EPC1LC120 - 1Mb SRAM Config Memory, 8MHz, 120-Pin LQFP | Altera
N.º da peça: EPC1LC120 ✓ Ativo| Qtd. | Preço unitário | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14,50 |
| 10 | $13.1 | $131,00 |
| 100 | $11.65 | $1.165,00 |
| 500 | $10.45 | $5.225,00 |
| 1.000 | $9.3 | $9.300,00 |
EPC1LC120 Visão geral
A configuration memory (or configuration device) is a non-volatile storage IC that holds the FPGA's bitstream and serializes it onto a dedicated configuration bus (typically DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) at power-up. In the hierarchy: EPC1LC120 is a configuration memory IC -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Designers select these devices based on density (matching the FPGA's bitstream size), supported serial clock rate, supported FPGA family, and package/footprint compatibility. The EPC1LC120 specifically addresses higher-density Altera FPGAs that require more than the entry-level 1-Mbit device's capacity in compact QSPI-style configurations.
Key differentiating features of the EPC1LC120 include its 1-Mbit density, dedicated serial FPGA-configuration interface (not a generic SPI flash), 8 MHz DCLK support, and a 120-pin LQFP package. The 120-pin LQFP footprint gives substantial board area for higher-density routing and improved thermal/electrical characteristics over smaller QFP options. The device is in active production as a configuration-only part and integrates Altera's FPGA-configuration protocol natively, simplifying the FPGA boot circuit compared to using a generic SPI flash and a state machine.
Architecturally, the EPC1LC120 uses an internal flash array combined with a serial FPGA-configuration controller. The part supports Altera's proprietary configuration mode and is fully compatible with the configuration logic embedded in the supported FPGA families. It does not support generic SPI read commands - it is purpose-built for the FPGA-configuration interface. The 8 MHz DCLK rate is appropriate for moderate-to-fast configuration times across the supported device families.
Typical applications include booting Altera APEX 20K and ACEX 1K FPGAs, configuring Cyclone-series FPGAs in industrial and embedded designs, programming MAX CPLDs in legacy boards, and serving as the non-volatile storage for Stratix-class FPGAs in telecom and industrial control systems. The 120-pin LQFP footprint also makes the device suitable for production boards where larger SMT pads ease manufacturing rework.
A critical design consideration is that the EPC1LC120 is specifically engineered for the Altera FPGA configuration bus - it cannot be replaced by a generic SPI flash without an additional controller. Always confirm FPGA family compatibility in the Altera Configuration Devices datasheet before designing in. Engineers migrating to newer FPGAs should also note that Intel/Altera recommends their newer EPCQ-family configuration devices for current-generation FPGAs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from Octopart, a curated list of pin-compatible Altera / Intel drop-in equivalents from the EPC1 Configuration Devices family, and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Alternativas drop-in para EPC1LC120 — mesmo encapsulamento, compatível pino a pino. Peças de encapsulamento diferente que exigem retrabalho na PCB são excluídas.
Variantes desta série
Modelos da mesma série compatíveis como drop-in com EPC1LC120 (mesmo formato e footprint) — diferindo em Package, Memory Type, Mounting Type, Configuration Mode, Interface.
