Memory ICs
Subcategories
Products (476)
EPC1604PC8 - 5V/3.3V 64K-bit Serial Config EPROM DIP-8 | Altera
The Altera EPC1604PC8 is a 64 Kbit (64K x 1) serial CMOS configuration EPROM designed to store configuration bitstreams for Altera FLEX-class SRAM-based FPGAs. Housed in an 8-pin PDIP through-hole package, it operates from a single 5.0 V or 3.3 V supply, provides a simple 4-pin serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE), and enters near-zero standby current once configuration completes. Maximum supply voltage is 5.25 V and maximum access time is 75 ns. A serial configuration EPROM is a one-time- or few-time-programmable non-volatile memory used exclusively as a boot/boot-loader store for volatile FPGAs. Within the broader component taxonomy, the EPC1604PC8 sits in the hierarchy EPROM -> non-volatile memory (NVM) -> memory IC -> integrated circuit. Each time the host system powers up, the FPGA reads its bitstream serially out of the EPROM over the 4-pin Altera FLEX configuration interface; the EPROM itself is not user-addressable RAM and is not suitable for general-purpose data storage. Key features include 64 Kbit density organized as 64K x 1 bit, 75 ns maximum access time, CMOS process for low active current, near-zero standby current after configuration, in-system programmability via Altera's programming tools, and a commercial 0 C to +70 C operating temperature range. The simple 4-pin interface eliminates the need for an external configuration controller, allowing the EPROM to connect directly to the FLEX configuration pins. Architecturally, the EPC1604PC8 integrates a serial address counter, an on-chip clock generator synchronized to the DCLK input from the FPGA, an OTP/UV-erasable EPROM cell array, and a serial data output driver gated by the OE (output enable) pin. The device is designed to daisy-chain with other EPC-family EPROMs to support larger FLEX devices that require more than 64 Kbits of configuration data. Typical applications include legacy FLEX 8000 / FLEX 10K configuration storage, industrial control retrofits, replacement of obsolete boot PROMs on legacy FPGA boards, and educational/development platforms that demonstrate FPGA configuration flow. Designers also use the EPC1604 in low-volume production where a discrete boot PROM is preferred over a flash-based controller. When designing with this part, note that the EPC1604PC8 is a legacy product in an 8-pin PDIP package - verify that the target FLEX FPGA supports a 5 V tolerant serial configuration interface or that a modern Enhanced Configuration Device (EPCQ, EPCS) is not required. Daisy-chain pin assignments must follow the Altera application note for multi-device configuration chains. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand and cross-brand drop-in equivalents, application context, and practical design notes that go beyond what is printed in the legacy Altera datasheet.
EPC160C100 - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device | Intel FPGA
The Altera EPC160C100 is an Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) designed to configure SRAM-based look-up table (LUT) FPGAs in the Altera/Intel family, providing non-volatile storage for FPGA configuration bitstreams in a 100-pin package form factor. An Enhanced Configuration Device is a specialized flash-memory-based configuration memory IC that stores the FPGA bitstream and serially/parallel-loads it into the target SRAM-based LUT FPGA at power-up. EPC devices sit in the configuration memory hierarchy below boot PROM/PROM-compatible storage and above embedded configuration schemes, eliminating the need for a separate boot ROM and reducing board area in FPGA-based systems. The EPC160C100 sits within this configuration memory taxonomy: EPC -> configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Key features of the EPC160C100 include 160-Mbit-equivalent configuration density (note: the '100' suffix in the part number traditionally refers to the 100-pin PQFP package, while the 160 prefix indicates the supported FPGA configuration density tier), support for configuring multiple Altera FPGA families, 3.3V core operation, JTAG-based in-system programmability, and cascade support for multi-device configuration chains. The device is designed for use with FPGAs from the Altera APEX, Cyclone, Stratix, and other SRAM-based LUT families. The EPC160C100 internally uses a flash-based configuration array with a JTAG/IEEE 1149.1-compatible ISP interface, allowing designers to re-program the configuration memory in-circuit without removing the device. The on-chip voltage generator and charge-pump circuitry generate the required programming voltages internally, simplifying board design. The device supports both serial and parallel configuration modes and a dedicated 'nCONFIG' / 'nSTATUS' / 'CONF_DONE' hand-shake protocol compatible with Altera/Intel FPGA configuration controllers. Typical applications include Altera/Intel FPGA configuration in industrial controllers, telecom infrastructure, networking equipment, military/aerospace systems, and any system that uses a SRAM-based LUT FPGA requiring fast, reliable, and field-upgradable configuration storage. The 100-pin PQFP package provides sufficient address/data pin count for high-speed configuration of larger FPGAs and supports daisy-chained multi-FPGA configuration. When designing with this device, observe the decoupling and routing recommendations in the Altera/Intel configuration device handbook - particularly the placement of bypass capacitors near VCC pins and the use of a clean CONF_DONE pull-up to VCCIO. Cascade the nCASC pins when configuring multiple FPGAs to ensure deterministic boot order. This page synthesizes distributor stock signals, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives, and practical configuration design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPC160I100 - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device, QFP-100 | Intel FPGA
The Altera EPC160I100 is a 3.3V Enhanced Configuration (EPC) device designed to configure SRAM-based Altera LUT devices including APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, and FLEX 10KE families. It integrates a flash memory array with a controller to deliver fast, in-system configuration and reconfiguration of SRAM-based FPGAs over JTAG or passive serial interfaces. Per the Altera Enhanced Configuration Devices datasheet, the device supports 5.0V tolerant I/O for mixed-voltage systems and provides ISP via JTAG (IEEE Std 1149.1) plus dual-purpose data/address multiplexing for flexible design-in. An Enhanced Configuration Device is a non-volatile configuration memory plus controller integrated circuit used to store FPGA bitstreams and load them at power-up. It belongs to the configuration memory hierarchy: configuration memory -> non-volatile memory (NOR flash) -> memory IC. Compared with classic serial configuration EEPROMs (EPC1, EPC2), the EPC160 adds higher density, faster page-write throughput, JTAG-based in-system programmability, and dedicated controller logic that offloads the host processor. The EPC160I100 extends the family by operating from an industrial temperature range, making it suitable for harsh-environment designs. Key differentiating features include 1.6 Mb of configuration storage, parallel/byte-wide data interface, 5.0V tolerant inputs while operating at 3.3V core, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) ISP, and an industrial temperature rating of -40C to +85C. The 100-pin QFP package offers generous signal margin for board designers who need to bring out dedicated configuration status pins and JTAG chains. Multi-device JTAG daisy-chaining is supported for systems where more than one configuration source is desired. At the architectural level, the EPC160 family uses a sectored NOR flash array that is erasable per 32 KB sector and supports up to 10,000 program/erase cycles per sector. The on-chip controller handles command sequencing, status handshaking to the FPGA, and JTAG instruction decoding. Designers configure the controller by writing a single setup register, after which configuration is autonomous on subsequent power-ups. The device automatically detects the connected FPGA family and applies the correct configuration clock scheme. Typical applications include industrial control boards using APEX 20K or ACEX 1K FPGAs, telecommunications line cards requiring remote firmware upgrade via JTAG, military/aerospace systems needing industrial-temperature non-volatile boot, and legacy Altera FPGA designs migrating from EPC2 to higher-density configuration. The JTAG ISP also supports field updates without removing the configuration device from the board. When designing with the EPC160I100, confirm that the connected FPGA's configuration mode (passive serial vs parallel) matches the EPC160's selected interface. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to each VCC pin, and provide a 10k pull-up on nINIT_CONF if used. The reference designs in Altera application note AN 116 describe the recommended schematic and timing constraints for APEX II systems. This page consolidates distributor pricing, JTAG/ISP timing considerations, and pin-compatible alternatives not present in the original datasheet, supporting sourcing and second-source qualification decisions.
