EPC1441PCB - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device for SRAM FPGAs
MPN: EPC1441PCB ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.56 | $3.56 |
| 10 | $3.2 | $32.00 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.5 | $1,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
EPC1441PCB Overview
A configuration device is a non-volatile memory plus controller IC used to bootstrap SRAM-based FPGAs at power-on. SRAM FPGAs (such as Altera FLEX and APEX series) lose their configuration when power is removed, so they must be loaded from external non-volatile storage on every boot. The configuration device family sits in the boot hierarchy between the power supply, the FPGA, and the JTAG chain, providing a fast, in-system programmable configuration source. EPC1441PCB belongs to the Altera enhanced configuration family, which supersedes the older EPC1 and EPC2 devices by adding in-system programmability, faster configuration times, and higher density.
Key features include 4,435,200 bits (approximately 4 Mb) of on-chip flash memory, in-system programmability via JTAG, automatic configuration of FPGAs at power-up, 3.3V core operation with 5V-tolerant I/O, and a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20) package. The device uses a 4-pin Altera configuration interface (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA) for FLEX/ACEX series and adds CONF_DONE signals for APEX support, simplifying board layout. Operating temperature range is commercial 0C to +70C with low standby current suited for power-aware designs.
The EPC1441PCB integrates a flash memory array, a configuration controller, and JTAG/IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan logic on a single die. The controller handles bitstream decompression, error detection, and the serial/parallel handshake with the target FPGA, freeing the host processor from any boot-time intervention. The 4 Mb density supports full-configuration of medium-to-large Altera FPGAs such as APEX 20K200E and FLEX 10K100A without external storage.
Typical applications include industrial control boards using FLEX 10K, communication line cards based on APEX 20K, test-and-measurement instruments built on ACEX 1K, and legacy replacement of older EPC2-based designs. The 4 Mb density makes it suitable for APEX 20K and FLEX 10K devices of moderate logic capacity. The PLCC-20 socket-friendly package is convenient for through-hole prototypes and field-serviceable systems.
When designing with EPC1441PCB, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to VCC and observe the 3.3V supply tolerance; 5V-only rails require a level shifter. JTAG chain ordering should place the configuration device first when multiple devices share the bus, and unused CONF pins must be left open per Altera application notes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-level drop-in alternatives from the same Altera Enhanced Configuration family, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441PCB — 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 EPC1441PCB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Size, Mounting Type, Memory Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213PC8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1064PC8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PCB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device for SRAM FPGAs |
| Memory Density | 4,435,200 bits (~4 Mb) |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, FLEX 8000, Mercury |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial/parallel configuration bus (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V nominal |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 5 V tolerant |
| Package | PLCC-20 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount / Socket |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Configuration Mode | Automatic at power-up |
| Architecture | Flash memory + on-chip configuration controller |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan) |
EPC1441PCB Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 3.3V power supply |
| Pin 2 | DATA — Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done signal |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 9 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 10 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 11 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 14 | CE — Chip enable |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | VCC — 3.3V power supply |
Typical Applications
EPC1441PCB is suitable for 6 applications: FLEX 10K FPGA Boot Memory, APEX 20K Industrial Controller Card, ACEX 1K Test & Measurement Equipment, Mercury FPGA Communication Line Card, Legacy APEX II Replacement Board, FPGA Development Board Configuration Source.
FLEX 10K FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC1441PCB is the natural boot memory for Altera FLEX 10K FPGAs such as the EPF10K100A and EPF10K50E. With 4 Mb of flash storage, it holds the full bitstream for FLEX 10K devices up to 100K gates, eliminating the need for an external EPROM and microcontroller. The 4-pin Altera configuration bus (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA) interfaces directly to the FLEX 10K MSEL[2:0] configuration pins set to serial mode, providing automatic configuration without host intervention. This integration reduces board complexity and BOM cost for industrial control boards and communication infrastructure equipment.
