Intel MAX 10 FPGA: Features, Part Numbers & Development Guide

When I first encountered the MAX10 FPGA back in 2014, it fundamentally changed how I approached low-cost embedded designs. Here was a device that finally bridged the gap between traditional CPLDs and full-featured FPGAs—offering instant-on capability, integrated ADCs, and enough logic resources to run a Nios II processor, all without external configuration memory.

The Altera MAX10 family (now under Intel’s umbrella as Intel FPGA MAX10) represents a unique position in the programmable logic landscape. Whether you’re searching for part numbers like 10M08SAE144C8G or 10M02SCE144I7G, or evaluating the Altera BeMicroMAX10 development kit, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to design with these versatile devices.

What Makes the Intel MAX 10 FPGA Unique

Non-Volatile FPGA Architecture

The MAX10 FPGA breaks the traditional FPGA mold. Unlike conventional SRAM-based FPGAs that require external configuration memory and take hundreds of milliseconds to boot, MAX 10 devices feature integrated flash memory that enables configuration in less than 10 milliseconds. This “instant-on” capability was previously only available in CPLDs.

Key Architectural Features:

Feature	Specification
Process Technology	55nm Flash
Configuration Time	< 10 ms
Sleep Mode Wake-up	< 1 ms
Logic Elements	2,000 to 50,000
On-chip User Flash	Up to 736 Kbits
Embedded Memory	Up to 1,638 Kbits
DSP Blocks	Up to 144 (18×18 multipliers)
PLLs	Up to 4
ADC Blocks	Up to 2 (12-bit, 1 MSPS)

Is MAX 10 a CPLD or FPGA?

This question comes up frequently, and the answer reveals Intel’s clever positioning. While marketed alongside the MAX CPLD family, the MAX10 CPLD designation is technically a misnomer. The architecture is fundamentally FPGA-based, using Look-Up Tables (LUTs) organized in Logic Array Blocks (LABs), not the product-term macrocells found in true CPLDs.

However, MAX 10 delivers CPLD-like benefits:

• Non-volatile configuration (no external boot ROM needed)
• Instant-on operation
• Single-chip solution
• Predictable power-on behavior

The difference is that MAX 10’s SRAM-based logic fabric loads from internal flash at power-up, giving you FPGA performance with CPLD convenience.

Intel MAX 10 Device Family Overview

Complete Device Lineup

The Altera MAX10 FPGA family spans from tiny 2K LE devices to substantial 50K LE parts:

Device	Logic Elements	M9K Blocks	User Flash (Kbits)	PLLs	ADC Blocks	Max I/Os
10M02	2,000	7	96	2	0*	130
10M04	4,000	21	160	2	1	246
10M08	8,000	42	288	2	1-2	250
10M16	16,000	66	528	4	2	320
10M25	25,000	89	675	4	2	360
10M40	40,000	126	736	4	2	360
10M50	50,000	182	736	4	2	360

*Note: 10M02 devices do not include ADC blocks.

Single-Supply vs Dual-Supply Variants

Intel offers MAX 10 in two power supply configurations:

Single-Supply Devices (Compact):

• Simplified power design with single 3.0V or 3.3V supply
• Internal voltage regulator generates 1.2V core voltage
• Ideal for space-constrained applications
• Device codes include “S” (e.g., 10M08SAE144C8G)

Dual-Supply Devices (Analog):

• Separate 1.2V core and 2.5V/3.3V I/O supplies
• Better ADC performance with cleaner analog references
• Recommended for precision analog applications
• Device codes include “D” (e.g., 10M08DAF484C8G)

Understanding MAX 10 Part Numbers

Decoding the Ordering Code

Part numbers like 10M08SAE144C8G or 10M02SCE144I7G follow a specific structure. Let me break down 10M08SAE144C8G as an example:

Position	Code	Meaning
10M	—	MAX 10 family
08	—	8,000 Logic Elements
S	—	Single-supply device
A	—	Analog features (ADC)
E144	—	144-pin EQFP package
C	—	Commercial temperature (0°C to 85°C)
8	—	Speed grade 8
G	—	Lead-free (RoHS compliant)

Feature Options Explained

Code	Feature Description
SA	Single-supply with ADC
SC	Single-supply, Compact (no ADC)
DA	Dual-supply with ADC
DC	Dual-supply, Compact (no ADC)
SL	Single-supply with SEU mitigation
DD	Dual-supply with dual configuration

