EPC16U188N - 16Mb Altera Enhanced Configuration Device | FPGA
MPN: EPC16U188N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26.2 | $262.00 |
| 100 | $23.8 | $2,380.00 |
| 500 | $21.5 | $10,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.95 | $19,950.00 |
EPC16U188N Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device (ECD) is a serial configuration memory that bridges non-volatile storage and volatile FPGA logic. When the system powers up, the FPGA loads its configuration bitstream from the EPC device through a multi-wire serial interface, then transitions into user-defined operation. ECDs extend the original EPC family by adding in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG), built-in decompression engines, and dedicated parallel flash interfaces (PIA) for high-speed configuration of large FPGAs.
The EPC16U188N supports FPP (Fast Passive Parallel), PS (Passive Serial), AS (Active Serial), and JTAG configuration modes. Internal decompression (decompression multiplier of 1, 2, or 4) reduces FPGA configuration file size by up to 4x, while a 100,000-cycle endurance rating and 20-year data retention ensure reliable multi-year deployment in industrial, telecom, and embedded computing systems. Built-in remote update capability enables field upgrades via the PIA bus without external components.
The architecture integrates a 16-Mbit flash core with a JTAG-compliant ISP engine, CRC error detection, and a configuration controller compatible with all Altera SRAM FPGAs. Multi-voltage I/O banks allow direct connection to 1.8V-3.3V FPGA configuration pins without level shifters, simplifying PCB layout. The 188-ball UBGA package provides high pin density for multi-bank I/O and supports the parallel flash interface required for fast configuration of high-density FPGAs.
Typical applications include Altera Cyclone and Stratix FPGA configuration storage, remote system update via Ethernet or serial links, factory-configurable embedded computing boards, industrial controllers, and telecom line cards. The device is commonly used in designs requiring multi-bitstream storage for system redundancy or A/B firmware updates in field-deployed equipment.
When designing with the EPC16U188N, ensure that the JTAG chain is properly terminated and that the nINIT_CONF and nSTATUS pins are connected to the target FPGA per the Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet guidelines. Use external 10k pull-up resistors on open-drain configuration control pins, and verify the nCS, nOE, and CLK timing against the FPGA configuration controller requirements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate your FPGA configuration memory selection.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16U188N — 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 EPC16U188N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Interface, Memory Type, Memory Density.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16U188N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100DM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16U188N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit |
| FPGA Family Support | Altera Cyclone, Stratix, APEX series |
| Configuration Modes | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG |
| Decompression | Built-in (multiplier 1x, 2x, 4x) |
| Interface | Parallel Flash Interface (PIA), JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| I/O Voltage Support | 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 5.0V |
| Endurance | 100,000 erase/program cycles |
| Data Retention | 20 years |
| Package | 188-ball Ultra FineLine BGA (UBGA) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
EPC16U188N 188-ball ultra fineline bga (ubga) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16U188N (188-ball ultra fineline bga (ubga) 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 EPC16U188N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16U188N is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration, Stratix FPGA Multi-Bitstream Storage, Industrial Control Boards with Field Updates, Telecom Line Card Configuration, Factory-Configurable Embedded Computing, Legacy FPGA Design Maintenance.
Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration
The EPC16U188N is the standard configuration memory for Altera Cyclone and Cyclone II FPGAs in industrial embedded designs. Its 16 Mbit capacity easily stores compressed Cyclone bitstreams (the device supports 1x/2x/4x decompression, reducing required storage by up to 4x). The 188-ball UBGA package places it within 2 inches of the FPGA on the PCB, keeping the nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and DCLK traces short and avoiding signal-integrity issues. Multi-voltage I/O (1.8V/2.5V/3.3V/5.0V) connects directly to the Cyclone's configuration pins without level shifters. Designers using Cyclone III and later migrate to Altera Active Serial (SPI flash) configuration, but for Cyclone II designs the EPC16U188N remains the canonical solution.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Multi-Bitstream Storage
For Altera Stratix and Stratix II FPGAs, the EPC16U188N provides non-volatile storage for two or more configuration bitstreams using its built-in remote update capability. Industrial systems frequently need A/B firmware selection for fail-safe updates, and the EPC16U188N's parallel flash interface (PIA) allows an external microcontroller to switch between stored images without JTAG access. The 20-year data retention and 100,000 erase/program cycle endurance are sufficient for hundreds of field updates across the product's service life.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards with Field Updates
Industrial controllers, PLCs, and SCADA hardware use the EPC16U188N to enable remote firmware updates over Ethernet, RS-485, or cellular modems. The PIA bus allows the host CPU to write a new image into the EPC at 30+ MB/s, after which the FPGA reboots from the updated bitstream. This pattern supports regulatory-compliant field updates (e.g., IEC 61508 SIL-rated systems) where JTAG access is unavailable after deployment.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards use the EPC16U188N to configure Altera APEX and Stratix FPGAs that implement packet processing, SERDES bridging, and timing synchronization. The device's industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) and 20-year data retention meet telecom equipment environmental requirements. Built-in CRC error detection during FPGA configuration prevents loading of corrupted bitstreams that would otherwise crash the system at power-up.
