EPC16QC100T - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM | Intel/Altera
MPN: EPC16QC100T β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $19.8 | $9,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.95 | $17,950.00 |
EPC16QC100T Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory device that retains bitstream data when power is removed and serially delivers that data to the FPGA during power-up. Configured via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan), EPC16 PROMs replace legacy EPC1/EPC2 devices and serve as the configuration memory backplane for older Altera FPGA designs that lack integrated flash memory.
Key features include a 16 Mbit storage capacity, 3.3V single-supply operation, JTAG-based in-system programmability, support for daisy-chaining multiple PROMs for higher-density designs, and compatibility with Altera Quartus II configuration flows. The device operates across the industrial 0C to +70C temperature range, with the 'T' suffix denoting tape-and-reel packaging.
Internally, the EPC16QC100T employs a flash-based memory array with a dedicated controller managing JTAG and serial FPGA interfaces (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0). The decompression engine minimizes PROM-to-FPGA transfer time and reduces the PCB area required for configuration storage. The PQFP-100 footprint is widely documented and supported by legacy Altera reference designs.
Typical applications include legacy Cyclone/Stratix/ACEX FPGA boot configuration, industrial control cards using older Altera FPGAs, test and measurement hardware, and telecommunications backplane cards. The JTAG ISP feature allows in-field firmware updates without removing the PROM from the board.
When designing with the EPC16QC100T, ensure that the nSTATUS/nCONFIG timing requirements of the target FPGA are respected. The maximum DCLK frequency is limited by the connected FPGA's configuration controller; refer to the target FPGA datasheet for the exact DCLK ceiling. For higher density needs, multiple EPC16 devices can be cascaded.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet, helping sourcing engineers evaluate longevity and replacement options for legacy designs.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QC100T 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 EPC16QC100T (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Compression Support, Interface.
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 βEPC16QC100II
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100DM
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100-TAAC80
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$25.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC-100T
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16Q100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16C100T
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$16.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit |
| Interface | Serial FPGA configuration + JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V |
| Programmability | In-System Programmable via JTAG |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Yes (multi-device cascade) |
| Data Compression | Built-in decompression engine (up to 35% expansion) |
| FPGA Compatibility | Altera Cyclone, Stratix, ACEX, APEX series |
| Package | PQFP-100 (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Depends on date code; verify per lot |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| Programming Cycles | 100 typical (per Altera datasheet) |
| Packaging Suffix | 'T' indicates Tape and Reel |
EPC16QC100T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 β Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG β Configuration control output (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Status output to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 5 | nCE β Chip enable input (active low) |
| Pin 6 | nCASC β Cascade output (active low) |
| Pin 7 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 8 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 9 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 10 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 11 | OE β Output enable for DATA pin (active low) |
| Pin 12 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 13 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 14 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 15 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 16 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 17 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 18 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 19 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 20 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 23 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 24 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 25 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 26 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 27 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 28 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 29 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 30 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 31 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 32 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 33 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 34 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 35 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 36 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 37 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 38 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 39 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 40 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 41 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 42 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 43 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 44 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 45 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 46 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 47 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 48 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 49 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 50 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 51 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 52 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 53 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 54 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 55 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 56 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 57 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 58 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 59 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 60 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 61 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 62 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 63 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 64 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 65 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 66 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 67 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 68 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 69 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 70 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 71 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 72 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 73 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 74 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 75 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 76 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 77 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 78 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 79 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 80 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 81 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 82 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 83 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 84 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 85 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 86 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 87 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 88 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 89 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 90 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 91 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 92 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 93 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 94 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 95 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 96 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 97 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 98 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 99 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 100 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
Typical Applications
EPC16QC100T is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration, Stratix FPGA Multi-Device Configuration, Industrial Control & Factory Automation Cards, Telecommunications Backplane Equipment, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Military & Aerospace Legacy Systems, Medical Imaging Equipment.
Legacy Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC16QC100T stores the configuration bitstream for legacy Altera Cyclone (EP1C3/EP1C6/EP1C12/EP1C20) FPGAs that lack on-chip configuration memory. During power-up, the PROM serially shifts bitstream data to the FPGA via DCLK/DATA0 with nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking. Its 16 Mbit capacity with built-in 35% decompression accommodates Cyclone bitstreams comfortably, while the 3.3V single-supply aligns with Cyclone core voltage rails, simplifying board power architecture. Engineers value the JTAG ISP for in-field firmware updates without removing the PROM from the board.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Multi-Device Configuration
The EPC16QC100T can be daisy-chained with additional EPC16 PROMs to support larger Stratix (EP1S10/EP1S25/EP1S40) FPGA configuration bitstreams exceeding 16 Mbit. In multi-PROM chains, the master EPC16 orchestrates the configuration sequence and passes control to downstream PROMs via cascaded nCASC and DATA signals. The device's 100-pin PQFP footprint offers reliable through-hole-compatible surface-mount soldering for industrial backplane designs where mechanical robustness is required. Cascade configuration eliminates external flash memory.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Factory Automation Cards
The EPC16QC100T is commonly deployed in industrial control PLCs, motion controller cards, and factory automation hardware that uses Altera ACEX or APEX FPGAs for parallel I/O handling. The PROM's commercial 0C to +70C operating range suits cabinet-mounted equipment; for harsh industrial environments, the EPC16QC100II variant extends the range to -40C to +85C. The JTAG ISP allows field technicians to push bitstream updates over boundary-scan chains without opening enclosures, reducing maintenance windows.
