EPCS16SI8N - 16Mb FPGA Serial Config Flash 8-SOIC | Altera
N.º de pieza: EPCS16SI8N ✗ Fin de vida| Cant. | Precio unitario | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8,50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76,50 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640,00 |
| 500 | $5.5 | $2.750,00 |
| 1.000 | $4.8 | $4.800,00 |
EPCS16SI8N Descripción general
A serial configuration device is a non-volatile flash memory whose sole purpose is to store the configuration bitstream of an FPGA and stream it to the device at power-up. Within the memory and power-management hierarchy of an FPGA system, it sits alongside the FPGA itself as a companion memory IC: the FPGA reads configuration data from the EPCS16SI8N through its Active Serial (AS) interface (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS pins) during every power-on cycle. The EPCS family provides a single-device configuration solution for Stratix II and Cyclone series FPGAs.
Key features of the EPCS16SI8N include 16 Mbit (2 MB equivalent) of flash capacity, in-system programmability (ISP) through the JTAG interface, and a serial clock rate up to 40 MHz for fast configuration. Altera's compression feature lets more effective configuration data fit in the 16 Mbit density, and the device supports multi-device configuration via data compression. Programmable type is In System Programmable, and the operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C.
Architecturally, the EPCS16SI8N integrates a standard SPI-like serial flash core with Altera-specific control logic, enabling direct connection to the FPGA's dedicated AS pins. Because all 8-pin EPCS family members share the same pinout, designs can migrate vertically from EPCS1 or EPCS4 to EPCS16 within the identical 8-pin SOIC footprint, which simplifies capacity upgrades without PCB redesign.
Typical applications include configuration storage for Cyclone III (EP3C16, EP3C25) and Stratix II FPGAs, industrial control systems requiring remote firmware field updates via ISP, and network or communications equipment where a single-device configuration solution reduces board area and BOM cost.
A key design consideration: the EPCS family is reaching end-of-life; new designs should evaluate the Intel EPCQ family. The EPCQ16ASI8N is a confirmed direct drop-in replacement in the same 8-pin SOIC package, with EPCS16SI8N marked lifecycle_status: eol.
This page synthesizes drop-in replacement cross-references, community-verified substitution data, and pricing context not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Alternativas directas para EPCS16SI8N — mismo encapsulado, compatible pin a pin. Se excluyen las piezas de otro encapsulado que requieren retrabajo de la PCB.
Variantes de esta serie
Modelos de la misma serie compatibles directamente con EPCS16SI8N (mismo factor de forma y huella) — difiere en Interface, Memory Type, Supply Voltage, Operating Temperature, Package.
Herramienta de comparación rápida — seleccione piezas alternativas para compararlas lado a lado:
EPCQ16ASI8N
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$6.78 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →EPCS4SI8N
✅ Sustitución directa📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)
EPCS1SI8N
✅ Sustitución directa📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)
EPCS16SI8N Valores máximos y características eléctricas
| Tamaño de memoria | 16 Mbit (2 MB) |
| Tipo de memoria | Serial Configuration Flash (NOR) |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) via JTAG |
| Interfaz | Serial (Altera Active Serial / SPI-compatible) |
| Frecuencia de reloj máxima | 40 MHz |
| Tensión de alimentación | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperatura de funcionamiento | -40°C to +85°C |
| Encapsulado / Carcasa | 8-SOIC (0.154 inch / 3.90 mm width) |
| Tipo de montaje | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tube |
| FPGA Family Supported | Stratix II, Cyclone series (Cyclone II/III) |
| Configuration Method | Active Serial (AS) with Altera compression |
| JTAG Interface | Yes (for ISP) |
| Estado RoHS | Compliant (per Altera product page) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Estado del ciclo de vida | End-of-Life (EOL) |
Configuración de pines de EPCS16SI8N
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Serial clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | VCC — Power supply (3.0–3.6 V) |
| Pin 6 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 8 | nRESET — Reset (active low) — note: pin function variant by family revision; verify against datasheet |
Aplicaciones típicas
EPCS16SI8N es adecuado para 6 aplicacións: Cyclone III FPGA Configuration Storage, Stratix II FPGA Configuration, Industrial Control Systems with ISP Field Updates, Networking Equipment Single-Device Configuration, Remote Firmware Update via JTAG ISP, Legacy Design Maintenance & Last-Time-Buy Buffering.
Cyclone III FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPCS16SI8N's 16 Mbit capacity comfortably stores compressed bitstreams for mid-density Cyclone III FPGAs such as EP3C16, EP3C25, and EP3C40, where uncompressed configuration files can exceed 4 Mbit. Operating from 3.0–3.6 V, it connects directly to the FPGA's Active Serial pins (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) without external glue logic. The 40 MHz serial clock enables sub-100 ms configuration of typical Cyclone III designs. EPCS16SI8N is EOL; new Cyclone III designs should adopt the EPCQ16ASI8N equivalent in the same 8-pin SOIC footprint.
