EPC16QC100 - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC16QC100 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.75 | $257.50 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $18.4 | $9,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $14.95 | $14,950.00 |
EPC16QC100 Overview
A configuration PROM (sometimes called a configuration memory or boot PROM) is a non-volatile serial memory dedicated to storing an FPGA's bitstream. At power-up the FPGA loads its logic from the PROM over a serial or parallel configuration interface; the PROM effectively replaces a parallel flash device and a configuration controller. Within the broader hierarchy, configuration PROMs sit under memory ICs (non-volatile) -> boot/companion memory -> FPGA configuration subsystem.
Key features include 16 Mb of flash organized for Altera's enhanced configuration interface, 33 MHz maximum configuration clock, multi-device cascadable support for very large FPGA bitstreams, in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and built-in compression support so larger bitstreams fit in the available flash. Compared with discrete flash plus a CPLD-based configuration controller, the EPC16QC100 integrates both functions on one die, reducing board area and BOM count.
Architecturally, the device combines a configuration controller and a flash array on a single chip, with dedicated interface pins (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA) that match Altera's older FPGA configuration scheme. It supports Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K device families. Note that Altera was acquired by Intel, and this part is widely reported as obsolete or NRND β modern Altera/Intel devices use Cyclone, Arria, and Stratix families with newer configuration schemes (active serial flash).
Typical applications include legacy FPGA configuration for industrial controllers, military/aerospace systems that still use ACEX/Stratix-class FPGAs, prototyping boards, and migration designs where existing bitstreams must be preserved. Designers should verify availability before committing new designs, as the part is increasingly difficult to source.
Design considerations include routing the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI) to all devices in the chain, providing proper decoupling (0.1 Β΅F and 10 Β΅F), and ensuring DCLK and DATA trace lengths match Altera's guidelines. Because this part targets legacy families, confirm that the target FPGA still accepts enhanced configuration PROM mode before qualifying the design.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and legacy design notes that go beyond the Altera datasheet to help engineers manage end-of-life risk for legacy FPGA systems.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QC100 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 EPC16QC100 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Configuration Interface, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8QC100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QI100
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC-100T
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16C100T
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC160C100
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash Configuration PROM (non-volatile) |
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Clock (max) | 33 MHz |
| Interface | Altera enhanced configuration serial interface |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 JTAG) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (commercial) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Cascadable | Yes (multi-device chain) |
| Compression Support | Yes (Altera enhanced compression) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Configuration Controller | Integrated on-die |
EPC16QC100 100-pin pqfp (20 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16QC100 (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 EPC16QC100.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16QC100 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Stratix FPGA Configuration, APEX II / APEX 20K Configuration Storage, ACEX 1K / FLEX 10K Boot Memory, Industrial Controller Bitstream Storage, Military / Aerospace Legacy Systems, Prototyping Boards and Lab Fixtures.
Legacy Stratix FPGA Configuration
The EPC16QC100 is the canonical boot memory for first-generation Altera Stratix FPGAs, providing 16 Mb of non-volatile storage for the configuration bitstream. At power-up the PROM serializes the bitstream to the Stratix device over DCLK/DATA, replacing an external flash + CPLD pair with one integrated IC. Compared with discrete flash, the integrated controller ensures Altera-compatible timing on CONF_DONE/nSTATUS, eliminating handshaking bugs. Designers should still terminate JTAG properly and observe Altera's DCLK signal-integrity guidelines.
Recommended
APEX II / APEX 20K Configuration Storage
APEX II and APEX 20K FPGAs were designed to load from Altera enhanced configuration PROMs, and the EPC16QC100 is the high-density option that fits large APEX bitstreams. Using the EPC16QC100 keeps the BOM small and the configuration chain deterministic, which matters in industrial-control and military/aerospace systems that still deploy APEX designs. The 33 MHz DCLK keeps configuration time below one second for most APEX bitstreams, which is acceptable for systems that tolerate sub-second boot.
Recommended
ACEX 1K / FLEX 10K Boot Memory
ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K devices can use the EPC16QC100 for non-volatile boot, with 16 Mb headroom for larger FLEX designs. This is helpful when migrating older FLEX 10K prototypes to a single stock-keeping part, simplifying spares inventory across product variants. Engineers often prefer the EPC16QC100 over smaller PROMs because one part covers all bitstream sizes in a multi-board family.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Bitstream Storage
In industrial-control systems (PLCs, motor controllers, machine-vision processors) using legacy Altera FPGAs, the EPC16QC100 provides deterministic in-system field updates via JTAG. The 100-pin PQFP package is robust to industrial shock/vibration profiles, and the 3.3 V supply matches the legacy FPGA rail. JTAG in-system programming enables factory floor updates without removing the controller from the cabinet, reducing service cost.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Legacy Systems
Long-lifecycle aerospace and defense platforms continue to deploy ACEX 1K, APEX, and first-generation Stratix FPGAs that depend on the EPC16QC100 for configuration. Because these programs can run for 20+ years, sustaining engineering teams use the EPC16QC100 to keep fielded systems operational. Altera/Intel still supports last-time-buy windows for defense customers; plan reorders accordingly.
Recommended
Prototyping Boards and Lab Fixtures
Universities, research labs, and FPGA prototype boards use the EPC16QC100 as a convenient way to load Altera reference designs without needing a PC-hosted programmer. The JTAG chain allows rapid bitstream iteration, and the 16 Mb capacity covers most academic reference designs. Engineers can also combine multiple EPC16QC100s in cascade to load several bitstream images for design-space exploration.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QC100 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8QC100N | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QI100 | EPC16QC-100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) | PQFP-100 (same) | PQFP-100 (same) | PQFP-100 (same) | PQFP-100 (same) |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Density | 16 Mb | 8 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb |
| Configuration Clock (max) | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| In-System Programming | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial | Commercial |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete/NRND | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- 16-Mbit density covers the largest legacy Altera bitstreams (vs EPC8QC100N)
- Single-chip flash + configuration controller (vs Discrete flash + CPLD controller)
- Altera enhanced configuration interface (33 MHz DCLK) (vs Passive-serial configuration)
Design Notes
Estimated: when migrating from a discrete flash + CPLD controller to the EPC16QC100, designers sometimes leave the nCONFIG/nSTATUS pull-ups on the FPGA side and forget to verify CONF_DONE timing. The PROM drives CONF_DONE high only after the bitstream is fully delivered; if the FPGA's CONF_DONE pull-down remains too strong, the handshake fails. Confirm pull-up values against the target FPGA datasheet.
Place the EPC16QC100 as close as practical to the FPGA to minimize DCLK and DATA0 trace lengths. Add a 0.1 Β΅F ceramic decoupling cap plus a 10 Β΅F bulk cap within 5 mm of the VCC pins. Route DCLK as a controlled-impedance trace; long stubs will cause ringing that the FPGA may interpret as extra clock pulses, corrupting the bitstream.
Because the EPC16QC100 is obsolete/NRND, plan for last-time-buy windows and verify with Intel/Altera FAE before committing production. Recommended: stock a 12β18 month safety inventory and qualify a secondary source (EPC16QI100 or EPC8QC100N) so a single-source line-down is avoided.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not present in verified web data; set to 'unknown'. EPC family was designed before AEC-Q100 was a typical Altera qualification, so AEC-Q100 is not applicable. Confirm lead-free/RoHS status with Intel/Altera for production orders.
