The EP600PC-3 is an older generation Programmable Logic Device (PLD) from Intel (formerly Altera). It belongs to the erasable programmable logic device family. These devices were widely used for implementing custom logic functions before the advent of larger and more complex FPGAs. The 'EP600' indicates a specific device in the family with a certain logic capacity, 'PC' likely refers to the package type (Plastic Carrier), and '-3' might denote a speed grade or revision.

Applications

• Glue logic for microprocessors
• Address decoding
• Peripheral controllers
• State machines
• Simple digital circuits

Features

• Erasable and reprogrammable
• Relatively low logic density compared to modern FPGAs
• Simple architecture
• Low power consumption
• TTL compatible inputs and outputs

Benefits

• Flexibility to implement custom logic functions
• Reduced component count compared to discrete logic
• Faster design cycles compared to custom ASICs
• Easy prototyping and debugging
• Suitable for low-volume production

Additional Details

The EP600PC-3 typically has a few hundred equivalent gates and a limited number of input/output pins. Programming is usually accomplished using a dedicated programmer and development software. The device is based on CMOS technology for low power consumption. Detailed specifications, including timing parameters, power requirements, and programming instructions, are available in the original Intel (Altera) datasheet. This device is considered obsolete but may still be used in legacy systems or hobbyist projects. Modern FPGAs offer significantly higher logic density and performance, making them suitable replacements for many applications previously served by PLDs like the EP600PC-3.