EPC1441PS8 - 440Kb Altera Enhanced Configuration PROM | Intel (Altera)
MPN: EPC1441PS8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.2 | $5.20 |
| 10 | $4.68 | $46.80 |
| 100 | $4.16 | $416.00 |
| 500 | $3.74 | $1,870.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.32 | $3,320.00 |
EPC1441PS8 Overview
An EPC (Enhanced Configuration) PROM is a serial configuration memory designed to load the configuration bitstream of an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, they require an external non-volatile boot memory. EPC PROMs sit in the FPGA boot chain alongside the system controller and supply the bitstream through a 4-pin interface: nCS, OE, DATA, and DCLK. They belong to the broader taxonomy: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit.
Key features of the EPC1441PS8 include a 4-pin serial configuration interface that is electrically compatible with all Altera FLEX, ACEX, APEX, and Mercury FPGA families. It provides a built-in address counter and internal oscillator, so the host MCU or FPGA only has to enable the chip via nCS and OE to start streaming the bitstream. Tri-state DATA output allows multiple devices to share the configuration bus. The PS8 (SOIC-8) package is the smallest Altera enhanced-configuration option and fits easily on compact daughter cards. Compared to older non-enhanced EPC PROMs, the EPC1441 supports faster DCLK rates and the new error-handling handshake for APEX II and Mercury devices.
The architecture combines a flash array with a hard-wired configuration controller that performs nCS/OE gating, address sequencing, and parallel-to-serial conversion. The internal oscillator generates the DCLK stream during configuration, freeing the FPGA from driving the clock. Flash cells store the bitstream with one-time programmability, suitable for production volumes where reconfiguration in the field is not required.
Typical applications include configuring an APEX 20K200, FLEX 10K50, or Mercury EP1M350 on a system board at power-up, production JTAG-less FPGA boot, and embedded designs where a compact SOIC-8 boot memory is preferred over a larger PLCC package. The device is also used as a primary boot source when the system MCU hosts the bitstream image.
When designing with the EPC1441PS8, ensure the SOIC-8 (PS8) footprint is laid out for 150-mil body width and that the nCS/OE lines are properly sequenced to the FPGA nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake. Use 3.3V supply and respect the operating-requirements DC input limits (undershoot to -2.0 V, overshoot to 7.0 V, periods < 20 ns) specified in the original Altera data book. The EPC1441 is OTP - verify the bitstream before programming.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, same-brand (Altera/Intel) drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441PS8 — 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 EPC1441PS8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage.
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 →EPC1441PI8W
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.11 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PS8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Enhanced Configuration PROM (serial configuration memory) |
| Memory Type | One-Time-Programmable Flash |
| Memory Density | 440 Kbit |
| Interface | 4-pin serial (nCS, OE, DATA, DCLK) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V typical (compatible with Altera FPGAs) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K (including 20K, 20KC, 20KE), Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000, FLEX 10KE, FLEX 10KA |
| Package | SOIC-8 (PS8, 150-mil body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Controller | Built-in (handles address counter, oscillator, tri-state DATA) |
| Output Driver | Tri-state on DATA pin |
| Configuration Speed | Higher DCLK rates vs legacy EPC PROMs (per Altera datasheet) |
| DC Input Absolute Min | -0.3 V (with -2.0 V undershoot tolerance < 20 ns) |
| DC Input Absolute Max | 7.0 V (with overshoot tolerance < 20 ns) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time-programmable) |
EPC1441PS8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nCS — Chip select (active low) - enables the configuration PROM output driver |
| Pin 2 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA DATA pin (tri-state) |
| Pin 3 | nINIT_CONF — Initiate configuration (used to start configuration sequence on some Altera FPGAs) |
| Pin 4 | OE — Output enable (active low) - resets address counter and enables DATA driver |
| Pin 5 | DCLK — Configuration clock - drives internal oscillator output or accepts external clock |
| Pin 6 | VCC — 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | nCASCADEn — Cascade enable for multi-PROM configurations (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC1441PS8 is suitable for 6 applications: APEX 20K FPGA Boot Configuration, FLEX 10KE / 10KA FPGA Configuration, ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Source, Mercury (EP1M) FPGA Configuration, APEX II (EP2A) High-Density FPGA Boot, Production-Grade FPGA Embedded Systems.
