EPM7512BQC208-6 | Altera High-Performance CPLD | 512 Macrocells, 6ns Speed
The EPM7512BQC208-6 from Altera (now Intel) represents the pinnacle of high-performance Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs). Designed for engineers demanding both speed and flexibility, this 6ns-speed CPLD packs 512 macrocells and 10,000 gates in a compact 208-pin PQFP package. With 176 I/O pins and 32 logic blocks, it delivers exceptional density for implementing complex state machines, bus interfaces, and glue logic. The device operates at an efficient 2.5V core voltage (2.375V 2.625V range) while maintaining robust performance across commercial temperature ranges (0 C to 70 C). Its in-system programmability (ISP) feature allows for field upgrades without physical removal, significantly reducing development cycles.
At the heart of the EPM7512BQC208-6 lies Altera's advanced MAX 7000 architecture, featuring programmable speed/power optimization. Each of the 512 macrocells can be individually configured for either high-speed (6ns tPD) or low-power operation. The device incorporates sophisticated clock management with global and product-term clocking options, plus dual-output macrocell configurations for complex sequential logic. Security features include 128-bit encryption for design protection and a built-in JTAG boundary-scan test (IEEE Std. 1149.1) for simplified board-level testing. The 208-pin PQFP package (28 28mm) offers optimal thermal characteristics while maintaining compatibility with automated assembly processes.
The EPM7512BQC208-6 excels in timing-critical applications due to its deterministic timing model all interconnects are routed through a centralized FastTrack Interconnect matrix ensuring predictable propagation delays. This makes it particularly valuable for synchronous designs requiring precise signal alignment. The device supports voltage translation between 3.3V and 5V systems through its multi-voltage I/O capability (3.0V to 5.5V). Additional features include programmable slew-rate control (reducing EMI in sensitive applications) and individual output enable terms for each I/O pin. Designers benefit from Altera's Quartus II and MAX+PLUS II development tools which provide schematic entry, VHDL/Verilog synthesis, and comprehensive timing analysis.
Typical applications span across multiple industries: telecommunications (protocol bridging, line card control), industrial automation (PLC I/O expansion, motor control), consumer electronics (display controllers, peripheral interfaces), and automotive systems (sensor conditioning, CAN bus interfaces). The device's combination of high I/O count (176 pins) and macrocell density makes it ideal for consolidating multiple discrete logic components into a single programmable solution. In medical equipment, it serves as a flexible interface between processors and specialized peripherals. For military/aerospace applications (commercial temperature version), it provides reliable logic implementation with lower obsolescence risk than ASICs.
Compared to competing CPLDs, the EPM7512BQC208-6 stands out with its balanced architecture offering more macrocells than typical 'high-I/O' CPLDs while maintaining significantly faster speeds than 'high-density' alternatives. The 6ns speed grade ensures compatibility with modern microprocessor buses (up to 166MHz equivalent frequency). Power consumption averages 150mA typical (at maximum switching activity), with advanced power-saving modes reducing this by up to 50% in standby. Altera's proven reprogrammable EEPROM technology guarantees 100+ programming cycles and 20-year data retention. For legacy system support, the device maintains pin compatibility with earlier MAX 7000 family members, enabling straightforward upgrades.
