EPC16QC-100T - 16Mbit FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC16QC-100T ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $24.75 | $247.50 |
| 100 | $19.8 | $1,980.00 |
| 500 | $16.9 | $8,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $14.5 | $14,500.00 |
EPC16QC-100T Overview
An enhanced configuration device is a non-volatile memory subsystem dedicated to loading the configuration bitstream into an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, they require an external boot memory; the EPC family integrates a flash array with a hardware configuration controller in one package, simplifying board layout compared to discrete flash-plus-controller designs. Within the broader FPGA ecosystem, the EPC16QC-100T sits in the hierarchy: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> programmable logic support IC -> semiconductor.
Key features include 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) of flash memory, built-in compression that can reduce configuration file size by 35 to 55 percent depending on design density, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test support for in-system programming, and dual configuration schemes (serial for one device, parallel for two cascaded EPC16 devices). The device operates from a 3.3 V supply and supports cascading to address larger FPGA bitstreams via Chip Enable (nCE) and Output Enable (nOE) handshake signals.
The architecture combines a flash memory array, a configuration state controller, and an IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface on a single die. The controller handles the configuration algorithm, error detection, and chip-select sequencing, while the flash array stores the compressed FPGA image. Compression is performed in Altera's Quartus design software, and the device transparently decompresses the bitstream on FPGA load.
Typical applications include boot memory for Altera Stratix and APEX-series FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, military and aerospace DSP systems, and prototyping boards where fast, repeatable configuration from a single 3.3 V flash source is required. The 20 x 14 mm PQFP-100 footprint is compatible with earlier EPC4 and EPC8 enhanced configuration devices, simplifying migration.
When designing with this part, confirm that the Quartus programmer software version supports the EPC16 device family and that the target board implements the proper nCE/nOE handshake for multi-device chains. The PQFP-100 package is surface-mount but uses a 0.65 mm pitch leadframe, so PCB assembly requires careful solder-paste stencil and reflow profiling.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, parametric context, and engineering guidance beyond the bare datasheet, helping engineers select configuration memory and pin-compatible variants for both new designs and legacy Altera FPGA platforms.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QC-100T — 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 EPC16QC-100T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Memory Size, Interface, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16C100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC-100T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash Configuration PROM (in-system programmable) |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Configuration Data Width | 8-bit or 16-bit (cascaded dual-device mode) |
| Configuration Modes | Serial (single device), Parallel (two cascaded devices) |
| Data Compression Support | Yes (35% to 55% bitstream reduction typical) |
| JTAG / Boundary Scan | IEEE 1149.1 compliant, in-system programmable |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm), 0.65 mm pitch |
| Cascade Interface | nCE / nOE handshake for multi-device chains |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) and serial |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC16QC-100T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | DATA[0] — Configuration data bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | DATA[1] — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | DATA[2] — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | DATA[3] — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | DATA[4] — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | DATA[5] — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | DATA[6] — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | DATA[7] — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 11 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 12 | nOE — Output enable (active low, for cascade) |
| Pin 13 | nCE — Chip enable (active low, cascade chain) |
| Pin 14 | nCONFIG — Configuration control from FPGA |
| Pin 15 | nSTATUS — Configuration status to FPGA |
| Pin 16 | DCLK — Configuration clock from FPGA |
| Pin 17 | TCK — JTAG test clock (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 18 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 19 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 20 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
Typical Applications
EPC16QC-100T is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Configuration Memory, APEX 20K High-Density FPGA Boot, Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot, Military / Aerospace DSP Systems, Industrial PLC Controller, FPGA Development Board Reference Design.
Stratix FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC16QC-100T serves as the primary boot memory for Altera Stratix-series FPGAs, storing up to 16 Mbit of compressed configuration bitstream. With 35-55% compression support (per the Altera datasheet), the EPC16QC-100T can store Stratix designs whose raw .sof files would otherwise exceed 16 Mbit. The 100-pin PQFP placement near the FPGA with short nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and DCLK traces minimizes boot time and signal-integrity risk.