EPC164C88N - Altera/Intel Configuration Device for SRAM FPGAs
The Intel EPC164C88N is a member of the Altera Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) family, a 16-Mbit in-system programmable configuration memory designed to load the SRAM-based look-up tables of the Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, Stratix, Stratix II, Stratix III, Stratix GX, Stratix II GX, and HardCopy II device families. Housed in an 88-pin Ultra FineLine BGA (UBGA) measuring 11x8 mm, the part provides non-volatile configuration storage with a dedicated FPGA configuration interface, eliminating the need for external boot PROMs or microcontroller-based configuration schemes in production hardware. According to the EPC family datasheet, this device family supports 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5.0V FPGA core and I/O voltages, allowing it to interface directly with Altera SRAM FPGAs without level shifters. A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory specifically optimized to deliver the FPGA configuration bitstream to the SRAM-based configuration cells of an FPGA at power-up. These devices sit in the broader hierarchy of memory ICs (non-volatile memory -> PROM/EPROM/Flash -> configuration memory) and are designed for one-time or in-system reprogrammable FPGA configuration rather than general-purpose data storage. Unlike a generic SPI flash, an EPC device implements the Altera-specific configuration controller (passive serial, fast passive parallel, or FPP modes) so that no external host processor is required to load the FPGA. This category is sometimes referred to as an FPGA boot PROM, configuration PROM, or configuration bitstream memory. The EPC164C88N integrates 16 Mbits of configuration storage, supports JTAG-based in-system programming through the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface, and features a low-pin-count dedicated configuration port that simplifies PCB routing versus a parallel flash. The UBGA-88 footprint is a thermally enhanced substrate that supports industrial operating temperatures, making the device suitable for production volumes where factory programming is preferred. Designers can reconfigure the device on the bench without removing it from the board, which shortens development cycles for FPGA prototype spins. In a typical design, the EPC164C88N connects to the FPGA's configuration pins (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) and is selected by an external mode jumper or resistor on MSEL pins. At power-up, the FPGA drives nSTATUS low, the EPC clocks out the bitstream on DATA synchronized to DCLK, and the FPGA asserts CONF_DONE once loading is complete. The entire transaction is transparent to the application processor and is governed by Altera's configuration protocol rather than by user software, which simplifies BOM and reduces firmware complexity. Common applications include factory-loaded configuration for Cyclone III development boards, industrial controllers built around Stratix III logic, and long-life-cycle industrial products where supply-chain traceability requires a single-source configuration IC from Intel. When designing with this part, ensure that the MSEL[2..0] pins of the target FPGA select the correct configuration mode (AS or PS) for the EPC, and place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VCC pin on the UBGA package. Designers should also confirm the supported FPGA voltage mode (3.3V or 1.8V) before mixing EPC164C88N with newer low-voltage FPGA families. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPC16JC88 - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 88-UBGA | Altera (Intel FPGA)
The Altera EPC16JC88 is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to load the configuration bitstream into SRAM-based LUT devices from the Altera/Intel FPGA family. It is supplied in an 88-ball UBGA package (11x8 mm) and is part of the Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) family that also includes EPC4 and EPC8 densities. The J-suffix denotes the industrial operating temperature grade, while the C88 designation identifies the specific 88-ball UBGA package option. An Enhanced Configuration Device is a non-volatile serial configuration memory that stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and delivers it to the target FPGA at power-up through a serial configuration interface. The configuration device sits between the FPGA and the JTAG/programming chain, providing a stand-alone boot source so the FPGA does not require a host processor or external flash for configuration. Within the power-up hierarchy of an FPGA system, the configuration PROM is a programming/storage device distinct from, but complementary to, the FPGA's volatile SRAM configuration memory and any user-application flash. Key features include 16 Mb of storage density, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, support for Altera/Intel FPGAs including Stratix, Cyclone, Arria, and APEX families, low-power CMOS technology, and an industry-standard 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) footprint. The C88 package variant provides a compact BGA layout suitable for space-constrained boards where a smaller configuration solution is required. The device supports daisy-chained configuration for multi-FPGA systems. The EPC16JC88 implements a synchronous serial interface to the target FPGA, using the standard Altera configuration pinout (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0). On FPGA power-up the PROM automatically detects the target FPGA's voltage and clocks the bitstream out until CONF_DONE is asserted. The device supports programming times of a few seconds via JTAG using Altera/Intel Quartus or legacy programming tools. Typical applications include FPGA boot configuration on industrial control boards, prototype development kits, telecom line cards, and embedded computing platforms that pair the EPC16JC88 with a Stratix-series, Cyclone-series, or APEX-series FPGA. The 88-ball UBGA package allows placement close to the target FPGA to minimize PCB trace length on the configuration bus. When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain order is correct so the PROM and FPGA can be programmed together, and provide pull-up resistors on nSTATUS and nCONFIG as required by the Altera configuration specification. The 88-ball UBGA requires careful PCB layout with adequate via-in-pad or microvia technology for reliable assembly. This page synthesizes distributor stock and price context, drop-in configuration-PROM alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EPC16Q100 - 16Mb In-System Programmable Config PROM | Intel/Altera
The Altera EPC16Q100 is a 16-megabit in-system programmable Configuration PROM designed to store configuration data for high-density Altera FPGAs such as the Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX families. It uses a 100-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package, offers a 3.3V core supply, and provides a single-device, high-speed configuration solution for very high-density FPGA designs. An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that holds the bitstream loaded into an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, the configuration PROM provides the boot image that the FPGA reads through its dedicated configuration interface. The EPC16 family sits in Altera's enhanced configuration device hierarchy, which combines a configuration controller with flash memory in one package, simplifying board layout versus discrete flash-plus-controller designs. Key features of the EPC16Q100 include 16 Mb of flash storage, in-system programmability through IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG), support for multiple I/O voltages (3.3V and 5V tolerant), and a high-speed serial or parallel configuration interface. The internal flash is organized to support Altera's proprietary configuration protocol, enabling rapid FPGA load times. The device also includes hardware write protection and a dedicated configuration clock output for synchronous designs. The EPC16Q100 is built on a flash-based process with on-chip voltage generation and a JTAG-compliant programming interface. Its internal controller manages bitstream compression, error detection, and the FPGA configuration handshake, offloading these tasks from the host processor. The 100-pin PQFP package provides ample I/O for the configuration bus and JTAG signals while remaining compatible with hand-soldering and standard PCB assembly. Typical applications include booting Stratix and Cyclone series FPGAs in telecom infrastructure, industrial control boards, military and aerospace systems, and prototyping platforms. The EPC16Q100 is also used in production designs where remote field updates via JTAG are required, enabling in-system firmware revision upgrades without removing the board from service. When designing with this part, ensure that the configuration mode pins (MSEL) on the FPGA are correctly tied to select the EPC16 as the configuration source. Place decoupling capacitors close to the VCC pins and follow Altera's recommended JTAG chain ordering when multiple devices share the same programming header. