EPC16C100T - 16Mb Enhanced Config Device for SRAM FPGAs | Intel
MPN: EPC16C100T β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.5 | $24.50 |
| 10 | $22.1 | $221.00 |
| 100 | $19.75 | $1,975.00 |
| 500 | $17.9 | $8,950.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.2 | $16,200.00 |
EPC16C100T Overview
An FPGA configuration device is a non-volatile memory that stores the bitstream loaded by an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Unlike SRAM FPGAs (which lose configuration when power is removed), these devices retain bitstream data across power cycles and present it to the FPGA through a serial or parallel configuration interface. The EPC16 family belongs to the broader hierarchy: configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> semiconductor memory IC, and is a specialized power-management companion to LUT-based FPGAs.
Key features include 16 Mb of flash storage, in-system programmability via JTAG, support for Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), Passive Serial (PS), Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA), and Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS) configuration schemes, plus a 3.3V core / 1.8V-3.3V I/O interface. The device also supports compression for Stratix/Stratix II, multi-device configuration via daisy-chaining, and remote update through dedicated configuration schemes.
The EPC16C100T uses a dedicated configuration controller that handles handshaking with the host FPGA. Its 100-pin PQFP package offers a through-hole-friendly footprint with standard 0.65 mm lead pitch, and the JTAG chain allows board-level in-system programming using the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan infrastructure without removing the device from the board.
Typical applications include Stratix-series FPGA configuration in telecommunications line cards, industrial control boards, and military/aerospace embedded systems where field-upgradeable firmware and reliable single-chip boot are essential. The remote-update feature enables fail-safe firmware revision management in remote, unattended installations.
When designing with this device, ensure that nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE follow Altera reference design guidelines. The JTAG chain must be correctly ordered to avoid back-drive contention, and the decoupling network (typically 0.1 uF + 10 uF bulk) must be placed close to VCC pins. The EPC16C100T is being phased out as Altera/Intel migrates the Stratix family to newer configuration solutions, so verify lifecycle status before new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, pin-compatible alternatives, and design considerations that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate replacement options for legacy designs.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16C100T β 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 EPC16C100T (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Supported FPGA Families, Configuration Interface, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC160C100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1664PI8
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$8.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC164C88N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC160I100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16C100T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 16 Mb |
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device |
| Supported FPGAs | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, Mercury (LUT-based) |
| Configuration Schemes | PS, PPS, FPP, PPA, JTAG |
| Interface | Serial / Parallel / JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V |
| I/O Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Programmability | In-system via JTAG |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP |
| Lead Pitch | 0.65 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Compression Support | Yes (Stratix / Stratix II) |
| Multi-Device Configuration | Yes (daisy chain) |
| Remote Update | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
EPC16C100T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β Core supply 3.3V |
| Pin 10 | DATA0 β FPP data bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 30 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (input to FPGA) |
| Pin 40 | DCLK β Configuration clock |
| Pin 50 | DATA8 β FPP data bit 8 |
| Pin 60 | TCK β JTAG test clock (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 70 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (open-drain) |
| Pin 80 | TDI β JTAG test data input |
| Pin 90 | TDO β JTAG test data output |
| Pin 100 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete (open-drain) |
Typical Applications
EPC16C100T is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage, Industrial Control Board Boot ROM, Telecommunications Line Card Configuration, Aerospace and Defense Firmware Storage, Medical Imaging Equipment Firmware, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC16C100T's 16 Mb of flash storage fits large Stratix and Stratix II bitstreams, including designs that use bitstream compression. The device supports Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) at x8/x16 widths, enabling sub-100 ms configuration times for gigabit transceiver cards. According to the Altera EPC16 datasheet, the integrated configuration controller removes the need for external CPLD glue logic, simplifying the BOM. The 100-pin PQFP package exposes all FPP/PS/JTAG pins needed by Stratix.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Boot ROM
