EPC1441LI20N - 440kb OTP Config PROM, 20-PLCC | Altera (Intel)
MPN: EPC1441LI20N β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.15 | $7.15 |
| 10 | $6.44 | $64.40 |
| 100 | $5.72 | $572.00 |
| 500 | $5.01 | $2,505.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.29 | $4,290.00 |
EPC1441LI20N Overview
A Configuration PROM (or Config PROM) is a non-volatile serial memory used to bootstrap volatile SRAM-based FPGAs. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their logic configuration when power is removed, they must be re-loaded on every cold start. The EPC1441LI20N performs this role by holding the FPGA bitstream in OTP memory and clocking it out to the FPGA's dedicated configuration port during the FPGA's POR sequence. This device sits hierarchically under Memory ICs -> EEPROM/PROM and supports the broader system chain of FPGA configuration memory -> boot loader -> programmable logic -> digital system.
Key features include a 440,800-bit storage density, a single-bit serial data word, an industrial operating temperature range, and compatibility with the Altera EPC programming hardware for board-level pre-programming. The PLCC-20 J-lead package supports through-hole or socketed mounting, simplifying prototyping and field replacement compared to fine-pitch QFN packages.
The EPC1441LI20N is qualified to configure ACEX 1K, APEX 20K (including 20KC/20KE), FLEX 10K (including 10KE/10KA), and Mercury device families per the Altera datasheet. The 'N' suffix denotes an industrial temperature grade and the 'LI20' code identifies the 20-pin PLCC package variant. Although newer Cyclone and Stratix families use different configuration schemes, the EPC1441 remains a stockable service part for legacy Altera FPGA boards across telecom, industrial, and military/aerospace systems.
Typical applications include legacy telecom line-card boot configuration, industrial PLC FPGA subsystems, military/aerospace SRAM-FPGA boards, and test fixtures that retain older Altera FPGAs. The OTP nature means each PROM can be programmed exactly once, suiting production volumes rather than in-field updates.
Design consideration: when laying out, route the 4 configuration pins (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) as a short, impedance-matched group; long traces can corrupt the bitstream. Because the part is OTP, provision a programming header compatible with the Altera Programming Unit (APU) on prototypes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Altera-family alternatives, and practical configuration design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, supporting engineers maintaining or repairing long-lifecycle Altera FPGA systems.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441LI20N 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 EPC1441LI20N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Package, Memory Size, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441LC20N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LC20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC1441LI20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441-LC20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1213LI20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1213LC20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LI20N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (EPROM) |
| Density | 440,800 bits (441 kbit) |
| Number of Words | 440,800 x 1 bit |
| Organization | 440,800 words x 1 bit (serial) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Interface | Altera 4-pin serial (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) |
| Package Type | PLCC-20 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier, J-lead) |
| Package Dimensions | 9 x 9 mm |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| Programming Method | Altera Programming Unit (APU), one-time programmable |
| Supported FPGAs | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K / 20KC / 20KE, FLEX 10K / 10KE / 10KA, Mercury |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'N' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount / Socket |
EPC1441LI20N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG β Configuration control input |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Configuration status output |
| Pin 5 | OE β Output enable |
| Pin 6 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 9 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 10 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 12 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC1441LI20N is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Altera ACEX 1K FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K / 20KC / 20KE Boot Configuration, FLEX 10K / 10KE / 10KA FPGA Boot Loading, Mercury FPGA Configuration Subsystem, Industrial Control PLC FPGA Subsystems, Legacy Telecom Line-Card FPGA Boot, Test and Measurement Fixture Configuration.
Legacy Altera ACEX 1K FPGA Configuration
The EPC1441LI20N is the canonical configuration memory for ACEX 1K series SRAM-based FPGAs from Altera, providing 440 kbit of OTP storage that exactly matches the ACEX 1K bitstream size. Its 4-pin serial interface (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) directly drives the ACEX 1K configuration port on power-up, eliminating the need for a parallel boot PROM. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and PLCC-20 socketed package simplify field replacement in long-lifecycle telecom and industrial control systems that still depend on ACEX 1K logic. Designers should place the PROM within 50 mm of the FPGA to avoid bitstream corruption from trace capacitance.
Recommended
APEX 20K / 20KC / 20KE Boot Configuration
The EPC1441LI20N configures Altera APEX 20K family FPGAs including the 20KC and 20KE variants, which integrate logic elements with embedded memory blocks. With 440 kbit of OTP storage, it can boot mid-density APEX 20K devices up to the EP20K200E level. The 3.3V supply aligns with APEX 20K multi-voltage I/O, allowing shared rail design. The PLCC-20 package supports through-hole sockets, which is preferred for military and aerospace applications where mechanical robustness and field serviceability outweigh the need for surface-mount density. The one-time-programmable nature suits production volumes where the bitstream is fixed.
Recommended
FLEX 10K / 10KE / 10KA FPGA Boot Loading
The EPC1441LI20N stores configuration data for the FLEX 10K FPGA family, including the enhanced 10KE and 10KA variants. FLEX 10K devices use the same Altera 4-pin serial configuration protocol as ACEX and APEX, so the EPC1441LI20N is fully bitstream-compatible. Its 440-kbit density covers FLEX 10K devices up to the EPF10K100E size, which is one of the highest-density members of the FLEX family. The PLCC-20 J-lead package survives thermal cycling in industrial control cabinets and is well suited for socketed deployment in test fixtures that swap bitstreams across multiple FLEX 10K designs.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration Subsystem
The EPC1441LI20N configures Altera Mercury FPGAs, which were Altera's first 5V-tolerant high-speed devices targeting high-speed communications and military signal processing. The 440-kbit OTP storage and 3.3V supply match Mercury boot requirements, and the PLCC-20 package fits on legacy Mercury development boards without layout changes. Mercury designs are still in service in radar signal processing, satellite communication ground stations, and specialized test equipment, where the EPC1441LI20N provides a proven configuration source. Using the same package family across ACEX, APEX, FLEX, and Mercury simplifies multi-board inventory.
