EPCS16SI8N - 16Mb FPGA Configuration Flash 8-SOIC | Altera
MPN: EPCS16SI8N β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.58 | $55.80 |
| 100 | $4.9 | $490.00 |
| 500 | $4.35 | $2,175.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.85 | $3,850.00 |
EPCS16SI8N Overview
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 power-management and memory hierarchy of an FPGA system, it sits alongside the FPGA itself as a companion memory IC: the FPGA reads configuration data from the EPCS through its Active Serial (AS) interface during every power-on cycle. The EPCS family (EPCS1, EPCS4, EPCS16, EPCS64, EPCS128) provides single-device configuration solutions 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 compression of FPGA bitstreams allows more effective configuration data to fit in the 16 Mbit density, and the device supports multi-device configuration via data compression per the manufacturer datasheet.
Architecturally, the EPCS devices integrate a standard SPI-like serial flash core with Altera-specific control logic, enabling direct connection to the FPGA's dedicated AS pins (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS). 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 series FPGAs (for example EP3C16 and EP3C25), 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: because the EPCS family is reaching end-of-life, new designs should evaluate the Intel EPCQ family; the EPCQ16ASI8N is a confirmed direct replacement in the same 8-pin SOIC package.
This page synthesizes drop-in replacement cross-references, community-verified substitution data, and pricing context not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPCS16SI8N 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 EPCS16SI8N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Interface, Package, Supply Voltage, Memory Size, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPCQ16ASI8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.78 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPCQ32ASI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCQ64ASI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCS4SI8N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCS1SI8N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCS16SI8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | Serial configuration device for FPGAs |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb |
| Programmable Type | In-System Programmable (ISP) |
| Interface | Serial (AS), JTAG for programming |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 3.6 V |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (ISP) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix II, Cyclone series |
| Package | 8-SOIC (0.154 in, 3.90 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Bitstream Compression Support | Yes (per EPCS family datasheet) |
| Vertical Migration | Pin-compatible with EPCS1/EPCS4 in 8-pin SOIC |
EPCS16SI8N 8-soic (0.154 in, 3.90 mm width) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPCS16SI8N (8-soic (0.154 in, 3.90 mm width) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPCS16SI8N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPCS16SI8N is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone FPGA Configuration Storage, Industrial Control Systems with Field Updates, Communications and Networking Equipment, Test and Measurement Instruments, Medical Device Firmware Storage, Legacy Design Maintenance and BOM Continuity.
Cyclone FPGA Configuration Storage
The primary application of the EPCS16SI8N is storing the configuration bitstream for Altera Cyclone series FPGAs. With 16 Mbit of flash and support for bitstream compression, it provides a single-device configuration solution for mid-density Cyclone devices such as the EP3C16 and EP3C25. The FPGA's Active Serial (AS) master logic clocks the device at up to 40 MHz on DCLK during power-up, so configuration completes quickly with no external controller needed. Community engineers verified Cyclone EP3C16 configuration from EPCS-family parts directly. For new designs, the pin-compatible EPCQ16ASI8N delivers identical behavior with active lifecycle support.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems with Field Updates
Industrial controllers and drives built around Cyclone FPGAs benefit from the EPCS16SI8N's in-system programmability over JTAG, which allows firmware and FPGA logic updates in the field without desoldering the memory. The 16 Mbit density accommodates compressed configuration images for typical industrial Cyclone designs, and the 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply ties directly to the standard 3.3 V industrial rail. Because the 8-pin SOIC occupies minimal board area, designers can place it close to the FPGA's dedicated AS pins to keep configuration traces short, improving signal integrity of DCLK and DATA at the 40 MHz maximum configuration clock rate.
Recommended
Communications and Networking Equipment
Line cards, switches, and telecom modules frequently use Cyclone FPGAs for protocol processing, and the EPCS16SI8N provides their power-up configuration image. The device's single-device configuration solution eliminates cascade logic or a microcontroller from the boot path, improving boot reliability in rack equipment where every power cycle matters. Its 40 MHz serial interface shortens configuration time after hot-swap or reset events, reducing service downtime. The 8-pin SOIC with tube packaging suits both prototyping and mid-volume production runs, and the same-footprint EPCQ family enables a zero-layout-change migration when long-term supply planning requires it.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
Bench instruments and modular test systems use Cyclone FPGAs for real-time signal acquisition, and the EPCS16SI8N stores their logic images. The JTAG-based ISP flow integrates cleanly with production programming stations: Quartus generates a .jic file targeting the EPCS16, and the same JTAG chain that tests the board also programs the configuration memory, eliminating a separate programming step. The 16 Mbit density covers compressed images for mainstream Cyclone III/IV devices. Instrument makers servicing legacy fleets should note the part is end-of-life and stock last-time-buy quantities or qualify the drop-in EPCQ16ASI8N.
