EPC16QI100N - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC16QI100N β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
EPC16QI100N Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that holds the FPGA bitstream and serially transfers it to the FPGA during the configuration phase, before the FPGA begins user-mode operation. EPC (Enhanced Configuration) devices sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable read-only memories -> non-volatile memory -> memory ICs -> semiconductors. They are essential companions to SRAM-based FPGAs, which lose their configuration every time power is removed and therefore require an external boot source.
Key features include 16 Mb of flash-based storage, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532, support for cascading multiple EPC devices for larger bitstreams, and a dedicated 33 MHz configuration clock interface compatible with Altera FPGAs such as the APEX II, Cyclone, Stratix, and other legacy families. The industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C makes the part suitable for harsh-environment deployments. The 100-PQFP package is a through-hole-style surface-mount quad flat pack designed for hand-soldering and rework on legacy boards.
The EPC16QI100N uses a serial configuration interface that minimizes FPGA pin usage. Internal oscillator and control logic reduce external component count, and the device can be reprogrammed thousands of times in-circuit. Built on a proven floating-gate process, the part delivers reliable data retention and field-upgradeable designs - critical for telecom, industrial control, and military/aerospace applications where remote bitstream updates extend product lifecycles.
Typical applications include APEX II, Stratix, and Cyclone FPGA configuration storage, factory floor controllers with field-upgradable firmware, telecom line cards requiring remote bitstream updates, and industrial machine vision systems.
When designing with this part, observe the 3.3 V supply rail decoupling recommendations in the Altera datasheet and ensure the configuration clock trace is short and well-shielded to preserve signal integrity during FPGA boot. Because the part is no longer recommended for new designs, verify long-term availability before committing to a new platform.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (EPC4QI100N, EPC8QI100N, EPC16QC100N), and practical design notes not found in the original manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QI100N 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 EPC16QI100N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Configuration Interface, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16QI100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.4 / 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 βEPC8QI100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$16.9 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4QI100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QI100N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 16 Mb |
| Memory Type | Flash (in-system programmable) |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable |
| Configuration Interface | Serial |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage - Operating | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package / Case | 100-PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Terminals | 100 |
| Package Style | Flatpack / PQFP |
| Family Name | EPC16 |
| Application | FPGA configuration memory |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Reprogrammability | Yes, in-system (IEEE 1532) |
EPC16QI100N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 2 | DATA β Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DCLK β Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 6 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete indicator |
| Pin 7 | nCE β Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 8 | OE β Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 9 | nCASC β Cascade select for daisy-chained PROMs |
| Pin 10 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin 11 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin 13 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin 14 | GND β Ground |
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| Pin 21 | VCC β 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 22 | GND β Ground |
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| Pin 51 | VCC β 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 52 | GND β Ground |
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| Pin 81 | VCC β 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 82 | GND β Ground |
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Typical Applications
EPC16QI100N is suitable for 6 applications: APEX II / Stratix FPGA Boot Storage, Telecom Line Card Remote Firmware Update, Industrial Machine Vision Controller, Military / Aerospace Avionics Retrofit, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Legacy PLC / Industrial Controller Upgrade Path.
APEX II / Stratix FPGA Boot Storage
The EPC16QI100N's 16 Mb density, 33 MHz configuration clock, and Altera-native serial protocol make it the canonical boot source for legacy 3.3 V APEX II (EP2A), Stratix, and Stratix II FPGA families. Per the Altera datasheet, the DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins map 1:1 to the host FPGA, so designers route them point-to-point with no glue logic. The 16 Mb capacity comfortably holds full Stratix bitstreams, and the 33 MHz clock keeps configuration time under 100 ms in most designs. Because the EPC16QI100N is flash-based, the bitstream survives power cycles without battery backup, unlike SRAM-based boot alternatives.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Remote Firmware Update
Telecom line cards deployed in central offices require remote firmware upgrades to push security patches and feature enhancements without truck rolls. The EPC16QI100N's IEEE 1532 in-system programmability, rated for thousands of erase/write cycles per the Altera datasheet, enables exactly that workflow: technicians trigger a JTAG-based bitstream rewrite from the network management system. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and the 100-PQFP's robust mechanical outline suit the vibration and thermal profile of telecom chassis. The 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply ties directly to the existing 3.3 V rail that powers the host FPGA.
