Altera MAX+Plus II fitting — maximum borrowed product terms in one LAB In a MAX+Plus II flow for a MAX-series CPLD, how many product terms can the fitter borrow from adjacent macrocells within the same LAB to extend one macrocell's equation?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 10

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When targeting CPLDs such as the Altera MAX7000 family, synthesis and fitting tools (e.g., MAX+Plus II) can allocate additional product terms to a single macrocell by borrowing from its neighbors in the same logic array block (LAB). Knowing the typical borrowing limit helps designers estimate resource sufficiency before place-and-route.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target device family is Altera MAX (MAX+Plus II era).
  • Borrowing occurs only within the same LAB.
  • The question asks for the maximum number of borrowed product terms.


Concept / Approach:
Each macrocell has a base number of product terms. With parallel expander connections and fitter optimizations, extra product terms may be sourced from adjacent macrocells. Practical limits exist to preserve routability and ensure timing closure. The commonly cited value in training materials is up to 10 additional product terms borrowed for one macrocell equation inside a LAB.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify CPLD resource: product terms per macrocell.Apply parallel expander concept to borrow neighbors’ terms.Recall MAX+Plus II typical borrowing limit: up to 10 terms.Therefore, select 10 as the answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Historical Altera training slides and user guides for MAX7000 devices reference borrowing up to 10 product terms via expanders to a single macrocell.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 0: contradicts the purpose of expanders.
  • 5: too conservative relative to documented capability.
  • 20: exceeds common per-macrocell borrowing limits in a single LAB.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing total product terms available in a LAB with the maximum that can be concentrated onto one macrocell via expanders.


Final Answer:
10

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