EPC16QI100 - 16Mb FPGA Configuration PROM | Altera | PQFP-100
MPN: EPC16QI100 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.5 | $24.50 |
| 10 | $22.1 | $221.00 |
| 100 | $19.8 | $1,980.00 |
| 500 | $17.6 | $8,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.4 | $15,400.00 |
EPC16QI100 Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory that stores the FPGA bitstream and presents it to the FPGA at power-up through a serial configuration interface. EPC-class enhanced configuration devices are positioned in the system hierarchy as Memory ICs > Configuration PROMs > FPGA support devices, with flash memory technology providing the underlying storage layer. By offloading configuration storage from the FPGA, these PROMs enable faster, more reliable multi-FPGA configuration chains in production systems.
Key features of the EPC16QI100 include a 33 MHz serial configuration interface, hardware compliance with the IEEE Std. 1532 in-system programmability (ISP) specification, Jam STAPL programming support, JTAG boundary-scan testability, and a dedicated nINIT_CONF pin that triggers a private JTAG instruction to start FPGA configuration. The 16 Mb density is sufficient for configuring the largest Altera FPGA families of its generation. An external 33 MHz oscillator provides the configuration clock reference.
Typical applications include configuring high-density Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX-series Altera FPGAs in industrial, telecommunications, and prototyping systems. The 100-pin PQFP package and 3.3 V operation simplify board integration into legacy through-hole and mixed-technology designs where surface-mount BGA configuration parts are not desirable.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QI100 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 EPC16QI100 (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:
EPC16QI100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16Q100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC160I100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC160C100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QI100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 16 Mb (1048576 words) |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable (ISP) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (core and I/O) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Configuration Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Interface | Serial |
| Package | 100-PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| Pin Count | 100 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial) |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan) |
| IEEE 1532 ISP Compliance | Yes |
| Jam STAPL Support | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
EPC16QI100 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β 3.3 V supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 3 | DATA β Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DCLK β Configuration clock input |
| Pin 5 | nCE β Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 6 | nCEO β Chip enable out (cascade, active low) |
| Pin 7 | nCONFIG β Configuration control input (active low) |
| Pin 8 | nSTATUS β Status output to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 9 | nINIT_CONF β Private JTAG instruction trigger (active low) |
| Pin 10 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin 11 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TDI β JTAG test data input |
| Pin 13 | TDO β JTAG test data output |
| Pin 14 | OE β Output enable |
| Pin 15 | RESERVED β Reserved pin - leave unconnected per datasheet |
| Pin 16 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 17 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 18 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 19 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 20 | VPP β Programming voltage supply |
| Pin 21 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
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| Pin 91 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 92 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 93 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 94 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 95 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
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| Pin 97 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 98 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
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| Pin 100 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC16QI100 is suitable for 6 applications: High-Density Altera FPGA Configuration, Telecommunications Base-Station Controllers, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Military and Aerospace Avionics (Legacy Programs), Medical Imaging Equipment, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
High-Density Altera FPGA Configuration
The EPC16QI100 stores the bitstream and configures very high-density Altera FPGAs at power-up via its 33 MHz serial interface. Its 16 Mb capacity comfortably fits the largest Altera bitstreams of its era, including Stratix and APEX families. The dedicated configuration controller offloads bitstream management from the host processor, and the nINIT_CONF pin enables JTAG-initiated configuration without external logic. Industrial temperature grade (-40 Β°C to +85 Β°C) supports factory-floor deployment.
