EPCQ16ASI8N - 16Mb Serial Config Device SOIC-8 | Altera (Intel)
MPN: EPCQ16ASI8N β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.6 | $76.00 |
| 100 | $7.2 | $720.00 |
| 500 | $7 | $3,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.9 | $6,900.00 |
| 5,900 | $6.78 | $40,002.00 |
EPCQ16ASI8N Overview
A serial configuration device is a non-volatile flash memory optimized specifically for loading configuration data into an FPGA at power-up. In the memory IC hierarchy, it belongs to configuration PROMs for FPGAs, a subset of serial NOR flash memory. The FPGA includes dedicated logic that reads the bitstream from the EPCQ device over a serial interface (active serial or passive serial modes) during every power cycle, so the configuration memory is a mission-critical element of any standalone FPGA system.
The EPCQ16ASI8N offers 16 Mbit of capacity, sufficient for mid-range Intel/Altera FPGAs and CPLDs. It supports fast read operations including quad-serial data modes, which minimize boot times by transferring four bits per DCLK cycle. In-system programmability (ISP) allows the device to be reprogrammed via a JTAG-to-configuration chain using tools such as Intel Quartus Prime without removing the part from the board. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply, keeping power-rail design simple.
Architecturally, the EPCQ-A family uses standard serial NOR flash commands, and its state machine is optimized for FPGA load sequencing, including proper power-on-to-first-read behavior. The industrial temperature version (I suffix) supports -40C to +85C operation, suiting harsh-environment deployments.
Typical applications include bitstream storage for Intel Cyclone and MAX series devices, remote FPGA field upgrades, industrial control, and communications equipment where the FPGA must load autonomously at power-up.
Design tip: verify that your FPGA's configuration mode (e.g., Active Serial x1 or Fast x4) and the maximum supported EPCQ density match the 16Mb device before layout. Pull NCONFIG and NSTATUS appropriately and keep DCLK traces short.
This page adds distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison tables, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPCQ16ASI8N β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with EPCQ16ASI8N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Interface, Memory Size, Package, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPCQ32ASI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCQ64ASI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCQ16SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCQ32SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCQ16ASI8N Specifications
| Memory Type | Serial Configuration Device (Serial NOR Flash) |
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit (2 MB) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Interface | Serial (SPI-compatible, supports quad mode) |
| Programming | In-System Programmable (ISP) |
| Target Devices | Intel / Altera FPGAs (Active Serial configuration) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package | 8-SOIC |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, per I suffix) |
| Read Mode | Fast read, quad-serial data modes |
| RoHS Status | Lead free / RoHS compliant |
| Manufacturer | Intel Corporation (Altera Programmable Solutions Group) |
| Packaging | Tube |
EPCQ16ASI8N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data input/output |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Serial clock input |
| Pin 3 | NCSO β Chip select output (active low) |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | VCC β 3.3V power supply |
| Pin 6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPCQ16ASI8N is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone FPGA Bitstream Storage, Industrial Control Systems, Communications and Networking Equipment, Remote Firmware Field Upgrade, Test and Measurement Instruments, Automotive and Harsh-Environment Electronics.
Cyclone FPGA Bitstream Storage
The EPCQ16ASI8N is purpose-built to store configuration bitstreams for Intel Cyclone-series FPGAs using Active Serial mode. Its 16Mb (2 MB) capacity covers mid-range Cyclone devices whose raw bitstreams fit comfortably, while quad-serial fast-read modes reduce power-up configuration time - critical in systems with tight boot windows. Placed on the same board as the FPGA with short DCLK/DATA/NCSO traces and 0.1uF local decoupling, the device reliably loads the FPGA on every power cycle. In-system programming through the FPGA's JTAG port via Quartus Prime's JIC flow allows firmware updates in the field without desoldering, and the 3.3V single supply integrates cleanly into existing FPGA power rails.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
Industrial controllers built around Intel/Altera FPGAs benefit from the EPCQ16ASI8N's -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating and RoHS-compliant construction. In factory automation, motor drives, and PLC-style boards, the FPGA must reconfigure autonomously at every power-up, and the EPCQ device's validated Active Serial load sequence guarantees deterministic boot. Its SOIC-8 footprint is small enough for dense control boards yet hand-solderable for rework in maintenance environments. The enhanced EPCQ-A command set and ISP support mean controllers can be field-upgraded remotely - write new firmware over a network link, program the config device in system, and reboot. Because the same footprint accommodates 32Mb and 64Mb EPCQ-A parts, designers preserve an upgrade path without PCB respins.
Recommended
Communications and Networking Equipment
Switches, routers, and line cards using Intel FPGAs rely on the EPCQ16ASI8N for bitstream storage. Quad-serial read modes transfer four bits per DCLK cycle, substantially shortening configuration time for line cards that must come up quickly after hot insertion or system reset - a hard requirement in redundant telecom architectures. The 3.3V supply matches standard telecom auxiliary rails, and the industrial temperature range covers outdoor plant and central-office environments alike. Designers typically pair the device with the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins, keep the DCLK line short and guarded, and reserve JTAG access for in-system updates. The guaranteed Intel/Altera compatibility avoids the qualification burden of generic SPI flashes in carrier-grade designs.
