EPC16UC88AB - 16Mb FPGA Config Device, 88-LFBGA | Altera
MPN: EPC16UC88AB β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $22.1 | $2,210.00 |
| 500 | $19.85 | $9,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.4 | $17,400.00 |
EPC16UC88AB Overview
An FPGA configuration device is a specialized non-volatile memory that stores the bitstream which the FPGA reads at power-up to define its logic function. Configuration devices sit at the bottom of the FPGA design hierarchy: configuration PROM -> FPGA configuration controller -> programmable logic fabric -> digital system. Unlike generic SPI flash, configuration devices implement the Altera-specific multi-boot, decompression, and page-mode configuration protocols needed to load large Stratix-series bitstreams quickly and reliably in production systems.
Key features of the EPC16UC88AB include 16 Mb of flash storage organized as configuration pages, support for 1.8 V core logic compatibility, and a dedicated JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface that allows ISP (in-system programmability) via standard JTAG tools. The device supports both Passive Serial (PS) and Active Serial configuration schemes used by Altera FPGAs, plus remote system upgrade for field updates. It is electrically and footprint compatible with the EPC16 family, allowing design reuse across projects.
The on-chip architecture combines a flash memory array with a built-in configuration controller state machine. This state machine implements the multi-boot, error detection, and remote upgrade features specified by the Altera enhanced configuration device specification, simplifying host firmware because the FPGA itself drives all configuration handshaking through dedicated pins.
Typical applications include booting Altera Stratix and Cyclone series FPGAs, factory-floor remote firmware update over JTAG, telecom line cards that require remote reconfigurability, industrial control boards that store multiple bitstream revisions, and military/aerospace subsystems using multi-boot redundancy. Designers often select the EPC16UC88AB when the target FPGA is too large for a smaller EPC4 or EPC8.
When designing with this device, allocate adequate board space for the 88-ball LFBGA package, route JTAG signals cleanly to a header for ISP, and add the recommended 100 nF + 10 Β΅F decoupling network close to the VCC pins. The configuration controller will not start until nCONFIG is asserted by the host, so the power-rail sequencing between the EPC16 and the FPGA must be considered.
This page synthesizes stock levels from multiple authorized distributors, lists drop-in 88-LFBGA equivalents from the same EPC16 family, and offers practical layout and ISP guidance that is not duplicated on the manufacturer datasheet front page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UC88AB 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 EPC16UC88AB (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Operating Temperature, Memory Type, Compatible FPGA Families.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88AA
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16UC88
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Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC16UC80
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$11.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16U88
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$11.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16JC88
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16UC88AB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile Flash Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Passive Serial (PS), Active Serial (AS), JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (via JTAG) |
| Multi-Boot Support | Yes |
| Remote System Upgrade | Yes |
| Page Mode | Yes (fast parallel configuration) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 88-LFBGA (FineLine BGA) |
| Package Code | UC88 |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Altera Stratix, Cyclone, Arria series |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Datasheet Document | EPC4, EPC8 & EPC16 Enhanced Configuration Devices Data Sheet |
EPC16UC88AB uc88 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16UC88AB (uc88 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 EPC16UC88AB.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16UC88AB is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Configuration, Cyclone FPGA Configuration, Remote System Upgrade / Field Reprogramming, Industrial Control Boards, Telecom Line Cards, Multi-Boot Redundancy for Aerospace.
Stratix FPGA Configuration
The EPC16UC88AB is the canonical configuration device for mid- and large-density Stratix-series FPGAs whose bitstreams exceed 8 Mb. With 16 Mb of flash storage and the Altera enhanced configuration controller, it streams the entire Stratix bitstream in Passive Serial mode at the maximum DCLK rate supported by the FPGA, while preserving the multi-boot and decompression features used in Stratix fault-tolerant designs. The 88-ball LFBGA footprint saves valuable board area versus the older 100-pin QFP EPC16 package variants, which is critical in dense line-card layouts. Designers typically connect nCE high, route nCONFIG/nSTATUS/DATA0/DCLK in a point-to-point chain, and rely on the EPC16UC88AB's built-in remote system upgrade to field-update the Stratix over JTAG without a service call.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Configuration
Cyclone-series FPGAs (Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III) with bitstreams approaching 8 Mb can use the EPC16UC88AB to gain headroom and to support design revisions without re-spinning the configuration hardware. Although the EPC8 (8 Mb) is the typical minimum for these families, the EPC16UC88AB is preferred when the design uses the EPC16 multi-boot feature to hold two bitstream revisions for A/B redundancy, or when the customer plans to migrate to a larger Cyclone III device later. The Passive Serial interface on the EPC16UC88AB is bit-compatible with all Cyclone CONF_DONE and nCONFIG timing requirements, allowing direct connection to the Cyclone MSEL[2:0] configuration-mode pins set for AS or PS mode.
