EPC1064PC8 - 65kb OTP Config PROM for FPGAs, PDIP-8 | Intel/Altera
MPN: EPC1064PC8 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.95 | $89.50 |
| 100 | $7.8 | $780.00 |
| 500 | $6.95 | $3,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
EPC1064PC8 Overview
A Configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory (NVM) device that holds the FPGA configuration bitstream and serially shifts it into the FPGA during power-up, allowing the FPGA to be re-configured at every power cycle without an external parallel boot ROM. Configuration PROMs sit hierarchically below the FPGA's configuration controller and above the on-die SRAM-based logic cells, forming the boot memory layer in classic SRAM-based LUT architectures. The EPC1064 sits in the same category as the EPC1, EPC2, EPC4, EPC8, EPC16, EPC64, and EPC144 families, scaling by density from 1 Mbit to 16 Mbit depending on FPGA fabric size.
Key features of the EPC1064PC8 include 65,536 bits of OTP storage organized 64K x 1 (serial shift), 4.75 V to 5.25 V single-supply operation, dedicated nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CE handshake pins for FPGA handshaking, a maximum DCLK toggle rate of approximately 8 MHz in fast-mode, and a serial configuration time under 100 ms for typical bitstreams. Programming is performed via the Altera Logic Programmer or compatible third-party programmers before SMT insertion, after which the device operates as read-only memory for the rest of its service life.
Typical applications include legacy Altera FPGA configuration storage (FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, MAX 9000), industrial control boards with soldered-down FPGA logic, CPLD prototyping carriers, and educational FPGA development boards that need a permanent boot image. The PDIP-8 footprint supports hand-soldering and breadboard prototyping, which is uncommon in modern designs but valuable for low-volume and lab use cases.
When designing with this part, plan for the OTP constraint carefully - the bitstream must be 100% verified before programming because field re-programming is impossible. Allocate the EPC1064 density such that the compressed bitstream remains below 65 kb. For modern designs requiring in-system re-programmability, migrate to EPCQ or EPCQ-A serial flash; the EPC1064PC8 remains the correct choice only when OTP permanence is acceptable.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1064PC8 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 EPC1064PC8 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Interface, Package, Memory Type, Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesEPC1064PC8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 65 kb (65,536 bits) |
| Organization | 64K x 1 (serial) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Interface | Serial (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) |
| Output Type | Serial data stream |
| Programmability | OTP (One-Time Programmable, factory- or programmer-burned) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | PDIP-8 (PC8 suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Lead Pitch | 2.54 mm (0.100 in) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Altera FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, MAX 9000, Classic EPLD |
| Programmer Support | Altera Logic Programmer (legacy), third-party OTP PROM programmers |
EPC1064PC8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Serial clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG β Configuration request (active-low) |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | VCC β +5 V supply |
| Pin 6 | CE β Chip enable |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active-low) |
| Pin 8 | OE β Output enable |
Typical Applications
EPC1064PC8 is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Altera FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration, MAX 9000 CPLD Configuration Storage, Classic EPLD Boot Memory, FPGA Development and Education Boards, Industrial PLC and Process Controller Logic, Retro Computing and Hardware Emulation, Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Legacy Altera FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration
The EPC1064PC8 stores the 65 kb compressed bitstream for legacy Altera FLEX 10K-series FPGAs (EPF10K10, EPF10K20, EPF10K30) at power-up, serially clocking DATA into the FPGA under control of nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshakes. The 5 V supply matches the FLEX 10K core rail and removes the need for level shifting; the OTP nature of the device ensures the bitstream is permanent and tamper-resistant once programmed, ideal for industrial control boards that must boot the same image for decades. Compared with a parallel EPROM, the EPC1064PC8 uses only four signal pins plus 5 V and ground, simplifying PCB routing significantly.
Recommended
MAX 9000 CPLD Configuration Storage
The EPC1064PC8 supplies the configuration bitstream for Altera MAX 9000 EPLDs (EPM9320, EPM9400, EPM9480) in legacy industrial designs. The 64K x 1 serial organization shifts the bitstream into the device through DATA/DCLK pins without consuming any user I/O, leaving all 100+ macrocell pins free for the application logic. The commercial 0C to +70C temperature range covers most indoor industrial enclosures, and the PDIP-8 footprint supports hand-prototype and field-replacement scenarios common in long-life industrial controllers.