Recommended
Industrial Control PLC FPGA Subsystems
Industrial PLC and SCADA systems often embed Altera APEX 20K or FLEX 10KE FPGAs for deterministic I/O handling and high-speed protocol processing. The EPC1441LI20N provides reliable boot configuration in PLC racks that must operate continuously for 10-20 years, with the industrial -40C to +85C range matching IEC 60068 environmental requirements. Its PLCC-20 socketed form factor allows field-replaceable configuration when firmware updates are required, which is essential for legacy plants that cannot afford board-level rework. The OTP nature of the PROM matches fixed-function PLC firmware that does not require field updates.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Line-Card FPGA Boot
Telecom line cards built around Altera FLEX 10KE and APEX 20KE FPGAs use the EPC1441LI20N for reliable boot configuration across AT&T, NTT, and legacy carrier deployments. The 4-pin serial interface supports the FLEX/APEX configuration port directly, with no glue logic required, and the 3.3V supply matches the line-card's logic rail. Industrial temperature rating and the durable PLCC-20 J-lead package suit the thermal cycling inside outdoor telecom cabinets. Because these line cards often remain in service for 15+ years, stocking EPC1441LI20N or its drop-in variants is critical for maintenance and repair operations.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Fixture Configuration
ATE fixtures and bed-of-nails test equipment that target Altera-based products benefit from the EPC1441LI20N's socketed PLCC-20 package, which allows rapid swap-out of bitstreams for different DUT configurations. The 440-kbit density matches the largest test-target bitstream size, and the 4-pin serial interface connects directly to DUT FPGAs without external logic. Industrial temperature operation handles the thermal stress of production test floors, where temperatures can spike near 70C. The OTP programming via the Altera Programming Unit (APU) supports pre-loaded fixtures for high-volume test runs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441LI20N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441LC20N | EPC1441LI20 | EPC1441LC20 | EPC1213LI20 | EPC1213LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PLCC-20 (9x9 mm) | PLCC-20 (9x9 mm) - same | PLCC-20 (9x9 mm) - same | PLCC-20 (9x9 mm) - same | PLCC-20 (9x9 mm) - same | PLCC-20 (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Density | 440,800 bits (441 kbit) | 440,800 bits | 440,800 bits | 440,800 bits | 212,000 bits (-52%) | 212,000 bits (-52%) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 5 V (5V-compatible family variant) | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Programming | OTP via Altera APU | OTP via Altera APU | OTP via Altera APU | OTP via Altera APU | OTP via Altera APU | OTP via Altera APU |
| Interface | Altera 4-pin serial (DCLK/DATA/nCONFIG/nSTATUS) | Altera 4-pin serial | Altera 4-pin serial | Altera 4-pin serial | Altera 4-pin serial | Altera 4-pin serial |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density Altera-family OTP config PROM in PLCC-20 (vs EPC1213LI20)
- Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) (vs EPC1441LC20N)
- Altera 4-pin serial interface for legacy FPGAs (vs EPCQ or EPCS flash families)
Design Notes
Route the 4 configuration signals (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) as a tightly coupled group between the EPC1441LI20N and the target FPGA. Keep trace length below 50 mm where possible and avoid splitting the group across PCB layers, because trace capacitance above 30 pF can corrupt the serial bitstream. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin to suppress switching noise that could re-trigger nSTATUS during programming.
The EPC1441LI20N is one-time-programmable: a programming error permanently bricks the part. Always program in a socketed PLCC-20 carrier first to verify the bitstream, then transfer to the production board. Per the Altera datasheet, using the wrong JTAG chain or omitting the APU-PROG handshake will report 'success' while leaving the device blank. Engineers maintaining legacy FPGAs should retain at least one virgin PLCC-20 socket on the programming fixture for verification.
Estimated: at 3.3V supply and typical 5 mA active configuration current, the EPC1441LI20N dissipates roughly 16.5 mW during FPGA loading. The PLCC-20 package with no explicit heatsink tab can dissipate this comfortably at industrial temperatures up to +85C. However, when mounted inside a sealed enclosure with no airflow, derate ambient by 10C to account for the OTP die's 100 C/W theta_JA (estimate; consult Altera datasheet thermal table for production designs).
The PLCC-20 J-lead footprint requires careful pad design to avoid solder joint fatigue under thermal cycling. Per IPC-7351, use nominally 1.27 mm pitch pads with 0.3 mm standoff; for high-vibration environments such as aerospace, consider a through-hole socket (e.g., 3M 8420-21B1-RK-TD) to isolate mechanical stress from the solder joints. Add a keep-out zone around the PLCC socket so test probes can reach every pin without interference from adjacent components.
The EPC1441LI20N draws configuration current in brief bursts during FPGA boot, but quiescent current is below 100 uA in standby. Share the 3.3V rail with the FPGA's VCCINT if the FPGA supports 3.3V core, or use a separate LDO to prevent inrush noise from corrupting the bitstream. Per the Altera reference design, add a 1 uF tantalum bulk capacitor near the PROM to handle the burst during the nCONFIG rise event.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not confirmed in provided data; PLCC-20 J-lead parts from this era typically require exemption 7a (lead in high-melting solder). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a memory configuration PROM, not an automotive-grade IC.
