on March 13th 1,402

EPM7256AETC144-10N CPLD: Datasheet, Specifications, Applications, and Programming Guide

The EPM7256AETC144-10N is a programmable logic device (CPLD) from Intel’s MAX® 7000A series. This chip is designed for fast performance, running at up to 172.4 MHz with a 10 ns delay. This guide explains everything about this CPLD, including its features, specifications, uses, how to program it, and its pin layout. If you need a reliable, programmable chip for digital circuits, this article will help you understand how it works.

Catalog

EPM7256AETC144-10N Description

The EPM7256AETC144-10N is a high-performance CPLD from Intel's MAX® 7000A series, tailored for demanding logic integration tasks. This device boasts 256 macrocells and around 5,000 usable gates, which facilitates substantial design flexibility and utility in complex digital environments. Operating at a maximum frequency of 172.4 MHz with a propagation delay of only 5.5 ns, it is engineered for speedy operation. Designed with a 3.3V operating voltage and packaged in a compact 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP), the EPM7256AETC144-10N supports robust logic design requirements. The EPM7256AETC144-10N employs EEPROM-based non-volatile configuration memory, allowing for the permanent storage of programming data. This feature, combined with in-system programmability via the JTAG interface, provides ease in updates and field reprogramming, enhancing long-term usability without the need for physical reconfiguration or replacement.

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EPM7256AETC144-10N CAD Models

EPM7256AETC144-10N Symbol

EPM7256AETC144-10N Footprint

EPM7256AETC144-10N 3D Model

EPM7256AETC144-10N Features

Macrocells: This device is equipped with 256 macrocells. Macrocells are the configurable logic components that allow the CPLD to perform various logic functions.

Usable Gates: It provides approximately 5,000 usable gates. This refers to the equivalent amount of basic logic gates (like AND, OR, NOT) that can be configured within the device.

I/O Pins: The CPLD features 120 input/output pins, which allow for extensive interfacing with other parts of a user's electronic design.

Propagation Delay (tpd): The maximum propagation delay is 10 nanoseconds, determining how quickly the CPLD can process input signals and produce outputs.

Operating Frequency: It can operate at frequencies up to 95.2 MHz, which defines the speed at which the device can execute the logic operations.

Supply Voltage: The device operates at a supply voltage of 3.3V, aligning with common low-voltage digital logic levels.

Package: It comes in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP), a compact package type that is favorable for minimizing the space required on printed circuit boards.

Operating Temperature Range: The operating temperature range is from 0°C to 70°C, ensuring reliable performance over a wide range of environmental conditions.

In-System Programmability: The CPLD supports in-system programmability via an IEEE Std. 1149.1 Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interface, allowing for programming and reprogramming of the logic device within the final hardware configuration.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Block Diagram

The EPM7256AETC144-10N is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) with four Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each containing 16 macrocells, totaling 64 macrocells. These macrocells handle both combinational and sequential logic, making the device flexible for various digital logic applications. At the center of the CPLD is the Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA), which connects all LABs, ensuring efficient signal routing. Each LAB communicates with the PIA using 36 interconnect lines, allowing signals to be shared and processed efficiently. The device features I/O control blocks on each side, supporting 2 to 16 I/O pins per LAB. These blocks help manage input and output functions, connecting the CPLD to external circuits. Control signals like global clocks (GCLK1, GCLK2), output enables (OE1), and global reset (GCLRn) help synchronize logic operations across the device. Additionally, logic gates manage clock and reset signals, ensuring smooth operation. This CPLD is designed for high-speed logic processing, offering programmability, efficient signal routing, and reliable I/O control, making it suitable for embedded systems, communications, and industrial automation.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Specifications

Type	Parameter
Manufacturer	Altera/Intel
Series	MAX® 7000A
Packaging	Tray
Part Status	Obsolete
Programmable Type	In System Programmable
Delay Time tpd(1) Max	10 ns
Voltage Supply - Internal	3V ~ 3.6V
Number of Logic Elements/Blocks	16
Number of Macrocells	256
Number of Gates	5000
Number of I/O	120
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	144-LQFP
Supplier Device Package	144-TQFP (20x20)
Base Product Number	EPM7256

EPM7256AETC144-10N Applications

Artificial Intelligence

This CPLD is employed in AI hardware accelerators to handle complex computations required for processing AI algorithms efficiently, enhancing both speed and reliability in AI applications.

5G Technology

In the realm of 5G communications, the EPM7256AETC144-10N is best for signal processing and managing communication protocols. Its high-speed logic operations facilitate the rapid processing needed in the next generation of wireless systems.

Cloud Computing

Within data centers, this device improves processing capabilities, serving as component for managing high volumes of data and complex computations, supporting the infrastructure of cloud services.

Consumer Electronics

The CPLD finds applications in consumer electronics such as televisions and gaming consoles, where it performs custom logic functions that enhance the device functionalities and experience.

Wireless Technology

It is used in wireless communication devices to modulate and demodulate signals, ensuring effective and efficient communication in devices such as routers and cellular modems.

