EPC1441-LC20 - 440kb OTP Configuration PROM, 20-PLCC | Altera
MPN: EPC1441-LC20 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.6 | $1.60 |
| 10 | $1.5 | $15.00 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.11 | $555.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
EPC1441-LC20 Overview
Configuration PROMs are dedicated serial non-volatile memories that sit beside an FPGA on the PCB and provide the FPGA's configuration bitstream at power-up or during reconfiguration. The EPC1441 belongs to Altera's EPC1, EPC2, and EPC1441 family of serial configuration devices, which are organized as a hierarchy of product type: configuration PROM -> serial configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. In the system hierarchy they enable programmable logic -> digital IC -> integrated circuit. Compared to parallel EPROM or microcontroller-based boot schemes, a dedicated configuration PROM reduces BOM count, simplifies PCB layout, and guarantees timing-compatible handshakes with the target FPGA.
Key features of the EPC1441-LC20 include 440 kb of OTP storage, an internal oscillator that generates the DCLK output, simple three-wire serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCS) plus OE for output enable, an open-drain DATA output for wired-OR multi-device daisy-chaining, and 5V tolerant operation suitable for legacy 5V Altera FPGA families. The PLCC-20 package is socket-compatible, supporting both production through-hole soldering and field-replaceable prototyping via a low-cost PLCC socket.
Typical applications include FPGA boot configuration for ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, and Mercury EP1M120 devices, factory programming stations for FPGA-based modules, industrial controllers with field-upgradable logic, and multi-FPCA daisy-chain configurations where multiple FPGAs load from a single configuration source. The EPC1441 is also used as a one-time-programmed bitstream vault in secure or safety-critical designs.
When designing with the EPC1441-LC20, ensure the nCS, OE, and DCLK timing relationship matches the target FPGA's configuration controller. Use a 1 kohm pull-up on the open-drain DATA line and observe the tOE-to-DATA enable delay specified in the manufacturer datasheet. The PLCC socket should be rated for the operating temperature range and vibration profile of the end product. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441-LC20 — 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 EPC1441-LC20 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1064LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC1441-LC20 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (EPROM) |
| Memory Size | 440 kbit |
| Interface Type | Serial, 3-wire (DATA, DCLK, nCS) plus OE |
| Output Configuration | Open-drain DATA (wired-OR daisy-chain capable) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz (per Mouser listing) |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Target FPGA Families | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, Mercury EP1M |
| Package Type | 20-pin J-lead PLCC |
| Package Dimensions | 9 x 9 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| Lead Free / RoHS | Lead free / RoHS Compliant (per IC-Components listing) |
| Configuration Devices Family | EPC1, EPC2, EPC1441 (Altera) |
| Pin Count | 20 |
EPC1441-LC20 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output (open-drain, daisy-chain) |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock output from internal oscillator |
| Pin 3 | OE — Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 4 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | nINIT_CONF — Initiate configuration input |
| Pin 8 | nCASC — Cascade output for multi-PROM daisy chain |
| Pin 9 | PGM — Program mode input |
| Pin 10 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 11 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 13 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 14 | MODE — Configuration mode select |
| Pin 15 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 17 | A0 — Address input 0 |
| Pin 18 | A1 — Address input 1 |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC1441-LC20 is suitable for 6 applications: ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Configuration, APEX 20K FPGA Configuration, FLEX 10K Industrial Controller, Mercury EP1M High-Speed DSP Board, Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration, Legacy System Sustainment and Field Replacement.
ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1441-LC20 stores the configuration bitstream for Altera ACEX 1K (EP1K) SRAM-based LUT FPGAs and serially delivers it at power-up through the DCLK, nCS, and OE handshake. With 440 kb of OTP storage the part covers ACEX 1K densities up to EP1K100, and the open-drain DATA output supports multi-FPGA daisy chains where several ACEX devices share a single PROM. Use a 1 kohm pull-up on DATA and verify tCO and tOE timing against the EP1K datasheet.
Recommended
APEX 20K FPGA Configuration
Mid-density APEX 20K (EP20K) FPGAs rely on the EPC1441-LC20 to supply the larger configuration bitstream that APEX multiplies from its LUT-rich architecture. The 440 kb capacity covers EP20K100 and EP20K200 devices in single-device mode, and the 8 MHz internal oscillator drives the DCLK output to the APEX configuration controller. Designers should observe the APEX MSEL pin strapping for the correct configuration mode and provide adequate decoupling on the PROM VCC pin.