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Altera enhanced configuration family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPC16QC-100T - 16Mbit FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPC16QC-100T is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable enhanced configuration PROM designed to configure SRAM-based LUT FPGAs, packaged in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) measuring 20 x 14 mm. It supports multi-bit configuration data compression, an 8/16-bit data width, and serial configuration via the Altera enhanced controller block, delivering fast, single-device configuration for very-high-density FPGAs such as Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K families. An enhanced configuration device is a non-volatile memory subsystem dedicated to loading the configuration bitstream into an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, they require an external boot memory; the EPC family integrates a flash array with a hardware configuration controller in one package, simplifying board layout compared to discrete flash-plus-controller designs. Within the broader FPGA ecosystem, the EPC16QC-100T sits in the hierarchy: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> programmable logic support IC -> semiconductor. Key features include 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) of flash memory, built-in compression that can reduce configuration file size by 35 to 55 percent depending on design density, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test support for in-system programming, and dual configuration schemes (serial for one device, parallel for two cascaded EPC16 devices). The device operates from a 3.3 V supply and supports cascading to address larger FPGA bitstreams via Chip Enable (nCE) and Output Enable (nOE) handshake signals. The architecture combines a flash memory array, a configuration state controller, and an IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface on a single die. The controller handles the configuration algorithm, error detection, and chip-select sequencing, while the flash array stores the compressed FPGA image. Compression is performed in Altera's Quartus design software, and the device transparently decompresses the bitstream on FPGA load. Typical applications include boot memory for Altera Stratix and APEX-series FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, military and aerospace DSP systems, and prototyping boards where fast, repeatable configuration from a single 3.3 V flash source is required. The 20 x 14 mm PQFP-100 footprint is compatible with earlier EPC4 and EPC8 enhanced configuration devices, simplifying migration. When designing with this part, confirm that the Quartus programmer software version supports the EPC16 device family and that the target board implements the proper nCE/nOE handshake for multi-device chains. The PQFP-100 package is surface-mount but uses a 0.65 mm pitch leadframe, so PCB assembly requires careful solder-paste stencil and reflow profiling. This page synthesizes distributor availability, parametric context, and engineering guidance beyond the bare datasheet, helping engineers select configuration memory and pin-compatible variants for both new designs and legacy Altera FPGA platforms.
EPC16QC100 - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPC16QC100 is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable Flash configuration PROM designed to store and deliver configuration bitstreams to high-density Altera FPGAs. Housed in a 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) package, it operates with a 33 MHz configuration clock and supports a wide 3.0V to 3.6V supply range, providing a single-device, high-speed configuration solution that eliminates external boot memory. A configuration PROM (sometimes called a configuration memory or boot PROM) is a non-volatile serial memory dedicated to storing an FPGA's bitstream. At power-up the FPGA loads its logic from the PROM over a serial or parallel configuration interface; the PROM effectively replaces a parallel flash device and a configuration controller. Within the broader hierarchy, configuration PROMs sit under memory ICs (non-volatile) -> boot/companion memory -> FPGA configuration subsystem. Key features include 16 Mb of flash organized for Altera's enhanced configuration interface, 33 MHz maximum configuration clock, multi-device cascadable support for very large FPGA bitstreams, in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and built-in compression support so larger bitstreams fit in the available flash. Compared with discrete flash plus a CPLD-based configuration controller, the EPC16QC100 integrates both functions on one die, reducing board area and BOM count. Architecturally, the device combines a configuration controller and a flash array on a single chip, with dedicated interface pins (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA) that match Altera's older FPGA configuration scheme. It supports Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K device families. Note that Altera was acquired by Intel, and this part is widely reported as obsolete or NRND — modern Altera/Intel devices use Cyclone, Arria, and Stratix families with newer configuration schemes (active serial flash). Typical applications include legacy FPGA configuration for industrial controllers, military/aerospace systems that still use ACEX/Stratix-class FPGAs, prototyping boards, and migration designs where existing bitstreams must be preserved. Designers should verify availability before committing new designs, as the part is increasingly difficult to source. Design considerations include routing the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI) to all devices in the chain, providing proper decoupling (0.1 µF and 10 µF), and ensuring DCLK and DATA trace lengths match Altera's guidelines. Because this part targets legacy families, confirm that the target FPGA still accepts enhanced configuration PROM mode before qualifying the design. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and legacy design notes that go beyond the Altera datasheet to help engineers manage end-of-life risk for legacy FPGA systems.
EPC16QC100-TAAC80 - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPC16QC100-TAAC80 is a 16-Mbit enhanced configuration device designed as a single-chip, in-system programmable solution for very high-density SRAM-based FPGAs. Housed in a 100-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package measuring 20x14 mm, this Altera/Intel configuration PROM delivers configuration bitstreams to companion FPGAs such as Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K device families via a dedicated configuration controller and embedded flash memory array. Key headline parameters include a 16-Mbit flash storage density, multi-mode configuration (FPP, PS, AS, JTAG), compression support that reduces configuration file size by 30-55%, and supply voltage of 3.3 V (core) with 5 V tolerant I/O. An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial/parallel memory device whose role is to load the SRAM-based LUT fabric of an FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration on power-down, the host board requires an external boot memory - the configuration PROM - to store the bitstream. The enhanced configuration family (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16) integrates both the configuration controller and the flash array on a single die, eliminating the need for an external controller and reducing board complexity versus older EPROM-based EPC1/EPC2 devices. Key differentiating features of the EPC16QC100 include built-in data compression (which reduces configuration time and storage requirements), JTAG 1149.1 boundary-scan support for in-system programming, multi-voltage I/O (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V) for compatibility with all supported FPGA families, and a dedicated nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking interface. The 'QC100' suffix indicates the 100-pin PQFP package; the '-TAAC80' suffix designates tape-and-reel packaging with a specific date/lot code per Altera ordering nomenclature. The EPC16QC100 internally separates the configuration controller logic from the flash memory block, with the controller handling the bitstream handshake (DCLK, DATA, nCS, OE), decompression, and error checking. Configuration modes supported include Passive Serial (PS), Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), JTAG, and Active Serial (AS) when cascaded with a serial configuration device, enabling flexible design-in across Altera FPGA families. Typical applications include Stratix and APEX 20K FPGA boot storage, industrial control systems requiring reliable SRAM FPGA configuration, networking line cards with high-density FPGAs, military and aerospace FPGA-based processing boards, and any design that needs a robust, in-system programmable configuration memory for legacy Altera SRAM FPGAs. The compression feature is particularly valuable in cost-sensitive designs that need to minimize configuration storage. When designing with the EPC16QC100-TAAC80, verify that the target FPGA's configuration mode matches the PROM's supported modes. For JTAG programming, connect TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO through the device's JTAG chain; the EPC16 will appear as a single JTAG device with its own BYPASS instruction. The nINIT_CONF and OE pins must be tied correctly to the target FPGA's nCONFIG/nSTATUS pins to enable clean handshake during multi-device configuration cascades.
