EPC144IPI8 - 4Mb EPC Flash Config Memory | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPC144IPI8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.5 | $4,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.1 | $7,100.00 |
EPC144IPI8 Overview
An FPGA configuration memory is a specialized non-volatile memory that holds the bitstream image loaded into an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Since SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, an external boot memory such as the EPC144IPI8 reloads the design every time the system powers up. These devices sit in the configuration chain hierarchy: configuration memory -> FPGA configuration interface -> SRAM LUT-based FPGA -> programmable logic device. They are essential for any production design using SRAM-based FPGAs that needs instant-on or stand-alone operation without a microprocessor host.
Key features include 4,338,012 bits (approximately 4 Mb) of storage, a low-pin-count serial interface that uses only four signals (DATA, DCLK, nCS, OE), in-system programmability through the JTAG boundary-scan chain, and an industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. The 8-pin PDIP package allows easy through-hole assembly and rework, which is convenient for legacy designs and prototype boards.
Technically, the EPC144IPI8 is built on a standard floating-gate NOR Flash process and emulates a serial daisy-chain configuration PROM. Internally it implements an oscillator-driven state machine that clocks configuration data out on the rising edge of DCLK after nCS goes low. The device is specified for 3.3V or 5V operation depending on revision, and supports cascading of multiple devices for designs that require larger bitstreams than 4 Mb.
Typical applications include Altera FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, APEX 20K and ACEX 1K configuration, industrial control boards using SRAM FPGAs, prototyping platforms for legacy Altera devices, and field-upgradable logic modules where JTAG reprogramming of the boot memory simplifies firmware updates. Designers working with modern Altera/Intel Cyclone or Stratix families should confirm datasheet compatibility before substituting, as some newer devices use different configuration schemes.
When designing with the EPC144IPI8, ensure the JTAG chain order matches the datasheet reference schematic and that nCONFIG / nSTATUS pull-ups are sized correctly for the chosen FPGA. The serial configuration interface requires careful trace-length matching if the boot memory sits more than a few centimeters from the FPGA.
This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in alternatives drawn from the Site MPN list, and practical configuration-chain design notes not found on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144IPI8 — 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 EPC144IPI8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8W
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213PI8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.11 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144IPI8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Serial Configuration Flash PROM |
| Memory Size | 4,338,012 bits (4 Mb) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera Serial (DATA, DCLK, nCS, OE) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (IPI8) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V or 5 V (per datasheet revision) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, I8 grade) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole DIP |
| Pin Count | 8 |
| Cascadable | Yes (multiple devices daisy-chained) |
| Target FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K |
| Process Technology | Floating-gate NOR Flash |
EPC144IPI8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OE / JTAG — Output enable / JTAG pin (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | nCS — Chip select, active low |
| Pin 3 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VCC — Supply voltage (3.3 V or 5 V) |
| Pin 7 | JTAG — JTAG programming pin |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC144IPI8 is suitable for 6 applications: FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K Boot Memory, Legacy Industrial Control Board, Field-Upgradable Logic Module, Prototype FPGA Development Board, Telecom Infrastructure Backplane.
FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration
The EPC144IPI8 stores up to 4 Mb of configuration data and streams it into Altera FLEX 10K family FPGAs over the legacy four-signal serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCS, OE). With the FLEX 10K's typical bitstream size of 0.5-2 Mb depending on logic utilization, the EPC144IPI8 provides substantial headroom and supports cascading for future design growth. The device's industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating matches FLEX 10K industrial-grade variants, making it suitable for harsh-environment deployments such as factory automation controllers and outdoor telecom infrastructure.
Recommended
APEX 20K Boot Memory
The EPC144IPI8 serves as a compact boot memory for APEX 20K family FPGAs in designs where the bitstream fits within 4 Mb. Its serial interface reduces board routing complexity versus parallel PROMs and its through-hole PDIP package simplifies hand-soldering during prototype bring-up. The JTAG programmability of the EPC144IPI8 enables field firmware updates without removing the boot memory from the board, which is critical for industrial APEX 20K designs deployed in remote or sealed enclosures where board extraction is impractical.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Board
The EPC144IPI8's industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) and through-hole PDIP construction make it well-suited to legacy industrial control boards that must withstand factory-floor vibration, thermal cycling and decades of field service. Its compatibility with FLEX 8000 and ACEX 1K FPGAs keeps mature PLC and motor-control designs running without redesign. The non-volatile Flash storage eliminates the battery-backed SRAM used in older designs, removing a maintenance failure mode and improving long-term reliability of factory automation equipment.