Recommended
APEX 20K Industrial Controller Card
For APEX 20K family FPGAs used in industrial controllers and DSP accelerators, the EPC1441PCB provides the 4 Mb density needed to boot mid-range APEX parts such as the EP20K200E and EP20K400E in serial mode. The configuration controller inside the EPC1441PCB manages the bitstream handshake, freeing the host CPU from boot-time responsibilities. Industrial cards benefit from the PLCC-20 socketable package, allowing field replacement of configuration data during maintenance or firmware updates. According to Altera application notes, JTAG programming of the EPC1441PCB enables in-system upgrades of controller firmware in deployed industrial systems.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Test & Measurement Equipment
The EPC1441PCB is well-suited for ACEX 1K-based test and measurement instruments where reliable boot behavior is critical. ACEX 1K devices such as the EP1K100 and EP1K50 require external non-volatile configuration, and the EPC1441PCB provides 4 Mb to accommodate the largest ACEX 1K bitstreams with margin. The JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface allows engineers to update FPGA logic during instrument calibration or feature expansion without disassembling the chassis. The PLCC-20 package is socketable for prototype environments where configuration images are iterated frequently during hardware validation cycles.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Communication Line Card
Communication line cards built on the Altera Mercury FPGA family (EP1M120F) require configuration storage with high reliability and fast boot time, both of which the EPC1441PCB provides. The 4 Mb density supports the Mercury device's full configuration image, and the 3.3V/5V-tolerant I/O simplifies integration with legacy 5V logic on the backplane. Automatic power-up configuration via the EPC1441PCB means the line card can boot without intervention from the central office backplane controller, supporting hot-swap and field-replacement scenarios. Industrial temperature variants of the same family extend this pattern to outdoor communication equipment.
Recommended
Legacy APEX II Replacement Board
The EPC1441PCB serves as a drop-in configuration solution for APEX II-based legacy boards being repaired or refurbished. Many APEX II designs from the early 2000s used the EPC1441PCB for storage, and the part remains in demand for military and aerospace sustainment programs. With 2,741 pieces in stock at IC-Components as of 2026-09-11, distributors continue to service these legacy designs. For new APEX II designs, however, Altera recommends migrating to the EPCQ family which provides higher density and active lifecycle support in modern packages.
Recommended
FPGA Development Board Configuration Source
The EPC1441PCB is commonly used in Altera FPGA development boards and educational kits to provide non-volatile storage for student and engineering bitstreams. Its socketable PLCC-20 package simplifies swapping configuration images for different FPGA exercises, making it popular in university laboratory kits and evaluation boards. The 4 Mb density accommodates the largest sample designs in Altera reference designs, including full APEX 20K and FLEX 10K examples. For university teaching labs, the in-system JTAG programmability of the EPC1441PCB allows instructors to update student exercises across a lab of boards without removing chips.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441PCB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1213PC8 | EPC1064PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PLCC-20 | PLCC-8 | PLCC-8 | PLCC-8 |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Density | 4 Mb (4,435,200 bits) | 4 Mb | 2 Mb | 1 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V (5V tolerant I/O) | 3.3V | 3.3V | 3.3V |
| JTAG In-System Programming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX, APEX, FLEX, Mercury | ACEX, APEX, FLEX, Mercury | FLEX, ACEX (lower density) | FLEX (lower density) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest density in PLCC-20 Enhanced Configuration family (vs EPC1213PC8)
- Standard 20-pin PLCC socket footprint (vs EPC1441PC8)
- Full JTAG ISP support including IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan (vs EPC1064PC8)
Design Notes
The EPC1441PCB operates from a 3.3 V nominal supply with 5 V-tolerant I/O. Estimated standby current is approximately 10 mA based on typical Altera configuration-device datasheets. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pins (1 and 20) to suppress switching transients during configuration clocking. If the host board uses 5 V only, insert a 3.3 V LDO regulator such as an LM1117-3.3 or TPS7A4533 to power the device; the 5 V tolerance applies only to I/O pins, not to VCC itself.
Place the EPC1441PCB within 50 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize signal-integrity issues on the DCLK and DATA lines. The PLCC-20 socket footprint allows field replacement; if using a socket, specify a low-profile machined-pin socket to reduce inductance. Keep JTAG chain traces short and add 10 kohm pull-ups on TMS and TDI per Altera application note AN-116. Confirmed socket part numbers include 3M 220-PN20 and Tyco/Amp 1-822473-1 for production use.
Do not connect unused CONF pins (such as NC pins 15-19) to VCC or GND; they are designed to float. Mixing EPC1441PCB with older EPC1/EPC2 on the same JTAG chain may cause boundary-scan ID conflicts because both report different device IDs. Estimated configuration time for a 4 Mb image at the default DCLK rate of approximately 10 MHz is about 0.5 seconds, but slower clocks extend this proportionally. Always reconfigure the JTAG chain order with Quartus II after substituting this device for EPC2 in legacy designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data. AEC-Q100 not applicable for configuration memory ICs. Refer to Altera/Intel product page or manufacturer declaration for compliance certificates.
