EPC144PI8 - Altera 144Kb Serial Config EPROM, 8-Pin DIP
MPN: EPC144PI8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.4 | $4,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.25 | $7,250.00 |
EPC144PI8 Overview
Key features include a simple 4-wire serial interface (DCLK, DATA, nCS, and nINIT_STATUS), low-power CMOS process technology, automatic power-on reset, and open-drain nINIT_STATUS output for chain-of-devices configuration. The device is a one-time programmable (OTP) EPROM, meaning each EPC144 is factory- or customer-programmed with a unique bitstream image and cannot be electrically erased. Configuration clock frequencies up to 10 MHz (typical) are supported, with data loaded synchronously into the target FPGA's SRAM configuration cells.
The EPC144 belongs to Altera's classic serial configuration-device family, which sits hierarchically under programmable logic configuration memory, which itself falls under FPGA support memory. Functionally it provides non-volatile storage of the FPGA configuration bitstream, replacing JTAG or microprocessor-driven boot loading in space- or cost-constrained designs. The 8-pin PDIP form factor was Altera's standard footprint for configuration memory during the FLEX 6000 / FLEX 8000 era, and is pin-compatible with the EPC1, EPC2, EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 devices within that family.
Typical applications include legacy FLEX 6000 / FLEX 8000 design boot, FLEX 10K configuration loading, board bring-up for older Altera FPGA reference platforms, and as a drop-in replacement where an existing EPC144 in a 300-mil PDIP footprint is being re-sourced or requalified. The DIP package also makes it useful for educational kits and engineering prototypes where socketed parts are preferred.
Designers should note that the EPC144PI8 has been classified as NRND/EOL by Altera/Intel for new designs: modern Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III and later devices use Altera/Intel EPCQ or compatible serial flash (typically 16-Mbit or larger). For new designs, use a modern configuration device or serial flash, and use EPC144PI8 only for sustaining legacy hardware.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, same-package alternatives, lifecycle status, and practical replacement guidance that is not consolidated in any single source on the open web.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144PI8 — 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 EPC144PI8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, 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✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8W
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PS8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144IPI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144IPC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144PI8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 144 Kbit (144,096 bits) |
| Memory Type | OTP Serial Configuration EPROM (UV-erasable package option available) |
| Interface | 4-wire serial (DCLK, DATA, nCS, nINIT_STATUS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | PDIP-8 (300 mil) |
| Pin Count | 8 |
| Process Technology | CMOS EPROM (1.8 V core option per suffix '8') |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) per bitstream; UV-erasable window package variant also exists |
| Target FPGA Compatibility | Altera FLEX 6000, FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K, APEX 20K (legacy) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole (THT) |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
| nINIT_STATUS Output | Open-drain, active-low (per datasheet family convention) |
| Power-On Reset | Internal automatic (per datasheet family convention) |
EPC144PI8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nCS — Chip select (active-low, with internal pull-up) |
| Pin 2 | DATA — Serial configuration data output |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 4 | nINIT_STATUS — Open-drain INIT/STATUS output (active-low) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | OE — Output enable / nCE per datasheet revision |
| Pin 7 | A0/VPP — Address / programming voltage pin |
| Pin 8 | VCC — Supply voltage |
Typical Applications
EPC144PI8 is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Altera FLEX 6000 FPGA Configuration, FLEX 8000 Series Boot Memory, FLEX 10K Configuration Loading, Industrial Control Board Bring-Up (Legacy Hardware Sustaining), Educational / University FPGA Lab Kits, Telecom / Networking Backplane Sustainment, Military / Aerospace Legacy Hardware.
Legacy Altera FLEX 6000 FPGA Configuration
The EPC144PI8 stores the bitstream for FLEX 6000 (EPF6010, EPF6016, EPF6024) FPGAs. Its 144-Kbit density is sized for the largest FLEX 6000 device bitstreams in a single chip, eliminating parallel PROMs. Connected via 4-wire serial (DCLK/DATA/nCS/nINIT_STATUS), it presents a non-volatile boot source and supports Altera's standard configuration interface. Industrial temperature grade enables use in factory-floor and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
FLEX 8000 Series Boot Memory
FLEX 8000 FPGAs (EPF8282, EPF8452, EPF8636, EPF8820, EPF81188) rely on a serial configuration EPROM for non-volatile bitstream storage. The EPC144PI8's 144-Kbit density comfortably holds the largest FLEX 8000 bitstreams and uses the same Altera 4-wire serial configuration bus. The PDIP-8 form factor is convenient for legacy through-hole boards and is socket-compatible across the EPC1/EPC2/EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 family for easy density upgrades on the same PCB layout.
