EPC1441PI8W - 440kb OTP Configuration PROM for FPGAs | Intel
MPN: EPC1441PI8W ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31.34 | $31.34 |
| 10 | $28.2 | $282.00 |
| 100 | $25.07 | $2,507.00 |
| 500 | $22.6 | $11,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $20.45 | $20,450.00 |
EPC1441PI8W Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that stores the FPGA's bitstream and serially shifts it into the FPGA at power-up through a four-pin interface (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, and DATA0). This eliminates the need for a separate boot ROM or microcontroller bootloader, simplifying board bring-up and shortening time-to-market for programmable logic designs. The EPC1441 family is positioned in the OTP PROM hierarchy above smaller EPC1064/EPC1213 devices and below larger EPC2/EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 in-system-programmable alternatives.
Key features include a 4-pin serial configuration interface, 440 Kbit user-programmable storage, low-power CMOS process, industrial operating temperature range, and simple read-only behavior after programming. The OTP architecture means each device can be programmed exactly once, which is well-suited to production FPGA designs where the bitstream is finalized. The W suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly.
Typical applications include factory programming of ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K development boards, APEX 20K series carrier cards, embedded prototyping platforms using legacy Altera FPGAs, and industrial controllers with Mercury FPGAs. The DIP-8 form factor remains popular in through-hole education and hobbyist projects where socketed programming is convenient. Engineering note: the W suffix variant differs from EPC1441PI8N only in packaging orientation and is fully electrically identical.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441PI8W — 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 EPC1441PI8W (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Programmability.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PCB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8W
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8W Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (EPROM-based) |
| Memory Size | 440 Kbit |
| Interface | 4-pin serial (DCLK, DATA, nSTATUS, nCONFIG) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K, APEX 20KC, APEX 20KE, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000, FLEX 10KE, FLEX 10KA |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (PI8) |
| Packaging Variant | W (tape and reel) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Pin Count | 8 |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead) |
| Programming Method | Standard EPROM programmer (12.5 V VPP) |
| Configuration Mode | Serial master-slave to FPGA |
EPC1441PI8W Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | A16 — Address input / Mode select |
| Pin 2 | A15 — Address input |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 6 | DCLK — Serial clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS — Status output to FPGA |
| Pin 8 | VCC — 3.3 V power supply |
Typical Applications
EPC1441PI8W is suitable for 6 applications: ACEX 1K FPGA Configuration, FLEX 10K Series Boot ROM, APEX 20K Carrier Card Programming, Mercury FPGA Development Platforms, Legacy Industrial Controller Programming, Educational FPGA Trainer Boards.
ACEX 1K FPGA Configuration
The EPC1441PI8W stores the configuration bitstream for ACEX 1K series FPGAs in industrial and embedded designs. ACEX 1K devices ranging from the EP1K10 (10K logic elements) to EP1K100 (100K logic elements) require non-volatile storage to retain their SRAM-based configuration at power-up. The EPC1441PI8W's 440 Kbit capacity exceeds the configuration bitstream size of all ACEX 1K devices, providing headroom for design revisions. Its 4-pin serial interface (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) matches the Altera Passive Serial mode used by ACEX 1K, enabling direct connection without glue logic. The 3.3 V operation aligns with ACEX 1K VCCIO, simplifying board power design. Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) supports factory automation and outdoor embedded systems where ACEX 1K remains popular.
Recommended
FLEX 10K Series Boot ROM
The EPC1441PI8W serves as the boot configuration memory for FLEX 10KE and FLEX 10KA FPGA designs in legacy telecom and networking equipment. FLEX 10K devices were widely deployed in early 2000s infrastructure and remain in long-life industrial systems requiring continued support. The EPC1441's 440 Kbit capacity is sized to fit the bitstream of FLEX 10K devices up to the EPF10K100 series, which is the largest FLEX 10K variant. The OTP nature of the EPC1441 prevents accidental reprogramming in the field, which is desirable for safety-certified industrial systems. Altera's 4-pin Passive Serial protocol allows the FLEX 10K nCONFIG pin to initiate configuration automatically when power is stable.