Recomendado
Stratix II FPGA Configuration
Stratix II FPGAs (EP2S15 through EP2S90) require multi-megabit configuration storage, and the EPCS16SI8N provides a single-device configuration solution for low-to-mid density Stratix II parts. Using Altera's compression feature, one EPCS16SI8N can store the bitstream of an EP2S60 with significant headroom. The 8-pin SOIC footprint and 3.3 V supply match Stratix II reference designs exactly. The EPCS16SI8N is EOL — for active Stratix II programs, last-time-buy inventory or migration to EPCQ16ASI8N is advised.
Recomendado
Industrial Control Systems with ISP Field Updates
Industrial PLCs, motor drives, and process controllers benefit from the EPCS16SI8N's JTAG-based in-system programmability, which allows firmware updates in the field without removing the configuration device from the board. The -40°C to +85°C operating range covers most industrial environments. Combined with the wide 3.0–3.6 V supply tolerance, the part tolerates noisy 24V-bus-derived rails. New industrial designs targeting long lifecycle support should evaluate the EPCQ16ASI8N as the EPCS family is EOL.
Recomendado
Networking Equipment Single-Device Configuration
Routers, switches, and access points using Cyclone-series FPGAs leverage the EPCS16SI8N to achieve a single-device configuration solution, reducing BOM count and board area. The serial interface minimizes FPGA pin usage (only 4 dedicated AS pins), freeing general-purpose I/O for application logic. The 40 MHz clock rate keeps power-on configuration time below 200 ms even for heavily compressed bitstreams. Telecom OEMs with active Cyclone deployments should plan migration to EPCQ16ASI8N to avoid EOL supply disruption.
Recomendado
Remote Firmware Update via JTAG ISP
The EPCS16SI8N supports JTAG-driven in-system programming, allowing remote firmware updates via JTAG-over-Ethernet or JTAG-over-USB bridges without physical access to the board. This is critical for installed-base equipment such as outdoor telecom units, medical imaging peripherals, and remote sensor stations. Combined with Altera's SoPCBuilder/Nios II ecosystem, updates can be scheduled and verified in production. New designs should prefer the EPCQ16ASI8N active replacement to maintain long-term ISP availability.
Recomendado
Legacy Design Maintenance & Last-Time-Buy Buffering
Because the EPCS16SI8N is officially EOL, sustaining engineering teams should establish last-time-buy inventory buffers for legacy products that cannot be redesigned mid-cycle. The 8-pin SOIC footprint simplifies long-term storage (tape-and-reel or tube). Buffer sizing typically targets 2–3 years of production based on monthly build rate. Where redesign is feasible, the EPCQ16ASI8N offers a true drop-in upgrade path in the same 8-SOIC package.
Recomendado
Resumen de productos recomendados
Datos de referencia de ingeniería para EPCS16SI8N — comparación, orientación de diseño e información de cumplimiento.
Guía de selección
Comparación con alternativas
| Parámetro | Este producto | EPCQ16ASI8N | EPCS4SI8N | EPCS1SI8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC (0.154 / 3.90 mm) | 8-SOIC — same | 8-SOIC — same | 8-SOIC — same |
| Brand | Altera | Intel / Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 1 Mbit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz+ (typically higher in EPCQ family) | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ISP via JTAG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | EOL | Active | EOL | EOL |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C |
Diferenciadores clave
- True drop-in active replacement available (frente a EPCQ16ASI8N)
- Vertical migration within EPCS family (frente a EPCS4SI8N)
- 16× the capacity of EPCS1SI8N (frente a EPCS1SI8N)
Notas de diseño
The EPCS16SI8N requires a clean 3.3 V supply within the 3.0–3.6 V range. Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin (pin 5) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor nearby. Because configuration memory is read at every power-on event, noisy or sagging rails can cause configuration failure — verify regulator hold-up time exceeds the FPGA's POR threshold. Avoid sharing the EPCS supply rail with switching converters without adequate filtering.
A common mistake is assuming the EPCS16SI8N is a generic SPI flash. It uses Altera's Active Serial protocol with specific nCONFIG and nSTATUS handshakes — generic SPI commands do not work. When migrating to EPCQ16ASI8N, the standard SPI mode simplifies firmware but Quartus 13 (and earlier) projects may require a pin-assignment regeneration. Always cross-check the Altera reference design for your specific FPGA before committing to layout.
Estimated: assuming a Cyclone III EP3C16 builds at 500 units/month, a 24-month last-time-buy buffer requires approximately 12,000 EPCS16SI8N units. Place the buffer order before the official last-time-buy date, which historically precedes EOL by 6–12 months. For active programs, plan migration to EPCQ16ASI8N; the footprint and protocol are compatible with minor Quartus project updates.
Route the AS interface traces (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) as short, impedance-controlled microstrip or stripline to minimize reflection on the 40 MHz clock edge. Place the EPCS16SI8N within 25 mm of the FPGA's dedicated AS pins. Keep the EPCS device away from switching regulator inductors to reduce EMI coupling onto the configuration data path. Add a guard ground trace around the AS signals for noisy industrial boards.
Información de cumplimiento
RoHS compliant per Altera product page; lead-free finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified — this is a commercial/industrial grade configuration memory, not an automotive-grade part.
