EPC16UC80 - 16Mb Enhanced Config Device, 80-pin UBGA | Altera
MPN: EPC16UC80 ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.8 | $168.00 |
| 100 | $14.95 | $1,495.00 |
| 500 | $13.2 | $6,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.75 | $11,750.00 |
EPC16UC80 Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) is a flash-backed configuration PROM that stores FPGA bitstreams in non-volatile memory and uses an internal controller to load the bitstream into the SRAM-based LUT device at power-up or reconfiguration. The hierarchy is: configuration PROM -> configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Synonyms include "EPC16", "EPC16 configuration device", and "EPC16 enhanced PROM". The EPC16 family succeeds the older EPC2/EPC1 generation by adding in-system programmability, faster configuration clocks, and larger densities (4/8/16 Mbit).
Key features include 16 Mbit of configuration memory organized as 8 sections for multi-boot support, in-system programmability via JTAG or the Altera ByteBlaster/USB-Blaster, 33 MHz configuration clock at FPP, 3.3 V single supply, and 100,000 erase/program cycles endurance. The dedicated configuration controller offloads bitstream decompression and error checking from the host FPGA, simplifying board design.
The EPC16UC80 architecture pairs a flash array with a hard-wired configuration controller implementing the Altera Passive Parallel (FPP), Passive Serial (PS), and JTAG configuration schemes. On POR the controller drives nSTATUS, CONFIG_DONE, and DCLK to the target FPGA and streams configuration frames at up to 33 MHz in parallel mode, supporting Stratix/Stratix II/Stratix III/Stratix GX, Cyclone/Cyclone II/Cyclone III, APEX 20K/II/IIE, and Mercury families.
Typical applications include Altera FPGA configuration storage on Stratix-based DSP boards, Cyclone-based industrial controllers, APEX-based prototyping platforms, and multi-FPGA processing cards. The 80-ball UBGA footprint saves board area versus the older 100-pin PQFP EPC16 variants.
When designing with EPC16UC80, route the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI) in a daisy chain across EPC16 plus the target FPGA so factory programming and boundary-scan work without board rework. Decouple VCC with 0.1 uF + 10 uF within 5 mm of the ball array, and observe the 8-section / multi-boot page-mode timing in the datasheet when issuing remote updates.
This page synthesizes the EPC16UC80 datasheet, the EPC16 family datasheet (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16), distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not collated in any single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UC80 — 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 EPC16UC80 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Memory Size, Configuration Interface, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88AA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC80 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit |
| Device Family | EPC4 / EPC8 / EPC16 Enhanced Configuration Device |
| Configuration Memory Sections | 8 (multi-boot capable) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (typical 3.3 V) |
| Configuration Clock (DCLK) | Up to 33 MHz (FPP mode) |
| Configuration Modes | FPP, PS, JTAG |
| Interface | Parallel data + DCLK + nSTATUS + nCONFIG + CONFIG_DONE |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 JTAG) |
| Endurance | 100,000 erase/program cycles (per datasheet) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 80-ball UBGA (Ultra FineLine BGA), 11x8 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supported Target FPGAs | Stratix/II/III/GX, Cyclone/II/III, APEX 20K/II/IIE, Mercury |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Compliant per Altera product page |
| Multi-Device Daisy-Chain | Yes |
EPC16UC80 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin A2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin A3 | DATA[0] — Configuration data bit 0 |
| Pin A4 | DATA[1] — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin A5 | DATA[2] — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin A6 | DATA[3] — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin A7 | DCLK — Configuration clock |
| Pin A8 | nCONFIG — Configuration start (active-low) |
| Pin A9 | nSTATUS — Status output (active-low) |
| Pin A10 | CONFIG_DONE — Configuration complete |
| Pin B1 | GND — Ground |
| Pin B2 | VCC — Core supply voltage 3.3 V |
| Pin B3 | DATA[4] — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin B4 | DATA[5] — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin B5 | DATA[6] — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin B6 | DATA[7] — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin B7 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin B8 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin B9 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin B10 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
Typical Applications
EPC16UC80 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix / Stratix II / Stratix III Configuration Storage, Cyclone / Cyclone II / Cyclone III Low-Cost FPGA Boards, APEX 20K / APEX II / APEX IIE Prototyping Platforms, Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Military / Aerospace Single-Board Computers.
Stratix / Stratix II / Stratix III Configuration Storage
The EPC16UC80 stores the Stratix/II/III bitstream in 16 Mbit of flash-backed configuration memory and streams it via FPP at 33 MHz DCLK on power-up. Its 8 multi-boot sections allow remote-update fallback to a known-good image, and the in-system JTAG programming eliminates the need for a separate PROM programmer during production.