In industrial control boards based on Cyclone or APEX 20K FPGAs, the EPC16C100T provides reliable single-chip boot from a single 3.3V rail. Its in-system JTAG programmability allows field firmware updates via the existing JTAG chain, while remote-update mode enables fail-safe revision rollback. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports factory-floor environments, and the 100-pin PQFP handles vibration better than BGA alternatives in screw-down assemblies.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards using Stratix or APEX FPGAs benefit from the EPC16C100T's multi-device daisy-chaining capability, which lets one configuration device load multiple FPGAs sequentially or in parallel. The 3.3V core and 1.8V-3.3V I/O support mixed-voltage logic on legacy line cards, and the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface integrates with board-level boundary scan for production test. Configuration time for a typical 8 Mb Stratix bitstream is under 50 ms via FPP x16.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Firmware Storage
Aerospace and defense programs that standardized on APEX 20K and Mercury FPGAs use the EPC16C100T for secure, non-volatile bitstream storage with revision management via remote-update. The flash-based controller supports read-while-write, enabling in-field firmware swap without removing the card. Industrial temperature variants (EPC160I100) extend operation to -40C, satisfying MIL-STD-810 environmental requirements for ground-vehicle and avionics deployments.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment Firmware
Medical imaging systems such as ultrasound carts and portable X-ray units use Cyclone and APEX FPGAs for real-time signal processing, with the EPC16C100T providing one-chip boot and field-update capability. The 16 Mb density fits image-processing pipeline bitstreams with headroom for future revisions. In-system JTAG programming allows regulatory-approved firmware updates without disassembling the device, and the 3.3V core simplifies UL/IEC 60601 power-supply designs.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol testers) that use Stratix FPGAs for real-time DSP rely on the EPC16C100T to store multi-configuration bitstreams. Its FPP x16 mode configures large Stratix devices in tens of milliseconds, minimizing instrument boot time, and the JTAG chain lets production engineers re-program the FPGA+config combo in a single step. The 100-pin PQFP simplifies prototype rework compared to BGAs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16C100T β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC160C100 | EPC164C88N | EPC160I100 | EPC1664PI8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP | 100-pin PQFP - same | 88-pin PLCC | 100-pin PQFP - same | 8-pin PDIP |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 64 Kb |
| Configuration Modes | PS, FPP, PPA, JTAG | PS, FPP, PPA, JTAG | PS, FPP, PPA, JTAG | PS, FPP, PPA, JTAG | Serial only |
| JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- 16 Mb density supports large Stratix bitstreams (vs EPC1664PI8)
- FPP/PS/JTAG multi-mode configuration (vs EPC1664PI8)
- 100-pin PQFP for easier rework vs BGA (vs BGA configuration devices)
Design Notes
The EPC16C100T requires a clean 3.3V core supply. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VCC pin, plus a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the supply plane. The 1.8V-3.3V I/O supply is separate from VCC and must be decoupled independently. Inrush current during programming can reach 100 mA; ensure the upstream regulator has at least 250 mA headroom.
Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a daisy chain with no stubs. Keep JTAG trace lengths under 75 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues, and add a 10 kohm pull-up on TMS and TDI per IEEE 1149.1. Place nCONFIG and nSTATUS traces away from switching power lines; both are open-drain and require external pull-ups to VCCIO. CONF_DONE must also be pulled up externally.
Do not use the EPC16C100T with Stratix III or later FPGAs - these require EPCS or EPCQ controllers with FPP x8/x16 and higher bus widths. Also avoid mixing VCC and VCCIO voltages outside the 1.8V-3.3V I/O range. Finally, when migrating to EPC164C88N (88-pin PLCC), note the footprint change requires PCB rework - it is NOT a true drop-in for the 100-pin PQFP variant.
Keep the 100-pin PQFP exposed pad (if present) soldered to a continuous ground plane for thermal dissipation. Route FPP data and clock signals on the same layer with matched lengths (within 5 mm) to maintain timing margins. Place the EPC16C100T within 50 mm of the target FPGA to minimize configuration-clock skew; if multi-device daisy chaining, place the configuration device in the center of the chain for balanced trace lengths.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Altera/Intel product page; AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA configuration memory, not automotive-grade qualified). Lifecycle is NRND per Intel product change notification.