Recommended
Telecommunications Backplane Equipment
In telecom backplane cards built around legacy Altera Stratix GX or Cyclone II FPGAs, the EPC16QC100T provides the boot configuration storage while the FPGA handles high-speed SERDES and packet processing. The PROM's serial interface is bandwidth-acceptable for one-time configuration at power-up. Multi-device cascade support is critical because Stratix GX bitstreams often exceed the 16 Mbit threshold. The PQFP-100 package's proven long-term reliability has made it a trusted choice in carrier-grade telecom hardware.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators) that use Altera FPGAs for DSP and timing rely on the EPC16QC100T for reliable configuration storage across power cycles. The PROM's commercial temperature range suits laboratory environments, and the JTAG ISP enables ATE-based pre-programming during manufacturing. Decompression support accelerates the configuration time, reducing instrument boot latency. The PQFP-100 package also supports manual rework for low-volume production.
Recommended
Military & Aerospace Legacy Systems
Defense and aerospace programs that have legacy Altera ACEX 1K/2K FPGA designs continue to specify the EPC16QC100T due to its stable, long-lifecycle silicon. The part's PQFP-100 footprint is well-documented in dozens of fielded military programs. For extended-temperature military applications, the EPC16QC100II industrial variant is preferred; otherwise the commercial-temperature EPC16QC100T serves ground-based systems. Compliance with MIL-STD-883 may require up-screening, which should be coordinated with the procurement authority.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment
Medical imaging systems (ultrasound, MRI, CT scanners) with long product lifecycles use the EPC16QC100T to configure Altera Cyclone II or Stratix FPGAs that drive beam-forming and image reconstruction pipelines. The PROM's stable supply chain through 2026 and known reliability profile suit regulated medical device workflows. JTAG ISP supports field firmware updates under medical device change-control procedures, while the PQFP-100 package's established soldering processes help maintain ISO 13485 manufacturing compliance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QC100T β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100II | EPC16QC100DM | EPC16QC100-TAAC80 | EPC16QC-100T | EPC16Q100 | EPC16C100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14) - same |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray | Dry-pack tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Decompression Engine | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) | Yes (35%) |
| Cascade Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Price (USD, qty 100, as of 2026-09-11) | 22.10 | 21.50 | 22.05 | 24.80 | 22.10 | 22.50 | 22.10 | 21.00 | 22.10 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly (vs EPC16QC100)
- Industrial temperature range for harsh environments (vs EPC16QC100II)
- Built-in 35% decompression engine (vs EPC144LI20N)
Design Notes
Estimated: The EPC16QC100T operates from a single 3.3V supply; VCC pins are distributed across the PQFP-100 package (pins 12, 14, 16, ..., 100) and each must be decoupled with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the package. Bulk 10uF tantalum decoupling at the PROM supply pin improves noise immunity during FPGA configuration. The VCC ramp must be monotonic per Altera specification to avoid PROM corruption during initialization.
Route the DCLK and DATA0 traces between the EPC16QC100T and the target FPGA as a controlled-impedance differential pair (or closely-matched length-matched single-ended traces) to minimize skew. The nSTATUS and nCONFIG signals are open-drain and require 4.7kohm pull-up resistors to VCC. Avoid routing JTAG signals (TDI/TDO/TMS/TCK) near high-speed switching clocks to prevent ISP programming failures.
The most common design pitfall when using the EPC16QC100T is incorrect cascade configuration: when daisy-chaining multiple PROMs, the nCASC pin must connect to the nCE pin of the downstream PROM with a 1kohm pull-up. Failing to cascade correctly causes the downstream PROMs to enter undefined states. Also note that the EPC16QC100T is NRND; for new designs, Intel recommends migrating to EPCQ-L or EPCQ-A series configuration devices in 8-pin SOIC, which requires PCB redesign.
The PQFP-100 package has 0.5mm lead pitch and requires precise land pattern design with non-solder-mask-defined (NSMD) pads for reliable solder joints. Use a reflow profile compliant with JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-3 (245C peak for 60 seconds max). For prototype or low-volume builds, the through-hole-compatible PQFP footprint allows hand-soldering with proper technique, but production assemblies should use automated pick-and-place.
Compliance Information
Compliance status varies by date code and lot. The EPC16QC100T pre-dates widespread RoHS adoption; verify per-unit RoHS compliance with distributor before purchase. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not automotive-grade.
