EPC1441PI8 - 440kb OTP Configuration PROM for FPGAs | Intel
MPN: EPC1441PI8 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.75 | $975.00 |
| 500 | $8.4 | $4,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.25 | $7,250.00 |
EPC1441PI8 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device whose purpose is to store the FPGA bitstream and stream it into the FPGA at power-up or after a reconfiguration event. Within the broader hierarchy, configuration PROMs sit beside boot flash memories in the FPGA configuration-memory taxonomy: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Engineers select OTP PROMs when the bitstream is finalized and cost-sensitive, reserving in-system programmable flash for designs that require remote field updates.
Key features of the EPC1441PI8 include 440,800 bits of storage (sufficient for the largest supported FPGA bitstreams), a 5.0 V single-supply interface, and support for cascaded multi-device configuration chains via the nCASC output. The device supports simple serial configuration with an industry-standard 4-wire protocol and provides cascading for larger or multi-FPGA designs. Programmability is achieved through a dedicated programmer such as the Altera Logic Programmer (PL-PCSPN08) or compatible third-party tools, after which the device retains the bitstream for the lifetime of the product.
Architecturally, the EPC1441PI8 implements an internal oscillator that derives DCLK and a state machine that controls the serial data stream. Because configuration is one-time only, the device does not require any external programming voltage rail - this simplifies board design compared to UV-erasable PROMs. The 8-pin PDIP form factor also makes it easy to socket for prototype rework, which is useful in laboratory and small-volume production environments.
Typical applications include configuring legacy Altera APEX 20K and FLEX 10K design boards, industrial control systems with fixed logic, factory automation equipment, telecommunications line cards, and test-and-measurement fixtures. The wide compatibility list makes the EPC1441PI8 a common single-source configuration device for many older Altera reference designs.
When designing with the EPC1441PI8, ensure that the nCONFIG/nSTATUS/DCLK/DATA0 traces are length-matched and routed away from switching power lines to avoid configuration failures during power-up. The 5.0 V supply must be stable before configuration begins; designers typically add a small RC delay or supervisor to guarantee FPGA VCCINT is valid first. Because the device is OTP, any bitstream change requires physical device replacement or a socketed layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Engineers can quickly evaluate same-brand and cross-brand pin-compatible substitutes, application suitability, and procurement options in a single reference.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441PI8 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 EPC1441PI8 (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:
EPC1441PC8
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441PCB
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$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LI20N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.29 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LC20N
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$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LI20
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$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LC20
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Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC1441PI8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 440 kb (440,800 bits) |
| Configuration Interface | Serial, 4-pin (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0) |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Package | 8-PDIP (8-pin Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K/20KC/20KE, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000/10KE/10KA |
| Cascading Support | Yes (nCASC output for multi-device chains) |
| Programming Voltage | Not required (single 5.0 V supply) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Not RoHS compliant (PDIP, SnPb finish) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| Supported Configuration Modes | Passive serial (PS) only |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
EPC1441PI8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 β Serial data output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG β Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Status output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | nCASC β Cascade output for multi-PROM chains |
| Pin 7 | VCC β 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 8 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC1441PI8 is suitable for 6 applications: APEX II FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K / 20KC / 20KE Configuration, Mercury FPGA Configuration, ACEX 1K FPGA Configuration, FLEX 6000 / 10KE / 10KA Configuration, Industrial Control and Test Equipment.
APEX II FPGA Configuration
The EPC1441PI8 stores the full bitstream for Altera APEX II FPGAs and streams it through the 4-pin serial interface (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0) at power-up. Its 440 kb capacity matches the largest APEX II devices, and the OTP nature means a single programmed device reliably boots the FPGA for the lifetime of the product. Place the EPC1441PI8 within 50 mm of the FPGA, share the 5.0 V rail, and tie nSTATUS/nCONFIG/DCLK/DATA0 directly to the FPGA configuration pins with impedance-controlled traces for robust cold-start behavior in industrial systems.
Recommended
APEX 20K / 20KC / 20KE Configuration
For Altera APEX 20K family FPGAs including the 20KC and 20KE low-power variants, the EPC1441PI8 is the highest-density OTP configuration memory listed by Altera. It supports both single-device and cascaded configurations, allowing designers to drive multiple FPGAs from one or more chained PROMs when bitstream sizes exceed 440 kb. Designers should add a configuration supervisor and 1 kohm pull-ups on nSTATUS/nCONFIG to ensure deterministic startup in noisy industrial environments such as motor drives or process control racks.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration
The Altera Mercury family of high-speed FPGAs requires non-volatile configuration at power-up, and the EPC1441PI8 is one of the supported OTP devices with sufficient density for the largest Mercury bitstreams. The 4-pin passive serial interface keeps routing simple and minimizes the number of FPGA pins consumed for configuration. Designers targeting Mercury in telecom line cards can place the EPC1441PI8 on the same 5.0 V rail as the FPGA I/O and rely on its OTP retention to guarantee fixed, validated logic across the deployed fleet.