Recommended
Field-Upgradable Logic Module
The EPC144IPI8's JTAG-based in-system programmability enables remote firmware updates on field-deployed logic modules. Engineers can re-flash the boot memory through the JTAG header without removing the device, supporting over-the-air-style updates via a JTAG-to-Ethernet bridge. The serial interface simplifies PCB routing in modules with tight space constraints, while the 4 Mb storage supports iterative design growth up to the FLEX 10K50 class. This combination of reprogrammability and compact storage is well matched to industrial IoT and remote monitoring applications.
Recommended
Prototype FPGA Development Board
The EPC144IPI8's through-hole PDIP package and standard 4-signal serial interface make it an easy-to-use boot memory for FPGA development boards targeting FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K and APEX 20K devices. The 8-pin DIP footprint is hand-solderable and rework-friendly, simplifying student lab kits and prototype bring-up. Designers can experiment with cascaded boot memories to support larger bitstreams by chaining two EPC devices through the OE/nCS pins, learning the configuration flow control signals interactively.
Recommended
Telecom Infrastructure Backplane
The EPC144IPI8 provides reliable stand-alone boot for telecom backplane cards that use FLEX 10K or APEX 20K FPGAs as glue logic. Its industrial temperature range tolerates the elevated ambient inside sealed telecom enclosures, while the 4 Mb capacity is sufficient for typical glue-logic bitstreams well below 1 Mb. Cascading two EPC144IPI8 devices yields 8 Mb of storage for larger glue-logic configurations, and the JTAG chain simplifies factory programming of the entire backplane through a single test header.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144IPI8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1441PI8N | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1441PI8W | EPC1213PI8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (IPI8) | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Memory Size | 4,338,012 bits (4 Mb) | ~4 Mb (4,338,012 bits) | ~4 Mb | ~4 Mb | ~4 Mb | 212,942 bits (~25%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | Active | Active | NRND |
| Interface | Altera Serial (4-signal) | Altera Serial (4-signal) | Altera Serial (4-signal) | Altera Serial (4-signal) | Altera Serial (4-signal) | Altera Serial (4-signal) |
| JTAG Programming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cascadable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Active-production successor with same footprint (vs EPC1441PI8)
- Smaller memory variant for compact bitstreams (vs EPC1213PI8)
- Lower cost commercial-grade variant (vs EPC1441PC8)
Design Notes
The EPC144IPI8 operates from a single 3.3 V or 5 V supply on pin 6; bypass with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. Decouple the JTAG chain separately to prevent programming noise from corrupting active configuration. Decoupling prevents configuration errors during power-up ramp.
Keep the DATA and DCLK traces between the EPC144IPI8 and the target FPGA under 50 mm and route them as a length-matched pair (within 2 mm) to avoid setup/hold violations on the FPGA's configuration input. Place the boot memory close to the FPGA with a clean ground return; avoid routing these signals across split planes or near switching power inductors to prevent coupling noise into the configuration stream.
Do not assume the EPC144IPI8 is compatible with newer Altera/Intel Cyclone, Stratix or MAX 10 families - those devices use EPCS, EPCQ or internal Flash and require different boot memory or programming flow. Verify the target FPGA's configuration handbook before substituting. For new designs, prefer the active EPC1441PI8 over the NRND EPC144IPI8 to avoid future obsolescence risk. According to the Altera configuration handbook, cascading EPC devices requires OE pull-up and proper nCS sequencing.
Terminate long configuration traces with a 33 ohm series resistor near the FPGA's DCLK input to dampen ringing. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on nCS and OE to keep the boot memory in a defined state during board power-up. These terminations prevent intermittent configuration failures in electrically noisy environments.
Compliance Information
Compliance flags marked unknown because the Verified Web Data did not include specific RoHS/REACH/AEC-Q100 declarations for EPC144IPI8. The N-suffixed variants (EPC1441PI8N) in the alternatives list are commonly the lead-free/RoHS variants per Altera/Intel naming convention. AEC-Q100 is not applicable as this is an FPGA configuration memory, not an automotive-grade IC.
