8 macrocells, 15 ns — the logic density and speed that define the fit
The GAL16V8A-15LVC is an electrically erasable PLD from the GAL®16V8 series, offering 8 macrocells with a 15 ns propagation delay. The 15 ns speed grade means the registered output toggles at up to roughly 50 MHz in a typical synchronous design — the limiting factor is the feedback path through the internal logic array, not the I/O pin capacitance. Housed in a 20-PLCC (J-Lead) package measuring 8.89 mm square, the footprint matches the industry-standard PLCC-20 land pattern. The J-lead form factor is a common sight on legacy telecom and industrial control boards — the rework tech will recognise the package profile and the hot-air nozzle profile for removal.
EE PLD architecture — what the 8 macrocells deliver on the board
The electrically erasable programmable logic device (EE PLD) architecture is PAL-type — the logic array is a programmable AND plane feeding a fixed OR plane, with output macrocells that can be configured as registered, combinatorial, or tri-stated. Eight macrocells translate to roughly 8 to 10 simple state machines or 20 to 30 glue-logic equations in a single device, depending on the pin sharing and feedback routing. Surface-mount assembly in the 20-PLCC package means the part sits flush to the board with J-leads wicking solder into the fillet. The package is not moisture-sensitive per JEDEC Level 1 — no dry-bake required before reflow if stored in a dry environment below 30 °C.