Common Part Numbers Reference

Here are frequently specified Altera 10M08 and Altera 10M02SCU169C8G variants:

Part Number	Description	I/Os	ADC	Package
10M02SCE144I7G	2K LE, Industrial, No ADC	101	No	144-EQFP
10M02SCU169C8G	2K LE, Commercial, No ADC	130	No	169-UBGA
10M08SAE144C8G	8K LE, Commercial, ADC	101	Yes	144-EQFP
10M08SAU169C8G	8K LE, Commercial, ADC	130	Yes	169-UBGA
10M08SAF484C8G	8K LE, Commercial, ADC	250	Yes	484-FBGA
10M16SAU169C8G	16K LE, Commercial, ADC	130	Yes	169-UBGA
10M50DAF484C8G	50K LE, Commercial, ADC	360	Yes	484-FBGA

Temperature and Speed Grade Options

Temperature Grades:

• C: Commercial (0°C to 85°C)
• I: Industrial (-40°C to 100°C)
• A: Automotive (-40°C to 125°C)

Speed Grades:

• 6: Fastest (limited availability)
• 7: Fast
• 8: Standard

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) Integration

ADC Architecture Overview

One of the most compelling features of the Intel FPGA MAX10 is its integrated 12-bit ADC. Having designed numerous mixed-signal systems, I can confirm that eliminating external ADC chips saves significant board space, reduces BOM cost, and simplifies routing.

ADC Specifications:

Parameter	Specification
Resolution	12 bits
Sample Rate	Up to 1 MSPS (cumulative)
Input Channels	Up to 18 (device dependent)
Input Voltage Range	0 to VREF
Reference Options	Internal 2.5V or External
Temperature Sensor	Integrated on-die TSD
INL	±2 LSB typical
DNL	±1 LSB typical

ADC Channel Configuration

MAX 10 devices support multiple ADC input types:

Dedicated ADC Pins:

• Optimized for analog performance
• Best SNR and THD specifications
• Available on specific I/O banks

Dual-Function Pins:

• Can serve as either GPIO or analog input
• Slightly reduced analog performance
• Flexible pin assignment

Implementing ADC in Quartus

The MAX10 Quartus development flow includes the Modular ADC Core IP for easy ADC integration:

Platform Designer (Qsys) → Modular ADC Core IP

↓

Configure: Channels, Sample Rate, Reference

↓

Generate HDL → Connect to User Logic

↓

Access via Avalon-MM Interface

The ADC IP core supports four configuration variants:

1. Standard Sequencer with Avalon-MM Sample Storage
2. Standard Sequencer with Threshold Violation Detection
3. Standard Sequencer with External Sample Storage
4. ADC Control Core Only (for custom implementations)

Development with Quartus Prime

Quartus Prime Software Support

The MAX10 Quartus toolchain is fully supported in Quartus Prime Lite Edition (free), making MAX 10 an excellent choice for cost-sensitive projects and education.

Software Requirements:

Quartus Version	MAX 10 Support	Notes
Quartus Prime 23.1+	Full	Current recommended
Quartus Prime 18.1-22.x	Full	Stable releases
Quartus Prime 15.0-17.x	Full	Legacy support
Quartus II 14.1	Initial	First MAX 10 release

Creating Your First MAX 10 Project

1. Launch Quartus Prime Lite (free download from Intel)
2. Create New Project → Select MAX 10 device family
3. Choose specific device (e.g., 10M08SAE144C8G)
4. Import pin assignments from development kit QSF file
5. Write HDL (Verilog/VHDL/SystemVerilog)
6. Compile → Analysis & Synthesis → Fitter → Timing Analysis
7. Program via USB-Blaster using .sof (SRAM) or .pof (Flash)

Configuration Modes

MAX 10 supports multiple configuration schemes:

JTAG Configuration:

• Direct SRAM programming (.sof file)
• Fastest iteration during development
• Configuration lost on power cycle

Internal Configuration:

• Programs internal flash (.pof file)
• Non-volatile—survives power cycles
• Single or dual image support

Dual Configuration Images:

• Store two configurations in flash
• Remote update capability
• Fail-safe fallback to factory image

