EPM7032STC44-7: Altera's High-Speed Obsolete CPLD with 32 Macrocells & 36 I/O Pins
The EPM7032STC44-7 from Altera (now Intel) is a high-performance Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) designed for embedded systems requiring reliable, fast-response programmable logic. Despite its obsolete status, this 44-TQFP packaged device remains popular in legacy systems due to its 32 macrocells, 36 I/O pins, and 7.5ns propagation delay. Operating at 5V ( 5% tolerance), it features 600 gates and in-system programmability (ISP), allowing field upgrades without physical removal. The surface-mount 44-pin package (10 10mm) makes it suitable for space-constrained applications across industrial, automotive, and telecom sectors where moderate logic density (2 logic blocks) and deterministic timing are critical.
With a temperature range of 0 C to 70 C, the EPM7032STC44-7 delivers stable performance in commercial environments. Its macrocell architecture supports wide fan-in logic functions, making it ideal for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state machine implementations. The device's 7.5ns pin-to-pin delay ensures real-time responsiveness, while ISP capability via JTAG reduces development cycles. Engineers value its predictable timing model for legacy system maintenance, though modern alternatives exist for new designs. The 36 I/Os provide flexible connectivity, with programmable slew rate and drive strength options to optimize signal integrity.
Key technical specifications include a 5V core voltage (4.75V 5.25V), 32 programmable macrocells organized in 2 logic array blocks (LABs), and 600 equivalent PLD gates. Each macrocell features programmable XOR gates, product-term sharing, and dedicated flip-flops with asynchronous control. The device supports 3.3V or 5V I/O standards, offering compatibility with mixed-voltage systems. Security features include programmable bitstream encryption to protect intellectual property. Power consumption averages 50 100mA depending on clock frequency, making it suitable for low-to-mid complexity designs where ASICs are cost-prohibitive.
Typical applications include industrial control interfaces, vintage telecommunications equipment, automotive diagnostic systems, and medical device control logic. Its deterministic timing suits pulse-width modulation (PWM), UARTs, and peripheral interfacing in 1990s early 2000s electronics. The EPM7032STC44-7 was commonly used in legacy PC peripherals, test equipment, and aerospace subsystems requiring radiation-tolerant solutions (though not specifically rated for space). Its obsolete status means availability through specialty distributors, but it remains a cost-effective solution for maintaining aging infrastructure where redesign isn't feasible.
For engineers seeking alternatives, Intel recommends MAX 7000AE or MAX V CPLDs, but the EPM7032STC44-7's simplicity and proven reliability keep it relevant. When sourcing, verify authentic Altera/Intel markings to avoid counterfeit parts. Design resources include legacy Quartus II software versions and third-party synthesis tools. Proper decoupling (0.1 F capacitors per power pin) is critical for stable operation. This CPLD represents a bridge between early PALs and modern FPGAs, offering a balance of speed, density, and ease-of-use for specific legacy applications.
