EPC16QI100TBAC - Altera Enhanced Configuration PROM 16Mb | FPGA
MPN: EPC16QI100TBAC ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $21.75 | $2,175.00 |
| 500 | $18.4 | $9,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.95 | $15,950.00 |
EPC16QI100TBAC Overview
What is an Enhanced Configuration Device? An Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) is a non-volatile flash-memory companion IC that stores FPGA configuration bitstreams and delivers them to the target FPGA at power-up or under host control. It replaces older discrete EPROM + micro-controller boot-prom designs with a single chip that integrates the configuration controller, flash array, and interface logic, reducing BOM count and simplifying multi-FPGA system bring-up.
Key features of the EPC16QI100TBAC include 16 Mbits (2 Mbytes) of storage, support for up to eight configuration pages selectable via PGM[2..0] pins, dynamic in-system reconfiguration, 3.3V single-supply operation, and a 100-pin PQFP package. The page-mode feature allows designers to store up to eight distinct FPGA images and switch between them at runtime, enabling field upgrades, A/B redundancy, and multi-persona hardware platforms.
The architecture separates configuration control logic from the flash array, allowing data compression (up to 15-30% density gain depending on FPGA family) and built-in error detection. The IC supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan and programming, plus a 4-pin passive serial interface option. Configuration clock rates up to 40 MHz in synchronous mode minimize FPGA wake-up time for fast-boot applications.
Typical applications include Altera/Intel Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria FPGA boot memory, telecom line cards requiring remote firmware upgrades, industrial controllers with multi-image fallback, broadcast video processing platforms, and military/aerospace systems requiring multi-persona reconfigurable hardware. The wide-pitch 100-pin PQFP package is suitable for production through-hole soldering and is often chosen for legacy or high-reliability assemblies where BGA is undesirable.
When designing with the EPC16QI100TBAC, ensure the 3.3V supply rail is decoupled with 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors placed within 5 mm of the power pins, and follow Altera's configuration waveform timing diagrams for nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE handshaking. For multi-page designs, allocate PGM[2..0] to GPIO outputs on a host MCU or CPLD to allow runtime page selection. The IC is rated for the industrial temperature range and is lead-free.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical configuration-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16QI100TBAC — 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 EPC16QI100TBAC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Memory Size, Memory Type, Configuration Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100TBAC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) |
| Memory Type | Flash (Enhanced Configuration Device) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Configuration Modes | Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS), Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA), Passive Serial (PS) |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 40 MHz |
| Number of Configuration Pages | Up to 8 (selectable via PGM[2..0]) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (via JTAG / IEEE 1149.1) |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan and programming) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Altera Stratix, Cyclone, Arria series |
| Data Compression | Supported (15-30% density gain depending on target FPGA) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PQFP) |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| Dynamic Reconfiguration | Yes (page mode via PGM[2..0] pins) |
| Configuration Controller | Integrated |
| Programming Interface | JTAG / 4-wire passive serial |
EPC16QI100TBAC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Configuration data bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | DATA3 — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 6 | DATA4 — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | DATA5 — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | DATA6 — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | DATA7 — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | DATA8 — Configuration data bit 8 |
| Pin 12 | DATA9 — Configuration data bit 9 |
| Pin 13 | DATA10 — Configuration data bit 10 |
| Pin 14 | DATA11 — Configuration data bit 11 |
| Pin 15 | DATA12 — Configuration data bit 12 |
| Pin 16 | DATA13 — Configuration data bit 13 |
| Pin 17 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 18 | DATA14 — Configuration data bit 14 |
| Pin 19 | DATA15 — Configuration data bit 15 |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 21 | DCLK — Configuration clock (up to 40 MHz) |
| Pin 22 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 23 | nSTATUS — Status flag (active low) |
| Pin 24 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 25 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete flag |
| Pin 26 | PGM0 — Page select bit 0 |
| Pin 27 | PGM1 — Page select bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | PGM2 — Page select bit 2 |
| Pin 29 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 30 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 31 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 32 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 33 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 34 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 35 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 36 | nRESET — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 46 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 49 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 50 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 51 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 52 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 53 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 54 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 55 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 56 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 57 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 58 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 59 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 60 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 61 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 62 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 63 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 64 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 65 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 66 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 67 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 68 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 69 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 70 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 71 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 72 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 73 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 74 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 75 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 76 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 77 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 78 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 79 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 80 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 81 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 82 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 83 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 84 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 85 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 86 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 87 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 88 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 89 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 90 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 91 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 92 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 93 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 94 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 95 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 96 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 97 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 98 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 99 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 100 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC16QI100TBAC is suitable for 7 applications: Altera/Intel Cyclone Series FPGA Boot Memory, Telecom Line Card with Remote Firmware Upgrade, Industrial Multi-Persona Reconfigurable Hardware, Broadcast Video Processing Platforms, Military/Aerospace Multi-Mission Reconfigurable Systems, Test & Measurement Instrumentation with Multi-FPGA Setup, Medical Imaging Device FPGA Configuration.
