EPC1604PC8 - 5V/3.3V 64K-bit Serial Config EPROM DIP-8 | Altera
MPN: EPC1604PC8 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.8 | $980.00 |
| 500 | $8.65 | $4,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.5 | $7,500.00 |
EPC1604PC8 Overview
A serial configuration EPROM is a one-time- or few-time-programmable non-volatile memory used exclusively as a boot/boot-loader store for volatile FPGAs. Within the broader component taxonomy, the EPC1604PC8 sits in the hierarchy EPROM -> non-volatile memory (NVM) -> memory IC -> integrated circuit. Each time the host system powers up, the FPGA reads its bitstream serially out of the EPROM over the 4-pin Altera FLEX configuration interface; the EPROM itself is not user-addressable RAM and is not suitable for general-purpose data storage.
Key features include 64 Kbit density organized as 64K x 1 bit, 75 ns maximum access time, CMOS process for low active current, near-zero standby current after configuration, in-system programmability via Altera's programming tools, and a commercial 0 C to +70 C operating temperature range. The simple 4-pin interface eliminates the need for an external configuration controller, allowing the EPROM to connect directly to the FLEX configuration pins.
Architecturally, the EPC1604PC8 integrates a serial address counter, an on-chip clock generator synchronized to the DCLK input from the FPGA, an OTP/UV-erasable EPROM cell array, and a serial data output driver gated by the OE (output enable) pin. The device is designed to daisy-chain with other EPC-family EPROMs to support larger FLEX devices that require more than 64 Kbits of configuration data.
Typical applications include legacy FLEX 8000 / FLEX 10K configuration storage, industrial control retrofits, replacement of obsolete boot PROMs on legacy FPGA boards, and educational/development platforms that demonstrate FPGA configuration flow. Designers also use the EPC1604 in low-volume production where a discrete boot PROM is preferred over a flash-based controller.
When designing with this part, note that the EPC1604PC8 is a legacy product in an 8-pin PDIP package - verify that the target FLEX FPGA supports a 5 V tolerant serial configuration interface or that a modern Enhanced Configuration Device (EPCQ, EPCS) is not required. Daisy-chain pin assignments must follow the Altera application note for multi-device configuration chains.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand and cross-brand drop-in equivalents, application context, and practical design notes that go beyond what is printed in the legacy Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1604PC8 — 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 EPC1604PC8 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Interface, Package, RoHS Status, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1213PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1064VPC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1604PC8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Serial Configuration EPROM (CMOS, UV-erasable) |
| Density | 64 Kbit (64K x 1) |
| Maximum Access Time | 75 ns |
| Supply Voltage (Vsup) | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (5 V nominal); 3.3 V operation supported |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 5.25 V |
| Supply Voltage (3.3 V mode) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Interface | 4-pin serial (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE) |
| Standby Current | Near-zero after configuration completes |
| Active Configuration Current | Low (CMOS process) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (DIP-8), through-hole, in-line |
| Number of Terminals | 8 |
| Package Style | IN-LINE, RECTANGULAR |
| Compatibility | Altera FLEX-class SRAM-based FPGAs (FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K) |
| Programming Method | Altera programming hardware; UV-erasable window (PC suffix variant) |
| RoHS Status | Unknown (legacy through-hole PDIP part) |
EPC1604PC8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | OE — Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VCC — Positive supply (5 V or 3.3 V) |
| Pin 7 | NC — No connect (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | VPP — Programming voltage input |
Typical Applications
EPC1604PC8 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FLEX 8000 FPGA Configuration, Legacy Altera FLEX 10K Configuration Storage, Industrial Control Retrofit / Legacy Board Repair, Daisy-Chained Configuration for Larger FLEX Designs, Educational and FPGA Training Platforms, Low-Volume Production with Discrete Boot PROM.
Legacy Altera FLEX 8000 FPGA Configuration
The EPC1604PC8 stores the configuration bitstream that programs Altera FLEX 8000-series SRAM-based FPGAs at power-up, providing 64 Kbits of non-volatile storage in the 4-pin serial format expected by the FLEX configuration controller. The 75 ns access time comfortably meets the FLEX 8000 DCLK frequency envelope, and the 5 V / 3.3 V supply range aligns with the I/O rail commonly used on legacy FLEX evaluation boards. Placed between the FPGA's nCONFIG/nSTATUS pins and the FLEX configuration logic, it eliminates the need for an external boot controller and supports standalone board bring-up in industrial retrofits.
Recommended
Legacy Altera FLEX 10K Configuration Storage
For Altera FLEX 10K-class FPGAs whose bitstreams fit within 64 Kbits, the EPC1604PC8 provides a single-chip, 8-pin PDIP configuration store using Altera's serial interface. Designers connect nCS, DCLK, DATA, and OE directly to the FPGA's configuration pins; no external address-latch or controller is required. The CMOS process keeps active configuration current low while the near-zero standby current prevents battery drain on held-in-reset systems. The part is widely used on legacy FLEX 10K evaluation boards and on retrofits of industrial controllers built around the FLEX 10K architecture.
