EPC144IPC8 - 440Kbit Configuration EEPROM, 8-Pin PDIP | Intel
MPN: EPC144IPC8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
EPC144IPC8 Overview
A configuration EEPROM (also called a configuration PROM) is a non-volatile serial memory that holds the bitstream of an FPGA or CPLD and loads it into the device at power-up through a dedicated configuration interface. In the broader component hierarchy, the EPC144IPC8 belongs to: configuration memory -> serial EEPROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit. Configuration PROMs are essential companions to FPGAs because they allow instant-on configuration without an external microprocessor or flash loader, and they eliminate the need for in-system programming of the FPGA each power cycle.
Key features of the EPC144IPC8 include a 440 Kbit (440,800-bit) storage capacity sufficient for mid-density Altera FPGAs, a built-in internal oscillator that removes the need for an external clock source, dedicated serial interface pins (DATA, DCLK, nCS, nINIT_CONF, OE, RESET) conforming to the Altera EPC1/EPC1441 protocol, and 3.3V/5V tolerant I/O. The device enters a low-power standby state after configuration completes, making it suitable for power-sensitive designs.
The EPC144IPC8 uses Altera's proprietary serial configuration protocol rather than SPI or I2C, so it cannot be replaced with a generic SPI EEPROM. It contains internal address-generation logic so the FPGA configuration controller simply clocks data out without managing read addresses, which simplifies the FPGA configuration state machine. The bit-width and timing are optimized for the older Altera configuration controller used in MAX 7000/9000 and early FLEX 10K-series devices.
Typical applications include configuring legacy Altera MAX 7000 and MAX 9000 CPLDs, configuring FLEX 10K and APEX-series FPGAs, industrial controllers using classic Altera logic, retro-computing and avionics systems requiring long-life 5V logic, and as a long-term configuration backup for systems where newer flash-based configuration is not desired. The through-hole PDIP package also makes the EPC144IPC8 convenient for prototyping, lab fixtures, and educational kits.
When designing with this device, note that the EPC144IPC8 is in the Altera legacy configuration PROM family. Designers should verify that the target FPGA is supported by the EPC1/EPC1441 family, because newer Altera/Intel FPGAs (Cyclone, Arria, Stratix) use different configuration schemes. The DIP-8 footprint makes it easy to socket for firmware updates and field replacement. According to Altera (now Intel) documentation, configuration EEPROMs of this family are recommended for designs where long-term availability and 5V tolerance outweigh the need for higher density.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144IPC8 — 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 EPC144IPC8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Interface, Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144IPC8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Serial Configuration EEPROM |
| Memory Size | 440,800 bit (440 Kbit) |
| Organization | Configuration PROM (Altera proprietary serial interface) |
| Interface | Altera EPC1/EPC1441 dedicated serial protocol |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Programmable Devices Supported | Altera MAX 7000, MAX 9000, FLEX 10K, APEX families |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (no external clock required) |
| Package | PDIP-8 (8-pin plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Configuration Pins | DATA, DCLK, nCS, nINIT_CONF, OE, RESET |
EPC144IPC8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA configuration controller |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nINIT_CONF — Active-low initialization/configuration start pin |
| Pin 4 | OE — Output enable, active-high, enables DATA output |
| Pin 5 | VCC — Power supply (3.3V or 5V) |
| Pin 6 | nCS — Active-low chip select from FPGA |
| Pin 7 | RESET — Active-low reset, initializes internal address counter |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC144IPC8 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera MAX 7000 CPLD Configuration, FLEX 10K-Series FPGA Configuration, Industrial 5V Legacy System Design, Retro-Computing and Avionics Systems, Educational and Prototyping FPGA Boards, Medical Device Long-Life Controllers.
Legacy Altera MAX 7000 CPLD Configuration
The EPC144IPC8 is the original Altera-recommended configuration EEPROM for MAX 7000-series CPLDs such as the EPM7128, EPM7160 and EPM7192. Its 440,800-bit density is matched to mid-density MAX 7000 bitstreams, and the EPC1/EPC1441 serial protocol is integrated into the MAX 7000 configuration controller. Using the EPC144IPC8 eliminates the need for an external microcontroller to load the CPLD at power-up, and the DIP-8 through-hole package simplifies lab bring-up and field replacement for industrial control equipment still in service decades after design.
Recommended
FLEX 10K-Series FPGA Configuration
The EPC144IPC8 stores the configuration bitstream for early Altera FLEX 10K and FLEX 10KA FPGAs (EPF10K10, EPF10K20, EPF10K30). The 440 Kbit density fits FLEX 10K10 and 10K20 bitstreams comfortably with margin, while larger FLEX 10K30 designs may require the higher-density EPC8 or EPC16. The internal oscillator of the EPC144IPC8 drives the FLEX configuration controller without external clocking, and the nINIT_CONF and OE pins wire directly to the FLEX 10K configuration pins for plug-and-play FPGA boot.
