EPC16QC100-TAAC80 - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC16QC100-TAAC80 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.65 | $346.50 |
| 100 | $30.8 | $3,080.00 |
| 500 | $27.95 | $13,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $25.2 | $25,200.00 |
EPC16QC100-TAAC80 Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial/parallel memory device whose role is to load the SRAM-based LUT fabric of an FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration on power-down, the host board requires an external boot memory - the configuration PROM - to store the bitstream. The enhanced configuration family (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16) integrates both the configuration controller and the flash array on a single die, eliminating the need for an external controller and reducing board complexity versus older EPROM-based EPC1/EPC2 devices.
Key differentiating features of the EPC16QC100 include built-in data compression (which reduces configuration time and storage requirements), JTAG 1149.1 boundary-scan support for in-system programming, multi-voltage I/O (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V) for compatibility with all supported FPGA families, and a dedicated nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking interface. The 'QC100' suffix indicates the 100-pin PQFP package; the '-TAAC80' suffix designates tape-and-reel packaging with a specific date/lot code per Altera ordering nomenclature.
The EPC16QC100 internally separates the configuration controller logic from the flash memory block, with the controller handling the bitstream handshake (DCLK, DATA, nCS, OE), decompression, and error checking. Configuration modes supported include Passive Serial (PS), Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), JTAG, and Active Serial (AS) when cascaded with a serial configuration device, enabling flexible design-in across Altera FPGA families.
Typical applications include Stratix and APEX 20K FPGA boot storage, industrial control systems requiring reliable SRAM FPGA configuration, networking line cards with high-density FPGAs, military and aerospace FPGA-based processing boards, and any design that needs a robust, in-system programmable configuration memory for legacy Altera SRAM FPGAs. The compression feature is particularly valuable in cost-sensitive designs that need to minimize configuration storage.
When designing with the EPC16QC100-TAAC80, verify that the target FPGA's configuration mode matches the PROM's supported modes. For JTAG programming, connect TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO through the device's JTAG chain; the EPC16 will appear as a single JTAG device with its own BYPASS instruction. The nINIT_CONF and OE pins must be tied correctly to the target FPGA's nCONFIG/nSTATUS pins to enable clean handshake during multi-device configuration cascades.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QC100-TAAC80 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-TAAC80 (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:
EPC16QC100
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View Datasheet βEPC16QC-100T
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View Datasheet βEPC16Q100
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View Datasheet βEPC16QC100N
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View Datasheet βEPC16C100T
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View Datasheet βEPC160C100
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View Datasheet βEPC16QC100-TAAC80 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash (non-volatile configuration) |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Modes | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG |
| Data Compression | Yes (built-in, 30-55% file size reduction) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| JTAG Support | IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan, in-system programmable |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack), 20x14 mm |
| Package Code | QC100 |
| Packaging Style | Tape and Reel (TAAC80 suffix) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Configuration Controller | Internal (integrated with flash array) |
| Pin Count | 100 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC16QC100-TAAC80 qc100 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16QC100-TAAC80 (qc100 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-TAAC80.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16QC100-TAAC80 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration, APEX 20K FPGA Boot Memory, Industrial Control PLC FPGA Systems, Military and Aerospace FPGA-Based Processing, Networking Line Card FPGA Configuration, Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC16QC100-TAAC80 stores the configuration bitstream for Altera Stratix FPGAs in FPP or PS mode. With 16 Mbit of flash and built-in compression (30-55% bitstream reduction), it can hold Stratix EP1S10/EP1S20/EP1S25 bitstreams after compression, plus a fallback image. The 100-pin PQFP footprint is the standard Altera configuration PROM land pattern. Designers should tie nCONFIG and nSTATUS to the corresponding FPGA pins, route DCLK and DATA[7:0] (FPP) or DATA0 (PS) with 50-ohm impedance, and use JTAG chain Daisy-Chaining for in-system programming. Compared to JTAG-direct configuration, the EPC16 enables instant boot on power-up without requiring an external controller, which is critical for industrial and military systems that must come alive within milliseconds of power-on.
Recommended
APEX 20K FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC16QC100-TAAC80 is qualified to store APEX 20K (EP20K100/200/400) configuration bitstreams, the highest-density APEX family before Stratix. The 16 Mbit density comfortably holds the largest APEX 20K bitstreams after compression, and the multi-voltage I/O (1.8 V to 5 V) allows direct connection to APEX 20K multi-voltage I/O banks. This application is common in legacy telecom line-card designs where APEX 20K is still deployed. Designers should use FPP mode for fastest configuration (8-bit parallel data at up to 66 MHz DCLK) or PS mode for pin-limited designs. The EPC16's JTAG chain support allows bitstream updates via the same chain used to program the APEX 20K itself, eliminating the need for a separate programming header.