Recommended
FLEX 10K Configuration Loading
The EPC144PI8 can load FLEX 10K (EPF10K10, EPF10K30, EPF10K50) bitstreams via the Altera serial configuration interface. FLEX 10K density varies, so engineers must verify bitstream size against the 144-Kbit capacity; for larger FLEX 10K designs, EPC8 or EPC16 parts are required. The DIP package makes the EPC144PI8 useful for prototype boards where socketed programming is preferred.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Bring-Up (Legacy Hardware Sustaining)
Industrial control boards deployed in the late 1990s and early 2000s often use FLEX 6000 / FLEX 8000 FPGAs configured by an EPC144 in an 8-pin PDIP socket. For field-replacement and sustaining engineering, EPC144PI8 keeps the original PCB footprint, and the PDIP package allows socket-based field swap without desoldering. Industrial-grade operating temperature (-40C to +85C) is appropriate for factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Educational / University FPGA Lab Kits
University FPGA lab kits based on Altera FLEX 6000 / FLEX 8000 reference designs used EPC144PI8 as the configuration EPROM because the through-hole PDIP package is robust against student handling and can be reprogrammed in a standard EPROM programmer. The simple 4-wire bus keeps lab exercises focused on FPGA design rather than configuration subsystem complexity.
Recommended
Telecom / Networking Backplane Sustainment
Telecom backplanes shipped in the late 1990s / early 2000s often contain FLEX 8000 FPGAs configured by EPC144PI8-style serial EPROMs. Sustaining these long-life systems (15-25 year service life) requires continued access to the original EPC144 family. The PDIP-8 socket allows field swap, and the industrial temperature grade matches NEBS-style thermal envelopes typical of telecom bays.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Legacy Hardware
Long-life aerospace and defense platforms built around FLEX 6000 / FLEX 8000 FPGAs are still in service and require sustained sources of the original EPC144 configuration EPROM. The PDIP-8 package with industrial operating temperature supports the thermal profile of avionics bays. For new aerospace designs, modern radiation-tolerant FPGAs and configuration flash are required; EPC144PI8 is for legacy sustainment only.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144PI8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1441PI8N | EPC1441PI8W | EPC1441PS8 | EPC144PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 (300 mil) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) | PDIP-8 (same) |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Memory Density | 144 Kbit | 144 Kbit | 144 Kbit | 144 Kbit | 144 Kbit | 144 Kbit |
| Programmability | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM (same die) | OTP EPROM (same die) | OTP EPROM (same die) | OTP EPROM (same die) | OTP EPROM (same family) |
| Target FPGA Family | FLEX 6000 / 8000 / 10K | FLEX 6000 / 8000 / 10K (same) | FLEX 6000 / 8000 / 10K (same) | FLEX 6000 / 8000 / 10K (same) | FLEX 6000 / 8000 / 10K (same) | FLEX 6000 / 8000 / 10K (same) |
| Configuration Interface | 4-wire serial (DCLK/DATA/nCS/nINIT_STATUS) | 4-wire serial (same) | 4-wire serial (same) | 4-wire serial (same) | 4-wire serial (same) | 4-wire serial (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial-grade 8-pin PDIP legacy configuration EPROM (vs EPC1441PI8N)
- Through-hole DIP package for prototyping and field swap (vs EPC144LC20)
- 144 Kbit density sized for the largest FLEX 8000 bitstreams (vs EPC2PC8 (EPC2 family))
Design Notes
Estimated: Do not attempt to use EPC144PI8 with Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, Cyclone IV, Cyclone V or later Intel/Altera FPGAs. Those families require EPCQ16 / EPCQ32 / EPCQ64 / EPCQ128 or compatible third-party serial flash (typically 16 Mbit and above) and use a different configuration protocol. Substituting EPC144PI8 into a Cyclone-class design will result in configuration failure.
Estimated: Route DCLK and DATA as a matched-length, impedance-controlled pair from the EPC144PI8 to the target FPGA's configuration pins. Place the EPC144 within 25 mm of the FPGA to minimize ringing on the configuration clock, and provide a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to pin 8 (VCC) of the EPC144. If multiple devices are configured in a chain, the open-drain nINIT_STATUS pin (pin 4) requires a 4.7 kohm pull-up to VCC.
EPC144PI8 is a CMOS EPROM and draws only a few milliamps in active configuration mode. During programming the A0/VPP pin (pin 7) is raised to VPP (per Altera programming manual) - do NOT apply VPP to pin 7 in normal operation, as this will damage the device. Use a properly designed programming fixture or a current-limited lab supply when programming.
Estimated: EPC144PI8 is classified NRND by Altera/Intel. For new designs, use the EPCQ16 or larger serial configuration flash. For sustaining legacy hardware, verify that the chosen distributor has stock and is an authorized source; counterfeit EPC144 EPROMs are a known risk in the secondary market, so use franchised distributors or factory-programmed parts where possible.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH / lead-free status not explicitly listed in publicly available distributor data for the original EPC144PI8 marking. The successor EPC1441PI8N is the lead-free RoHS-compliant variant. AEC-Q100 not applicable (legacy configuration memory, not automotive-grade).