Recommended
Remote Firmware Field Upgrade
The in-system programmability of the EPCQ16ASI8N makes it the storage element of choice for remote-update architectures. A typical scheme uses a small golden-image FPGA configuration plus application logic that receives new firmware over Ethernet, UART, or PCIe, erases and rewrites the EPCQ device through the JTAG Indirect Programming or Active Serial interface, then reconfigures. Quad-mode reads shorten every boot, while the flash's 100k-plus program/erase endurance class (per EPCQ-A family specification) supports repeated updates. Designers should maintain a fail-safe: if the update is interrupted, NSTATUS-driven reconfiguration from a known-good sector keeps the system serviceable. The SOIC-8 package requires no special programming sockets, unlike socketed PROM approaches.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
Bench instruments and modular measurement cards from Intel-FPGA-based designs use the EPCQ16ASI8N to hold synthesis bitstreams that change with firmware releases. Fast-read operation keeps instrument power-up brief so the unit passes self-test quickly, and the industrial temperature range supports both lab and portable field instruments. ISP via the front-panel JTAG connector lets manufacturing program each unit at final test and lets service teams re-flash devices without board removal. Because Intel Quartus Prime natively generates .jic images for EPCQ devices, the toolchain burden is minimal. The low unit cost at 100-piece volumes (about $7.20 as of 2026-09-13) suits mid-volume instrument production, and the SOIC-8 footprint eases probe access during debug.
Recommended
Automotive and Harsh-Environment Electronics
Non-safety automotive and ruggedized applications - telematics gateways, sensor fusion boxes, off-highway equipment controllers - expose electronics to -40C cold starts and high under-hood ambient temperatures. The EPCQ16ASI8N's I-suffix -40C to +85C rating and lead-free, RoHS-compliant construction address these environments for FPGA-based modules where a full AEC-Q100-qualified configuration device is not mandated. The single 3.3V rail simplifies power sequencing against battery-backed supplies, and flash-based storage is immune to configuration loss at power removal. Designers should derate the read timing at temperature extremes and validate bitstream integrity with CRC checking enabled in the FPGA, providing an additional layer of robustness beyond the device specification itself.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPCQ16ASI8N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPCQ32ASI8N | EPCQ64ASI8N | EPCQ16SI8N | EPCQ32SI8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Density | 16 Mbit (2 MB) | 32 Mbit (4 MB) | 64 Mbit (8 MB) | 16 Mbit (2 MB) | 32 Mbit (4 MB) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Family / Feature Set | EPCQ-A (enhanced) | EPCQ-A (enhanced) | EPCQ-A (enhanced) | EPCQ (standard) | EPCQ (standard) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Guaranteed Intel/Altera FPGA configuration compatibility (vs Generic SPI flashes (e.g., W25Q16-class))
- Pin-to-pin density upgrade path (vs EPCQ32ASI8N / EPCQ64ASI8N)
- Enhanced EPCQ-A feature set (vs EPCQ16SI8N (standard EPCQ))
Design Notes
Place the EPCQ16ASI8N within a few centimeters of the FPGA configuration pins. Keep DCLK, DATA, and NCSO traces short and direct; avoid routing them near switching regulators or high-current paths, since configuration errors from glitched clocks are the most common field failure. Add a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor directly at VCC (pin 5) with a good return to ground. Ensure NCONFIG and NSTATUS are pulled up per the FPGA datasheet so power-up reconfiguration triggers correctly. Follow Intel's FPGA configuration device layout guidance in the Cyclone device handbook.
Verify density support before substituting higher-density EPCQ parts: an FPGA configured for a 16Mb Active Serial device may reject or mis-map a 32Mb/64Mb device depending on the configuration scheme and Quartus Prime settings. Also confirm the read mode: quad (x4) reads use data pins that must map to the FPGA's DATA[3:0] - an x1-only layout cannot exploit quad mode. Finally, note the difference between EPCQ and EPCQ-A command sets; mixing families in one programming flow can cause silent programming failures.
The EPCQ16ASI8N runs from a single 3.3V rail shared with typical FPGA I/O banks. Ensure the rail is stable before NCONFIG releases reconfiguration - a brown-out during configuration load produces inconsistent NSTATUS behavior that can be mistaken for a defective device. Power the configuration device from the same 3.3V domain as the FPGA I/O bank it interfaces with, or ensure level compatibility, since DATA/DCLK/NCSO swing to VCC.
Compliance Information
Listed as 'Lead free / RoHS compliant' in distributor data (altera-price.com). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict minerals status not stated in retrieved data - verify on Intel product compliance documentation.