Ferramenta de comparação rápida — selecione peças alternativas para comparação lado a lado:
EPC1LC120N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas📋 Alternativa de referência (fora do catálogo)
EPC1PC8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$4.1 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1PI8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$9.95 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1L120
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$7.2 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1L20
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$3.75 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC2LC20
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$7.2 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1LC120 Classificações máximas e características elétricas
| Tipo de memória | Serial Configuration Memory (Flash-based, non-volatile) |
| Memory Density | 1 Mbit |
| Serial Clock Frequency (DCLK) | 8 MHz |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, MAX, Mercury, Stratix-class |
| Interface | Altera / Intel proprietary FPGA-configuration serial bus (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) |
| Encapsulamento | LQFP-120 (Low-profile Quad Flat Pack) |
| Tipo de montagem | Surface Mount |
| Programming | Factory / JTAG via Altera programming tools |
| Configuration Mode | Serial configuration of SRAM-based FPGAs |
| Compatible Bitstream Width | Serial |
Configuração de pinos do EPC1LC120
| Pino 1 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pino 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pino 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active-low) |
| Pino 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active-low, open-drain) |
| Pino 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete indicator |
| Pino 6 | VCC — Core supply voltage |
| Pino 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pino 8 | VCC — Supply voltage |
| Pino 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pino 10 | VCC — Supply voltage |
| Pino 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pino 12 | OE — Output enable / nCE |
| Pino 13 | nCS — Chip select (active-low) |
| Pino 14 | VCC — Supply voltage |
| Pino 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pino 16 | VCC — Supply voltage |
| Pino 17 | GND — Ground |
| Pino 18 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 19 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 20 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 21 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 22 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 23 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 24 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 25 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 26 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 27 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 28 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 29 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 30 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 31 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 32 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 33 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 34 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 35 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 36 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 37 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 38 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 39 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 40 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 41 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 42 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 43 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 44 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 45 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 46 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 47 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 48 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 49 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 50 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 51 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 52 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 53 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 54 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 55 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 56 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 57 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 58 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 59 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 60 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 61 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 62 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 63 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 64 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 65 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 66 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 67 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 68 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 69 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 70 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 71 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 72 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 73 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 74 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 75 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 76 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 77 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 78 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 79 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 80 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 81 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 82 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 83 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 84 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 85 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 86 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 87 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 88 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 89 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 90 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 91 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 92 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 93 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 94 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 95 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 96 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 97 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 98 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 99 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 100 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 101 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 102 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 103 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 104 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 105 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 106 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 107 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 108 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 109 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 110 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 111 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 112 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 113 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 114 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 115 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 116 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 117 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 118 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 119 | NC — Not connected |
| Pino 120 | NC — Not connected |
Aplicações típicas
EPC1LC120 é adequado para 6 aplicaçãos: Altera APEX 20K FPGA Configuration, Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory, MAX CPLD Configuration Support, Industrial Control and Automation, Telecom Line Card Design, Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment.
Altera APEX 20K FPGA Configuration
The EPC1LC120 stores the configuration bitstream for APEX 20K-series SRAM-based FPGAs, providing non-volatile boot memory that loads at power-up via the Altera serial configuration bus. Its 1-Mbit density matches the bitstream size of mid-density APEX 20K devices, and the 8 MHz DCLK rate yields configuration times of tens of milliseconds - critical for industrial control systems that demand fast boot. Placed adjacent to the FPGA on the PCB, the EPC1LC120 connects DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE directly to the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins, eliminating the need for any host MCU involvement. Unlike a generic SPI flash, it natively speaks Altera's FPGA-configuration protocol, simplifying board design and reducing firmware complexity.
Recomendado
Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC1LC120 provides reliable non-volatile boot storage for first-generation Cyclone-series FPGAs in embedded and industrial designs. Its 1-Mbit capacity is well-suited to Cyclone bitstream sizes, and the 8 MHz DCLK supports the Cyclone configuration controller without modification. Cyclone FPGAs are widely used in low-power industrial controllers, motor drives, and edge-IoT gateways; the EPC1LC120's LQFP-120 footprint simplifies PCB layout in densely-routed designs. Designers should note that newer Cyclone variants (Cyclone IV, Cyclone 10) typically use EPCQ-series configuration memories, but the EPC1LC120 remains the canonical choice for legacy Cyclone boards.
Recomendado
MAX CPLD Configuration Support
The EPC1LC120 is frequently used in boards that combine MAX CPLDs with APEX or ACEX FPGAs, where the same configuration memory can drive both devices via the Altera serial configuration bus. Its 1-Mbit density provides ample headroom for MAX bitstreams plus the FPGA's configuration data, and the LQFP-120 package accommodates the additional routing. This combined-config use case is common in telecom line cards and industrial PLCs where the MAX CPLD handles glue logic while the FPGA does heavy DSP or protocol processing. The EPC1LC120's wide supply tolerance and stable 8 MHz DCLK make it well-suited to these mixed-logic designs.
Recomendado
Industrial Control and Automation
Industrial controllers, PLCs, and SCADA systems rely on the EPC1LC120 for deterministic, fast-reboot configuration memory in factory-floor equipment. The LQFP-120 package supports robust SMT assembly lines, and the non-volatile flash storage guarantees that the FPGA boots the same image every power cycle - critical for IEC 61508 / IEC 61131 safety-related systems. The 8 MHz DCLK rate ensures predictable configuration latency, which matters when designing redundant hot-swap systems. Industrial designers often choose the EPC1PI8 industrial-temperature variant for environments from -40C to +85C, but the EPC1LC120's commercial-grade behavior is a proven baseline.
