EPC1213PI8 - 212Kb OTP Config PROM for FPGAs | Altera DIP-8
MPN: EPC1213PI8 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.5222 | $3.52 |
| 10 | $3.17 | $31.70 |
| 100 | $2.82 | $282.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.11 | $2,110.00 |
EPC1213PI8 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that stores the FPGA's bitstream so that the SRAM-based logic fabric inside the FPGA can be reloaded on every power-up. The EPC1213PI8 belongs to the broader memory IC hierarchy (PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC) and is functionally equivalent to a small serial Flash with an FPGA-aware controller. It supports FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX device families, making it a long-standing legacy configuration solution.
Key features include 212 Kb of storage (208 K words x 1 bit), 6 MHz maximum configuration clock frequency, simple 4-wire serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE), and 3.3 V or 5 V core supply operation. OTP programming is performed once using Altera's programming hardware; subsequent read operations are unlimited and reliable for the life of the system. The 8-pin PDIP package simplifies hand prototyping and legacy through-hole designs where socketed configuration memory is desired for in-system replacement.
Technically, the EPC1213PI8 implements a state machine that accepts the FPGA's nSTATUS and CONF_DONE handshakes, presents a synchronous serial bitstream to the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK pins, and signals completion through the nCONFIG/CEO daisy-chain. The internal array is organized as 208 K x 1 bit for a 212 Kb user-visible capacity, with extra bits reserved for preamble, length count, and CRC check. Programmed parts retain data indefinitely under standard storage conditions and are rated for -40 C to +85 C industrial operation.
Typical applications include legacy Altera FPGA design bring-up, factory configuration storage for production boards using FLEX 10K or Stratix devices, prototype boards that need socketed configuration memory for fast bitstream swapping, and field-replaceable configuration modules where end customers may upgrade FPGA firmware by swapping the DIP-8 PROM. The EPC1213PI8 is also used in educational lab kits and discontinued product re-spins where the original Altera configuration chain must remain intact for backward compatibility.
When designing with this device, verify that the target FPGA's configuration scheme selects Master Serial Mode and that the EPC1213PI8 density covers the bitstream size (212 Kb supports FLEX 10K and smaller ACEX/Cyclone designs). Always include a 1 kohm pull-up on nCONFIG and a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor on VCC adjacent to the package pins.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, configuration PROM cross-references, and Altera legacy design notes not aggregated on any single vendor page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1213PI8 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 EPC1213PI8 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Package, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1213PC8
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1213PI8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (non-volatile) |
| Density | 212 Kbit (213 kbits per digchip) |
| Organization | 208 K words x 1 bit |
| Bits per Word | 1 bit |
| Configuration Interface | Serial, 4-wire (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE) |
| Max Configuration Clock | 6 MHz |
| Programming Mode | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V or 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | PDIP-8 (Plastic DIP, 8-pin) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Supported FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, Stratix II GX, Arria GX |
EPC1213PI8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA DATA0 |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | VCC β Power supply (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | OE β Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 7 | nCASC β Cascade output for daisy-chaining multiple PROMs |
| Pin 8 | nINIT_CONF β Initiate configuration (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC1213PI8 is suitable for 8 applications: FLEX 10K Configuration Storage, Stratix FPGA Prototype Boards, Legacy Cyclone Design Re-Spins, APEX 20K Industrial Control Systems, ACEX 1K Educational Lab Kits, Mercury Wireless Base Station Bitstream Backup, Arria GX Config in Test Equipment, Field-Replaceable Configuration Module.
FLEX 10K Configuration Storage
The EPC1213PI8 stores the FLEX 10K configuration bitstream and presents it serially to the FPGA on power-up via nCS/DCLK/DATA. FLEX 10K designs require approximately 80-200 Kbit depending on utilization, all within the EPC1213PI8's 212 Kbit capacity. Used in legacy industrial controllers and telecom line cards that must continue operating without redesign.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Prototype Boards
Designers building Stratix evaluation boards use the EPC1213PI8 to load test bitstreams through the Master Serial configuration chain. The 6 MHz DCLK rate is sufficient for Stratix configuration at default POR delays. The PDIP-8 socket allows quick bitstream swaps during bring-up, eliminating the need to re-program Flash during iteration cycles.