MAX 10 Development Boards and Kits

Intel MAX 10 FPGA Development Kit

The official Intel development kit provides a comprehensive platform:

Key Features:

• 10M50DAF484 FPGA (50K LEs)
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet
• DDR3 SDRAM (512 MB)
• Quad SPI Flash
• HDMI Output
• Dual ADC SMA inputs
• 16-bit DAC output
• HSMC expansion connector
• Two Pmod connectors

Price: ~$229 (varies by distributor)

Altera BeMicro MAX 10

The Altera BeMicroMAX10 from Arrow Electronics offers an affordable entry point:

BeMicro MAX 10 Features:

Component	Specification
FPGA	10M08DAF484 (8K LEs)
SDRAM	8 MB
Sensors	Accelerometer, Temperature, Photo
DAC	On-board
USB	Embedded USB-Blaster
Expansion	80-pin edge connector
Size	Compact form factor

Price: ~$50 (educational pricing available)

Terasic DE10-Lite

The DE10-Lite is popular in academic settings:

Features:

• 10M50DAF484 FPGA (50K LEs)
• 64 MB SDRAM
• VGA output
• Arduino UNO R3 headers
• 3-axis accelerometer
• Six 7-segment displays

Price: $140 commercial / $82 academic

Third-Party Development Boards

Several manufacturers offer MAX 10 boards:

Board	FPGA	Key Features	Approx. Price
DECA	10M50DAF484	DDR3, Ethernet, HDMI, WiFi/BLE	$169
MaxProLogic	10M04SA	8 analog channels, LEDs	$69
maXimator	10M08SAE144	VGA, 7-seg, expansion	~$50

PCB Design Considerations for MAX 10

Power Supply Design

Single-Supply Devices:

• Provide 3.0V or 3.3V to all VCC pins
• Internal regulator generates 1.2V core
• Simpler design but higher power dissipation

Dual-Supply Devices:

• 1.2V for VCCINT (core logic)
• 2.5V for VCCA (analog/PLL)
• 1.2V to 3.3V for VCCIO (per bank)

Decoupling Recommendations:

Supply	Capacitor	Placement
VCCINT	0.1µF + 10µF	Adjacent to each pin
VCCA	0.1µF	Close to PLL/ADC
VCCIO	0.1µF per bank	Distributed
Bulk	47-100µF	Board entry

ADC Layout Guidelines

For optimal ADC performance:

1. Isolate analog inputs from digital signals
2. Use ground plane under ADC input traces
3. Minimize trace length to analog inputs
4. Add anti-aliasing filters at board edge
5. Separate analog and digital grounds (connect at single point)
6. Route VREF carefully with low-impedance connection

Package Selection Guide

Package	Pin Count	Ball Pitch	Board Complexity
V36	36	0.4mm WLCSP	Advanced (HDI)
V81	81	0.5mm WLCSP	Advanced
E144	144	0.5mm EQFP	Standard
M153	153	0.5mm MBGA	Moderate
U169	169	0.8mm UBGA	Standard
U324	324	0.8mm UBGA	Standard
F256	256	1.0mm FBGA	Easy
F484	484	1.0mm FBGA	Easy
F672	672	1.0mm FBGA	Easy

Read more about Altera articles:

Applications and Use Cases

Ideal Applications for MAX 10

System Management:

• Power sequencing control
• Voltage monitoring via integrated ADC
• Temperature monitoring
• Fan speed control
• Board management controllers

Industrial Control:

• Motor drive interfaces
• PLC I/O expansion
• Sensor data acquisition
• Protocol conversion
• Safety monitoring

Communications:

• FPGA configuration management
• I/O bridging and level translation
• Low-latency packet processing
• Protocol offload

Consumer Electronics:

• Display timing controllers
• Audio processing
• LED drivers
• Touch controllers

Nios II Soft Processor Integration

MAX 10 devices with 8K+ LEs can comfortably host a Nios II/e processor:

Typical Nios II System Resources:

Component	Approximate LEs
Nios II/e (economy)	600-700
Nios II/f (fast)	1,400-1,800
JTAG Debug Module	200-400
Timer	100-200
UART	100-200
GPIO	50-100
On-chip RAM	Varies

A basic Nios II system fits comfortably in 10M08 devices, leaving room for custom peripherals.