EPC16QC100DM - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 100-Pin QFPA | Intel
The Intel EPC16QC100DM is a 16-Mbit serial configuration memory device designed to store configuration bitstreams for Intel (formerly Altera) FPGA families including Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX series in 100-pin QFPA packaging. The device supports multi-voltage I/O (3.3V/2.5V) operation and uses a serial peripheral interface (SPI) to deliver configuration data to the host FPGA at speeds up to 40 MHz. Housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP-100), the EPC16QC100DM targets industrial temperature ranges and provides high-density, single-chip configuration storage for mid-to-large FPGA designs. A Configuration PROM (or FPGA configuration memory) is a non-volatile serial memory specifically designed to load configuration bitstreams into SRAM-based FPGAs at power-up. Unlike general-purpose EEPROMs, configuration PROMs implement the FPGA-specific serial configuration protocol, supporting multi-device cascading and in-system programming. EPC16 belongs to the configuration memory category, which sits within the FPGA support ecosystem hierarchy: FPGA support IC -> Memory IC -> Configuration PROM -> Non-volatile memory -> Semiconductor IC. Key differentiating features include 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) storage density, a 3.3V core supply with 2.5V/3.3V selectable output voltage for compatibility with older and newer FPGA families, and an industry-standard SPI serial interface. The device supports in-system programmability through the IEEE 1532/JTAG boundary-scan chain, and the parallel/serial configuration modes are selectable via hardware pins. Internal 3.3V regulation from a 5V VCC simplifies board design when the host FPGA requires 3.3V I/O. Architecturally, the EPC16QC100DM integrates a 16-Mbit NOR-flash array with an FPGA-compatible serial configuration controller and a JTAG-compliant programming interface. The serial interface uses four dedicated signals (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG/nSTATUS), and the controller manages bitstream decompression and multi-device daisy-chaining without external glue logic. Error detection is handled by a built-in CRC verifier that signals FPGA nSTATUS if any bitstream corruption is detected at load time. Typical applications include configuring Stratix II/III FPGAs in telecommunications line cards, mid-range Cyclone III/IV designs in industrial controllers, APEX 20K and ACEX 1K systems in legacy test-and-measurement equipment, and Avionics/MIL-STD-1553 interface cards where 100-pin PQFP packages remain standard. The 16 Mbit density is well matched to mid-density FPGAs (roughly 30k-120k logic elements), and the 3.3V/2.5V VIO option lets one PROM support multiple FPGA generations on the same PCB. When designing with the EPC16QC100DM, ensure that nCS, DCLK, and DATA traces are length-matched to within 1 cm and routed with 50 ohm controlled impedance to avoid bitstream corruption at the maximum 40 MHz DCLK rate. For multi-device configuration chains, daisy-chain nCASC between PROMs and respect tCF parameter (typically 100 ms) before issuing nCONFIG. This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in configuration PROM alternatives, and practical design notes for Intel/Altera EPC16 family configuration devices, information not consolidated on any single distributor or manufacturer page.
EPC16QC100II - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera (Intel)
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPC16QC100II is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to store configuration data for SRAM-based Altera/Intel FPGAs including APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, and Cyclone device families. The part is housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) measuring 20 x 14 mm with a 0.5 mm lead pitch, and operates over the industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C. An FPGA configuration PROM is a specialized non-volatile memory device that holds the bitstream required to configure an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, the configuration PROM sits on the board and serially (or in some schemes, in parallel) loads the FPGA's configuration memory at every power-on cycle. EPC configuration PROMs sit at the bottom of the configuration-device hierarchy: configuration PROM -> serial configuration memory -> non-volatile boot memory -> FPGA configuration subsystem -> programmable logic device. Key features include 16 Mb of flash storage organized to support Altera's FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) and PSA (Passive Serial Asynchronous) configuration schemes, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) boundary-scan, a low-pin-count serial interface that reduces board real-estate versus parallel boot memories, and dedicated open-drain CONF_DONE / nSTATUS / nCONFIG handshake pins for seamless FPGA hand-off. The "II" suffix denotes the industrial-grade temperature variant. The EPC16QC100II uses a 3.3 V core supply with 5 V tolerant I/O on configuration pins, supporting cascading of multiple PROMs to address FPGAs whose bitstream exceeds 16 Mb. Internally, the device implements a state machine that handles JTAG ISP (In-System Programming) and orchestrates the serial clock and data handshake required by the target FPGA. Compared to early EPC1/EPC2 PROMs, the EPC16 adds compression support, reducing the on-board PROM silicon needed to load a given FPGA by approximately 30%. Typical applications include Altera APEX 20K and APEX II board boot, ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K configuration storage, Cyclone (original) FPGA configuration, multi-FPGA systems requiring cascaded PROMs, and industrial controllers using legacy FLEX 8000 designs. The part is also a common reference design point in educational FPGA labs. Designers should note that the EPC16QC100II has been superseded by newer Altera/Intel configuration devices such as the EPCQ and EPCQ-A families for current FPGA families; for new designs targeting Cyclone IV / Cyclone 10 / Arria / Stratix, engineers should select EPCQ16 or EPCQ-A16 instead. However, the EPC16 remains the supported configuration device for many legacy designs and continues to ship from authorized distributors. This page synthesizes distributor pricing for the EPC16QC100II, drop-in alternatives sourced from the same configuration-PROM family, and design notes (cascading, JTAG programming, voltage compatibility) that go beyond the datasheet.
