EPC1441PC8 - 440Kb OTP FPGA Config PROM | 8-PDIP | Altera
MPN: EPC1441PC8 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.75 | $4,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.9 | $7,900.00 |
EPC1441PC8 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that contains the bitstream an SRAM-based FPGA must receive at every power-up or reconfiguration event. Because SRAM cells lose their state when power is removed, an external boot memory is mandatory. Configuration PROMs sit beneath FPGAs in the boot memory hierarchy: bitstream -> configuration PROM -> SRAM-based FPGA -> loaded logic design. Enhanced configuration devices like the EPC1441 integrate both the configuration controller and the flash array in a single package, simplifying board layout versus discrete flash plus controller solutions.
Key features include 440 Kbit storage (approximately 55 Kbytes), an 8 MHz maximum serial configuration clock, 3.3 V typical operating supply, industrial temperature range support, and Altera's enhanced configuration protocol compatible with FLEX, APEX, and Mercury device families. The 8-pin PDIP package offers easy through-hole assembly and user-friendly pinout for prototype, legacy, and maintenance applications.
The internal architecture divides the die into a configuration controller and a flash memory array. The controller handles serial interface timing, device addressing, and FPGA handshaking using the Altera-specific configuration protocol. The flash array stores the user bitstream; on FPGA nSTATUS/nCONFIG assertion, the PROM serially shifts data to the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK pins. This single-device approach eliminates external controllers and reduces BOM cost.
Typical applications include Altera FLEX 8000 boot memory, FLEX 10K / APEX 20K configuration storage, legacy industrial control boards, factory automation retrofits, and military/aerospace systems requiring OTP-only storage to prevent bitstream modification. The PDIP package is especially valuable for maintenance of legacy systems where surface-mount replacements are impractical.
Designers should verify that the 440 Kbit capacity is sufficient for their target FPGA - the part is sized for mid-density FLEX 10K devices; high-density APEX 20K designs may require multiple devices or larger EPC16/EPC8 PROMs. The OTP nature means the device cannot be reprogrammed - engineering samples require new parts for each iteration.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441PC8 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 EPC1441PC8 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Configuration Interface, Operating Temperature, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441PI8
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LC20
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Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC1441LI20
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$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1213PC8
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$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1213PI8
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$2.11 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1064VPC8
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$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1064PC8
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$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441PC8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (flash-based) |
| Memory Size | 440 Kbit (approximately 55 Kbyte) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial configuration protocol |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 8 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V typical |
| Package Type | 8-pin PDIP (Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time programmable) |
| Supported FPGA Series | FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, Mercury |
| Configuration Controller | Integrated (enhanced configuration architecture) |
| Manufacturer | Altera (now Intel FPGA) |
| Part Status | Obsolete - legacy support only |
EPC1441PC8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCASC β Cascade output for multi-PROM chains |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Status signal bidirectional with FPGA |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OE / nCONFIG β Output enable / configuration control |
| Pin 7 | VCC β Power supply (3.3 V typical) |
| Pin 8 | nCS β Chip select input |
Typical Applications
EPC1441PC8 is suitable for 6 applications: FLEX 10K FPGA Boot Memory, FLEX 8000 Legacy Configuration, APEX 20K Mid-Density Configuration, Industrial Control Board Retrofits, Military / Aerospace Bitstream Storage, Prototype to Production Transition.
FLEX 10K FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC1441PC8 stores the 440 Kbit bitstream for Altera FLEX 10K SRAM-based FPGAs and serially delivers it through DATA0/DCLK on every power-up. With its 8 MHz maximum configuration clock, full bitstream load completes in tens of milliseconds, well within typical FPGA initialization windows. The OTP architecture makes the EPC1441PC8 ideal for production FLEX 10K designs where the bitstream is finalized and field updates are not required.