Recommended
APEX 20K Carrier Card Programming
The EPC1441PI8W loads the bitstream for APEX 20K, APEX 20KC, and APEX 20KE FPGAs in high-density communications and DSP applications. APEX 20K devices support up to 1.5 million gates, with smaller APEX 20K variants like the EP20K200 fitting comfortably within the EPC1441's 440 Kbit capacity. The EPC1441PI8W is well-suited for APEX 20K boards where a single configuration PROM is preferred over multiple cascaded devices. Its 8-pin PDIP package allows through-hole sockets, which simplifies field servicing of deployed APEX 20K systems. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor telecommunications infrastructure and military/aerospace applications that historically standardized on APEX 20K for signal processing.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Development Platforms
The EPC1441PI8W configures Mercury FPGAs (EP1M series) in high-speed transceiver and DSP prototyping systems. Mercury was Altera's first FPGA family with embedded transceivers targeting 1 Gbps serial links, used in early storage area networks and SONET/SDH equipment. The EPC1441's 440 Kbit capacity covers all Mercury device bitstreams including the EP1M350. Its simple 4-pin serial interface integrates cleanly with the Mercury Passive Serial configuration mode, requiring no additional bridge logic. The DIP-8 through-hole package allows socketed programming on development boards, enabling rapid iteration between bitstream versions during Mercury design bring-up. Industrial temperature rating supports lab and field deployment of Mercury-based prototypes.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Controller Programming
The EPC1441PI8W is deployed in long-lifecycle industrial controllers, CNC machines, and test instruments based on ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, or APEX 20K FPGAs. Many such systems were designed in the late 1990s to mid-2000s with 15-25 year operational life requirements, requiring continued supply of configuration PROMs. The EPC1441PI8W's industrial temperature range and proven OTP reliability make it suitable for unattended industrial deployments. Its DIP-8 form factor enables field replacement via socket, minimizing MTTR on production lines. The part is widely stocked by industrial component distributors supporting factory automation retrofits and obsolescence management programs.
Recommended
Educational FPGA Trainer Boards
The EPC1441PI8W powers university and hobbyist FPGA trainer boards featuring Altera ACEX 1K or FLEX 10K devices. Educational boards favor through-hole DIP packages because they are socketable, easy to reprogram by students, and tolerant of repeated insertion cycles. The EPC1441's 440 Kbit capacity is generous for student designs, leaving room for experimentation with larger logic densities. The 4-pin serial protocol is pedagogically transparent, allowing students to observe DCLK and DATA0 transitions on oscilloscopes. The DIP-8 package is breadboard-compatible, supporting rapid prototyping on solderless breadboards for introductory digital logic courses.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441PI8W — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1441PI8N | EPC1441PCB | EPC1441PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel - same | Intel - same | Intel - same | Intel - same |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (PI8) | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same |
| Memory Size | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP - same | OTP - same | OTP - same | OTP - same |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Packaging Format | Tape and reel (W suffix) | Tube (no W) | Tube (N suffix) | Tube (PCB marking) | Tube (PC8 marking) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C industrial | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Price (qty 1, USD) | 31.34 | 31.34 | 31.34 | 31.34 | 31.34 |
| RoHS Compliance | Non-compliant (Pb) | Non-compliant (Pb) | Non-compliant (Pb) | Non-compliant (Pb) | Non-compliant (Pb) |
Key Differentiators
- 440 Kbit capacity supports larger APEX 20K and FLEX 10K designs (vs EPC1213PI8)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for automated SMT-compatible assembly (vs EPC1441PI8)
- DIP-8 through-hole package supports socketed field replacement (vs EPC1441LC20)
Design Notes
The EPC1441PI8W uses the Altera Passive Serial (PS) configuration mode. Connect nCS (pin 3) and nSTATUS (pin 7) to the FPGA's nCONFIG input through a 10k pull-up to VCC. DCLK (pin 6) and DATA (pin 5) connect directly to the FPGA's DCLK and DATA0 pins. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VCC (pin 8) and GND (pin 4) to suppress switching noise during configuration.
Do not attempt in-system programming of the EPC1441PI8W in-circuit - it is OTP only and requires a 12.5 V VPP pulse that is not available in the FPGA configuration chain. Program the device in a standalone EPROM programmer (Data I/O, BP Microsystems, or Altera PLAD) before soldering or socket insertion. Verify the bitstream with a readback check before applying programming voltage to avoid bricking the part.
Route DCLK and DATA as a controlled-impedance differential pair with matched lengths to within 1 cm to minimize skew. Keep configuration traces away from high-speed switching signals and clock domains to avoid coupling that could corrupt the bitstream. The 8-pin PDIP package suits through-hole assembly but requires a 2.54 mm socket footprint if field replacement is anticipated - reserve board space for an 8-pin DIP socket.
Compliance Information
DIP-8 package contains lead per Altera product page. Lifecycle status is NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs). For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consider EPC1441LC20 or EPC1441LI20 lead-free variants.
