EPC144IPC8N - Altera/Intel Enhanced Configuration Device
MPN: EPC144IPC8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.2 | $320.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.5 | $2,500.00 |
EPC144IPC8N Overview
An FPGA configuration memory is a non-volatile storage device that holds the SRAM configuration bitstream of an SRAM-based FPGA. Because SRAM cells lose their data on power-down, every SRAM FPGA requires an external boot memory that reloads the bitstream at power-up. Enhanced Configuration Devices are a category of such boot memories that integrate the configuration controller, voltage management, and JTAG ISP into one IC, simplifying board design.
Key features of the EPC144IPC8N include in-system programmability via JTAG, a built-in oscillator that generates the configuration clock (DCLK) for the target FPGA, and a 3.3V core / multi-Voltage I/O interface that supports target FPGAs operating at 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5V. The device is configured by the FPGA itself using a slave-serial or slave-parallel-selectmap-style protocol, and a chain of EPCs can be cascaded to support larger FPGA bitstreams.
Architecturally, the EPC144IPC8N combines a Flash array with an embedded state machine. At FPGA power-on, the FPGA drives nCONFIG and the EPC device responds by clocking its stored bitstream out through DATA(n) and DCLK pins, re-configuring the target FPGA's SRAM cells. The on-chip controller handles compression, error detection, and JTAG instructions (SAMPLE/PRELOAD, EXTEST, BYPASS, PROGRAM, ERASE, VERIFY, IDCODE).
Typical applications include Altera Cyclone II / III FPGA boot, Stratix / Stratix II reference designs, industrial controllers using APEX 20K and ACEX 1K families, and legacy telecom / factory-automation designs migrated to Altera FPGAs. The EPC144IPC8N is most commonly paired with small- to medium-density Altera FPGAs whose bitstream fits within its density window.
When designing with the EPC144IPC8N, ensure decoupling per Altera reference design (typically 0.1 uF near VCC), keep JTAG trace lengths below 6 inches for reliable ISP, and verify chain timing against the target FPGA's configuration clock maximum. Use Altera Quartus II programmer software (version 13.0 or earlier is recommended) for in-system programming.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144IPC8N — 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 EPC144IPC8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Interface, Memory Type, Package, Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC144IPC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1064PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144IPC8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) |
| Manufacturer | Altera (now part of Intel) |
| Function | FPGA Configuration Memory |
| Interface | Serial / Parallel SelectMap |
| JTAG / IEEE 1149.1 | Yes (built-in) |
| Configuration Clock (DCLK) | Internal oscillator generated |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Target FPGA I/O Voltages | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | PDIP-8 |
| Lead-Free / Pb-Free | Yes ('N' suffix) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (via JTAG) |
| Cascade Support | Yes (multiple EPCs cascadable for larger bitstreams) |
| Configuration Mode | Slave-serial, slave-parallel (PS mode) |
EPC144IPC8N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | DATA0 — Configuration data output (serial) / LSB (parallel) |
| Pin 4 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 5 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 6 | DCLK — Configuration clock output (internal RC oscillator) |
| Pin 7 | nCS / nCONFIG — Chip select / configuration control |
| Pin 8 | JTAG TDI / TMS / TCK / TDO — JTAG interface pins (multi-function on package, see datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC144IPC8N is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone II FPGA Boot Memory, Stratix FPGA Reference Design Boot, Industrial APEX 20K Legacy Platform, Test & Measurement JTAG Programming Fixture, Factory Automation FPGA Controller, Legacy Avionics / Defense Retrofit.
Altera Cyclone II FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC144IPC8N is the canonical boot memory for Altera Cyclone II FPGAs (EP2C5/EP2C8/EP2C20) in industrial control designs. Its built-in JTAG controller and internal DCLK oscillator eliminate the external CPLD usually required for passive serial boot, reducing BOM count by 4-6 parts. At 3.3V core with multi-voltage I/O driving 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V/5V target rails, it matches the Cyclone II configuration bank without level shifters. The EPC144 density covers bitstreams up to approximately 0.4 Mbits uncompressed, sufficient for most Cyclone II designs. Quartus II Programmer handles ISP via the EPC144's IEEE 1149.1 interface for field upgrades.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Reference Design Boot
Stratix and Stratix GX FPGA designs in telecom infrastructure historically relied on EPC1/EPC144-family configuration devices for slave-serial boot. The EPC144IPC8N drives the Stratix configuration pins (nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0) directly with no glue logic, and supports passive serial SelectMap-style cascading for multi-device bitstreams. Its industrial temperature grade makes it suitable for outdoor telecom cabinets. Compared to modern EPCQ devices, the EPC144IPC8N retains the 5V-tolerant I/O that legacy Stratix designs require, eliminating the level translation that EPCQ/serial flash boot schemes need.