Recommended
FLEX 10K Industrial Controller
Industrial controllers built around FLEX 10K (EPF10K) FPGAs benefit from the EPC1441-LC20's OTP storage for factory-programmed logic. The 440 kb density accommodates FLEX 10K devices up to EPF10K70 and EPF10K100, and the PLCC-20 socket compatibility simplifies field service and end-of-line programming. Industrial designers should specify the industrial temperature grade variant and add conformal coating for harsh environments.
Recommended
Mercury EP1M High-Speed DSP Board
Mercury (EP1M) FPGAs used in high-speed DSP and communications boards are supported by the EPC1441-LC20, which provides the dense 440 kb bitstream required for the Mercury architecture. The 8 MHz configuration clock keeps bring-up time fast for production programming stations, and the PLCC socket enables quick PROM swaps during board bring-up and validation. Verify signal integrity on DCLK at 8 MHz with long PCB traces.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration
Multiple Altera FPGAs on a single board can be configured from one EPC1441-LC20 using the open-drain DATA output wired-OR to each FPGA's DATA input. Each downstream FPGA asserts nCS in sequence to accept its portion of the bitstream. This topology minimizes board space and BOM cost for multi-FPGA designs. Place a 1 kohm pull-up on the wired-OR DATA line and verify the tCO timing window holds across the full chain length.
Recommended
Legacy System Sustainment and Field Replacement
Long-lifecycle industrial, aerospace, and defense systems that shipped with ACEX, APEX, FLEX, or Mercury FPGAs in the early 2000s still require configuration PROMs for maintenance and field replacement. The EPC1441-LC20 in PLCC-20 is the original Altera-qualified part for these boards, and the socket-compatible PLCC package simplifies depot-level replacement without reworking the PCB. Secondary-market inventory remains the primary supply source.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441-LC20 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1064LC20 | EPC1213LC20 | EPC1441LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 20-PLCC (9x9 mm) | 20-PLCC (same) | 20-PLCC (same) | 20-PLCC (same) |
| Memory Density | 440 kbit | 64 kbit (-85%) | 212 kbit (-52%) | 440 kbit (identical) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Serial Protocol | DCLK/OE/nCS/DATA | DCLK/OE/nCS/DATA (same) | DCLK/OE/nCS/DATA (same) | DCLK/OE/nCS/DATA (same) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Daisy-Chain Capable | Yes (open-drain DATA) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest density in the PLCC-20 EPC1/EPC2/EPC1441 family (vs EPC1213LC20)
- Compatible with broader FPGA family range than EPC1064 (vs EPC1064LC20)
- PLCC-20 package enables socket-replaceable field service (vs EPC1441PC8 (8-pin PDIP))
Design Notes
Do not assume the EPC1441-LC20 is in-system programmable. It is one-time programmable (OTP) and can only be programmed once using a dedicated Altera programming hardware (e.g., Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster with POF file). Attempting to reprogram a previously programmed part will fail. For designs that need field upgrades, use EPCS or EPCQ flash-based configuration devices instead.
The DATA output of the EPC1441-LC20 is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 1 kohm to VCC) on the wired-OR DATA line. Place the pull-up close to the FPGA DATA input pin, not at the PROM end, to minimize stub length. For multi-FPGA daisy chains, verify the tCO clock-to-out delay specification across the full chain length to ensure all FPGAs latch valid data.
Use a PLCC-20 socket (e.g., 3M 8200-series or similar through-hole socket) for prototype and field-replaceable designs to simplify PROM swaps during board bring-up. For production SMT assembly, solder the PLCC-20 directly to the PCB land pattern and verify the land pattern matches JEDEC PLCC-20 standard. Decouple VCC with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the PROM VCC pin.
The PLCC-20 package has moderate thermal resistance and is suitable for industrial temperature ranges when the device is operated within the manufacturer datasheet limits. Estimate: at VCC=5V, ICC=50 mA typical, the device dissipates approximately 250 mW of power, well within the PLCC-20 thermal envelope. No external heatsink is required under normal conditions.
Compliance Information
Lead free and RoHS compliant per IC-Components distributor listing. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification not stated and unlikely for obsolete configuration PROM. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not available in the verified data.