Recommended
Classic EPLD Boot Memory
Altera Classic EPLDs (EP610, EP910, EP1810) require a non-volatile configuration source, and the EPC1064PC8 serves this role on legacy control boards. The serial interface connects directly to the EPLD's serial configuration port without glue logic, and the OTP storage ensures the configuration is locked at programming time. Engineers maintaining EP910-based systems in aviation ground support or military retrofits rely on the EPC1064PC8's long-term availability through the franchised distribution channel despite its obsolete status.
Recommended
FPGA Development and Education Boards
University FPGA labs and retro-computing hobbyists use the EPC1064PC8 to provide a fixed boot image for vintage Altera development boards such as the Altera UP-1 and Flex 10K evaluation kits. The PDIP-8 footprint fits standard breadboards and wire-wrap prototype boards, allowing students to swap the PROM by hand and observe different configurations. The 5 V supply draws from the same barrel jack as the board, simplifying power architecture. Although the part is no longer in production, educational stock remains available at franchised distributors.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Process Controller Logic
Long-life industrial PLC designs using FLEX 10K or MAX 9000 devices use the EPC1064PC8 to store deterministic boot firmware that powers up the controller in a known safe state. The OTP guarantee eliminates field reprogramming risk - a hard requirement in safety-critical process controllers where unintended bitstream changes could cause machine damage. The 65 kb density is sufficient for typical ladder-logic-to-hardware compilers targeting these FPGA families, and the PDIP-8 footprint supports through-hole manufacturing processes still common in heavy-industry assembly lines.
Recommended
Retro Computing and Hardware Emulation
Hardware preservationists building replicas of 1990s-era computer systems (custom MIPS or x86 accelerator boards based on FLEX 10K FPGAs) use the EPC1064PC8 to provide authentic-era boot storage. The PDIP-8 package supports period-appropriate through-hole construction that matches the rest of the retro board, and the 65 kb density accommodates 1990s-era core logic bitstreams. Hobbyists appreciate the documented datasheet and programmer support from the Altera Logic Programmer (with modern replacements via compatible third-party tools).
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Vintage oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol testers built on FLEX 10K FPGAs use the EPC1064PC8 to load their bitstream on power-up. The 5 V supply matches the analog front-end rails of these instruments, the OTP storage protects the calibration firmware from accidental overwrites, and the PDIP-8 package allows field service technicians to swap the PROM by hand during repair. Service depots maintaining these instruments (e.g., older Tektronix, LeCroy, and Agilent scopes) keep EPC1064PC8 stock on hand for decades-long support windows.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1064PC8 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1064LC20 |
|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 | PLCC-20 (not pin-compatible with PDIP-8) |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Memory Size | 65 kb | 65 kb |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Interface | Serial | Serial |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- PDIP-8 through-hole footprint (vs EPC1064LC20)
- Same density as PLCC-20 sibling (vs EPC1064LC20)
- Documented legacy support from Altera (vs EPC1064LC20)
Design Notes
The EPC1064PC8 is OTP - verify the bitstream 100% before programming because field re-programming is impossible. Allocate density such that the compressed bitstream fits within 65 kb after Altera compression; if it does not fit, choose a higher-density device such as EPC1441 (144 kb) or EPC8 (8 Mb). Programming is performed with the legacy Altera Logic Programmer or a compatible third-party OTP PROM programmer before PCB assembly.
Route DATA and DCLK as a short differential pair from the EPC1064PC8 to the FPGA configuration pins to minimize skew. Place the EPC1064PC8 within 50 mm of the FPGA configuration pins to keep trace impedance controlled. Add a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor directly between VCC (pin 5) and GND (pin 4), and a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor on the same 5 V rail. Keep the nCONFIG and nSTATUS traces away from switching signals to avoid false configuration events.
Estimated: EPC1064PC8 is classified obsolete by Intel/Altera as of 2026-09-10. New designs should migrate to EPCQ-A serial flash for modern FPGAs or EPCQ128/EPCQ256 for larger bitstreams. For long-term maintenance of legacy boards, place orders through authorized distributors and avoid independent brokers - counterfeit OTP PROMs are common in the open market.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in verified web sources; refer to manufacturer datasheet for definitive RoHS/REACH/lead-free status. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a memory configuration PROM, not an automotive-grade component.