Recommended
APEX 20K High-Density FPGA Boot
The EPC16QC-100T is the recommended boot PROM for APEX 20K family FPGAs, where compressed bitstreams can reach 16 Mbit. The device's built-in configuration controller handles the APEX 20K configuration algorithm, including 8-bit and 16-bit data-width modes for single or cascaded dual-device configuration. The 3.3 V single-supply operation simplifies power-tree design and reduces BOM cost compared to legacy 5 V PROMs.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot
In telecom line-card designs where APEX II or Mercury FPGAs handle packet processing, the EPC16QC-100T provides fast, deterministic cold-boot configuration. The IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface enables in-field firmware updates via boundary-scan, eliminating the need for socketed PROMs. The 100-pin PQFP footprint supports the 0.65 mm leadframe required for dense telecom backplane designs while maintaining manufacturability with standard SMT lines.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace DSP Systems
The EPC16QC-100T supports legacy military and aerospace DSP systems built on APEX 20K and Mercury FPGAs, where the -T tape-and-reel suffix and PQFP package meet assembly requirements for ruggedized boards. The flash-based storage retains configuration without batteries, unlike SRAM-PROM pairs. For new aerospace programs, designers should evaluate radiation-tolerant modern alternatives, but the EPC16QC-100T remains in service for legacy platforms with established qualification baselines.
Recommended
Industrial PLC Controller
In industrial PLC and motion-controller platforms, the EPC16QC-100T pairs with ACEX 1K or FLEX 10K FPGAs to deliver deterministic, repeatable cold-start configuration. The 3.3 V supply is compatible with industrial 24 V-to-3.3 V DC-DC rails. The JTAG interface supports in-system reconfiguration during factory calibration, while the 100-pin PQFP withstands industrial temperature ranges when specified via the EPC16QI100 industrial variant.
Recommended
FPGA Development Board Reference Design
The EPC16QC-100T is a common reference design boot PROM on legacy Altera FPGA development kits, including early Stratix and APEX II evaluation boards. Designers use it as a known-good configuration source for bring-up, peripheral validation, and Quartus programming flow verification. The pin-compatible EPC4QC100 (4 Mbit) and EPC8QC100 (8 Mbit) variants allow the same board layout to support multiple FPGA densities, simplifying kit SKU management.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QC-100T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QC100 | EPC16C100T | EPC16QI100 | EPC8QC100 | EPC4QC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 8 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Data Compression | Yes (35-55%) | Yes (35-55%) | Yes (35-55%) | Yes (35-55%) | Yes (35-55%) | Yes (35-55%) |
| JTAG / ISP | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCE/nOE) | Yes (nCE/nOE) | Yes (nCE/nOE) | Yes (nCE/nOE) | Yes (nCE/nOE) | Yes (nCE/nOE) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Commercial |
Key Differentiators
- Highest density in the legacy Altera EPC PQFP-100 configuration family (vs EPC8QC100)
- Same 100-pin PQFP footprint as EPC4 / EPC8 family enables pin-compatible density upgrades (vs EPC4QC100)
- Industrial-temperature variant available with same footprint for harsh environments (vs EPC16QI100)
Design Notes
Place the EPC16QC-100T as close as possible to the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize trace length on nCONFIG, nSTATUS, DCLK, and DATA[7:0]. The 100-pin PQFP uses 0.65 mm pitch leads; ensure the PCB land pattern uses NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads per IPC-7351 and that the solder paste stencil aperture is 0.4 mm wide for reliable reflow. Add a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VCC pin pair, plus a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the device.
When cascading two EPC16QC-100T devices in parallel mode for 16-bit configuration, ensure nCE and nOE handshake signals are wired correctly - nCE on the lower device must be tied low (always enabled), while the upper device's nCE is driven by the lower device's nCASC output. Reversing this connection prevents the FPGA from loading. Also confirm Quartus generates the .pof (programming object file) with the cascade bit set; without it the controller does not expect a second device.
Although configuration is low-speed (typically < 50 MHz DCLK), the 100-pin PQFP lead inductance can introduce ringing on DCLK and DATA lines if not properly terminated. Series-damping resistors of 33 ohms placed within 10 mm of the EPC16QC-100T output pins reduce overshoot on 16-bit DATA[15:0] buses. For long PCB traces (> 50 mm), use a source-series-terminated topology. Keep the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) short and isolated from switching power converter traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not stated in the verified web data. EPC16QC-100T is an obsolete Altera / Intel part introduced before RoHS compliance was universal on configuration memory; many date codes are SnPb lead-finish.