Industrial Control

This device is integral to automation systems in industrial settings, where it controls machinery and manages processes, contributing to increased productivity and safety.

Internet of Things (IoT)

In IoT devices, the EPM7256AETC144-10N manages data processing and communication tasks, great for the seamless operation of connected devices in smart homes and industries.

Medical Equipment

The CPLD is applied in medical devices for tasks such as data acquisition and signal processing, playing a role in the reliability and efficiency of medical diagnostics and treatment equipment.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Similar Parts

• EPM7256AETC100-7

• EPM7256AETC144-7

• EPM7256AETC100-5N

EPM7256AETC144-10N Advantages

High Logic Density

This device packs 256 macrocells and approximately 5,000 usable gates, allowing for the implementation of complex logic circuits within a single chip. This high logic density facilitates more integrated and compact designs, reducing the overall component count and simplifying board layouts.

In-System Programmability (ISP)

Featuring in-system programmability via an IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG interface, the EPM7256AETC144-10N allows for easy programming and reprogramming directly within the circuit. This capability is invaluable for rapid prototyping and iterative design processes, enabling to make adjustments without needing to replace the chip.

Fast Propagation Delay

With a maximum propagation delay of just 10 ns, this CPLD ensures quick processing of inputs and outputs for applications that require high-speed data handling and timely responses, such as video processing and high-frequency trading systems.

Low Power Consumption

Operating on a 3.3V supply voltage, the EPM7256AETC144-10N is optimized for energy efficiency. This low power consumption is beneficial in portable and battery-operated devices, where power management is good for extending operational life.

Comprehensive I/O Capabilities

The device is equipped with 120 I/O pins, providing extensive connectivity options. This allows for flexible interfacing with a wide array of peripherals and other system components, making it highly adaptable to complex multi-device environments.

Non-Volatile Configuration Storage

Thanks to its EEPROM-based memory, the CPLD retains its configuration settings even after power is turned off, ensuring device functionality remains consistent across power cycles. This feature is needed for applications requiring dependable, long-term performance without the need for frequent reconfiguration.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Programming Steps

​Programming the EPM7256AETC144-10N device involves a six-stage in-system programming (ISP) process:

1. Enter ISP: This step makes sure the input and output parts of the device switch from normal use to programming mode smoothly. It takes about 1 millisecond.

2. Check ID: Before starting programming, the device checks its own ID. This step is very quick.

3. Bulk Erase: This clears all previous data from the device. It does this by receiving a command to erase everything and then waiting for 100 milliseconds to make sure everything is erased.

4. Program: This is where the new data is put into the device. For each piece of data, it is sent to the correct address in the device, and then a special pulse makes sure it's stored properly.

5. Verify: After programming, the device checks if all data is correctly stored by reading it back and comparing it to what it should be.

6. Exit ISP: This step switches the device back from programming mode to normal use mode. It also takes about 1 millisecond.

The total time needed for programming depends on how long each pulse lasts and how fast data can move into and out of the device, which is influenced by the speed of the programming clock and how much data there is to process. Different devices might take different amounts of time because they have different amounts of memory to program.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Package Pin-Out Diagram

The diagram shows the EPM7256AETC144-10N package outline and pin numbering. This chip comes in a TQFP-144 (Thin Quad Flat Package with 144 pins), meaning it has fine-pitch leads on all four sides. The Pin 1 location is marked with a small dot, and pin numbers increase counterclockwise around the package. Key reference pins like Pin 1, Pin 37, Pin 73, and Pin 109 help with orientation during PCB assembly. The outline dimensions define the chip’s physical size to ensure proper PCB fitting. The pinout arrangement allows for efficient signal routing, making it suitable for complex logic applications. The EPM7256AE is part of the MAX 7000A CPLD series, featuring 256 macrocells and in-system programmability. The -10N suffix indicates a 10 ns speed grade and a lead-free package.

EPM7256AETC144-10N Manufacturer

The EPM7256AETC144-10N is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) originally developed by Altera Corporation, which was later acquired by Intel Corporation in 2015. Since the acquisition, Intel became the official manufacturer of Altera’s FPGA and CPLD product lines, including the MAX® 7000A series, which this device belongs to. The EPM7256AETC144-10N is designed for high-performance, low-power applications, supporting in-system programmability (ISP) via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1). Although Intel inherited Altera’s CPLD technology, this device has since been discontinued and is now classified as obsolete, meaning Intel no longer produces or supports it in active manufacturing.

Conclusion

The EPM7256AETC144-10N is a powerful and flexible CPLD that is used in AI, 5G, cloud computing, industrial machines, IoT, and medical devices. It processes data quickly, uses little power, and allows for easy reprogramming without removing it from the circuit. It is still useful for older designs that need programmable logic with stable performance. Whether you're working with this CPLD or looking for similar alternatives, understanding its design, programming, and benefits can help you make the best use of it in high-speed digital applications.

Datasheet PDF

EPM7256AETC144-10N Datasheets:

MAX 7000A.pdf