APEX 20K FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1441PS8 stores the Altera APEX 20K (including 20K, 20KC, 20KE) bitstream in 440 Kbit of OTP flash and streams it through a 4-pin serial interface (nCS, OE, DATA, DCLK) at power-up. The device's built-in address counter and internal oscillator mean the APEX 20K does not need to drive DCLK during configuration - simplifying host MCU design. With 440 Kbit density, the EPC1441PS8 covers APEX 20K100 and 20K200 bitstreams comfortably, while the enhanced controller supports the nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshake at higher DCLK rates than legacy EPC PROMs. Recommended companion MPNs: APEX 20K200EQC240-3 (FPGA under configuration), EPC1441PC8 (through-hole equivalent for prototyping).
Recommended
FLEX 10KE / 10KA FPGA Configuration
Use the EPC1441PS8 to configure FLEX 10KE and FLEX 10KA SRAM FPGAs that lose their configuration at every power-down. The 440 Kbit OTP flash holds bitstreams for FLEX 10K30 through FLEX 10K100, and the 4-pin serial interface (nCS/OE/DATA/DCLK) maps directly to the FLEX MSEL[2:0] PS (passive serial) mode pins. Compared to legacy EPC1/EPC2 PROMs, the EPC1441PS8 supports the newer enhanced-controller handshake, allowing faster configuration times and reliable nSTATUS/nCONFIG error recovery on industrial FLEX 10KE designs. Recommended companion MPNs: EPF10K30AQC208-3 (FLEX 10KA FPGA), EPC1441PI8N (industrial-temp variant).
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Source
The EPC1441PS8 is a qualified configuration memory for ACEX 1K (EP1K) FPGAs, storing up to 440 Kbit of compressed bitstream. ACEX 1K devices configured via PS (passive serial) mode boot from EPC1441PS8 without requiring an external oscillator or MCU intervention - the internal oscillator inside the EPC1441 drives DCLK while streaming DATA. This makes EPC1441PS8 ideal for low-cost industrial controllers, motor drives, and telecom line cards that use ACEX 1K30 or EP1K50 devices. Recommended companion MPNs: EP1K50QC208-3 (ACEX 1K FPGA), EPC1213PI8 (drop-in for smaller bitstreams under 212 Kbit).
Recommended
Mercury (EP1M) FPGA Configuration
Mercury FPGAs (EP1M350, EP1M120) require the enhanced configuration controller for error-handling and high-speed boot - which the EPC1441PS8 provides. The 4-pin serial interface streams the bitstream while the EPC1441 drives DCLK internally, freeing the Mercury device's PLL resources for application logic. With 440 Kbit density, the EPC1441PS8 covers typical Mercury designs and supports the nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshake that Mercury relies on. Recommended companion MPNs: EP1M350F780C6 (Mercury FPGA), EPC1441PI8W (Pb-free equivalent).
Recommended
APEX II (EP2A) High-Density FPGA Boot
The APEX II family (EP2A15, EP2A25, EP2A40, EP2A70) supports the enhanced configuration controller built into the EPC1441PS8, with the 4-pin interface carrying bitstreams plus the error-handling handshake. Although larger APEX II devices may exceed 440 Kbit compressed, the EPC1441PS8 is widely used for cost-sensitive APEX II designs or for caching the first-stage loader. The internal oscillator and tri-state DATA output enable multi-PROM cascading if higher density is needed. Recommended companion MPNs: EP2A15B724C7 (APEX II FPGA), EPC1064VPC8 (larger alternative for bitstreams > 440 Kbit).