Recommended
Industrial Control Retrofit / Legacy Board Repair
The EPC1604PC8 in its 8-pin PDIP through-hole package is the form factor of choice for maintaining or repairing legacy industrial control boards that originally shipped with an Altera FLEX-series FPGA. Its through-hole leads survive hand-soldering rework and socketed replacement, and the commercial 0 C to +70 C range covers most factory-floor enclosures. Service engineers use the EPC1604PC8 to replace failed boot PROMs on existing equipment without redesigning the host PCB, preserving the original FLEX bitstream and avoiding expensive field retrofits of the entire control module.
Recommended
Daisy-Chained Configuration for Larger FLEX Designs
When the FLEX bitstream exceeds 64 Kbits, multiple EPC-family EPROMs such as the EPC1604PC8 and EPC1PC8 can be daisy-chained over the same 4-pin serial interface, with each device contributing a sequential portion of the bitstream to the FPGA's configuration controller. The EPC1604PC8's near-zero standby current after configuration keeps total system quiescent draw low even with two or three EPROMs on the chain. Designers verify timing margin against the target FPGA's DCLK requirement and follow the Altera multi-device configuration application note when laying out the chain.
Recommended
Educational and FPGA Training Platforms
University FPGA laboratories and Altera training kits historically used the EPC1604PC8 as the visible boot PROM that demonstrates the FLEX configuration flow - the 8-pin PDIP form factor lets students probe nCS, DCLK, DATA, and OE with an oscilloscope or logic analyzer. Each lab board boots a fixed FLEX 8000 or FLEX 10K reference design from the EPC1604PC8, allowing instructors to illustrate the bitstream transfer without touching an external programmer. The discrete DIP package also makes it easy to swap pre-programmed EPROMs between training stations for different lab exercises.
Recommended
Low-Volume Production with Discrete Boot PROM
For low-volume production runs of legacy FLEX-based products, the EPC1604PC8 offers a discrete, socketed boot PROM that does not require a flash controller, JTAG chain, or external configuration CPLD. The 5 V / 3.3 V supply compatibility supports both older and newer host rails, and the through-hole PDIP package simplifies depot-level firmware updates via UV-erase-and-reprogram. OEMs whose annual volume is in the tens to low hundreds of units still prefer the EPC1604PC8 over a flash-based solution for its simplicity and the absence of any programming infrastructure beyond an Altera-compatible programmer.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1604PC8 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1213PC8 | EPC1441PC8 | EPC144PC8 | EPC1064VPC8 | EPC1PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | PDIP-8 (through-hole) | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same |
| Density | 64 Kbit (64K x 1) | 12 Kbit | 44 Kbit | 4 Kbit | 64 Kbit | 1 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (5 V); 3.3 V supported | 5 V / 3.3 V | 5 V / 3.3 V | 5 V / 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 5 V / 3.3 V |
| Interface | 4-pin serial (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE) | 4-pin serial - same | 4-pin serial - same | 4-pin serial - same | Enhanced serial | 4-pin serial - same |
| Target FPGA Family | FLEX 8000 / FLEX 10K | FLEX 6000 / small FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 / FLEX 10K | FLEX 6000 | FLEX 10KA / ACEX | FLEX 10K / larger FLEX |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
Key Differentiators
- 64 Kbit density matches mid-range FLEX 8000/10K bitstreams (vs EPC1213PC8)
- Through-hole PDIP-8 simplifies depot-level rework (vs EPC1064VPC8)
- Near-zero standby current after configuration (vs EPC1PC8)
Design Notes
Operate the EPC1604PC8 from a regulated 5 V (4.75 V to 5.25 V) or 3.3 V supply; the part does not support a wide-range input. Decouple VCC with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 6 to suppress switching noise that could couple into the FLEX configuration clock. Active configuration current is low (CMOS), but the FPGA's DCLK edge rates can still induce rail bounce on a poorly decoupled board.
Do not substitute a part with lower density without first checking the FLEX bitstream size: the EPC1213PC8 holds only 12 Kbits and the EPC144PC8 only 4 Kbits, so an EPC1604PC8 -> EPC1213PC8 swap will silently truncate the bitstream and the FLEX device will fail to enter user mode. Verify the .sof / .pof size in the Altera Quartus programming report before substituting. When in doubt, use the EPC1441PC8 (44 Kbit) or the EPC1PC8 (1 Mbit) instead.
Keep the traces between the EPC1604PC8 and the FLEX configuration pins (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA) short - longer than ~50 mm can introduce ringing that the 75 ns access-time budget cannot absorb. Place a 33 ohm series damping resistor near the DATA output pin if the FPGA is on a separate board. Route DCLK over a continuous ground plane and avoid running it parallel to switching power traces to prevent double-clocking during configuration.
Compliance Information
Legacy Altera through-hole PDIP part - explicit RoHS/REACH/lead-free compliance status not stated in the verified web data; treat as 'unknown'. Not AEC-Q100 (commercial temperature grade only).