Altera/Intel Cyclone Series FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC16QI100TBAC is the canonical boot-PROM companion for Altera Cyclone III and Cyclone IV FPGAs, providing 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) of non-volatile configuration storage. With 3.3V single-supply operation, it connects directly to the Cyclone MSEL[2..0]-configured Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS) interface and streams configuration data at up to 40 MHz DCLK, achieving <100 ms wake-up times for fast-boot industrial control applications. The 16 Mbit capacity comfortably fits Cyclone III EP3C40/EP3C80 and Cyclone IV EP4CE40/EP4CE55 bitstreams even with compression disabled. Designers should strap MSEL pins for AS or PPS mode and follow Altera's configuration waveform timing diagrams for nSTATUS/nCONFIG/CONF_DONE handshaking.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card with Remote Firmware Upgrade
Telecommunications line cards built on Altera Stratix III/IV or Arria GX FPGAs use the EPC16QI100TBAC to support remote field upgrades. The on-chip 8-page memory architecture (selectable via PGM[2..0]) allows an A/B redundancy scheme: one page holds the current production image, a second holds a staged upgrade, and a third holds a known-good golden image for fallback if a remote upgrade is interrupted. A host CPU writes the new image to a spare page over JTAG or SPI, asserts the PGM bits to switch, and triggers nCONFIG to reload. The 100-pin PQFP package withstands the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range required by ETSI EN 300 019 telecom ambient specifications.
Recommended
Industrial Multi-Persona Reconfigurable Hardware
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial test platforms that need to host multiple FPGA personalities on a single board leverage the EPC16QI100TBAC's 8-page capability to switch between operation modes in the field. Up to eight distinct FPGA bitstreams - for example, a motor-control image, a vision-processing image, and a communications-protocol image - can be stored simultaneously and selected via three GPIO pins driven by a host MCU. Compared with smaller 1-Mbit or 4-Mbit EPC parts, the EPC16QI100TBAC's 16 Mbit capacity accommodates the largest persona without compression. The 100-pin PQFP's through-hole-friendly lead pitch supports hand-soldered rework on legacy industrial boards where BGA is not acceptable.
Recommended
Broadcast Video Processing Platforms
Broadcast video routers and SDI/HDMI processing cards built on Altera Arria GX FPGAs require reliable configuration memory that can hold multi-format firmware. The EPC16QI100TBAC stores up to 16 Mbit of configuration data, sufficient for Arria GX EP1AGX20/EP1AGX35 bitstreams including soft-core CPU subsystems. Its in-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) means broadcast OEMs can apply field updates without removing cards from the chassis. The dynamic page-mode reconfiguration also enables runtime switching between HD and UHD processing pipelines in the same hardware, a common requirement in modern broadcast infrastructure.