Recommended
Telecommunications Base-Station Controllers
Telecommunications base-station and line-card designs use the EPC16QI100 to boot multi-FPGA signal-processing fabrics in a defined order. The 3.3 V single-rail supply simplifies board design in space-constrained ATCA/AdvancedTCA shelves, and the JTAG interface allows field firmware updates without removing boards. The IEEE 1532 ISP compliance enables standardized in-system programming during manufacturing and field service. Industrial temperature rating covers outdoor cabinet installations.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
Factory-automation controllers use the EPC16QI100 to configure FPGA-based motion-control and machine-vision subsystems that demand deterministic boot times. The 33 MHz configuration clock enables sub-second FPGA configuration, minimizing production-line startup delay. The -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C industrial temperature range tolerates unheated cabinet environments, and the PQFP package suits through-hole-friendly backplanes where BGA parts are unsuitable. JTAG ISP supports post-assembly programming.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Avionics (Legacy Programs)
Long-lifecycle military and aerospace programs continue to specify the EPC16QI100 because the part is qualified in legacy system designs and the PQFP package withstands the through-hole-friendly board stacks favored in older avionics. The industrial temperature grade covers many avionics bay environments, and the JTAG/IEEE 1532 ISP allows depot-level firmware updates. For new programs, designers should verify Altera/Intel FPGA lifecycle policy before committing.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment
Medical imaging systems (ultrasound, CT, MRI front-ends) historically used Altera FPGAs and the EPC16QI100 to load configuration bitstreams for image-acquisition pipelines. The deterministic 33 MHz serial configuration stream supports predictable boot sequences required for medical safety certification, and the dedicated nINIT_CONF pin enables the host MCU to trigger FPGA configuration cleanly. Designers of new equipment should consider modern equivalents due to obsolete lifecycle status.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement instruments (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, protocol testers) use the EPC16QI100 to configure FPGAs that implement high-speed signal-acquisition and pattern-generation logic. The 33 MHz configuration clock minimizes boot time on production test floors, and the JTAG boundary-scan supports in-circuit test (ICT) for manufacturing defect screening. Industrial temperature rating covers typical lab and factory environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QI100 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QI100N | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100 | EPC16Q100 | EPC160I100 | EPC160C100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 100-PQFP (20x14) | 100-PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14) - same |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 160 Mb | 160 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typ) | 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 | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Configuration Clock | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| JTAG / IEEE 1532 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in lead-free upgrade available (vs EPC16QI100 (this part, leaded) vs EPC16QI100N)
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs EPC16QC100 (commercial) vs EPC16QI100 (industrial))
- 16 Mb density is sweet spot for legacy high-density FPGAs (vs EPC160I100 (160 Mb) vs EPC16QI100 (16 Mb))
Design Notes
The EPC16QI100 operates from a single 3.3 V rail with a permitted range of 3.0 V to 3.6 V. Decouple VCC pins with 0.1 Β΅F ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to each supply pin, and add a single bulk 10 Β΅F tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the package. The VPP programming voltage pin should be tied to VCC through a 1 kΞ© resistor or left open in user-mode operation - consult the datasheet before applying ISP programming.
Route the DCLK trace as a 50 Ξ© controlled-impedance microstrip or stripline and keep it matched in length to the DATA trace (within 1 cm) to avoid configuration setup/hold violations. Place the EPC16QI100 within 5 cm of the target FPGA to minimize signal-integrity degradation; longer distances require buffering. The JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) should be daisy-chained with no stubs, and a 10 kΞ© pull-up on TCK/TMS/TDI and a 10 kΞ© pull-down on nCONFIG/nCE is recommended.
Do not confuse EPC16QI100 (industrial) with EPC16QC100 (commercial) - the wrong temperature grade will fail early-life in unheated enclosures. The 'N' suffix (EPC16QI100N) denotes lead-free assembly required for RoHS compliance in new designs. Daisy-chaining multiple EPC16QI100 devices to configure one FPGA requires nCEO of the upstream device to drive nCE of the next; do not leave nCEO floating. Finally, verify FPGA bitstream size < 16 Mb before committing to this part.
Compliance Information
EPC16QI100 is the leaded (non-RoHS) variant - choose EPC16QI100N for RoHS compliance. The 'N' suffix in the EPC16 family denotes lead-free assembly. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is a memory/configuration device, not an automotive analog/power IC. Confirm specific REACH and conflict-minerals status with the distributor before procurement.