Recommended
Remote System Upgrade / Field Reprogramming
The EPC16UC88AB supports Altera's remote system upgrade feature, allowing the host processor to trigger an FPGA reconfiguration from a new bitstream page over the JTAG or serial interface without physical access. This is essential in telecom line cards, remote radio units, and substation automation where field service is costly. With 16 Mb split across multiple configuration pages, the EPC16UC88AB can hold a primary image, a fallback (golden) image, and one or two update slots, giving designers a robust fail-safe update path. The watch-dog timer and CRC check inside the EPC16UC88AB detect failed configuration attempts and automatically revert to the golden page, which is mandatory for IEC 61850 and similar industrial protocols.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards
Factory-floor controllers using Altera Cyclone or Arria FPGAs rely on the EPC16UC88AB for non-volatile storage of the control logic bitstream. The 88-LFBGA package is well-suited to industrial SBC form factors where the configuration device sits beneath or beside the FPGA. Designers benefit from JTAG-based in-system programming during factory acceptance testing, allowing last-minute firmware changes without removing the configuration device from the board. The EPC16UC88AB's wide operating voltage tolerance (3.3 V core) and industrial temperature support make it a stable choice for PLC, motor drive, and SCADA platforms that demand 10-15 year lifecycle continuity.
Recommended
Telecom Line Cards
ATCA and AdvancedTCA line cards that use Altera Arria or Stratix FPGAs for packet processing often pair the FPGA with the EPC16UC88AB in a 1:1 configuration. The 88-LFBGA package fits beneath the FPGA on the same side of the board, allowing single-side assembly and reducing BOM cost. Remote upgrade over the IPMI bus is enabled by the EPC16UC88AB's multi-boot and page-mode features, so the central office can push a new bitstream without dispatching a technician. For NEBS-compliant designs, the EPC16UC88AB's lead-free 88-LFBGA package meets the thermal and reliability requirements of carrier-grade hardware.
Recommended
Multi-Boot Redundancy for Aerospace
Aerospace and defense subsystems that require dual-redundant FPGA images use the EPC16UC88AB's multi-boot controller to hold a primary bitstream and a verified golden fallback image in separate flash pages. If the primary image fails CRC on configuration, the EPC16UC88AB automatically chains to the fallback image, supporting DO-254 and similar design-assurance workflows. The 88-LFBGA package is ruggedized for vibration and thermal-cycling environments typical of avionics enclosures, and the 16 Mb density accommodates the larger bitstreams of radiation-tolerant Arria or Stratix variants. Designers also exploit JTAG ISP to load mission-specific bitstreams on the production floor.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UC88AB β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88AA | EPC16UC88 | EPC16UC80 | EPC16U88 | EPC16JC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 88-LFBGA | 88-LFBGA - same | 88-LFBGA - same | 88-LFBGA - same | 88-LFBGA - same | 88-LFBGA - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | PS, AS, JTAG | PS, AS, JTAG | PS, AS, JTAG | PS, AS, JTAG | PS, AS, JTAG | PS, AS, JTAG |
| Multi-Boot Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Stratix / Cyclone / Arria | Stratix / Cyclone / Arria | Stratix / Cyclone / Arria | Stratix / Cyclone / Arria | Stratix / Cyclone / Arria | Stratix / Cyclone / Arria |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
| Lifecycle Status | Active (mature line) | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 88-ball LFBGA package saves board area versus the 100-pin QFP EPC16 variants (vs EPC16QC100)
- Drop-in compatibility across the entire UC88 ordering suffix family (vs EPC16UC88AA)
- Mature production status with active distributor inventory (vs EPC16QI100N)
Design Notes
Place the EPC16UC88AB as close as possible to the target FPGA's configuration pins (nCE, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, DATA0, DCLK) to minimize trace length. Per the Altera enhanced configuration datasheet, the EPC16 should sit within 2 inches of the FPGA and share a continuous ground plane. The 88-ball LFBGA uses 0.8 mm pitch - follow the recommended land pattern exactly and use NSMD pads with via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out to avoid solder joint voids during reflow.
Decouple the EPC16UC88AB with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of each VCC ball, plus a bulk 10 Β΅F tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the board entry. Power-up ramp should be monotonic; if the host cannot guarantee monotonic ramp, add a reset supervisor to hold nCONFIG low until the EPC16 rail is stable. Do not share decoupling with noisy switching rails - keep the EPC16 VCC island separate from FPGA core/MGT supplies.
Estimated: Programming time for a full 16 Mb image via JTAG is approximately 10-30 seconds depending on TCK frequency and JTAG chain length. Do not interrupt power during programming - a corrupted flash page will fail CRC and trigger the multi-boot fallback. Always verify the .pof checksum after JTAG programming using Quartus Prime's verify step. When using multi-boot, dedicate at least one flash page to the golden image and disable remote writes to that page in the EPC16 option bits.
Series-terminate DCLK and DATA0 with 33 Ξ© resistors placed near the EPC16UC88AB driver end when the FPGA is more than 4 inches away or when the configuration chain includes multiple FPGAs. Keep JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) on a separate routing layer or guarded by ground to avoid crosstalk from high-speed FPGA transceivers. The nSTATUS line is open-drain - pull up to VCCIO with 10 kΞ© and do not buffer it.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant lead-free 88-LFBGA package per Altera/Intel PSG product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (FPGA configuration devices are not typically automotive-qualified). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
