Embedded - CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
EPM9320BC356-15 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 16NS, 320-CELL PBGA356	546
EPM7512BBC256-10 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 5.5NS, 512-CELL PBGA256	1730
EPM7128BFC256-7 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 4NS, 128-CELL PBGA256	7051
EPM7032VTC44-20 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 20NS, 32-CELL PQFP44	2261
EPM7128AEUC169-7 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 7.5NS, 128-CELL PBGA169	200
EPM2210GF324C3 Altera (Intel)	FLASH PLD, 7NS, 1700-CELL PBGA32	1171
EPM7128ATC100-6 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 6NS, 128-CELL	7150
EPM7128ATC100-10 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 10NS, 128-CELL	12082
EPM570ZM256C6N Altera (Intel)	FLASH PLD, 9.5NS, 440-CELL PBGA2	2151
EPM7256BUC169-5 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 5NS, 256-CELL PBGA169	431
EPM7032BTI44-5 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 3.5NS, 32-CELL, PQFP44	9741
EPM7064LI84-10 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 10NS, 64-CELL PQCC84	3770
EPM7512BUC169-7 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 5.5NS, 512-CELL PBGA169	263
EPM7256ATC100-10 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 10NS, 256-CELL	1883
EPM7128BUC49-7 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 7.5NS, 128-CELL PBGA49	3430
EPM7064BTI44-7 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 3.5NS, 64-CELL PQFP44	691
EPM1270T144I5N Altera (Intel)	IC CPLD 980MC 6.2NS 144TQFP	2240
EPM570T100C5N Altera (Intel)	IC CPLD 440MC 5.4NS 100TQFP	54
EPM240T100C5N Altera (Intel)	IC CPLD 192MC 4.7NS 100TQFP	59
EPM7192EQC160-20 Altera (Intel)	EE PLD, 20NS, 192-CELL PQFP160	345

Embedded - CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices)

1. Overview

Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) are semiconductor devices containing programmable logic blocks interconnected via a global routing matrix. Unlike FPGAs, CPLDs use non-volatile memory for configuration storage, enabling instant-on functionality. They excel in applications requiring low-latency signal processing, glue logic implementation, and low-complexity digital design integration. Their deterministic timing and reprogrammability make them critical in embedded systems for prototyping, interface bridging, and real-time control.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Product-Term-Based CPLDs	Utilize AND-OR array architecture with fixed routing	Simple state machines, protocol conversion
Look-Up Table (LUT)-Based CPLDs	Implement logic functions via configurable LUTs	Digital signal conditioning, sensor fusion
Hybrid CPLDs	Combine product-term and LUT architectures	Industrial motor control, automotive networking

3. Structure and Components

Typical CPLD architecture consists of:

Logic Blocks: Configurable macrocells with programmable AND-OR arrays (8-64 macrocells per device)
Routing Matrix: Central interconnect providing fixed-delay paths between blocks
I/O Blocks: Bidirectional pins with voltage level translation (1.2V-3.3V compatibility)
Non-Volatile Memory: Flash or EEPROM cells storing configuration bits
Clock Management: Integrated PLLs/ DLLs for precise timing control

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Logic Density	32-512 macrocells	Determines complexity of implementable designs
Maximum Clock Frequency	100-400 MHz	Defines processing speed capabilities
Power Consumption	10-200 mA @ 3.3V	Impacts thermal design and battery life
Propagation Delay	2.5-10 ns	Critical for timing-sensitive applications
Package Types	TQFP, VQFP, BGA (44-352 pins)	Affects PCB integration complexity
Reprogrammability Cycles	10,000-100,000	Determines maintenance lifecycle

5. Application Domains

Telecommunications: Line interface units, protocol converters (T1/E1, Ethernet)
Industrial Automation: PLC controllers, motor drivers, HMI interfaces
Automotive: CAN/LIN bus bridges, sensor signal conditioning
Medical Devices: Diagnostic equipment I/O controllers
Consumer Electronics: Display controllers, peripheral interfaces

6. Major Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Specifications
Xilinx	XC9500XL Series	5V tolerant I/O, 10 ns pin-to-pin delay
Intel (Altera)	MAX II CPLD	2.5V operation, 300 MHz clock speed
Lattice Semiconductor	MachXO3	Trans-rate I/O, embedded sysMEM SRAM
Microchip (Microsemi)	SmartFusion2	ARM Cortex-M3 + FPGA integration

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations during CPLD selection:

Resource Requirements: Calculate required macrocells/logic gates with 20% margin
Timing Constraints: Match propagation delay with system clock requirements
Power Budget: Compare ICC current specifications under typical workload
Package Compatibility: Select footprint matching PCB constraints
Toolchain Support: Evaluate development software features (e.g., Xilinx ISE vs. Lattice Diamond)
Future-Proofing: Choose devices with obsolescence management programs

8. Industry Trends and Projections

Key development directions include:

Process Technology: Transition to 28nm FD-SOI for improved power efficiency
3D Integration: Stacked die architectures for higher logic density
AI Acceleration: Embedded machine learning inference capabilities
Security Features: Integrated hardware-based encryption engines
Green Manufacturing: Lead-free packaging and RoHS compliance

Market forecasts indicate 5.2% CAGR through 2027, driven by industrial IoT and automotive ADAS applications.

Application Case Study

Industrial PLC Controller: Lattice MachXO2 CPLD implemented 24-channel digital I/O control with 3.2 s response time. Device replaced discrete logic and microcontroller, reducing BOM cost by 38% while meeting IEC 61131-2 industrial immunity standards.