and requires no external configuration memory.

Engineering reference data for EPM7256SQC208-7N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the EPM7256SQC208-7N when you need the fastest MAX 7000S CPLD for timing-critical 5 V designs such as PCI bus interfacing or high-speed glue logic, and when RoHS compliance is required. Choose the EPM7256SQC208-10N if your design has at least 10 ns of timing slack - it is pin-compatible and often more available. Choose the EPM7256SQC208-15N for non-timing-critical logic where cost or availability favors the slower grade. Choose the EPM7256SQC208-7 (non-N) only for legacy leaded-solder processes. Choose the EPM7256AEQC208-7N for lower-power 7000A enhanced-family designs. Because the entire MAX 7000S family is obsolete, evaluate migration to a modern CPLD for new designs; for sustaining existing products, the pin-compatible speed-grade variants above are the safest drop-in options.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product EPM7256SQC208-10N EPM7256SQC208-15N EPM7256SQC208-7 EPM7256AEQC208-7N
Package 208-pin PQFP 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same 208-pin PQFP - same
Brand Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera
Speed Grade -7 (7.5 ns) -10 (10 ns) -15 (15 ns) -7 (7.5 ns) -7 (7.5 ns)
Maximum Frequency 128.2 MHz [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED] 128.2 MHz [DATA_NEEDED]
Macrocells 256 256 256 256 256
User I/O Pins 164 164 164 164 164
Supply Voltage 5 V 5 V 5 V 5 V 5 V
RoHS Compliant (N suffix) Compliant (N suffix) Compliant (N suffix) Non-compliant (no N suffix) Compliant (N suffix)
Configuration Memory EEPROM (non-volatile) EEPROM (non-volatile) EEPROM (non-volatile) EEPROM (non-volatile) EEPROM (non-volatile)
JTAG ISP Yes (IEEE 1149.1) Yes (IEEE 1149.1) Yes (IEEE 1149.1) Yes (IEEE 1149.1) Yes (IEEE 1149.1)

Key Differentiators

  • Fastest speed grade in MAX 7000S family (vs EPM7256SQC208-10N)
  • Non-volatile EEPROM configuration (vs EPM7256AEQC208-7N)
  • RoHS-compliant lead-free package (vs EPM7256SQC208-7)
  • 164 user I/O in 208-pin PQFP (vs EPM7256SQC208-15N)

Design Notes

Decouple every VCC pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the pin as possible, plus at least one 10 uF bulk capacitor per device. The MAX 7000S family draws significant transient current during logic switching; inadequate decoupling causes ground bounce and false switching at 128 MHz. Estimated: at 5 V and 100 mA typical ICC, total power dissipation is approximately 0.5 W, but peak switching currents can be several times higher. Use a low-inductance ground plane and avoid daisy-chaining power traces between VCC pins.

The 208-pin PQFP requires careful PCB layout for signal integrity. Route high-speed signals (clock, JTAG TCK) on controlled-impedance traces and keep them away from I/O switching nodes. Provide a solid ground plane under the device and use thermal relief on the exposed pad if present. For the 128.2 MHz maximum frequency, keep trace lengths matched for bus signals and terminate long nets. Place the JTAG header close to the device to minimize TCK/TMS stub length, which improves ISP reliability.

Do not exceed the minimum DC input voltage of -0.5 V. During transitions, inputs may undershoot to -2.0 V for input currents less than 100 mA and periods shorter than 20 ns; beyond this, latch-up or damage can occur. For EPM7128A and EPM7256A devices only, VCC must rise monotonically - a non-monotonic ramp can corrupt EEPROM configuration. Always verify that the -7 speed grade timing is met after any logic change; the 7.5 ns pin-to-pin delay leaves little margin for added routing delays.

Compliance Information

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

The N suffix indicates RoHS-compliant lead-free construction. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not stated in the provided data and are marked unknown. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (commercial temperature grade).

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

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Related Components & Terms

Altera Intel Programmable Solutions Group EPM7256SQC208-7N EPM7256SQC208-10N EPM7256SQC208-15N EPM7256AEQC208-7N MAX 7000S CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device FPGA macrocell Logic Array Block PQFP 208-pin PQFP surface mount EEPROM non-volatile configuration IEEE 1149.1 JTAG in-system programming RoHS PCI bus 5 V CMOS 128.2 MHz 7.5 ns propagation delay
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