Recommended
FLEX 8000 Legacy Configuration
The EPC1441PC8 supports older Altera FLEX 8000 family devices that need non-volatile boot storage in 8-pin PDIP form. FLEX 8000 designs typically fit comfortably within 440 Kbit, and the EPC1441PC8's integrated controller handles nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking without external glue logic. Maintenance of legacy industrial FLEX 8000 boards benefits from the through-hole PDIP package, which is easier to replace in field service scenarios.
Recommended
APEX 20K Mid-Density Configuration
Mid-density APEX 20K devices such as the EP20K200 or EP20K100 can be configured from the EPC1441PC8 if the bitstream fits within 440 Kbit. Higher-density APEX 20K parts (EP20K400 and above) typically require larger EPC16 or EPC8 PROMs or multiple cascaded EPC1441 devices. The EPC1441PC8's cascade support via the nCASC pin enables designers to expand capacity linearly when needed.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Retrofits
The EPC1441PC8's 8-pin PDIP through-hole package makes it ideal for maintenance and retrofit of legacy industrial controllers using FLEX 10K or APEX 20K FPGAs. Field service technicians can swap the OTP PROM without specialized surface-mount equipment, reducing mean-time-to-repair for long-lived factory automation systems. The industrial-temperature PI8 variant supports harsh factory environments.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Bitstream Storage
The OTP nature of the EPC1441PC8 is a feature in security-sensitive military and aerospace applications where bitstream modification in the field must be prevented. Unlike flash or EEPROM PROMs that could be tampered with, the EPC1441PC8 permanently locks the configuration after programming, ensuring the deployed design cannot be altered even with physical access to the part. This is valuable for flight control and weapons system electronics.
Recommended
Prototype to Production Transition
Engineers typically prototype FLEX 10K designs using reprogrammable configuration methods, then migrate to the EPC1441PC8 OTP PROM for production to lock the verified bitstream. The EPC1441PC8's compatibility with the same Altera serial configuration protocol used during development ensures zero firmware changes between prototype and production phases. This transition pattern was the standard Altera-recommended design flow.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441PC8 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1441LC20 | EPC1441LI20 | EPC1213PC8 | EPC1064PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP | 8-PDIP - same | 20-PLCC (LC20) | 20-PLCC (LI20) | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Size | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit (same) | 440 Kbit (same) | 440 Kbit (same) | 212 Kbit (-52%) | 65 Kbit (-85%) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Programmability | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Supported FPGAs | FLEX 8K/10K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 8K/10K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 8K/10K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 8K/10K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 8K/10K (smaller designs) | FLEX 8000 (legacy) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Full 440 Kbit density in legacy 8-pin PDIP footprint (vs EPC1213PC8)
- Industry-standard Altera serial configuration protocol (vs EPC1064PC8)
- Integrated configuration controller eliminates external glue logic (vs Discrete flash + CPLD solution)
Design Notes
The EPC1441PC8 operates from a 3.3 V typical supply. Decouple VCC (pin 7) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the FPGA-PROM power rail. During configuration, peak current draw increases; the bulk capacitor prevents VCC droop that could corrupt configuration. Estimate: configuration active current ~30 mA typical per Altera datasheet family data.
Verify your FPGA bitstream fits within 440 Kbit BEFORE programming the EPC1441PC8 - the part is OTP and cannot be reused if you make a mistake. Tools like Altera Quartus report exact bitstream size during compilation; design margin is critical. Engineers targeting high-density APEX 20K devices should consider larger EPC16/EPC8 PROMs or cascading multiple EPC1441PC8s via the nCASC pin.
Route the DATA (pin 1) and DCLK (pin 2) traces as a short differential pair directly to the FPGA DATA0 and DCLK pins - keep trace length under 50 mm and avoid routing parallel to switching signals. The nSTATUS (pin 4) and nCONFIG (pin 6) are shared with the FPGA; use 10 kohm pull-ups to VCC. Mount the EPC1441PC8 close to the FPGA to minimize configuration timing risk.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in verified web data - this is an obsolete legacy Altera part; consult manufacturer directly for compliance documentation