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Configuration
The Altera ACEX 1K family is a low-cost FPGA line, and the EPC1441PI8 provides ample headroom for the full ACEX 1K bitstream even on smaller devices. Because ACEX 1K designs are typically cost-sensitive, the OTP EPC1441PI8 is preferred over reprogrammable flash when the design is fully validated. For prototype boards, designers may socket the EPC1441PI8 to allow quick bitstream swaps during development; once the design is frozen, a socketed through-hole part can be replaced with the SOIC-8 EPC1441PC8 for volume SMT assembly.
Recommended
FLEX 6000 / 10KE / 10KA Configuration
The Altera FLEX 6000, FLEX 10KE, and FLEX 10KA FPGA families all support configuration from EPC-series PROMs, with the EPC1441PI8 covering the full range of bitstream sizes including the largest FLEX 10KE devices. The single 5.0 V supply rail shared with the FPGA simplifies power architecture, and the OTP programming eliminates any in-system programming voltage complexity. Industrial designs that have been deployed on FLEX 10KE for many years typically retain the EPC1441PI8 as their long-term configuration memory source, with lifecycle planning focused on broker or distributor inventory.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Test Equipment
Industrial control systems, factory automation controllers, and legacy test-and-measurement fixtures based on APEX 20K or FLEX 10K FPGAs typically rely on the EPC1441PI8 for deterministic, OTP configuration that is immune to inadvertent field updates. The through-hole PDIP package is well-suited to hand-soldered or socketed assemblies and survives the higher mechanical stress of industrial enclosures. Designers should provide adequate 5.0 V bulk decoupling and route configuration traces away from switching power inductors to prevent configuration failures during cold-start in environments with significant EMI.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441PI8 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1441PCB | EPC1441LI20N | EPC1441LC20N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP | 8-SOIC (SMT) | 8-SOIC tape & reel | 20-SOIC wide-body | 20-SOIC wide-body lead-free |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Memory Size | 440 kb | 440 kb | 440 kb | 440 kb | 440 kb |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Programmability | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Configuration Interface | Serial 4-pin | Serial 4-pin | Serial 4-pin | Serial 4-pin | Serial 4-pin |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | No (SnPb finish) | Varies by variant | Varies by variant | Yes (lead-free) | Yes (lead-free) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density OTP configuration PROM in the EPC1441 family (vs EPC1064PI8 (64 kb))
- Through-hole PDIP package for socketed or hand-reworked designs (vs EPC1441PC8 (SOIC-8))
- Drop-in pin-compatible across EPC1441 family variants (vs EPC1441LI20N (20-pin SOIC))
Design Notes
The EPC1441PI8 requires a stable 5.0 V supply before the FPGA enters configuration. Add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to pin 7 (VCC) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. If the 5.0 V rail is generated by a switching regulator, allow at least 1 ms of soft-start delay before nCONFIG is asserted, or add a reset supervisor such as the MAX811 to hold the FPGA in reset until the rail settles. Brown-out during configuration can corrupt the FPGA state machine and require a power cycle.
Route the 4 configuration signals (DATA0, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) as short, impedance-matched traces directly between the EPC1441PI8 and the FPGA. Keep them away from switching power inductors, high-current signals, and clock edges above 50 MHz. Add 1 kohm pull-ups on nSTATUS and nCONFIG to VCC to ensure defined logic levels during FPGA power-up. If multiple PROMs are cascaded via nCASC, place the cascaded device within 50 mm of the previous PROM to avoid signal-integrity issues on the cascade line.
Because the EPC1441PI8 is OTP, any change to the FPGA bitstream requires physical replacement of the PROM. Plan for socketed prototype assemblies or migrate to the surface-mount EPC1441PC8 once the bitstream is frozen. Do not assume the EPC1441PI8 will support newer Altera FPGA families not listed in the compatibility matrix; Cyclone, Stratix, and Arria series use different configuration schemes and require flash-based EPCQ or active serial flash. Verify the supported FPGA family in the datasheet before design-in.
Compliance Information
8-pin PDIP package with SnPb finish is not RoHS compliant. Lead-free variants exist in the EPC1441 family (e.g., EPC1441LI20N) but the EPC1441PI8 PDIP is SnPb only. No AEC-Q100 automotive grade available - this part targets commercial and industrial applications.