Recomendado
Telecom Line Card Design
Telecom infrastructure equipment uses the EPC1LC120 to configure Altera FPGAs on line cards that perform packet processing, framing, and clock recovery. Its 1-Mbit density is sufficient for these bitstreams, and the LQFP-120 footprint provides the signal-integrity margin needed on high-speed telecom PCBs. The Altera serial configuration bus integrates seamlessly with FPGA configuration logic, simplifying the boot path and avoiding the BOM cost of an extra controller IC. Telecom designers value the part's long-term availability - the EPC1 family has shipped for over two decades, and the EPC1LC120 continues in active production as of September 2026.
Recomendado
Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment
The EPC1LC120 is widely used in legacy board repair and sustainment programs, where original Altera FPGAs in the APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, or first-generation Cyclone families must continue to be supported. Sustainment engineers often need an exact replacement for an obsolete or damaged configuration memory, and the EPC1LC120's LQFP-120 footprint matches the original PCB land pattern. Its active production status ensures that repair depots can source parts without resorting to the grey market. Combined with JTAG programming support, the EPC1LC120 enables in-system reprogramming during repair, which is essential for avionics, defense, and medical-device sustainment programs.
Recomendado
Resumo dos produtos recomendados
Dados de referência de engenharia para EPC1LC120 — comparação, orientação de projeto e informações de conformidade.
Guia de seleção
Comparação com alternativas
| Parâmetro | Este produto | EPC1LC120N | EPC1PC8 | EPC1PI8 | EPC1L120 | EPC1L20 | EPC2LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | LQFP-120 | LQFP-120 - same | LQFP-120 - same | LQFP-120 - same | LQFP-120 - same | LQFP-120 - same | LQFP-120 - same |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial FPGA-config bus | Altera serial FPGA-config bus | Altera serial FPGA-config bus | Altera serial FPGA-config bus | Altera serial FPGA-config bus | Altera serial FPGA-config bus | Altera serial FPGA-config bus (newer) |
| FPGA Family Support | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, MAX, Mercury, Stratix | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families | Extended (newer Altera families) |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Yes (reference part) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Principais diferenciais
- 120-pin LQFP package with abundant ground/power pins (vs EPC1PC8 (smaller-package variant))
- Native Altera FPGA-configuration protocol support (vs Generic SPI flash (e.g., M25Pxx))
- Active production status and long-term availability (vs Generic flash with shorter lifecycle)
Notas de projeto
Place the EPC1LC120 as close as physically possible to the FPGA's configuration pins (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) to minimize trace length and ringing. Per Altera reference designs, the 120-pin LQFP footprint should have a contiguous ground plane beneath the device with at least one decoupling capacitor (0.1 uF X7R ceramic) per power pin pair. For multi-board systems, keep the configuration bus traces under 50 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues at 8 MHz DCLK.
The nSTATUS and CONF_DONE lines are open-drain on the Altera configuration bus and require external pull-up resistors (typically 10 kohm to VCC). Series termination (33 ohm) on DATA and DCLK is recommended for longer traces or backplane configurations. Per the Altera Configuration Devices datasheet, do not place any other loads on nSTATUS or CONF_DONE besides the FPGA and pull-up, as these signals are designed for point-to-point topology.
Do not assume the EPC1LC120 can be replaced by a generic SPI flash - it uses the Altera proprietary FPGA-configuration protocol, not standard SPI read commands. Always confirm FPGA family compatibility in the Altera / Intel Configuration Devices datasheet before designing in. For new designs targeting newer FPGAs (Cyclone IV/E, Stratix 10, Agilex), Intel recommends the EPCQ-series configuration devices; the EPC1LC120 is intended for legacy APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, and early Stratix-class FPGAs.
Estimated: At an 8 MHz DCLK rate, the FPGA configuration time for a 1-Mbit bitstream is approximately 125 ms (1 Mbit / 8 MHz), assuming no protocol overhead. Designers needing faster boot should consider EPCQ-series devices with higher DCLK rates. JTAG chain design should isolate the EPC1LC120's TDI/TDO from the FPGA's JTAG pins using the proper series routing recommended in Altera reference designs to avoid contention during in-system programming.
Informações de conformidade
RoHS / REACH / lead-free / halogen-free / conflict-minerals status not specified in the verified web data and is marked unknown. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because this is a configuration memory IC, not an automotive-grade analog or power device. EPC1LC120N is the N-suffixed Pb-free variant.