Recommended
Industrial Control PLC FPGA Systems
Industrial PLCs and process-control systems that use Altera ACEX 1K or FLEX 10K FPGAs require a non-volatile boot memory, and the EPC16QC100-TAAC80 delivers 16 Mbit of storage with industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C). The compression feature is especially valuable in cost-sensitive PLC designs where minimizing configuration storage cost directly reduces BOM. Designers in this segment benefit from the EPC16's long-term data retention (typically 20+ years per flash memory specifications) and 100,000+ program/erase cycles, both critical for industrial field-deployed systems that may run for decades without reprogramming. The 100-pin PQFP package is hand-solderable for prototype and low-volume production.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace FPGA-Based Processing
Defense and aerospace systems using legacy Mercury and APEX II FPGAs for radar, electronic-warfare, and signal-processing applications rely on the EPC16QC100-TAAC80 for rugged non-volatile boot memory. The device's industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) and Altera's known reliability pedigree make it suitable for such environments, and the PQFP package withstands typical aerospace shock and vibration profiles when properly PCB-mounted. Multi-voltage I/O compatibility (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V) enables direct interfacing with radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant FPGA variants in the same family tree. In-system JTAG programming allows field firmware updates without removing boards from deployed systems, which is essential for long-lifecycle defense programs.
Recommended
Networking Line Card FPGA Configuration
High-density networking line cards with multiple FPGAs in a cascade configuration use the EPC16QC100-TAAC80 in either standalone FPP/PS mode or in a daisy-chain with additional EPC devices to boot multiple FPGAs sequentially. The 16 Mbit density is ideal for large Stratix or APEX 20K bitstreams, and the multi-voltage I/O allows interfacing with the multiple FPGA voltage rails common on networking hardware (1.8 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O). Designers should use the nCASC pin to cascade additional EPC16 or EPC8 devices for very large designs, and route the JTAG chain through all configuration PROMs and FPGAs for unified in-system programming across the entire line card.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators) often embed Altera FPGAs for high-speed DSP and trigger logic. The EPC16QC100-TAAC80 stores the FPGA bitstream along with any hardware-test microcode or calibration data, and its compression feature minimizes configuration time at instrument power-on. Designers benefit from the JTAG chain for instrument factory calibration and field firmware updates, and the multi-voltage I/O allows the same EPC16 to interface with mixed-voltage logic in the instrument's analog front-end. For instruments requiring IEC 61010-1 safety compliance, the EPC16's predictable power-up behavior simplifies pre-compliance design work.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QC100-TAAC80 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QC-100T | EPC16Q100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16C100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Data Compression | Yes (30-55%) | Yes (30-55%) | Yes (30-55%) | Yes (30-55%) | Yes (30-55%) | Yes (30-55%) |
| JTAG Support | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 | IEEE 1149.1 |
| Lead-Free (Pb-Free) | Per Altera standard (depends on suffix) | Per suffix | Per suffix | Per suffix | Yes (N suffix) | Per suffix |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete / EOL | Obsolete / EOL | Obsolete / EOL | Obsolete / EOL | Obsolete / EOL | Obsolete / EOL |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density legacy Altera enhanced configuration PROM in 100-PQFP (vs EPC8QC100)
- Integrated configuration controller on-die (vs EPROM-based EPC1/EPC2) (vs EPC1/EPC2 EPCS)
- Multi-mode configuration (FPP, PS, AS, JTAG) with on-chip compression (vs EPCQ-A serial flash family)
Design Notes
Place the EPC16QC100-TAAC80 as close as physically possible to the target FPGA to minimize DCLK and DATA trace lengths. Use controlled-impedance routing (50 ohm single-ended) for DCLK and the DATA bus, and avoid routing these signals across split power planes. For FPP mode (8-bit DATA bus), match the DATA[7:0] trace lengths within 1 cm to prevent setup/hold violations at high DCLK frequencies. Decouple VCC with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same plane.
Do not assume the EPC16QC100 and modern EPCQ-A/EPCQ serial configuration devices are interchangeable - they are completely different device families with different protocols, pinouts, and supported FPGA targets. The EPC16 is for legacy Stratix/APEX/Mercury/ACEX/FLEX 10K FPGAs only. Also note that JTAG chain ordering matters: place the EPC16's TDI/TDO correctly in the chain relative to the target FPGA, and remember that the EPC16's BYPASS instruction is required for non-EPC16 JTAG devices further down the chain.
The EPC16QC100 operates from a single 3.3 V VCC supply but its I/O pins are 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V tolerant for interfacing with various FPGA families. Ensure the FPGA's VCCIO bank connected to the EPC16 is set to the appropriate voltage (typically 3.3 V for legacy Altera FPGAs). During configuration, peak current draw can reach 50-100 mA; budget your 3.3 V regulator accordingly. Hold nCONFIG low during power-up until the 3.3 V rail stabilizes to avoid spurious configuration attempts.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed via Altera/Intel product documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial-grade configuration PROM, not an automotive part. Lead-free terminal finish available via 'N' suffix variants (e.g., EPC16QC100N).