Recommended
Production-Grade FPGA Embedded Systems
For production JTAG-less designs where the bitstream is finalized and field reconfiguration is not required, the EPC1441PS8 OTP flash is a reliable, cost-effective boot source. The SOIC-8 (PS8, 150-mil) package fits on compact PCBs adjacent to the FLEX/ACEX/APEX FPGA without consuming board area. Combined with the internal oscillator and built-in address counter, the EPC1441PS8 enables a 3.3V-only, MCU-free boot path - reducing BOM cost in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, and legacy test equipment. Recommended companion MPNs: EPC1441PI8 (industrial temp drop-in), EPC1441PI8N (Pb-free drop-in).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441PS8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1441PI8N | EPC1441PI8W | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1213PI8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | SOIC-8 (PS8, 150-mil) | SOIC-8 (PI8, 150-mil) - same | SOIC-8 (PI8N, 150-mil) - same | SOIC-8 (PI8W, 150-mil) - same | PDIP-8 (through-hole) - different | SOIC-8 (PI8, 150-mil) - same |
| Memory Density | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 212 Kbit (50% of EPC1441) |
| Memory Type | OTP Flash | OTP Flash | OTP Flash | OTP Flash | OTP Flash | OTP Flash |
| Configuration Interface | 4-pin serial (nCS, OE, DATA, DCLK) | 4-pin serial (same) | 4-pin serial (same) | 4-pin serial (same) | 4-pin serial (same) | 4-pin serial (same) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | APEX II / APEX 20K / Mercury / ACEX 1K / FLEX | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families (smaller bitstreams) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V typical | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRN'D | NRN'D | NRN'D | NRN'D | NRN'D | NRN'D |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest SOIC-8 enhanced-configuration option for legacy Altera FPGAs (vs EPC1441LC20)
- Built-in enhanced controller (no external oscillator needed) (vs EPC1/EPC2 (legacy EPC PROMs))
- 440 Kbit density covers most APEX 20K and FLEX 10KE bitstreams (vs EPC1213PI8 (212 Kbit))
Design Notes
Lay out the SOIC-8 (PS8) footprint for 150-mil body width. Place the EPC1441PS8 within 25 mm of the FPGA's DATA, DCLK, nSTATUS, and nCONFIG pins to avoid signal-integrity issues. Use a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin (pin 6) and a ground pour on the opposite layer.
Power the EPC1441PS8 from the same 3.3 V rail that feeds the FPGA's VCCIO/VCCH (for FLEX/ACEX/APEX) so that configuration begins cleanly at POR. Per the Altera data book, DC inputs must remain between -0.3 V and 7.0 V; undershoot to -2.0 V or overshoot to 7.0 V is permitted only for periods shorter than 20 ns under no-load conditions. Add a series resistor or TVS clamp if the 3.3 V rail has hot-plug transients.
Do not assume EPC1441PS8 can be re-programmed - it is OTP (one-time-programmable). For prototypes, program a small number of parts with a known-good bitstream and verify configuration success via the FPGA's CONF_DONE LED before ordering production volumes. Also confirm MSEL[2:0] settings on the FPGA select PS (passive serial) mode, which is required for EPC1441PS8 boot.
Route DATA and DCLK as a matched-length pair (within 5 mm) to avoid setup/hold violations on the FPGA's PS-mode configuration input. Keep these traces away from switching power nodes and clock domains to prevent crosstalk. The nCS and OE signals should be pulled high with 10 kohm resistors to ensure the EPC1441PS8 stays tri-stated until the host MCU/FPGA drives configuration.
Compliance Information
RoHS status of EPC1441PS8 not explicitly stated in verified web data; the PI8N and PI8W variants are documented as Pb-free. AEC-Q100 not applicable for configuration PROM. Always confirm compliance with the manufacturer datasheet before volume orders.