Recommended
Factory-Configurable Embedded Computing
Embedded SBCs and COM (Computer-on-Module) boards often ship with customer-specific FPGA configuration bitstreams pre-loaded into the EPC16U188N during board bring-up. The JTAG ISP interface simplifies factory programming via standard Altera USB-Blaster or compatible JTAG programmers, and the device's BGA package provides the mechanical reliability required for industrial and automotive embedded modules subjected to vibration.
Recommended
Legacy FPGA Design Maintenance
Long-lifecycle products in aerospace, medical, and defense markets continue to use the EPC16U188N because re-qualifying an FPGA configuration memory against the original design's safety certifications is expensive. The 20-year data retention and 100,000-cycle endurance make the EPC16U188N suitable for 15-20 year deployed product lifecycles. Designers maintaining legacy designs can source factory-fresh stock through authorized distributors or contact Intel FPGA for last-time-buy notifications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16U188N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QI100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100T | EPC16QC100DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 188-ball UBGA | 100-pin BGA (not 188-ball UBGA) | 100-pin BGA (not 188-ball UBGA) | 100-pin BGA (not 188-ball UBGA) | 100-pin BGA (not 188-ball UBGA) | 100-pin BGA (not 188-ball UBGA) |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| I/O Voltage Support | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V |
| Configuration Modes | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG |
| Decompression | 1x / 2x / 4x | 1x / 2x / 4x | 1x / 2x / 4x | 1x / 2x / 4x | 1x / 2x / 4x | 1x / 2x / 4x |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Endurance | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Data Retention | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- 188-ball UBGA package with high pin density (vs EPC16UI88N (88-ball UBGA))
- Multi-voltage I/O support across 4 standards (vs EPC4 / EPC8 (older 5V-only devices))
- Built-in decompression up to 4x (vs Standard EPC1 / EPC2 (no decompression))
Design Notes
The 188-ball UBGA package has a 1.27 mm ball pitch and uses an 11x8 ball array. PCB layout should use 0.4 mm drilled micro-vias with 0.6 mm capture pads; use 4 or more micro-via layers to fan out inner balls. Place the EPC16U188N within 50 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and DCLK trace lengths and avoid reflections. Add 10 kohm pull-up resistors on nINIT_CONF, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE lines to VCCIO. The exposed die paddle is internally connected to GND - connect all board ground planes to it for thermal dissipation.
The configuration interface between the EPC16U188N and the Altera FPGA operates at the DCLK frequency (typically 20-100 MHz in FPP mode). Match trace lengths for the 8-bit DATA bus and DCLK within 0.5 mm to prevent setup/hold violations. Place a 33 ohm series damping resistor near the FPGA on each DATA line to reduce ringing. For multi-voltage I/O banks, isolate each bank's VCCIO with a ferrite bead and 0.1 uF + 10 uF decoupling capacitor to prevent switching noise coupling between banks.
Do not confuse the EPC16U188N (188-ball UBGA, 16 Mbit) with the EPC16UI88N (88-ball UBGA, 16 Mbit industrial). Although both are 16-Mbit devices, they use different BGA footprints and are NOT pin-compatible. Verify the package suffix carefully when ordering: '188' = 188-ball, '88' = 88-ball. Also note that the EPC16U188N requires external pull-ups on nSTATUS and CONF_DONE - leaving these floating will prevent FPGA configuration from completing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Altera/Intel product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the EPC16U188N is intended for industrial/commercial use, not automotive. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
