EPC16Q100 - 16Mb In-System Programmable Config PROM | Intel/Altera
MPN: EPC16Q100 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPC16Q100 Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that holds the bitstream loaded into an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, the configuration PROM provides the boot image that the FPGA reads through its dedicated configuration interface. The EPC16 family sits in Altera's enhanced configuration device hierarchy, which combines a configuration controller with flash memory in one package, simplifying board layout versus discrete flash-plus-controller designs.
Key features of the EPC16Q100 include 16 Mb of flash storage, in-system programmability through IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG), support for multiple I/O voltages (3.3V and 5V tolerant), and a high-speed serial or parallel configuration interface. The internal flash is organized to support Altera's proprietary configuration protocol, enabling rapid FPGA load times. The device also includes hardware write protection and a dedicated configuration clock output for synchronous designs.
The EPC16Q100 is built on a flash-based process with on-chip voltage generation and a JTAG-compliant programming interface. Its internal controller manages bitstream compression, error detection, and the FPGA configuration handshake, offloading these tasks from the host processor. The 100-pin PQFP package provides ample I/O for the configuration bus and JTAG signals while remaining compatible with hand-soldering and standard PCB assembly.
Typical applications include booting Stratix and Cyclone series FPGAs in telecom infrastructure, industrial control boards, military and aerospace systems, and prototyping platforms. The EPC16Q100 is also used in production designs where remote field updates via JTAG are required, enabling in-system firmware revision upgrades without removing the board from service.
When designing with this part, ensure that the configuration mode pins (MSEL) on the FPGA are correctly tied to select the EPC16 as the configuration source. Place decoupling capacitors close to the VCC pins and follow Altera's recommended JTAG chain ordering when multiple devices share the same programming header.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Altera enhanced configuration family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16Q100 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 EPC16Q100 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Compression Support.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16QC100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16Q100N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC16QC100I
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC16C100T
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16Q100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Configuration Interface | Serial/parallel Altera FPGA configuration protocol |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 3.3 V and 5 V tolerant |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Write Protection | Hardware write protection pin |
| Configuration Clock | Dedicated DCLK output to FPGA |
| Compression Support | On-chip controller supports bitstream compression |
| JTAG Chain Support | Yes (multi-device chain capable) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free version) |
| Family | Altera Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC4/EPC8/EPC16) |
EPC16Q100 100-pin pqfp (20 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16Q100 (100-pin pqfp (20 x 14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPC16Q100.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16Q100 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage, Telecom Infrastructure Boards, Industrial Control and Automation, Military and Aerospace Systems, FPGA Development and Prototyping Boards, Medical Imaging Equipment.
Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC16Q100 stores the 16 Mb configuration bitstream for Altera Stratix series FPGAs at system power-up. Its 3.3V core supply matches the Stratix VCCINT rail and the 5V-tolerant configuration pins connect directly to the FPGA's MSEL[2:0]-selected enhanced configuration mode. The on-chip controller handles bitstream decompression automatically, reducing boot time by approximately 30-50% compared with uncompressed serial flash. Placed within 50 mm of the FPGA configuration pins to meet DCLK timing requirements per the manufacturer reference design.
Recommended
Telecom Infrastructure Boards
In telecom line cards and base-station baseband units, the EPC16Q100 provides non-volatile storage for Altera FPGA bitstreams controlling DSP pipelines, SERDES links, and packet processors. Its in-system JTAG programmability enables remote firmware upgrades via the system's management processor without field service calls. Industrial temperature grade operation (-40C to +85C) supports outdoor cabinet deployment. The 100-pin PQFP package withstands standard reflow profiles and the part's high-reliability legacy makes it suitable for long-lifecycle telecom platforms still in service.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
Factory automation PLCs and motion controllers use the EPC16Q100 to boot Altera Cyclone and APEX FPGAs that drive high-speed I/O, encoder interfaces, and EtherCAT/IP stacks. The hardware write-protect pin prevents accidental bitstream corruption in electrically noisy industrial environments where motor drives and switching power supplies can couple transients into programming lines. The 16 Mb density accommodates feature-rich bitstreams including on-chip firmware updates for evolving control algorithms. JTAG chain support allows in-system programming alongside the FPGA in a single chain.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Systems
Legacy defense and avionics systems rely on the EPC16Q100 to configure radiation-tolerant and ruggedized Altera FPGAs. The 100-pin PQFP package is well suited to thick-board avionics assemblies and the part's established reliability record in MIL-spec environments makes it acceptable for retrofit programs. The EPC16Q100N variant, when available, provides additional extended qualification documentation. Designers should perform lot traceability and counterfeit mitigation for high-reliability aerospace procurements via authorized obsolete-component brokers.
Recommended
FPGA Development and Prototyping Boards
Altera and third-party FPGA development kits historically included the EPC16Q100 to demonstrate configuration flows and to support user bitstream loading during prototyping. The part's JTAG programming interface is fully compatible with Quartus Programmer and industry-standard JTAG tools. Students and engineers can experiment with multi-device JTAG chains by connecting the EPC16Q100 in series with the target FPGA. Although superseded by newer configuration schemes in current development kits, the EPC16Q100 remains in use on legacy educational and reference platforms.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment
Diagnostic imaging systems such as ultrasound carts and CT scanners embed Altera FPGAs to handle high-speed analog front-end processing and image reconstruction pipelines. The EPC16Q100 stores the boot bitstream for these FPGAs and supports in-system JTAG updates for algorithm refinement during product lifecycle. The part's established reliability and 3.3V operation match medical device power budgets, and its 16 Mb density accommodates complex processing bitstreams with bitstream compression. Designers should verify regulatory compliance and counterfeit-mitigation documentation for medical device production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16Q100 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16Q100N | EPC16QC100I | EPC16C100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-100 (20x14) | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (estimated) | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Commercial |
| Configuration Interface | Altera enhanced config | Altera enhanced config | Altera enhanced config | Altera enhanced config | Altera enhanced config | Altera enhanced config |
| JTAG Programming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- High-density 16 Mb storage in a single 100-pin PQFP (vs Smaller EPC8/EPC4 family members)
- In-system JTAG programming with hardware write protection (vs One-time-programmable configuration PROMs)
- On-chip controller with bitstream decompression (vs Raw serial flash solutions)
Design Notes
Place the EPC16Q100 within 50 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins (DCLK, DATA0, nCS, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) to meet the Altera timing budget. Per the manufacturer reference design, route DCLK as a short, impedance-controlled trace and keep it away from switching power signals. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VCC pin and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the package supply lead.
Do not connect the EPC16Q100 to non-Altera FPGAs without verifying protocol compatibility - it implements Altera's enhanced configuration protocol and will not load Xilinx, Lattice, or Microsemi devices. Tie the MSEL pins on the target FPGA correctly to select the EPC16 enhanced configuration mode rather than the default MSEL value. Always verify the bitstream CRC and CONF_DONE handshake with Quartus before committing to production boards.
When chaining multiple devices on a single JTAG programming bus, order the EPC16Q100 adjacent to its target FPGA and provide 4.7 kohm pull-ups on TCK, TMS, and TDI per IEEE 1149.1 recommendations. Use a JTAG header pinout compatible with Altera's USB-Blaster or compatible third-party programmers. Keep the JTAG traces short and isolated from analog signal paths to prevent programming failures during in-system updates.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Altera/Intel legacy documentation. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available datasheets. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a memory/config device, not an automotive-qualified analog IC. Conflict-minerals compliance inherited from Altera/Intel corporate policy.
