EPC1LC20U - 1Mb FPGA Config PROM, 20-PLCC | Altera
N.º da peça: EPC1LC20U ✗ Fim de vida| Qtd. | Preço unitário | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18,50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162,00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1.385,00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5.700,00 |
| 1.000 | $9.75 | $9.750,00 |
EPC1LC20U Visão geral
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory that holds the FPGA's bitstream. Because SRAM-based LUT devices (such as the Altera Cyclone, Stratix, and APEX families) lose their configuration when power is removed, the bitstream must be reloaded every time the system powers up. The EPC1LC20U integrates the configuration storage, the serial interface controller, and a precision voltage-reference block in a single package, eliminating the need for external boot memory and reducing board area. In the broader memory hierarchy, the EPC1LC20U sits at the intersection of non-volatile memory (Flash/EPROM/OTP) and FPGA configuration logic.
Key features include 1 Mbit of OTP storage (sufficient for the largest pre-Cyclone-II bitstreams), 8 MHz maximum DCLK rate, open-drain nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking, cascading capability to support larger bitstreams through multiple PROMs chained together, and 3.3V typical operation. The 20-pin PLCC package is socket-compatible with the JEDEC-standard 20-PLCC outline, simplifying PCB layout and field programming.
The EPC1LC20U uses Altera's proprietary serial configuration state machine to coordinate with the FPGA. On power-up the FPGA drives nSTATUS low, the PROM presents the bitstream byte-by-byte on DATA, the FPGA clocks it in via DCLK, and signals completion through nCONFIG release. Programming is performed through Altera's Altera Programming Unit (APU) or compatible third-party programmers using JTAG-style pin access.
Typical applications include industrial control FPGA cards, telecom line cards, military/aerospace SRAM-FPGA modules, prototyping boards, and legacy Altera APEX/ACEX/FLEX design support. The OTP architecture makes it suitable for production units where the bitstream is finalized and changes are not expected. When designing with the EPC1LC20U, ensure the JTAG/programming header is accessible and that the nSTATUS/nCONFIG pull-ups are sized correctly (typically 10 kohm to VCC).
Alternativas drop-in para EPC1LC20U — 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 EPC1LC20U (mesmo formato e footprint) — diferindo em Memory Type, Package, Supported FPGA Families, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Ferramenta de comparação rápida — selecione peças alternativas para comparação lado a lado:
EPC1LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ Em estoque
$7.95 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1LC20N
✅ Drop-In✓ Em estoque
$8.4 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC144LC20
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$7.1 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1213LC20
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Especificações não verificadas✓ Em estoque
$7.4 / unidade
Ver ficha técnica →EPC1LC20U Classificações máximas e características elétricas
| Tipo de memória | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density | 1 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Altera Serial Configuration (4-wire) |
| Maximum DCLK Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Encapsulamento | 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) |
| Cascading Support | Yes (multi-PROM daisy-chain for larger bitstreams) |
| Programming Method | Altera APU / third-party JTAG programmer |
| Lead-Free (Pb-free) Finish | Yes ("U" suffix) |
| Tipo de montagem | Surface Mount |
| Compatibility | Altera SRAM-based LUT FPGAs (APEX, FLEX, ACEX, Cyclone, Stratix families) |
| Status RoHS | Compliant (Pb-free finish, "U" suffix) |
Configuração de pinos do EPC1LC20U
| Pino 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pino 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pino 3 | nSTATUS — Status signal to FPGA (open-drain) |
| Pino 4 | nCONFIG — Configuration control from FPGA |
| Pino 5 | VCC — Power supply (3.3 V typical) |
| Pino 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pino 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 9 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 10 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pino 18 | OE — Output enable / nCE (chip enable) |
| Pino 19 | nCS — Chip select |
| Pino 20 | GND — Ground |
Aplicações típicas
EPC1LC20U é adequado para 6 aplicaçãos: Legacy Altera FPGA Boot Configuration, Industrial Control FPGA Cards, Telecom Line Card Configuration, Military and Aerospace FPGA Modules, FPGA Development and Prototyping Boards, Production Bitstream Storage for Legacy APEX/FLEX Designs.
Legacy Altera FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1LC20U stores and supplies the configuration bitstream to SRAM-based Altera FPGAs in the APEX, FLEX, ACEX, Cyclone (pre-II), and early Stratix families. At power-up the FPGA asserts nCONFIG/nSTATUS, the EPC1LC20U presents the bitstream serially on DATA at up to 8 MHz DCLK, and configuration completes without external Flash. The 1-Mbit density is sufficient for the largest pre-Cyclone-II bitstreams; for smaller designs the EPC144LC20 or EPC1213LC20 in the same 20-PLCC footprint offer the same interface at lower cost. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on nSTATUS and nCONFIG to VCC and keep DATA/DCLK traces short to avoid skew.
Recomendado
Industrial Control FPGA Cards
Industrial PLC and motion-control boards that use Altera FPGAs for high-speed I/O and deterministic logic rely on the EPC1LC20U for non-volatile boot storage. The OTP architecture guarantees that the bitstream cannot be altered by field reprogramming - desirable for safety-certified or IP-locked industrial designs. The 20-PLCC package supports both SMT and socketed assembly, simplifying field service and rework. Designers benefit from Altera's Quartus-II toolchain integration and from the 8 MHz passive-serial interface that requires only four FPGA pins (DCLK, DATA, nSTATUS, nCONFIG), freeing more I/O for application use.