Recommended
Military/Aerospace Multi-Mission Reconfigurable Systems
Defense and aerospace platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) avionics and electronic-warfare subsystems use the EPC16QI100TBAC to support multi-mission reconfigurability. Up to eight mission-specific FPGA images (ISR, EW, communications) can be stored in the 16 Mbit flash array and selected by mission profile via PGM[2..0], enabling a single hardware platform to be re-tasked in the field without physical swap. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range meets MIL-STD-810 environmental requirements for many deployed platforms. The wide-pitch PQFP-100 package is also preferred for high-shock/vibration environments where fine-pitch BGA solder joints are a reliability concern.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation with Multi-FPGA Setup
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and bench-top instruments built around multiple Altera FPGAs use the EPC16QI100TBAC as a single-chip multi-FPGA configuration store. Because the EPC can cascade configuration data to multiple FPGAs in daisy-chain mode, one EPC16QI100TBAC can boot a chain of two or three FPGAs, eliminating the need for per-FPGA boot PROMs and reducing BOM cost. The 16 Mbit density supports the largest test-instrument firmware images, and the JTAG interface allows production-line programming and post-assembly verification. The 100-pin PQFP is well suited to bench-instrument PCBs that prioritize reworkability over board density.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Device FPGA Configuration
Medical imaging systems such as ultrasound carts, CT scanners, and digital X-ray detectors built on Altera Stratix or Arria FPGAs use the EPC16QI100TBAC for reliable regulatory-compliant boot storage. The 16 Mbit capacity holds the full imaging-pipeline bitstream including soft-core CPU firmware, DSP blocks, and image-processing IP. The in-system JTAG programmability allows OEMs to apply FDA-tracked field updates without disassembling the device. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range suits the elevated ambient temperatures inside sealed imaging enclosures. Altera's long-life-cycle support of legacy FPGAs in medical grade programs makes the EPC16QI100TBAC a stable choice for IEC 60601-1 compliant designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16QI100TBAC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QI100N | EPC16QI100T | EPC16QI100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QC100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 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 | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Configuration Pages | Up to 8 (PGM[2..0]) | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Target FPGA Family | Cyclone III/IV, Arria GX (3.3V) | Cyclone III/IV, Arria GX | Cyclone III/IV, Arria GX | Cyclone III/IV, Arria GX | Stratix/Stratix-II/APEX20KE (1.8V) | Stratix/Stratix-II/APEX20KE (1.8V) | Stratix/Stratix-II/APEX20KE (1.8V) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade in PQFP-100 footprint (vs EPC16QI100N)
- 3.3V configuration signaling for modern Altera FPGAs (vs EPC16QC100)
- Eight-page dynamic reconfiguration capability (vs Single-page EPC1/EPC4 boot PROMs)
Design Notes
Decouple the EPC16QI100TBAC 3.3V supply with a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VCC pin, plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the package. The configuration device draws brief peak currents during read bursts; insufficient decoupling can corrupt configuration data and cause FPGA configuration failures that are difficult to debug. Place the decoupling on the same layer as the device with vias direct to the ground plane.
Route the 16-bit DATA[15..0] bus to the target FPGA in a controlled-impedance topology with matched lengths within +/- 200 mils to preserve signal integrity at the 40 MHz maximum DCLK rate. Keep DCLK and nCONFIG traces short and isolated from switching-power lines. Place the EPC16QI100TBAC within 50 mm of the target FPGA to minimize transmission-line effects, and provide a solid ground reference plane directly under the DATA bus.
MSEL pin strapping on the target FPGA must match the configuration mode (PPS or PPA) selected on the EPC16QI100TBAC. A common design error is leaving MSEL floating or tying it to the wrong voltage, which causes the FPGA to attempt AS or JTAG configuration and fail to handshake with the EPC. Always consult Altera's configuration handbook for the target FPGA's MSEL pin configuration table, and tie MSEL pins to VCC or GND via 1 kohm resistors rather than direct straps for easy rework.
The nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE open-drain handshaking signals require external 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VCC. Failing to provide adequate pull-up strength causes intermittent configuration failures on long or noisy boards. The JTAG chain TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO signals should also be pulled to known states at board reset to prevent spurious JTAG state transitions that can leave the EPC in an undefined configuration mode.
Although the PQFP-100 package has a moderate theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W, the EPC16QI100TBAC's flash read/write operations generate brief power bursts. For industrial applications operating at the +85C upper temperature limit, ensure at least 1 square inch of unbroken copper pour is provided on both top and bottom PCB layers connected to the GND pins. Forced airflow is not required at typical configuration-clock rates but is recommended for sustained JTAG programming during production.
Compliance Information
Lead-free per JEDEC J-STD-020. RoHS compliance and REACH status confirmed via Altera/Intel product environmental compliance documentation. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration memory IC, not an automotive-qualified analog/power device. Lifecycle status: last-time-buy; plan design-in replacement strategy using newer EPC16QI100 variants or migration to Intel MAX-series configuration devices.