Recommended
Industrial Machine Vision Controller
Industrial machine vision controllers rely on FPGAs to perform real-time image processing, and those FPGAs need a reliable boot source on the factory floor. The EPC16QI100N's 100-PQFP package withstands the conformal coating and hand-repair processes typical of industrial PCBA, while the 3.3 V single-supply operation simplifies the power tree. Per the Altera datasheet, the 33 MHz configuration clock keeps the controller's startup time well under the 1-second target required by most PLC boots. The wide -40C to +85C temperature range ensures reliable operation in unheated factory enclosures.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Avionics Retrofit
Long-lifecycle avionics programs often specify the Altera EPC family because of its mature datasheet and proven reliability record. The EPC16QI100N's industrial -40C to +85C operating range covers most military ground and rotary-wing environments, and the 100-PQFP package is rated for the thermal cycling and vibration profiles of DO-160 testing. Per the Altera datasheet, the 16 Mb capacity supports full bitstreams for legacy Stratix and APEX II FPGAs that remain in service decades after introduction, eliminating the cost and certification burden of migrating to newer boot technologies.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top and modular test instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, arbitrary waveform generators) often pair a high-end Altera FPGA with the EPC16QI100N for configuration storage. The 33 MHz configuration clock enables fast instrument boot times - critical for production-line test cells where every second of downtime costs throughput. The 100-PQFP package is hand-solderable and easy to socket, simplifying field repair of legacy instruments. The in-system programmability lets manufacturers push calibration updates or new measurement algorithms over JTAG without opening the instrument chassis.
Recommended
Legacy PLC / Industrial Controller Upgrade Path
Many long-lived programmable logic controllers and industrial automation platforms continue shipping with Altera FPGAs configured by the EPC16QI100N. The mature datasheet and well-understood reliability profile allow procurement teams to source the part without re-qualifying the platform. Per the Altera datasheet, the serial configuration interface is identical to other EPC family members, so a single PCB layout can accept EPC4QI100N, EPC8QI100N, or EPC16QI100N depending on the FPGA density used in each controller variant - reducing SKU complexity for the manufacturer.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QI100N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QI100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100 | EPC8QI100N | EPC4QI100N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same | Altera (Intel) - same |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 8 Mb (-50%) | 4 Mb (-75%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| 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 | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Max Configuration Clock | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Memory Type | Flash (ISP) | Flash (ISP) | Flash (ISP) | Flash (ISP) | Flash (ISP) | Flash (ISP) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density 100-PQFP option in the EPC family (vs EPC8QI100N)
- Industrial temperature grade coverage (vs EPC16QC100N)
- Pin-compatible with entire EPC 100-PQFP family (vs EPC4QI100N)
Design Notes
Estimated: the EPC16QI100N draws up to approximately 50 mA during configuration read-out at 33 MHz from a 3.3 V rail. Place a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VCC pin (pins 1, 21, 51, 81) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the 3.3 V rail. Keep the VCC trace short and wide (>= 0.5 mm) to minimize IR drop during configuration bursts.
Route the DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE traces as a matched-length group to the host FPGA; keep trace impedance at 50 ohms and avoid stubs. Per the Altera datasheet, the DCLK trace should be kept short (< 50 mm) and shielded with ground on both sides to preserve signal integrity at the 33 MHz configuration clock. Avoid routing these signals near switching power converter edges or noisy digital buses.
Do not confuse the EPC16QI100N (industrial -40C to +85C) with the EPC16QC100N (commercial 0C to +70C); substituting the wrong temperature grade in an outdoor or industrial application will void the operating range. Also verify the FPGA bitstream fits in the PROM - 16 Mb holds most Stratix designs but very large Stratix II bitstreams may require cascading two EPC16 devices or upgrading to a higher-density EPC part.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings. AEC-Q100 is not applicable (this is a configuration memory, not an automotive-grade analog/power IC). Halogen-free status and conflict-minerals compliance not explicitly stated in verified data.