Recommended
Legacy Cyclone Design Re-Spins
End-of-life Cyclone and Cyclone II boards are re-spun for continued production using the EPC1213PI8 because the original Altera configuration chain remains intact without PCB rework. The 212 Kbit density accommodates most Cyclone bitstreams (10K to 30K logic elements). Drop-in compatibility with existing Master Serial Mode firmware preserves backward compatibility.
Recommended
APEX 20K Industrial Control Systems
APEX 20K designs in factory automation and process control use the EPC1213PI8 to provide non-volatile configuration storage. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range supports harsh factory environments. OTP programming eliminates accidental bitstream corruption from EMI events that might otherwise affect in-system programmable Flash devices.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Educational Lab Kits
University and training labs use the EPC1213PI8 to load ACEX 1K student designs because the through-hole PDIP-8 package is easily socketed and re-programmed across lab sessions. The simple 4-wire configuration protocol allows students to focus on FPGA logic without learning complex Flash controller interfaces. The 6 MHz clock keeps bitstream load times under 50 ms.
Recommended
Mercury Wireless Base Station Bitstream Backup
Mercury (the predecessor to Stratix) wireless base station prototypes store configuration in the EPC1213PI8 as a backup to onboard Flash. The OTP nature guarantees the bitstream cannot be corrupted by software bugs during field updates, providing a known-good recovery image for emergency FPGA re-load via JTAG over the field service port.
Recommended
Arria GX Config in Test Equipment
Test and measurement equipment using Arria GX transceivers stores the FPGA bitstream in the EPC1213PI8 to enable rapid board swap in factory calibration lines. The 212 Kbit density covers the smaller Arria GX device variants. Through-hole PDIP assembly simplifies hand-rework when swapping configuration memory between equipment units during calibration.
Recommended
Field-Replaceable Configuration Module
End customers upgrade FPGA firmware by physically swapping the EPC1213PI8 chip in its IC socket, eliminating the need for JTAG programmers in the field. Common in industrial controllers, vending machines, and point-of-sale terminals where factory technicians without FPGA tools must perform firmware upgrades. The OTP nature ensures the new bitstream is locked once installed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1213PI8 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1213PC8 | EPC1213LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole) | PDIP-8 (surface-mount) | PLCC-20 (surface-mount) |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Density | 212 Kbit | 212 Kbit | 212 Kbit |
| Organization | 208 K x 1 bit | 208 K x 1 bit | 208 K x 1 bit |
| Configuration Clock | 6 MHz max | 6 MHz max | 6 MHz max |
| Programming Mode | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Mounting Style | Through Hole | Through Hole (SMT leads) | Surface Mount (PLCC) |
Key Differentiators
- Through-hole PDIP-8 package supports socketed field replacement (vs EPC1213LC20)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range (vs EPC1213LC20)
- Drop-in same-package alternative for legacy designs (vs EPC1213PC8)
Design Notes
The EPC1213PI8 is one-time-programmable (OTP). Verify the .pof bitstream file with a test load into a working FPGA before programming the OTP device - a misprogrammed EPC1213PI8 cannot be erased and must be physically replaced. Always use Altera's Quartus II Programmer with verification enabled; never program in-system during production without a known-good reference bitstream stored offline.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin (pin 4) of the EPC1213PI8, with trace length under 5 mm to minimize inductance. During FPGA configuration switching transients, the EPC1213PI8 can draw brief inrush currents up to 50 mA. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the VCC rail shared between the PROM and FPGA to prevent supply droop during configuration clock startup.
Route the 4-wire configuration signals (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE) as a matched-length group with trace impedance controlled to 50 ohm if the FPGA is more than 50 mm away. The DCLK and DATA lines are source-synchronous from the FPGA, so length-matching within 10 mm minimizes setup/hold violations at the 6 MHz configuration clock. Add 33 ohm series damping resistors near the FPGA pins if ringing is observed on the DATA line during readback.
Compliance Information
RoHS, lead-free, and REACH compliance status were not stated in the verified web data as of 2026-09-11. Legacy PDIP-8 Altera configuration PROMs predate modern RoHS requirements and may contain lead-bearing terminations. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a logic/memory IC, not an automotive-grade qualified part.
