21050AA

Overview

The Altera 21050AA is a high-performance Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) belonging to the MAX 7000S family. It features an architecture with 50 macrocells and supports up to 36 usable I/O pins within a 44-pin PLCC package. The device operates at supply voltages ranging from 2.7V to 3.6V, ensuring compatibility with low-voltage systems. Key electrical parameters include a maximum propagation delay of 8.5ns for the E1 speed grade and 10ns for the A1 grade. It provides 256 bytes of user EEPROM for configuration storage and supports in-system programmability via JTAG or dedicated programming interfaces.

Feature Summary

• Non-volatile EEPROM-based architecture retains configuration without external power
• Supports In-System Programming (ISP) for field updates and debugging
• High-speed logic performance suitable for complex digital control applications
• Flexible I/O structure with configurable pull-ups and drive strengths

Applications

• Address decoding and bus bridging in embedded systems
• Power-on reset generation and supervisor circuits
• Simple state machine implementation for industrial control
• Interface translation between different voltage domains

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific speed grade suffix (e.g., A1, E1) required for your timing constraints, as this affects propagation delay specifications. Confirm package availability in PLCC-44 format. Ensure that the sourcing channel provides genuine components, as legacy CPLDs may have limited new production runs. Check for RoHS compliance status if required for modern manufacturing standards.

Selection Notes

Select the 21050AA when a moderate number of macrocells and non-volatile configuration are needed. Compare against the MAX 7000S family for pin count and speed requirements. Consider the 2.7V to 3.6V operating range for power budgeting. Evaluate alternative devices if higher I/O counts or faster speeds are required, such as those from the MAX V or MAX 10 families.

Part Context

The 21050AA is part of Altera's MAX 7000S series, designed for cost-effective, high-density logic solutions. This family utilizes EEPROM technology, distinguishing it from SRAM-based FPGAs that require external configuration memory. It serves as a robust solution for replacing discrete logic gates and simple microcontrollers in fixed-function applications.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-to-pin replacements may be limited due to architectural differences. Consider Altera MAX V or MAX 10 series for modern equivalents with enhanced features. Verify that any substitute device supports similar voltage levels and I/O configurations. Cross-reference with other manufacturers' CPLD offerings if Altera parts are unavailable.