Recomendado
Telecom Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards and base-station subsystems built on Altera FPGAs use the EPC1LC20U as the central boot source. The PROM's 1-Mbit density supports multi-protocol bitstreams, and the cascading interface allows designers to chain a second EPC1LC20U to extend storage for large Stratix-class designs. The 8 MHz DCLK rate yields configuration times around 130 ms for a full 1-Mbit bitstream, fast enough for telecom power-rail sequencing requirements. Lead-free (U-suffix) finish supports RoHS telecom builds shipping into EU and APAC markets.
Recomendado
Military and Aerospace FPGA Modules
Defense and aerospace subsystems using extended-temperature Altera FPGAs require rugged, non-volatile boot memory, and the EPC1LC20U in 20-PLCC meets that need. Its OTP architecture is well suited to bitstreams that are frozen at production and must not be modified in the field - a common requirement for DO-254 and MIL-HDBK-454 compliance. Designers pair the PROM with a mil-spec FPGA (e.g., APEX or ACEX ruggedized versions) on conduction-cooled boards. The 20-PLCC through-hole-style footprint also tolerates mechanical stress and thermal cycling better than finer-pitch SOIC alternatives.
Recomendado
FPGA Development and Prototyping Boards
University labs, evaluation kits, and reference designs targeting legacy Altera FPGAs use the EPC1LC20U as the default boot source. The PLCC socket allows students and engineers to swap bitstreams by re-programming a fresh PROM, supporting multiple design iterations without board rework. The 8 MHz passive-serial interface is straightforward to drive from soft logic in the FPGA itself, useful for lab demos of self-configuration or cascaded-PROM boot sequences. Pair the EPC1LC20U with a Quartus-II reference design to walk through the full compile/program/verify cycle in a classroom setting.
Recomendado
Production Bitstream Storage for Legacy APEX/FLEX Designs
Long-lifecycle production systems that use APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, or ACEX 1K FPGAs rely on the EPC1LC20U to store the finalized bitstream permanently. Because these designs often ship for 15-20 years, sourcing the same configuration PROM across the program lifetime is critical. The OTP-only architecture prevents accidental field overwrites that could brick deployed units, and the Altera-standard 20-PLCC footprint is interchangeable with multiple second-source suppliers listed in the cross-reference. Designers maintain a long-term inventory agreement with authorized distributors to secure supply through end-of-life.
Recomendado
Resumo dos produtos recomendados
Dados de referência de engenharia para EPC1LC20U — comparação, orientação de projeto e informações de conformidade.
Guia de seleção
Comparação com alternativas
| Parâmetro | Este produto | EPC1LC20 | EPC1LC20N | EPC144LC20 | EPC1213LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel FPGA) | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) | 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) - same | 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) - same | 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) - same | 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) - same |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Configuration Interface | Altera 4-wire passive serial | Altera 4-wire passive serial | Altera 4-wire passive serial | Altera 4-wire passive serial | Altera 4-wire passive serial |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Principais diferenciais
- Lead-free Pb-free finish on a proven legacy Altera design (vs EPC1LC20)
- 1-Mbit density sufficient for the largest pre-Cyclone-II bitstreams (vs EPC144LC20)
- Same PLCC footprint across the Altera EPC family (vs EPCS1 / EPCQ1)
- Cascading capability for very large bitstreams (vs EPC144LC20)
Notas de projeto
Use 10 kohm pull-up resistors on nSTATUS and nCONFIG to VCC (typically 3.3 V). Place these resistors as close as possible to the FPGA pins, not the PROM, to ensure clean edges during configuration handshaking. Add a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor directly between the EPC1LC20U VCC and GND pins, and a 1 uF bulk capacitor nearby to handle inrush current during configuration.
Keep the DCLK and DATA traces between the EPC1LC20U and the FPGA short and length-matched within ~25 mm to minimize skew. Route them away from switching power converters and high-speed data lines; the configuration interface is sensitive to crosstalk at the 8 MHz DCLK edge. For multi-PROM cascading, place the secondary EPC1LC20U within 50 mm of the primary and daisy-chain nCASC/next-DATA lines per the Altera datasheet.
Do not confuse the EPC1LC20U (20-PLCC, 4-wire passive serial) with the EPCS1/EPCQ1 (8-SOIC, active serial SPI). They share the 1-Mbit density but use completely different pinouts and configuration protocols - the EPCS1/EPCQ1 cannot be a drop-in replacement on the same footprint. Also confirm the FPGA target family: passive-serial 4-wire EPC PROMs work with APEX, FLEX, ACEX, Cyclone (pre-II), and early Stratix, but Cyclone III/IV/V and Stratix III/IV/V/10 require EPCQ-series active-serial devices.
The EPC1LC20U operates from a single 3.3 V typical supply (consult the datasheet for the full VCC tolerance window). During configuration the PROM may draw brief inrush current of several mA as internal counters cycle - ensure the 3.3 V rail has at least 50 mA of headroom beyond quiescent load. For battery-backed or power-sequenced designs, hold the FPGA in reset (nCONFIG low) until VCC is stable for at least 1 ms before releasing.
Informações de conformidade
Pb-free finish indicated by "U" suffix per Altera naming convention. Other compliance data (REACH, halogen, conflict minerals) not published for this legacy part; consult the latest Intel FPGA compliance statements if required.