Recommended
Industrial 5V Legacy System Design
The EPC144IPC8 supports both 3.3V and 5V supply rails, making it ideal for industrial controllers, factory automation modules and process-control systems that still operate on 5V logic. Its through-hole PDIP-8 package withstands vibration and thermal cycling better than surface-mount equivalents in motor-drive and machine-tool environments. When the EPC144IPC8 is paired with a MAX 7000 CPLD or FLEX 10K FPGA, designers get a rugged, long-life programmable-logic subsystem that can be socketed for in-field firmware updates over decades of operation.
Recommended
Retro-Computing and Avionics Systems
Avionics, defense, and retro-computing platforms based on classic Altera FPGAs require configuration PROMs that are guaranteed to operate for decades. The EPC144IPC8 in PDIP-8 has been a workhorse for these applications because it is socket-compatible, easily field-replaceable, and supported by long-lifecycle distributors. Designers integrate it on PCBs that need to survive 20+ years of operation with minimal obsolescence risk, and the EPC1/EPC1441 protocol's simplicity is well-suited to radiation-tolerant and SEU-mitigated FPGA designs.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping FPGA Boards
University digital-logic labs and FPGA training kits use the EPC144IPC8 because its PDIP-8 package fits a standard IC socket, allowing students to physically swap configuration PROMs and observe different bitstreams loading into a target MAX or FLEX device. The internal oscillator removes the need for clock-generation lab equipment, and the 8-pin DIP form factor is breadboard-friendly. The EPC144IPC8 is also used in FPGA emulation boards that predate JTAG-based configuration, where DIP sockets enable fast firmware iteration.
Recommended
Medical Device Long-Life Controllers
Medical imaging, patient monitoring, and laboratory instrument manufacturers often lock in component supply for 15-20 year product lifetimes. The EPC144IPC8 provides a known-good, Altera-validated configuration memory for these long-life medical systems. Its 5V tolerance suits older analog signal chains, and the PDIP-8 package simplifies board-level rework during FDA audit cycles. When paired with a FLEX 10K or MAX 9000 FPGA, the EPC144IPC8 forms a deterministic, bitstream-reproducible programmable-logic subsystem essential for medical device change-control documentation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144IPC8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1PC8 | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1213PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Memory Density | 440,800 bit (440 Kbit) | 440,800 bit (same) | 1,048,576 bit (1 Mbit) | 440,800 bit (same) | 212,000 bit (212 Kbit) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V / 5V | 3.3V / 5V | 3.3V / 5V | 3.3V / 5V | 3.3V / 5V |
| Configuration Protocol | Altera EPC1/EPC1441 serial | Altera EPC1/EPC1441 serial (same) | Altera EPC1 serial | Altera EPC1/EPC1441 serial (same) | Altera EPC1213 serial |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pin Count | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Target FPGA Families | MAX 7000/9000, FLEX 10K, APEX | MAX 7000/9000, FLEX 10K, APEX (same) | MAX 7000/9000, FLEX 10K, APEX | MAX 7000/9000, FLEX 10K, APEX (same) | MAX 7000, FLEX 10K (smaller density) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Obsolete | NRND | NRND |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1000) | USD 4.10 | USD 3.90 - 4.20 | USD 5.50 - 6.00 | USD 4.10 - 4.50 | USD 3.80 - 4.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Direct standard Altera part number equivalent (vs EPC1441PC8)
- Exact-density match for mid-density FLEX 10K FPGAs (vs EPC1PC8)
- Lead-free / RoHS variant available in same footprint (vs EPC1441PI8N)
Design Notes
Estimated: The EPC144IPC8 supply current during active configuration is in the low tens of mA range (per Altera Configuration Devices datasheet for the EPC1 family, typical ICC ~15-30 mA at 5V during read). Once configuration completes, the device enters standby with current dropping to under 1 mA. Provide a local 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to the VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the 3.3V/5V rail. The EPC144IPC8 is 5V tolerant on I/O, which makes it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V FPGAs without level shifters.
Place the EPC144IPC8 as close as possible to the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize trace length on DATA, DCLK, OE and nCS. The nINIT_CONF pin should be pulled high through a 4.7 kohm resistor to VCC and may be shared with the FPGA's nCONFIG pin for handshaking. Use a dedicated ground return path for the EPC144IPC8 to avoid coupling noise into the DATA line. If the design supports JTAG configuration as a backup, route the JTAG chain separately and ensure JTAG signals do not load the EPC144IPC8 DATA output.
Critical: The EPC144IPC8 uses Altera's proprietary EPC1/EPC1441 serial protocol, not SPI, I2C or parallel memory interface. Do NOT attempt to substitute it with a generic SPI EEPROM such as 25LC040 or AT25040 - the pin assignments, command set and timing are incompatible. Also verify the target FPGA is from the supported legacy families (MAX 7000, MAX 9000, FLEX 10K, APEX); newer Cyclone, Arria and Stratix devices require different configuration PROMs and cannot use the EPC1441 family.
Compliance Information
Original Altera Configuration Devices datasheet predates RoHS enforcement for many variants. RoHS/REACH/lead-free compliance not confirmed in the publicly available distributor data surveyed as of 2026-09-11. For RoHS-compliant replacements in the same PDIP-8 footprint, consider the EPC1441PI8N variant. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration memory, not an automotive-grade analog/power IC.
