EPC144L20 - 440kbit OTP Config PROM for FPGAs | Altera/Intel
MPN: EPC144L20 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $24.95 | $249.50 |
| 100 | $21.4 | $2,140.00 |
| 500 | $18.75 | $9,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.2 | $16,200.00 |
EPC144L20 Overview
What is a configuration PROM? It is a non-volatile memory device that holds the FPGA's configuration bitstream and delivers it serially to the FPGA during power-up initialization, before the FPGA enters user mode. Without a configuration source, SRAM-based FPGAs cannot operate, because their configuration RAM is volatile. Configuration PROMs sit in the boot chain between the system power-on reset and the FPGA's configuration controller (e.g., Altera FPP, PS, or AS modes).
Key features include a 3.3V single supply, a four-pin serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG/nSTATUS) compatible with Altera's configuration controller, industrial operating temperature range, and a leadless ceramic-style 20-pin LCC package that supports socketed programming and high-reliability applications. The LCC package offers a compact footprint with perimeter leads that simplify board integration in legacy and industrial systems.
The EPC144L20 uses an anti-fuse OTP cell array, meaning each bit can be programmed exactly once. After programming, the bitstream is permanent for the device lifetime. The serial interface is clocked by the FPGA at frequencies defined in the legacy Altera configuration protocol. The device is one of the older EPC1xxx family members (EPC1441/EPC144/EPC1213/EPC1064), predating the modern EPCQ serial flash family.
Typical applications include legacy Altera FPGA configuration bitstream storage for FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, and Mercury FPGA families, factory-floor industrial controllers where the OTP cell ensures configuration stability, and aerospace/defense retrofits where socketed ceramic-style PROMs simplify field programming.
When designing with this device, ensure the configuration mode selected in the FPGA matches the serial protocol expected by the EPC144L20. Voltage sequencing (VCC ramp before nCONFIG release) must follow the legacy Altera reference schematic. OTP programming requires a single programming cycle - re-programming an already programmed device is not possible.
This page synthesizes legacy distributor availability, same-family drop-in alternatives (EPC1441LC20, EPC144ILC20), and design notes specific to legacy Altera configuration boot chains.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144L20 — 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 EPC144L20 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Configuration Interface, Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC1441LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144ILC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144ICC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1064LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144L20 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density | 440,800 bits |
| Organization | 440,800 words × 1 bit (serial) |
| Interface | Altera serial configuration (4-pin: nCS, DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package Type | 20-pin LCC (Leadless Chip Carrier) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Programming Method | OTP anti-fuse (single program cycle) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Mercury (legacy Altera) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount / Socket |
| Manufacturer | Altera Corporation (now Intel PSG) |
EPC144L20 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 2 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 4 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 6 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC144L20 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FLEX 10K Configuration, ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Source, APEX 20K Bitstream Storage, Industrial Control Retrofits, Aerospace / Defense Legacy Systems, Mercury FPGA Boot Reference Designs.
Legacy Altera FLEX 10K Configuration
The EPC144L20 stores and delivers the configuration bitstream for legacy Altera FLEX 10K (10KA, 10KE) FPGAs at power-up. With 440,800 bits of OTP storage it is sized for the bitstreams of small-to-medium FLEX 10K devices, and its 4-pin Altera serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG) is the standard boot interface for that family. The LCC-20 package supports socketed factory programming before board integration.
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Source
The EPC144L20 is commonly paired with the Altera ACEX 1K (EP1K) family of FPGAs as the serial configuration source. ACEX 1K devices use the same Altera PS (Passive Serial) configuration mode that the EPC144L20 drives, and 440 kb of OTP storage matches ACEX 1K bitstream sizes (typically 100k-400k bits). The 3.3V supply aligns with ACEX 1K VCCIO requirements, eliminating level shifters.
Recommended
APEX 20K Bitstream Storage
Older APEX 20K (EP20K) devices in industrial and factory-automation systems can be booted from the EPC144L20 for small-to-medium designs that fit within 440,800 bits. APEX 20K's MultiVolt I/O and PS configuration mode are compatible with the EPC144L20's serial protocol. For larger APEX 20K designs requiring multiple megabits of configuration, migrate to the EPCQ-A flash family instead.
Recommended
Industrial Control Retrofits
Factory-floor controllers using legacy Altera FPGAs benefit from the EPC144L20's OTP anti-fuse cell - once programmed, the configuration cannot be accidentally erased or corrupted by voltage transients. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports PLC and process-control environments. The socketed 20-pin LCC package enables field replacement of programmed PROMs without desoldering.
Recommended
Aerospace / Defense Legacy Systems
Aerospace and defense programs that fielded Altera FLEX 10K and ACEX 1K designs in the late 1990s and early 2000s still rely on the EPC144L20 for configuration storage. The OTP cell ensures bitstream integrity over long mission lifecycles, and the LCC package supports high-reliability socketed assemblies. Long-term availability through legacy distributors sustains these programs through multi-decade support windows.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Boot Reference Designs
The Altera Mercury (EP1M) FPGA family uses the same PS configuration protocol as FLEX 10K and ACEX 1K, making the EPC144L20 a valid boot source for Mercury reference designs. Mercury devices typically have moderate configuration sizes that fit within the 440 kb OTP storage. Reference designs in the Mercury development kit documentation show the EPC144L20 wired directly to the FPGA's configuration pins.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144L20 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441LC20 | EPC1441LI20 | EPC144ILC20 | EPC1064LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin LCC | 20-pin LCC - same | 20-pin LCC - same | 20-pin LCC - same | 20-pin LCC - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera - same brand | Altera - same brand | Altera - same brand | Altera - same brand |
| Memory Type | OTP anti-fuse | OTP anti-fuse | OTP anti-fuse | OTP anti-fuse | OTP anti-fuse |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 5 V / 3.3 V |
| Interface | Altera serial 4-pin (PS mode) | Altera serial 4-pin | Altera serial 4-pin | Altera serial 4-pin | Altera serial 4-pin |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Mercury | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Largest density in the EPC144x OTP family (vs EPC1064LC20)
- Pin-compatible with EPC1441 family (vs EPC1441LC20)
- Socketed 20-pin LCC supports field replacement (vs EPC144IPC8 (PDIP-8))
Design Notes
The EPC144L20 operates from a single 3.3V supply that must ramp up before nCONFIG is released by the FPGA or supervisor. Add a 100nF decoupling capacitor close to the VCC pin and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the board's 3.3V rail. The OTP programming supply (VPP), if required, is generated internally for most EPC144x variants - verify with the family datasheet before applying external VPP.
Route the DCLK and DATA traces as short, impedance-controlled 50-ohm microstrip pairs to the FPGA configuration pins. Keep the EPC144L20 within 2-3 inches of the FPGA to minimize signal integrity issues at high DCLK frequencies. Place a 10kohm pull-up on nCONFIG and nSTATUS (active-low signals require pull-ups per the Altera configuration reference schematic). Avoid routing configuration traces near switching power or high-speed data lines.
The EPC144L20 is OTP (One-Time Programmable) - once a bit is programmed it cannot be cleared. Verify your bitstream with a development kit and the Altera Quartus programmer BEFORE committing the EPC144L20. A misprogrammed PROM is unrecoverable and must be discarded. For iterative development, use the EPCQ-A reprogrammable flash family or controller-based configuration via a microcontroller's SPI interface.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance status not confirmed in verified web data. The EPC144L20 was designed before RoHS took full effect, so compliance cannot be assumed. AEC-Q100 not applicable for legacy Altera configuration PROMs (not automotive-qualified). New designs requiring RoHS should use the EPCQ-A flash family.