Recommended
Industrial APEX 20K Legacy Platform
Long-lifecycle industrial controllers built around Altera APEX 20K and APEX 20KE FPGAs often boot from EPC144IPC8N configuration devices because of the platform's 15-20 year support horizon. The EPC144's industrial temperature range (-40 C to +85 C) matches outdoor and factory-floor requirements, and its PDIP-8 package suits through-hole assembly for high-vibration environments. Field updates via JTAG are supported by the device's built-in ISP controller, allowing factory technicians to reprogram the FPGA without removing the board. The same JTAG chain can daisy-chain multiple EPC144 devices for APEX 20K bitstreams exceeding EPC144 capacity.
Recommended
Test & Measurement JTAG Programming Fixture
Production JTAG programming fixtures for Altera FPGAs use EPC144IPC8N as both the FPGA boot memory and a JTAG ISP target. The device's built-in IEEE 1149.1 controller accepts PROGRAM, ERASE, and VERIFY instructions through the same 4-wire JTAG chain used by the FPGA, simplifying fixture design. Its 3.3V core and multi-voltage I/O interface seamlessly connects to 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5V FPGA banks, eliminating level shifters on the fixture. The PDIP-8 package enables easy socket-based programming for low-volume production or field replacements. This dual-role (boot + ISP) simplifies fixture BOM and lowers test cost.
Recommended
Factory Automation FPGA Controller
PLC and motor-control FPGA modules on factory automation lines use the EPC144IPC8N for hot-swappable configuration and JTAG-driven field updates. Its industrial temperature rating and PDIP-8 through-hole construction withstand vibration in conveyor and robotic systems. The internal DCLK oscillator eliminates a configuration controller CPLD, reducing board area and points of failure - critical for 24/7 factory lines where downtime is measured in thousands of dollars per minute. Cascading multiple EPC144IPC8N devices supports larger APEX 20K and Stratix bitstreams in modular motor-control designs.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics / Defense Retrofit
Long-lifecycle avionics and defense platforms retrofitting Altera FPGAs use the EPC144IPC8N as a trusted boot memory with built-in JTAG for security audits. The Altera CF52002-2.7 datasheet documents the JTAG IDCODE and ERASE/PROGRAM security features that support anti-tamper requirements. The industrial temperature range matches avionics bay environments, and PDIP-8 packages suit conformal-coated through-hole assembly per IPC-610 Class 3. The EPC144IPC8N's long product availability history (Altera, then Intel) provides supply-chain documentation traceability required by defense procurement. New designs should evaluate modern equivalents.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144IPC8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC144IPC8 | EPC1441PI8N | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1213PC8 | EPC1064PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Flash Density | EPC144 (~0.4 Mbit) | ~0.4 Mbit (same die) | ~0.8 Mbit (larger) | ~0.8 Mbit (larger) | ~0.2 Mbit (smaller) | ~0.06 Mbit (older, smaller) |
| JTAG / IEEE 1149.1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internal DCLK Oscillator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Target FPGA I/O Voltages | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Built-in configuration controller and DCLK oscillator (vs EPC1213PC8)
- Industrial temperature range with lead-free finish (vs EPC144IPC8)
- Multi-voltage I/O supports 1.8V-5V FPGA banks (vs EPCQ16)
- Drop-in compatible with same-package EPC family (vs EPC1441PI8N)
Design Notes
The EPC144IPC8N requires a stable 3.3V supply on VCC with a local 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin. According to the Altera CF52002 datasheet, the device draws approximately 50 mA during configuration and drops to <1 mA in standby. Use a low-ESR regulator and avoid sharing the EPC144 supply with high-current switching nodes to prevent configuration errors. Bulk decoupling of 10 uF is recommended for multi-device JTAG chains.
Keep DATA(n), DCLK, and nCONFIG traces short (<50 mm) and impedance-controlled (50 ohm characteristic impedance). Long traces introduce ringing that can corrupt configuration data and cause FPGA boot failures. Place a 33 ohm damping resistor in series with DCLK if trace length exceeds 25 mm. Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a daisy-chain with no stubs, and ensure TCK trace length does not exceed 150 mm to maintain JTAG timing per IEEE 1149.1.
Place the EPC144IPC8N within 50 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize signal integrity issues. Use a star-ground topology with the EPC144 GND pin tied directly to the FPGA GND. For multi-device JTAG chains (EPC + FPGA + CPLD), maintain the JTAG chain order documented in the Altera Programming Hardware Guidelines. The PDIP-8 package suits through-hole assembly; for SMT designs, use the SOIC-8 or PLCC-20 EPC variants with the same JTAG/serial pinout.
Do not assume newer Quartus versions support legacy EPC144 programming without selecting 'EPC legacy mode' in the Programmer GUI. Verify that the JTAG IDCODE in your .cdf file matches the EPC144 device ID. Cascading EPC144 devices requires proper nCASC connection per datasheet - incorrect cascading causes the second device to not enter configuration mode. Finally, do not exceed the maximum configuration clock rate (~33 MHz typical for EPC144) or the target FPGA will lose synchronization.
Compliance Information
Lead-free ('N' suffix) confirms RoHS compliance. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration memory, not an automotive-grade IC. Conflict minerals declaration per Intel/Altera CMRT.
