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Kevin-BDS's avatar
Kevin-BDS
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3 years ago

Device support file for EPM7128BUC49

I'm developing a new board that we need to get into production (not massive quantities) in the next few weeks. I'd happily use one of the newer MAX devices (e.g. MAX V) if I could buy any......... ...
FakhrulA_altera's avatar
FakhrulA_altera
Icon for Regular Contributor rankRegular Contributor
3 years ago

Hi Kevin-BDS,

Sorry For the late response. I was trying to seek additional information to clarify this issue.

Unfortunately, as you may find on the Intel website, there's no later version that would support this device. The latest would only be until 13.1.

Intel® Quartus® II Web Edition Design Software Version 13.1 for Windows


Also, there is no direct replacement for the part as the pin assignment is different in new MAX devices. I would recommend you to look for MAX V and MAX 10 for the latest CPLD devices.


Intel® MAX® Series FPGAs and CPLDs


Hope this would clarify your concern.

Best regards,

Fakhrul


  • Kevin-BDS's avatar
    Kevin-BDS
    Icon for New Contributor rankNew Contributor
    3 years ago

    Hi Fakhrul

    So Intel makes a device that it is impossible to create a programming file for? Wow how messed up is that.

    So my options are:

    1. Use a physically larger device that takes up more board space and has more pins that I don't need but at least I can currently buy it.
    2. Design it for a MAX V or MAX 10 and then wait for Intel to decide to actually ship some of these devices to distribution so I can buy some. Who knows when that will be.

    Out of interest I visited the Digikey website this morning and searched for EPM7128 devices.

    Of the 161 devices listed 35 are in stock

    Of those 35 devices there were 6 that had footprints that are not supported by Quartus 13.1

    3 are BGA 49 pin

    2 are PLCC 84 pins

    1 is 160pin QFP (although that one is ridiculously expensive)

    • ak6dn's avatar
      ak6dn
      Icon for Regular Contributor rankRegular Contributor
      3 years ago

      Quartus 13.0sp1 would be the choice for MAX7000 series support. That is what I use.

      It is an old version of Quartus that remains online to support several legacy familes like the MAX7000x and CycloneII series parts.

      Quartus 13.1 does not list support for the MAX7000 series. At all.

      FYI: max_web-13.0.1.232.qdz is actually a 13.0sp1 device support file, not 13.1. It may work in 13.1, I don't know.

      WRT DigiKey, they are using Rochester Electronics as the stocking source. They are a well known dealer in obsolete technology.

      Rochester is basically selling the remaining stock they have gathered of MAX7000 parts that are no longer being manufactured.

      Intel PDN1619 of 12/1/2016 lists the MAX7000, MAX7000B, MAX7000S being discontinued with a last time ship date of 12/1/2017.

      Intel PDN2041 of 12/4/2020 lists the MAX7000A being discontinued with a last time ship date of 12/6/2021.