Useful Resources and Downloads

Official Intel/Altera Resources

Resource	URL	Description
MAX 10 FPGA Overview	intel.com/max10	Product landing page
Device Handbook	intel.com/programmable	Complete technical reference
Quartus Prime Lite	intel.com/quartus	Free development software
Pin-out Files	intel.com/support	Package pin assignments
Design Examples	github.com/intel	Reference designs

Technical Documentation

Document	Content
MAX 10 Device Overview	Architecture, features, ordering
MAX 10 Device Datasheet	Electrical specifications, timing
MAX 10 ADC User Guide	ADC implementation details
MAX 10 User Flash Memory Guide	UFM programming
MAX 10 Configuration Guide	Boot modes, dual image
AN 905	Board Design Guidelines

Development Kit Resources

Kit	Support Page
MAX 10 FPGA Dev Kit	altera.com/devkits
BeMicro MAX 10	arrow.com/bemicro
DE10-Lite	terasic.com/de10-lite

Community Resources

• Intel FPGA Forum (community.intel.com)
• FPGAcademy.org (educational materials)
• OpenCores.org (free IP cores)
• Reddit r/FPGA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between MAX 10 and MAX V devices?

MAX V devices are true CPLDs with macrocell-based architecture, offering up to 2,210 logic elements. MAX10 FPGA devices use LUT-based FPGA architecture with up to 50,000 logic elements, integrated ADCs, DSP blocks, and embedded memory. MAX 10 replaces MAX V for applications requiring more than basic glue logic. While both are non-volatile and instant-on, MAX 10 provides significantly more resources and features.

Can I use MAX 10 FPGA without external configuration memory?

Yes, this is one of MAX 10’s primary advantages. The integrated flash memory stores your configuration internally, eliminating the need for external SPI flash, EPROM, or configuration controllers. The device self-configures in less than 10ms at power-up. You can also store user data in the User Flash Memory (UFM) block—up to 736 Kbits depending on device density.

Which Quartus version should I use for MAX 10 development?

For new designs, use Quartus Prime Lite Edition (free) version 23.1 or later. All MAX10 Quartus development is fully supported in the free Lite edition—you don’t need Standard or Pro editions. Earlier versions back to Quartus Prime 15.0 also support MAX 10, but newer versions include bug fixes, improved timing analysis, and better IP support. The free ModelSim-Intel starter edition is included for simulation.

How does the 10M08SAE144C8G compare to similar parts?

The 10M08SAE144C8G is one of the most popular MAX 10 variants for prototyping and production. It provides 8,000 LEs, integrated ADC, 101 I/Os in a 144-pin EQFP package at commercial temperature (0-85°C) with speed grade 8. For industrial temperature (-40°C to 100°C), use 10M08SAE144I7G. For more I/Os, consider 10M08SAU169C8G (169-UBGA, 130 I/Os) or 10M08SAF484C8G (484-FBGA, 250 I/Os). The 10M02SCE144I7G offers a lower-cost option with 2,000 LEs but no ADC.

Is MAX 10 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, Intel offers automotive-grade MAX 10 devices (designated with “A” temperature grade: -40°C to 125°C) that are AEC-Q100 qualified. These devices are used in automotive applications including infotainment, ADAS preprocessing, instrument clusters, and body electronics. The non-volatile configuration is particularly valuable in automotive environments where instant-on behavior and reliable cold-start operation are critical requirements.

Migration and Device Selection Strategy

Vertical Migration Support

One advantage of the MAX 10 family is vertical migration capability. You can design with a smaller device during prototyping and migrate to larger densities for production—or vice versa—without PCB changes.

Migration Paths by Package:

Package	Compatible Devices
E144	10M02, 10M04, 10M08
U169	10M02, 10M04, 10M08, 10M16
U324	10M08, 10M16, 10M25
F256	10M04, 10M08, 10M16
F484	10M08, 10M16, 10M25, 10M40, 10M50
F672	10M25, 10M40, 10M50

When planning for migration, restrict your I/O usage to the lowest common denominator in your migration path. The Quartus Prime Pin Planner helps identify migration-compatible pin assignments.

