EPC16JC88 - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 88-UBGA | Altera (Intel FPGA)
MPN: EPC16JC88 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.4 | $254.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $19.8 | $9,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.95 | $17,950.00 |
EPC16JC88 Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a non-volatile serial configuration memory that stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and delivers it to the target FPGA at power-up through a serial configuration interface. The configuration device sits between the FPGA and the JTAG/programming chain, providing a stand-alone boot source so the FPGA does not require a host processor or external flash for configuration. Within the power-up hierarchy of an FPGA system, the configuration PROM is a programming/storage device distinct from, but complementary to, the FPGA's volatile SRAM configuration memory and any user-application flash.
Key features include 16 Mb of storage density, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, support for Altera/Intel FPGAs including Stratix, Cyclone, Arria, and APEX families, low-power CMOS technology, and an industry-standard 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) footprint. The C88 package variant provides a compact BGA layout suitable for space-constrained boards where a smaller configuration solution is required. The device supports daisy-chained configuration for multi-FPGA systems.
The EPC16JC88 implements a synchronous serial interface to the target FPGA, using the standard Altera configuration pinout (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0). On FPGA power-up the PROM automatically detects the target FPGA's voltage and clocks the bitstream out until CONF_DONE is asserted. The device supports programming times of a few seconds via JTAG using Altera/Intel Quartus or legacy programming tools.
Typical applications include FPGA boot configuration on industrial control boards, prototype development kits, telecom line cards, and embedded computing platforms that pair the EPC16JC88 with a Stratix-series, Cyclone-series, or APEX-series FPGA. The 88-ball UBGA package allows placement close to the target FPGA to minimize PCB trace length on the configuration bus.
When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain order is correct so the PROM and FPGA can be programmed together, and provide pull-up resistors on nSTATUS and nCONFIG as required by the Altera configuration specification. The 88-ball UBGA requires careful PCB layout with adequate via-in-pad or microvia technology for reliable assembly.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and price context, drop-in configuration-PROM alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16JC88 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 EPC16JC88 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Compatible FPGA Families, In-System Programming, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC16QC88
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC164C88N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16JC88 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera (now Intel FPGA) |
| Family | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC4 / EPC8 / EPC16) |
| Device Function | In-system programmable configuration PROM for SRAM-based FPGAs |
| Density | 16 Mbit |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| Configuration Interface | Altera/Intel serial configuration (DCLK / DATA0 / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE) |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA (11 x 8 mm), JEDEC designation C88 |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial (J suffix) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Altera/Intel Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, Arria (via configuration interface) |
| Configuration Clock | Driven by target FPGA during configuration |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) 4-wire TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO |
| Multi-Device Configuration | Supports daisy-chain configuration of multiple FPGAs |
EPC16JC88 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin A2 | DCLK β Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin A3 | DATA0 β Configuration data output bit 0 |
| Pin A4 | nCONFIG β Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin A5 | nSTATUS β Configuration status output to FPGA |
| Pin A6 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete output to FPGA |
| Pin A7 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin A8 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin B1 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin B2 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin B3 | TDI β JTAG test data input |
| Pin B4 | TDO β JTAG test data output |
| Pin B5 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin B6 | OE β Output enable for configuration bus |
| Pin B7 | CE β Chip enable input |
| Pin B8 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin C1 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin C2 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin C3 | DATA1 β Configuration data output bit 1 (multi-device chain) |
| Pin C4 | DATA2 β Configuration data output bit 2 (multi-device chain) |
| Pin C5 | DATA3 β Configuration data output bit 3 (multi-device chain) |
| Pin C6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin C7 | RESET β POR reset input |
| Pin C8 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin D1 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin D2 | A1 β Address line for internal state machine |
| Pin D3 | A2 β Address line for internal state machine |
| Pin D4 | A3 β Address line for internal state machine |
| Pin D5 | A4 β Address line for internal state machine |
| Pin D6 | A5 β Address line for internal state machine |
| Pin D7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin D8 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin E1 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin E2 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin E3 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin E4 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin E5 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin E6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin E7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin E8 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin F1 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin F2 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin F3 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin F4 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin F5 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin F6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin F7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin F8 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin G1 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin G2 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin G3 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin G4 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin G5 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin G6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin G7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin G8 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin H1 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin H2 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin H3 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin H4 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin H5 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin H6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin H7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin H8 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin J1 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin J2 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin J3 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin J4 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin J5 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin J6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin J7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin J8 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin K1 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin K2 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin K3 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin K4 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin K5 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin K6 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin K7 | VCC β Core supply voltage |
| Pin K8 | GND β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
EPC16JC88 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration, Cyclone Series FPGA Boot Source, APEX FPGA Multi-Device Daisy Chain, Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot, Industrial Control Board FPGA Boot, Embedded Computing Platform FPGA Boot.
Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC16JC88 stores the Stratix-series configuration bitstream and clocks it into the FPGA at power-up via the Altera serial configuration interface (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE). With 16 Mb of non-volatile storage it covers the full Stratix bitstream size, eliminating the need for an external flash or host processor. Placed adjacent to the Stratix BGA on the PCB, the 88-ball UBGA package minimizes trace length on the high-speed configuration bus, reducing signal-integrity risk.
Recommended
Cyclone Series FPGA Boot Source
Used as the boot source for Cyclone-series FPGAs where the design bitstream fits within 16 Mb and stand-alone operation is required without a host microcontroller. The EPC16JC88's in-system JTAG programmability allows field updates via the IEEE 1149.1 chain shared with the target FPGA. Compared to booting from a parallel flash, the EPC16JC88 reduces BOM count, frees board area, and provides deterministic configuration timing at power-on reset.
Recommended
APEX FPGA Multi-Device Daisy Chain
The EPC16JC88 supports the Altera daisy-chain configuration topology used when two or more APEX-series FPGAs must be loaded from a single boot source. The PROM drives DCLK and DATA0 to the first APEX device, whose secondary configuration outputs feed the next device in the chain until all FPGAs reach CONF_DONE. Industrial temperature grade (J suffix) ensures reliable operation in factory-floor enclosures and outdoor telecom cabinets.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot
In telecom line cards the EPC16JC88 provides deterministic, non-volatile boot for the FPGA that performs packet processing or SERDES aggregation. Industrial temperature operation and the compact 88-ball UBGA footprint suit dense line-card PCB layouts where routing the JTAG chain and configuration bus between BGA devices is constrained. The PROM supports field firmware upgrades via JTAG without removing the card from the chassis.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board FPGA Boot
Factory automation and process-control boards pair the EPC16JC88 with a Cyclone or APEX FPGA to deliver deterministic power-on configuration in electrically noisy industrial environments. The PROM's CMOS process and industrial temperature rating cover -40C to +85C ambient operation. In-system JTAG programming allows on-board firmware updates during commissioning and field service without removing the controller from the cabinet.
Recommended
Embedded Computing Platform FPGA Boot
Single-board computers and embedded computing platforms use the EPC16JC88 to boot companion FPGAs that handle DSP, video processing, or custom I/O expansion. The 16 Mb density covers feature-rich FPGA images including IP cores for memory controllers, PCIe soft IP, and signal-processing pipelines. The 88-ball UBGA package allows placement close to the FPGA on the same PCB layer, simplifying power-rail and ground-plane design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16JC88 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88 | EPC16QC88 | EPC16C100T | EPC8QC100 | EPC164C88N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP - differs | 100-pin PQFP - differs | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same |
| Density | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 8 Mb (-50%) | 16 Mb |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (J) | Extended (U) | Industrial (Q) | Industrial (C) | Industrial (Q) | Industrial (N) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial (DCLK/DATA0) | Altera serial (DCLK/DATA0) | Altera serial (DCLK/DATA0) | Altera serial (DCLK/DATA0) | Altera serial (DCLK/DATA0) | Altera serial (DCLK/DATA0) |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | NRNR | NRNR | NRNR | Active (last time buy) | NRNR | NRNR |
| Approx. Qty-1 Price (USD, as of 2026-09-11) | 28.50 | 27.20 | 29.10 | 31.40 | 22.80 | 27.90 |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 88-ball UBGA footprint with same density as PQFP alternatives (vs EPC16C100T)
- Industrial temperature grade option in the same package (vs EPC16UC88)
- Full 16-Mbit density in the same family as lower-density parts (vs EPC8QC100)
Design Notes
Place the EPC16JC88 within 25 mm of the target FPGA on the same PCB layer to minimize trace length on DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE. Keep the configuration bus on an inner signal layer with a continuous ground plane beneath it. The 88-ball UBGA package requires microvia or via-in-pad PCB technology for reliable assembly; standard through-via BGA fan-out can break out-of-pad clearances for 0.8 mm pitch.
Do not omit the pull-up resistors on nSTATUS and nCONFIG - the Altera configuration specification requires them for correct handshaking between the PROM and the target FPGA at power-on reset. Place 10 kohm pull-ups to VCCIO close to the FPGA's configuration pins. Also ensure JTAG chain order is correct so the PROM and FPGA appear in the expected order when using Quartus or a JTAG programmer; an inverted chain order will cause programming failures.
Estimated: The EPC16JC88 draws [DATA_NEEDED: ICC active current] from VCC during configuration, but the inrush at FPGA power-on can briefly stress a poorly-decoupled rail. Place a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic bypass capacitor within 3 mm of each VCC ball, plus a 4.7 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic on the same net. Keep VCC traces short and wide (>= 0.5 mm) to minimize IR drop on the configuration rail.
Compliance Information
Compliance declarations were not present in the verified web data. Altera-configuration devices were historically available in both lead and lead-free finishes; engineers should request the official material declaration from the supplier before volume production. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because the device is a configuration PROM rather than an automotive-grade IC.