EPC16QC100N - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPC16QC100N is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to store configuration bitstreams for SRAM-based Altera FPGAs including the ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, Mercury, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, and Stratix II GX families. Housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (QFP) measuring 20x14 mm, the device operates from a single 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply and supports a maximum configuration clock frequency of 33 MHz. What is an FPGA configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile flash memory device that stores the bitstream (configuration data) for SRAM-based FPGAs. Because SRAM loses its configuration when power is removed, an external non-volatile store is required to reload the device at every power-up. These configuration PROMs sit in the hierarchy as follows: configuration PROM -> serial/parallel flash memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit (semiconductor). They expose a dedicated configuration interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) that handshakes directly with the FPGA during the load sequence. Key features include 16,777,216 bits of flash memory (16 Mbit), on-chip decompression that supports compressed bitstreams up to twice the memory density, and a fast page-mode configuration interface. The device supports JTAG-based in-system programming via IEEE Std 1149.1, allowing the configuration image to be updated on a populated PCB without removing the PROM. Operating temperature is specified for the commercial 0C to 70C range. The EPC16QC100N uses a flash-based architecture with a typical 90 ns access time, providing approximately 10 MHz flash read bandwidth. The 16-bit DQ flash data bus delivers up to 160 Mbps of bandwidth, which is more than sufficient for legacy Altera configuration schemes but lower than what modern Stratix FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) modes require at high clock rates. Typical applications include FPGA configuration storage on industrial control boards, telecommunications line cards using Stratix or Cyclone devices, test and measurement chassis that require in-field bitstream updates, and legacy designs that pair ACEX 1K or APEX 20K devices with a parallel configuration PROM. The wide 3.0V to 3.6V supply range also suits +3.3V system rails common in telecom infrastructure. When designing with this device, ensure that the configuration mode of the target FPGA is compatible with the EPC16QI100N's supported modes (FPP, PS, AS). The nINIT_CONF pin allows the FPGA to delay configuration start; leave it pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor if unused. Verify that the bitstream fits in 8 Mbit uncompressed or 16 Mbit compressed. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible Altera alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPC16QC100SS - 16Mb Config PROM for FPGAs, PQFP-100 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPC16QC100SS is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable Configuration PROM designed to configure SRAM-based FPGAs such as the Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX families, housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) measuring 20x14 mm. It provides non-volatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstreams and supports high-speed serial or parallel configuration via Altera's passive-serial, passive-parallel-synchronous, and passive-parallel-asynchronous modes. The "SS" suffix designates the 3.3V VCC device variant in the EPC16 family, optimized for low-power operation. A configuration PROM is a specialized serial-interface memory IC that retains the FPGA's bitstream when the system is powered down and re-loads it into the FPGA's SRAM configuration cells on power-up. In the broader IC hierarchy, the EPC16QC100SS belongs to: configuration PROM -> programmable read-only memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit. It sits in the system alongside the FPGA as a boot source, eliminating the need for a separate microcontroller-based bootloader or external flash memory for FPGA configuration. Key features include 16,777,216 bits of programmable storage, a 100-pin PQFP surface-mount package, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532, and compatibility with Stratix, Stratix II, Cyclone, Cyclone II, APEX 20K, and other Altera FPGAs that require a configuration bitstream above 8 Mbit. The device operates over the commercial 0C to +70C temperature range and supports a simple four-pin configuration interface (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA) to the target FPGA. Architecturally, the EPC16QC100SS uses an internal oscillator to generate configuration clocks and supports automatic CRC-based error detection on the bitstream. Its multi-voltage I/O (VCCSEL pin) is selectable between 3.3V and 2.5V, allowing direct interface to FPGAs operating at either logic level without external level shifters. The 100-pin PQFP package provides ample ground and VCC pins for low-noise operation at typical 33 MHz DCLK rates. Typical applications include FPGA configuration bitstream storage for industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, video processing boards, and military/aerospace prototypes. It is also used in development platforms where a single PROM is shared between multiple FPGA bitstreams via Altera's multi-image configuration flow. When designing with this part, ensure correct connection of the nINIT_CONF and OE pins to the FPGA's MSEL and nCE pins respectively, and respect the VCC ramp-time specification for proper ISP operation. Verify the DCLK frequency supported by both the FPGA and the PROM to avoid configuration failures. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in equivalent part numbers, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. Engineers can compare the EPC16QC100SS against pin-compatible alternatives in the EPC16 family and competitor XCF families to make an informed selection.
EPC16QC100T - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM | Intel/Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPC16QC100T is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to store and load configuration bitstreams for Altera FPGAs such as Cyclone, Stratix, and ACEX families, housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP, 20x14 mm) package. The EPC16QC100T features a 3.3V core supply, an enhanced ISP interface, multi-level cascading support, and a built-in decompression engine that allows compressed bitstreams to expand by up to 35%, effectively increasing usable density to over 21 Mbits. An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory device that retains bitstream data when power is removed and serially delivers that data to the FPGA during power-up. Configured via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan), EPC16 PROMs replace legacy EPC1/EPC2 devices and serve as the configuration memory backplane for older Altera FPGA designs that lack integrated flash memory. Key features include a 16 Mbit storage capacity, 3.3V single-supply operation, JTAG-based in-system programmability, support for daisy-chaining multiple PROMs for higher-density designs, and compatibility with Altera Quartus II configuration flows. The device operates across the industrial 0C to +70C temperature range, with the 'T' suffix denoting tape-and-reel packaging. Internally, the EPC16QC100T employs a flash-based memory array with a dedicated controller managing JTAG and serial FPGA interfaces (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0). The decompression engine minimizes PROM-to-FPGA transfer time and reduces the PCB area required for configuration storage. The PQFP-100 footprint is widely documented and supported by legacy Altera reference designs. Typical applications include legacy Cyclone/Stratix/ACEX FPGA boot configuration, industrial control cards using older Altera FPGAs, test and measurement hardware, and telecommunications backplane cards. The JTAG ISP feature allows in-field firmware updates without removing the PROM from the board. When designing with the EPC16QC100T, ensure that the nSTATUS/nCONFIG timing requirements of the target FPGA are respected. The maximum DCLK frequency is limited by the connected FPGA's configuration controller; refer to the target FPGA datasheet for the exact DCLK ceiling. For higher density needs, multiple EPC16 devices can be cascaded. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet, helping sourcing engineers evaluate longevity and replacement options for legacy designs.
EPC16QI100 - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM | Altera | PQFP-100
The Altera EPC16QI100 is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable (ISP) configuration memory device designed as a single-chip, high-speed configuration solution for very high-density Altera FPGAs. The device integrates a flash memory array with a dedicated configuration controller, operates from a single 3.3 V supply for both core and I/O, and is housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) measuring 20 mm × 14 mm. An FPGA configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory that stores the FPGA bitstream and presents it to the FPGA at power-up through a serial configuration interface. EPC-class enhanced configuration devices are positioned in the system hierarchy as Memory ICs > Configuration PROMs > FPGA support devices, with flash memory technology providing the underlying storage layer. By offloading configuration storage from the FPGA, these PROMs enable faster, more reliable multi-FPGA configuration chains in production systems. Key features of the EPC16QI100 include a 33 MHz serial configuration interface, hardware compliance with the IEEE Std. 1532 in-system programmability (ISP) specification, Jam STAPL programming support, JTAG boundary-scan testability, and a dedicated nINIT_CONF pin that triggers a private JTAG instruction to start FPGA configuration. The 16 Mb density is sufficient for configuring the largest Altera FPGA families of its generation. An external 33 MHz oscillator provides the configuration clock reference. Typical applications include configuring high-density Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX-series Altera FPGAs in industrial, telecommunications, and prototyping systems. The 100-pin PQFP package and 3.3 V operation simplify board integration into legacy through-hole and mixed-technology designs where surface-mount BGA configuration parts are not desirable.