Selecting the Right Device

Consider these factors when choosing a MAX 10 device:

Logic Requirements:

• Basic glue logic: 10M02 (2K LEs)
• Simple state machines: 10M04-10M08 (4K-8K LEs)
• Nios II systems: 10M08-10M16 (8K-16K LEs)
• Complex designs: 10M25-10M50 (25K-50K LEs)

I/O Requirements:

• Low pin count: V36, V81 (WLCSP)
• Moderate: E144, M153, U169
• High pin count: F484, F672

Analog Requirements:

• No ADC needed: Select “SC” or “DC” variants (lower cost)
• ADC required: Select “SA” or “DA” variants
• Precision ADC: Use dual-supply “DA” variants

Environmental:

• Lab/Consumer: Commercial (C) grade
• Industrial: Industrial (I) grade
• Automotive: Automotive (A) grade

Power Consumption and Thermal Management

Power Estimation

MAX 10 power consumption depends on design complexity, clock frequencies, and I/O activity. The Quartus Prime Power Analyzer provides accurate estimates after place-and-route.

Typical Power Consumption:

Device	Static Power	Dynamic Power (Typical)
10M02	15-25 mW	50-150 mW
10M08	25-40 mW	100-300 mW
10M16	35-55 mW	150-400 mW
10M50	60-100 mW	300-800 mW

Values vary based on temperature, voltage, and design activity.

Sleep Mode and Power Management

MAX 10 supports power management features:

Sleep Mode:

• Core logic powered down
• Configuration retained in flash
• Wake-up in < 1 ms
• Standby current as low as 100 µA

Power-On Reset (POR):

• Internal POR circuit monitors supply voltages
• Configurable POR threshold
• Clean startup sequence

Thermal Considerations

For designs pushing MAX 10 limits:

1. Calculate junction temperature: Tj = Ta + (Pd × θJA)
2. Verify thermal limits: Tj < 100°C (industrial), Tj < 85°C (commercial)
3. Add thermal relief: Use ground planes and thermal vias
4. Consider airflow: Moving air significantly improves θJA

Comparison with Competing Devices

MAX 10 vs Lattice MachXO3

Feature	Intel MAX 10	Lattice MachXO3
Max Logic	50K LEs	6.9K LUTs
Non-volatile	Yes	Yes
ADC	Integrated 12-bit	No
DSP Blocks	Up to 144	Limited
DDR3 Support	Yes	No
Price Range	$$	$

MAX 10 offers significantly more resources but at higher cost. MachXO3 suits simpler applications.

MAX 10 vs Xilinx Spartan-7

Feature	Intel MAX 10	Xilinx Spartan-7
Non-volatile	Yes (internal)	No (external flash)
Instant-on	Yes (< 10 ms)	No (100+ ms)
ADC	Integrated	XADC (limited)
Logic Range	2K-50K	6K-100K
Memory	M9K blocks	Block RAM

Spartan-7 offers more logic but requires external configuration memory. MAX 10’s instant-on is a key differentiator.

When to Choose MAX 10

Choose MAX 10 when you need:

• Instant-on operation without external boot memory
• Integrated ADC for mixed-signal applications
• Single-chip solution for board space savings
• Cost-effective design with free development tools
• Reliable operation in harsh environments
• Quick power-cycling with immediate functionality

Consider alternatives when you need:

• Logic density exceeding 50K LEs
• High-speed transceivers
• Hard processor systems (ARM cores)
• Maximum clock frequencies (> 450 MHz)

Conclusion

The Intel MAX 10 FPGA family occupies a unique position in programmable logic—delivering FPGA flexibility with CPLD convenience. Whether you’re selecting an Altera MAX10 device for a new design, decoding part numbers like 10M08SAE144C8G or 10M02SCE144I7G, or evaluating development platforms like the Altera BeMicroMAX10, MAX 10 provides a compelling solution for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications requiring instant-on operation.

The integrated ADC, dual-boot capability, and free MAX10 Quartus toolchain make these devices particularly attractive for industrial IoT, system management, and embedded control applications. With densities from 2K to 50K logic elements, there’s a MAX 10 device suited to virtually any low-to-mid complexity design requirement.

From my experience, the sweet spot for most applications lies in the 10M08 to 10M16 range—enough resources for a Nios II processor with custom peripherals, integrated ADC for sensor interfacing, and sufficient I/Os for typical embedded applications, all in packages that don’t require advanced PCB technology.

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