Recommended
Medical Device Firmware Storage
Diagnostic and monitoring medical equipment employing Cyclone FPGAs relies on non-volatile configuration memory that supports controlled firmware updates - a requirement the EPCS16SI8N's JTAG ISP capability addresses directly. The 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply range matches standard medical-equipment low-voltage rails, and the 40 MHz configuration interface ensures fast startup, which matters for devices with strict power-on-to-ready time expectations. Validation teams appreciate that Altera's documented AS interface behavior is deterministic across power cycles. For new medical designs, the actively supported EPCQ16ASI8N in the identical 8-pin SOIC footprint avoids end-of-life supply risk over the product's regulatory lifetime.
Recommended
Legacy Design Maintenance and BOM Continuity
Engineers maintaining shipping products designed around the EPCS16SI8N need continuity of supply as the part reaches end-of-life. The verified migration path is the Intel EPCQ16ASI8N: same 8-pin SOIC footprint, same 16 Mbit capacity, same supply range, and community-confirmed configuration of Cyclone devices like the EP3C16 - meaning the change is a bill-of-materials swap with no PCB rework. For designs needing more margin, EPCQ32ASI8N and EPCQ64ASI8N fit the same footprint with 2x and 4x capacity. Qualify the replacement by reprogramming through the existing JTAG chain and verifying configuration timing on the target board.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPCS16SI8N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPCQ16ASI8N | EPCQ32ASI8N | EPCQ64ASI8N | EPCS4SI8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC (3.90 mm width) | 8-SOIC - same footprint | 8-SOIC - same footprint | 8-SOIC - same footprint | 8-SOIC - same footprint |
| Brand | Altera | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Altera |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 32 Mb | 64 Mb | 4 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 3.6 V | 3 V to 3.6 V | 3 V to 3.6 V | 3 V to 3.6 V | 3 V to 3.6 V |
| Lifecycle Status | EOL (community-discussed) | Active (successor) | Active (successor) | Active (successor) | EOL |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (ISP) | JTAG (ISP) | JTAG (ISP) | JTAG (ISP) | JTAG (ISP) |
| Verified Drop-in Replacement | N/A (reference part) | Yes - community confirmed (Cyclone EP3C16) | Discussed (Cyclone EP3C25) | Same footprint, capacity surplus | Pin-compatible, capacity -75% |
Key Differentiators
- Single-device configuration solution (vs EPC16 (enhanced configuration device))
- In-footprint vertical migration (vs EPCS16SI16N)
- Confirmed successor path (vs EPCQ16ASI8N)
Design Notes
Place the EPCS16SI8N as close as possible to the FPGA's dedicated Active Serial pins (DCLK, DATA, nCSO) and keep the DCLK trace short and direct, because the 40 MHz configuration clock is the fastest edge in the configuration path. Add 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling directly at the VCC pin. If you plan a future migration to the EPCQ family, the same 8-SOIC footprint is retained, so no land-pattern change is needed - verify only that the toolchain device type is updated when reprogramming.
The EPCS16SI8N is end-of-life: do not design it into new products. The verified replacement is the EPCQ16ASI8N (same 16 Mbit, same 8-pin SOIC footprint, community-confirmed on Cyclone EP3C16). When substituting EPCQ32ASI8N or EPCQ64ASI8N for extra capacity, remember Quartus must program the correct device type - a .jic generated for EPCS16 will not correctly program an EPCQ32 without regenerating for that target. Also confirm your compressed bitstream size fits the chosen density before committing to a smaller EPCS4SI8N swap.
Supply the device from the same clean 3.3 V rail used by the FPGA I/O bank that hosts the AS interface, within the 3.0 V to 3.6 V range. Sharing the rail ensures DCLK, DATA, and nCSO logic levels are always compatible during configuration. Estimated: configuration current draw of this flash is small (tens of mA peak), so a single 0.1 uF plus 10 uF bulk capacitor per rail is typically sufficient; confirm against the datasheet ICC figures for your final design.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the provided web data. Verify RoHS/REACH status on the Intel/Altera product page or DigiKey listing before procurement.