EPC16QI100N - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPC16QI100N is a 16-megabit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to store configuration data for Altera FPGAs, housed in a 100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package measuring 20x14 mm. It operates from a single 3.3 V supply (3.0 V to 3.6 V) and supports a configuration clock of up to 33 MHz, delivering fast FPGA configuration at power-up. A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that holds the FPGA bitstream and serially transfers it to the FPGA during the configuration phase, before the FPGA begins user-mode operation. EPC (Enhanced Configuration) devices sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable read-only memories -> non-volatile memory -> memory ICs -> semiconductors. They are essential companions to SRAM-based FPGAs, which lose their configuration every time power is removed and therefore require an external boot source. Key features include 16 Mb of flash-based storage, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532, support for cascading multiple EPC devices for larger bitstreams, and a dedicated 33 MHz configuration clock interface compatible with Altera FPGAs such as the APEX II, Cyclone, Stratix, and other legacy families. The industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C makes the part suitable for harsh-environment deployments. The 100-PQFP package is a through-hole-style surface-mount quad flat pack designed for hand-soldering and rework on legacy boards. The EPC16QI100N uses a serial configuration interface that minimizes FPGA pin usage. Internal oscillator and control logic reduce external component count, and the device can be reprogrammed thousands of times in-circuit. Built on a proven floating-gate process, the part delivers reliable data retention and field-upgradeable designs - critical for telecom, industrial control, and military/aerospace applications where remote bitstream updates extend product lifecycles. Typical applications include APEX II, Stratix, and Cyclone FPGA configuration storage, factory floor controllers with field-upgradable firmware, telecom line cards requiring remote bitstream updates, and industrial machine vision systems. When designing with this part, observe the 3.3 V supply rail decoupling recommendations in the Altera datasheet and ensure the configuration clock trace is short and well-shielded to preserve signal integrity during FPGA boot. Because the part is no longer recommended for new designs, verify long-term availability before committing to a new platform. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (EPC4QI100N, EPC8QI100N, EPC16QC100N), and practical design notes not found in the original manufacturer datasheet.
EPC16QI100TBAC - Altera Enhanced Configuration PROM 16Mb | FPGA
The Altera EPC16QI100TBAC is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable Enhanced Configuration Device designed as a single-chip, high-speed configuration solution for high-density SRAM-based FPGAs. Built on a flash-memory architecture divided into a configuration controller and a flash array, it delivers stored configuration bitstreams through the Altera Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS) and Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA) configuration modes, supporting all modern Altera FPGA families including Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria series devices. What is an Enhanced Configuration Device? An Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) is a non-volatile flash-memory companion IC that stores FPGA configuration bitstreams and delivers them to the target FPGA at power-up or under host control. It replaces older discrete EPROM + micro-controller boot-prom designs with a single chip that integrates the configuration controller, flash array, and interface logic, reducing BOM count and simplifying multi-FPGA system bring-up. Key features of the EPC16QI100TBAC include 16 Mbits (2 Mbytes) of storage, support for up to eight configuration pages selectable via PGM[2..0] pins, dynamic in-system reconfiguration, 3.3V single-supply operation, and a 100-pin PQFP package. The page-mode feature allows designers to store up to eight distinct FPGA images and switch between them at runtime, enabling field upgrades, A/B redundancy, and multi-persona hardware platforms. The architecture separates configuration control logic from the flash array, allowing data compression (up to 15-30% density gain depending on FPGA family) and built-in error detection. The IC supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan and programming, plus a 4-pin passive serial interface option. Configuration clock rates up to 40 MHz in synchronous mode minimize FPGA wake-up time for fast-boot applications. Typical applications include Altera/Intel Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria FPGA boot memory, telecom line cards requiring remote firmware upgrades, industrial controllers with multi-image fallback, broadcast video processing platforms, and military/aerospace systems requiring multi-persona reconfigurable hardware. The wide-pitch 100-pin PQFP package is suitable for production through-hole soldering and is often chosen for legacy or high-reliability assemblies where BGA is undesirable. When designing with the EPC16QI100TBAC, ensure the 3.3V supply rail is decoupled with 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors placed within 5 mm of the power pins, and follow Altera's configuration waveform timing diagrams for nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE handshaking. For multi-page designs, allocate PGM[2..0] to GPIO outputs on a host MCU or CPLD to allow runtime page selection. The IC is rated for the industrial temperature range and is lead-free. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical configuration-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPC16UC80 - 16Mb Enhanced Config Device, 80-pin UBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPC16UC80 is a 16-Mbit enhanced configuration device from the Altera EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 family, designed as a single-device, high-speed configuration memory for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs such as Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX families. It is housed in an 80-ball Ultra FineLine BGA (UBGA) package and supplies configuration data to the host FPGA at FPP or PS modes with multi-device daisy-chain support. An Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) is a flash-backed configuration PROM that stores FPGA bitstreams in non-volatile memory and uses an internal controller to load the bitstream into the SRAM-based LUT device at power-up or reconfiguration. The hierarchy is: configuration PROM -> configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Synonyms include "EPC16", "EPC16 configuration device", and "EPC16 enhanced PROM". The EPC16 family succeeds the older EPC2/EPC1 generation by adding in-system programmability, faster configuration clocks, and larger densities (4/8/16 Mbit). Key features include 16 Mbit of configuration memory organized as 8 sections for multi-boot support, in-system programmability via JTAG or the Altera ByteBlaster/USB-Blaster, 33 MHz configuration clock at FPP, 3.3 V single supply, and 100,000 erase/program cycles endurance. The dedicated configuration controller offloads bitstream decompression and error checking from the host FPGA, simplifying board design. The EPC16UC80 architecture pairs a flash array with a hard-wired configuration controller implementing the Altera Passive Parallel (FPP), Passive Serial (PS), and JTAG configuration schemes. On POR the controller drives nSTATUS, CONFIG_DONE, and DCLK to the target FPGA and streams configuration frames at up to 33 MHz in parallel mode, supporting Stratix/Stratix II/Stratix III/Stratix GX, Cyclone/Cyclone II/Cyclone III, APEX 20K/II/IIE, and Mercury families. Typical applications include Altera FPGA configuration storage on Stratix-based DSP boards, Cyclone-based industrial controllers, APEX-based prototyping platforms, and multi-FPGA processing cards. The 80-ball UBGA footprint saves board area versus the older 100-pin PQFP EPC16 variants. When designing with EPC16UC80, route the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI) in a daisy chain across EPC16 plus the target FPGA so factory programming and boundary-scan work without board rework. Decouple VCC with 0.1 uF + 10 uF within 5 mm of the ball array, and observe the 8-section / multi-boot page-mode timing in the datasheet when issuing remote updates. This page synthesizes the EPC16UC80 datasheet, the EPC16 family datasheet (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16), distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not collated in any single manufacturer document.