Recommended
Cyclone / Cyclone II / Cyclone III Low-Cost FPGA Boards
On Cyclone-based cost-sensitive boards the EPC16UC80 supplies up to 16 Mbit of configuration memory via Passive Serial mode at typical 20 MHz DCLK, sufficient for the largest Cyclone III EP3C120 bitstreams. The 80-ball UBGA footprint saves roughly 30 percent board area versus the 100-pin PQFP EPC16 variants, an advantage on space-constrained industrial controller PCBs.
Recommended
APEX 20K / APEX II / APEX IIE Prototyping Platforms
The EPC16UC80 supports the legacy APEX 20K family via Passive Parallel and Passive Serial configuration, allowing the part to drop into existing APEX-based prototyping boards without firmware changes. Per the Altera datasheet the FPP controller drives nSTATUS and CONFIG_DONE at APEX-compatible timings, so designers upgrading from EPC2 to EPC16UC80 gain 4x density without layout rework on 80-ball UBGA footprints.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration
In multi-FPGA signal-processing cards (e.g. 4x Stratix DSP arrays) the EPC16UC80 acts as the chain master, daisy-chaining CONFIG_DONE and nSTATUS across all FPGAs. Per the datasheet, configuration in PS daisy-chain mode is limited to 20 MHz DCLK to maintain signal integrity, so total configuration time for four large FPGAs is roughly 200 ms. The 8-section multi-boot further allows per-FPGA image selection.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
Factory-automation controllers built on Cyclone III or APEX II FPGAs benefit from the EPC16UC80's 100,000-cycle endurance and -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range, which supports 24/7 operation for 10+ years with frequent remote updates. The in-system JTAG ISP enables firmware refresh over Ethernet without halting the line, and the 80-ball UBGA package provides better mechanical reliability than PQFP in vibration-heavy environments.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Single-Board Computers
Defense and aerospace single-board computers use the EPC16UC80 to store SRAM-based LUT FPGA bitstreams for radar, EW, and SIGINT processing. The 80-ball UBGA package provides excellent thermal performance and mechanical ruggedness versus PQFP alternatives, and the part's known temperature range of -40 C to +85 C supports MIL-STD-810 environmental profiles when paired with proper conformal coating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UC80 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88N | EPC16UC88AA | EPC16QI100N | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 80-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) | 88-ball UBGA - same BGA family | 88-ball UBGA - same BGA family | 100-pin PQFP - PCB rework needed | 100-pin PQFP - PCB rework needed | 100-pin PQFP - PCB rework needed |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Modes | FPP / PS / JTAG | FPP / PS / JTAG | FPP / PS / JTAG | FPP / PS / JTAG | FPP / PS / JTAG | FPP / PS / JTAG |
| DCLK Frequency (max) | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Multi-Boot Sections | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest package in the EPC16 family (vs EPC16QI100N)
- Last-time-buy availability with validated alternates (vs EPC16UC88N)
- 8 multi-boot sections for remote update (vs EPC2 legacy parts)
Design Notes
The EPC16UC80 requires a single 3.3 V supply on VCC and VCCIO. Decouple each ball row with 0.1 uF X7R ceramic plus one 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm of the BGA. During JTAG in-system programming peak current can reach 50 mA; a 22 uF bulk reservoir is recommended to prevent VCC droop below 3.0 V.
Route JTAG signals (TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI) in a single daisy-chain that includes the EPC16UC80 plus all target FPGAs. Keep DCLK trace length under 50 mm and add a 33 ohm series termination resistor at the EPC16UC80 DCLK ball to dampen reflections at 33 MHz FPP. Per the datasheet, nSTATUS and CONFIG_DONE are open-drain outputs and require 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VCCIO.
Do not confuse EPC16UC80 with EPC16UC88 or EPC16UC100 when sourcing - the part suffix encodes the package (UBGA80 / UBGA88 / PQFP100) and the pinouts differ. When migrating from EPC2 designs, verify the target FPGA's CONF_DONE timing matches the EPC16's 33 MHz FPP controller; legacy EPC2 firmware images must be regenerated through Altera Quartus for the EPC16 controller to accept them.
Estimated: at 33 MHz FPP continuous read, EPC16UC80 dissipation is approximately 0.3 W (3.3 V x 90 mA). The 80-ball UBGA package has theta_JA of about 35 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, so junction temperature rise is roughly 10 C above ambient. No heatsink is required, but provide at least 1 square inch of unbroken ground pour under the BGA for thermal spreading.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Altera product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an industrial/commercial configuration memory, not an automotive-grade part. Halogen-free status not stated in verified web data - marked unknown.