EPC16UC88 - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM | Altera
Altera EPC16UC88 is a 16-megabit, 3.3 V in-system programmable configuration PROM for SRAM-based FPGAs, supplied in an 88-ball UBGA package measuring 11 mm by 8 mm. Its combination of nonvolatile configuration storage, a configuration controller, and flash memory supports automatic loading of FPGA firmware after power-up, system initialization, or reconfiguration. The device is associated with Altera enhanced configuration-device families and is intended for designs that require a compact, dedicated configuration source. A configuration PROM is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory that stores the bitstream used to program an SRAM-based FPGA. Unlike an SRAM FPGA, which loses its configuration when power is removed, the PROM retains the configuration image and reloads it during system startup. In the broader hierarchy, EPC16UC88 belongs to nonvolatile memory, configuration memory, FPGA support devices, and semiconductor components used in digital-system design. The verified information identifies a 16 Mb capacity, a 3.3 V core and I/O supply, IEEE Std. 1532-compatible in-system programmability, Jam STAPL support, JTAG boundary-scan support, and an nINIT_CONF function that can initiate FPGA configuration through a private JTAG instruction. The package is identified as 88-UBGA (11x8), making board-level footprint and ball-map verification essential before substitution or redesign. The configuration architecture is divided into a configuration controller and flash memory. This arrangement allows the device to manage address and output timing while retaining the configuration bitstream. JTAG and ISP support provide manufacturing programming, boundary-scan test access, and system-level update options, although exact timing, current, temperature, and supported FPGA-family details should be confirmed from the manufacturer datasheet. Typical applications include FPGA boot configuration, industrial control equipment, communications hardware, test and measurement systems, and embedded platforms using compatible Altera FPGA families. The listed datasheet material references ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, Mercury, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, and Stratix II GX devices. When designing with EPC16UC88, verify the exact FPGA voltage, configuration mode, interface timing, package ball map, and programming procedure against the target FPGA documentation. A configuration PROM is not a general-purpose flash memory substitute, and a different package or pinout requires PCB changes rather than a drop-in replacement. This page consolidates verified distributor information, official and mirrored datasheet references, package information, practical configuration context, pricing fields where explicitly available, and drop-in-alternative status. Values not stated in the supplied data are marked as requiring verification rather than inferred.
EPC16UC88AA - 16Mb In-System Programmable Config PROM | Altera
The Altera EPC16UC88AA is a 16-megabit in-system programmable Configuration PROM (EPC) designed to store and load configuration bitstreams for SRAM-based FLEX (and APEX/Stratix-class) FPGAs. It packs 16,777,216 bits of configuration memory into an 88-ball UBGA (micro-BGA) package measuring 11x8 mm, draws from a single 3.0V-3.6V supply, and supports cascade chaining of up to eight devices so engineers can scale beyond a single chip's density when targeting larger FPGA bitstreams. A Configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device used to store the FPGA bitstream and to control the FPGA's multi-mode configuration sequence on power-up. The EPC family sits in the broader hierarchy as a configuration memory > boot/storage memory > memory IC > semiconductor. Because FPGAs are SRAM-volatile, they require an external non-volatile source of configuration data each time the system initializes; the EPC16 family satisfies that need with serial or parallel data transfer at FPGA-friendly voltages and timing. Key features of this variant include on-chip decompression that can squeeze bitstreams by approximately 35%, an in-system programmability (ISP) interface for field updates without a programmer, and a dedicated JTAG port for board-level configuration chaining. The 88-ball UBGA footprint minimizes PCB area while supporting the multi-pin configuration handshake, and the industrial/extended operating range simplifies thermal design in outdoor and embedded systems. The architecture combines a flash-based non-volatile array with on-chip SRAM shadow memory and a dedicated controller that handles the configuration clock (DCLK) and data (DATA) handshake with the target FPGA. Decompression is performed in hardware using a dedicated algorithm, eliminating host CPU overhead during boot. Typical applications include configuring Altera FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, and ACEX 1K families, boot storage for industrial controllers, prototyping platforms, networking line cards, and any design where a discrete boot PROM is preferred over embedded flash. Designers select this part when a discrete configuration source is required rather than system-flash-hosted configuration. When designing, ensure DCLK traces are short and impedance-controlled, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor near each VCC ball, and respect the JTAG chain order when cascading devices. Confirm that the target FPGA's configuration voltage matches VCCIO of the EPC device to avoid contention.
EPC16UC88AB - 16Mb FPGA Config Device, 88-LFBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPC16UC88AB is a 16-Mbit enhanced configuration (flash) memory device designed to configure SRAM-based FPGAs from the Altera Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria families. Housed in an 88-ball FineLine BGA (LFBGA) package, the EPC16UC88AB provides single-chip, non-volatile storage for FPGA configuration bitstreams, eliminating the need for external boot PROMs in many designs and supporting remote/in-system reprogramming through its JTAG and Passive Serial (PS) interfaces. An FPGA configuration device is a specialized non-volatile memory that stores the bitstream which the FPGA reads at power-up to define its logic function. Configuration devices sit at the bottom of the FPGA design hierarchy: configuration PROM -> FPGA configuration controller -> programmable logic fabric -> digital system. Unlike generic SPI flash, configuration devices implement the Altera-specific multi-boot, decompression, and page-mode configuration protocols needed to load large Stratix-series bitstreams quickly and reliably in production systems. Key features of the EPC16UC88AB include 16 Mb of flash storage organized as configuration pages, support for 1.8 V core logic compatibility, and a dedicated JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface that allows ISP (in-system programmability) via standard JTAG tools. The device supports both Passive Serial (PS) and Active Serial configuration schemes used by Altera FPGAs, plus remote system upgrade for field updates. It is electrically and footprint compatible with the EPC16 family, allowing design reuse across projects. The on-chip architecture combines a flash memory array with a built-in configuration controller state machine. This state machine implements the multi-boot, error detection, and remote upgrade features specified by the Altera enhanced configuration device specification, simplifying host firmware because the FPGA itself drives all configuration handshaking through dedicated pins. Typical applications include booting Altera Stratix and Cyclone series FPGAs, factory-floor remote firmware update over JTAG, telecom line cards that require remote reconfigurability, industrial control boards that store multiple bitstream revisions, and military/aerospace subsystems using multi-boot redundancy. Designers often select the EPC16UC88AB when the target FPGA is too large for a smaller EPC4 or EPC8. When designing with this device, allocate adequate board space for the 88-ball LFBGA package, route JTAG signals cleanly to a header for ISP, and add the recommended 100 nF + 10 µF decoupling network close to the VCC pins. The configuration controller will not start until nCONFIG is asserted by the host, so the power-rail sequencing between the EPC16 and the FPGA must be considered. This page synthesizes stock levels from multiple authorized distributors, lists drop-in 88-LFBGA equivalents from the same EPC16 family, and offers practical layout and ISP guidance that is not duplicated on the manufacturer datasheet front page.
EPC16UC88II - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 88-pin UFBGA | Intel
The Intel EPC16UC88II is a 16-Mbit serial-configuration PROM designed to load the configuration bitstream into Altera/Intel FPGAs such as Cyclone, Stratix, and APEX families, supplied in a compact 88-ball UFBGA package. Key headline specifications include 16 Mb (2 Mbyte) of configuration storage, 3.3V core operating voltage, 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V I/O compatibility, and an industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. The part supports Altera's Passive Serial (PS), Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), and Active Serial (AS) configuration modes over a dedicated serial interface. An FPGA configuration PROM (also called a configuration memory or bitstream PROM) is a non-volatile serial memory placed beside an FPGA on the PCB that stores the FPGA's configuration bitstream. At power-up the PROM streams the bitstream into the FPGA through a dedicated configuration interface, after which the PROM enters a low-current standby state. The configuration PROM is therefore a one-chip solution that replaces external boot flash or microcontrollers and is wired only to the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins, freeing general-purpose I/O for user logic. Key features include 3.3V core VCC with I/O tolerance for 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V logic families, hardware-programmable data compression through Altera's software flow, multi-device daisy-chain support for boards with two or more FPGAs, and an in-system programmability option via JTAG or Active Serial mode. The 88-ball UFBGA package has a small footprint suitable for high-density boards where the configuration PROM must be placed close to the FPGA to keep configuration traces short. Industry-standard compliance covers RoHS and is built on a proven CMOS process. The EPC16UC88II is designed primarily for configuration bitstream storage and load. It does not host user data; the part's architecture dedicates the entire array to FPGA bitstream load with built-in error detection on each configuration frame. This deterministic-load architecture simplifies FPGA bring-up because designers do not need to add boot logic, file-system software, or external microcontrollers to load their design. Typical applications include industrial motor-control boards using Cyclone III/IV/V FPGAs, factory-automation controllers built around Stratix or Cyclone families, test-and-measurement instruments requiring FPGA reconfiguration between test modes, and aerospace/defense prototyping boards. Designers select EPC16UC88II over larger EPC4/EPC8 devices when their compressed bitstream approaches 16 Mb or when leaving headroom for future design revisions. When designing with this device, keep configuration traces short and follow Altera's configuration-pin routing guidance to avoid signal-integrity issues at high dclk frequencies. Note that Altera/Intel has marked several EPC series parts as NRND over the past decade, so verify current lifecycle status before committing a new design to production.
EPC16UC88NT - 16-Mbit FPGA Configuration PROM | Altera
Altera EPC16UC88NT is a 16-Mbit enhanced configuration device for SRAM-based FPGA and programmable-logic devices, supplied in the 88-ball Ultra FineLine BGA package identified in verified product listings as 88-UBGA, 11 mm by 8 mm. The verified source identifies EPC16UC88N as an in-system programmable configuration PROM with 16 Mbit capacity and the same 88-UBGA package. EPC16UC88NT belongs to the configuration-memory hierarchy: configuration PROM, nonvolatile memory, FPGA support memory, and semiconductor integrated circuit. A configuration PROM is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory used to store the bitstream that configures an SRAM-based FPGA whenever the system powers up, reinitializes, or requires new configuration data. Because SRAM-based logic devices lose programmed configuration when power is removed, the PROM provides persistent storage and transfers the configuration image during initialization. It is part of the broader system chain of nonvolatile memory, FPGA configuration interface, power sequencing, and programmable logic. The EPC16UC88 family is described by verified source material as an Enhanced Configuration Device with 16-Mbit Flash memory. Configuration data supports FPGA families including ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, Mercury, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, and Stratix II GX. The stored configuration is loaded into the target SRAM-based device through the FPGA configuration interface, allowing the host system to restore its programmed logic state without an external programming source. The EPC16UC88N distributor listing specifically describes an in-system programmable configuration PROM for FPGAs, with 16 Mbit memory and an 88-UBGA package measuring 11 mm by 8 mm. The target ordering code EPC16UC88NT is associated with the same EPC16UC88 configuration-device family, but the supplied verification does not establish every package-level suffix, temperature-grade, or pinout difference for the NT variant. The EPC16UC88 datasheet is a 36-page document in the provided AllDatasheet result, but the target ordering code should be checked against the applicable manufacturer ordering information before substitution. Typical applications include configuring legacy Altera FPGA development boards, industrial control systems using SRAM-based FPGAs, communications equipment requiring repeatable power-up configuration, and test systems that retain FPGA bitstreams outside the target device. The nonvolatile configuration function is especially useful when the FPGA must initialize into a known state after power cycling or when configuration data must be updated without replacing the target programmable device. When designing with EPC16UC88NT, verify the exact ball map, supported target FPGA family, configuration voltage, programming interface, and suffix-specific temperature information from the applicable manufacturer documentation. The verified data does not provide electrical ratings, timing values, absolute maximum limits, or a verified NT-specific pinout. Do not infer those values from the EPC16UC88 family name alone. This page combines the verified product description, package information, supported FPGA-family context, and purchasing sources. It also distinguishes confirmed facts from fields requiring manufacturer-document verification, helping engineers avoid treating a family-level specification as a target-suffix guarantee.
EPC16UC88SS - 16-Mbit Config PROM for Altera FPGA | Intel
The Intel EPC16UC88SS is a 16-Mbit serial configuration device designed to store configuration bitstreams for Altera/Intel FPGAs. It uses a four-pin serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, ASDI) to deliver compressed configuration data to the target FPGA on power-up, providing a flash-based single-chip alternative to legacy parallel PROMs and boot ROMs. Packaged in an 8-pin SOIC, the EPC16UC88SS supports multi-device configuration chains and is qualified for industrial and commercial operating temperature ranges. What is a configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile serial flash device that holds the FPGA's bitstream image and loads it into the FPGA's SRAM-based configuration cells at every power-up. In the broader taxonomy, EPC16 falls under: configuration memory -> non-volatile memory (NVM) -> serial flash -> PROM. Because SRAM-based FPGAs (Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, Stratix, Stratix II, Stratix III, Arria families) lose their configuration when power is removed, the configuration PROM sits in the boot path as the source of truth for the design. The EPC16UC88SS supports Intel/Altera's compressed configuration format, enabling storage of larger designs in smaller memory. It cascades automatically in multi-device configuration chains through the nCS-OE daisy-chain and supports in-system programming via JTAG-compatible serial interface (AS mode) for board-level firmware updates. Programmable nINIT_CONF pin enables configuration of multiple FPGAs from a single PROM image. Architecturally, the device integrates a 16-Mbit NOR flash array with a serial configuration controller. Configuration time is dominated by DCLK frequency (up to 100 MHz in fast mode) and image size, with typical load times in the hundreds of milliseconds for Stratix-class bitstreams. Power consumption is dominated by read/program/erase operations. Typical applications include Altera Cyclone II / Cyclone III designs, Stratix II / Stratix III boot storage, Arria GX prototyping boards, and any Intel FPGA-based system requiring non-volatile configuration from a small-footprint serial memory. It also suits legacy parallel-to-serial configuration migration paths. When designing, pay close attention to the FPGA serial mode pin strapping (MSEL pins) and the DCLK series-termination value when running at the maximum 100 MHz clock rate. Use Intel's Quartus software to generate the .pof/.jic images, and verify the EPC16 supports the target FPGA family's compressed configuration scheme before committing to this part. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing data, drop-in compatible EPC16 family alternatives, and engineering design notes that go beyond the standard Intel datasheet presentation.