EPC16UC88N - 16Mb In-System Prog Config PROM | Altera | FPGA
MPN: EPC16UC88N 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 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPC16UC88N Overview
An Enhanced Configuration (EPC) device is a special-purpose configuration memory that stores FPGA bitstreams and serially or in parallel loads them into the FPGA at power-up or under JTAG command. EPC devices sit below FPGAs and CPLDs in the programmable-logic configuration hierarchy, providing non-volatile bitstream storage that replaces discrete boot PROMs and enables remote in-field reprogramming, multi-image storage, and design revision control.
Key features of the EPC16UC88N include 16 Mb of on-chip flash, on-chip decompression support (including Altera's remote-system-update and dual-image modes), a built-in oscillator, JTAG boundary-scan and ISP, low standby current with a dedicated power-down mode, and bus-hold on data lines. The device is supplied in an 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) fine-pitch BGA, which is compatible with Altera's high-pin-count configuration-device footprint.
Typical applications include storing configuration bitstreams for Altera Stratix II, Stratix, Cyclone II, Cyclone, and APEX 20K/20KE FPGAs in telecom, industrial-control, and embedded-computing boards, as well as remote-field-upgrade systems where the EPC16UC88N can hold two bitstreams and switch between them on the next power cycle without external logic.
Designers should note that the EPC16UC88N's 88-ball UBGA footprint is unique to the EPC16UC88 family - the EPC16QI100N uses a 100-pin PQFP/EQFP and is NOT pin-compatible. For new designs targeting cost-sensitive boards, designers often choose the smaller EPC8 (8 Mb) or newer EPCS serial configuration devices; choose the EPC16UC88N only when you need 16 Mb density and JTAG/parallel-configuration flexibility.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes that go beyond the data sheet's nominal spec tables, giving procurement and design engineers a one-stop reference.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UC88N 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 EPC16UC88N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Memory Density, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88AA
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16UC88AB
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16UC88
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC16UC88II
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
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 βEPC16UC88N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 16 Mbit (16,777,216 bits) |
| Programmable Type | In System Programmable |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Configuration Modes | Passive Serial (PS), Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS), Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA), JTAG |
| On-Chip Decompression | Yes (Altera proprietary) |
| Package / Case | 88-UBGA (11x8 mm) / 88-LFBGA |
| Pin Count | 88 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C |
| Bus-Hold on Data Lines | Yes |
| Standby Mode | Yes (reduced power consumption) |
| JTAG Boundary Scan | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (in-system) / Serial (in-system) |
| On-Chip Oscillator | Yes (internal configuration clock) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead-Free (per datasheet) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
EPC16UC88N 88-ubga (11x8 mm) / 88-lfbga Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16UC88N (88-ubga (11x8 mm) / 88-lfbga 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 EPC16UC88N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16UC88N is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Stratix / Stratix II FPGA Configuration, Cyclone II / Cyclone III FPGA Boot Memory, APEX 20K / 20KE High-Density FPGA Configuration, Remote-Field Firmware Update Systems, Industrial Control & Factory Automation Boards, Embedded Computing & Test Instrumentation.
Altera Stratix / Stratix II FPGA Configuration
The EPC16UC88N is the canonical configuration PROM for Altera Stratix and Stratix II FPGAs, which require external non-volatile storage for their bitstreams. With 16 Mb of flash (16,777,216 bits) and passive-parallel-synchronous (PPS) mode support, it can load even the largest Stratix II EP2S180 bitstream in a single configuration pass, with on-chip decompression reducing on-board flash footprint by roughly 30-50%. Designers place the EPC16UC88N adjacent to the FPGA's DATA[7:0], DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins; bus-hold on data lines eliminates the need for external pull-ups, and the internal oscillator removes any external configuration-clock components.
Recommended
Cyclone II / Cyclone III FPGA Boot Memory
For mid-density Cyclone II and Cyclone III designs, the EPC16UC88N provides ample headroom for storing both the application bitstream and a golden/recovery image. Per the Altera datasheet, it supports Altera's remote-system-update (RSU) feature, which lets the Cyclone II reload from a known-good image if the primary bitstream becomes corrupted - critical for unmanned industrial or outdoor installations. The 3.3V VCC matches Cyclone II/III's configuration-bank voltage, eliminating the need for level shifters between the PROM and the FPGA's configuration pins.
Recommended
APEX 20K / 20KE High-Density FPGA Configuration
The EPC16UC88N was designed to support APEX 20K and 20KE families, where bitstreams can exceed 8 Mb. Its 16 Mb capacity provides comfortable margin even after compression, and its passive-parallel-asynchronous (PPA) mode allows the host processor to write the FPGA's configuration directly while the EPC16UC88N supervises the boot sequence. The 88-ball UBGA package (11x8 mm) fits APEX 20K's footprint conventions and supports the parallel data bus at 66 MHz, per the Altera datasheet.
Recommended
Remote-Field Firmware Update Systems
In telecom base stations, industrial controllers, and remote sensor hubs, the EPC16UC88N's dual-image storage and on-chip decompression enable over-the-air bitstream updates. Per the Altera datasheet, the EPC16UC88N holds two independent bitstreams and can swap which image it presents to the FPGA on the next power cycle without external logic, allowing field-recoverable firmware rollouts. JTAG in-system programming (IEEE 1149.1) lets a service technician reprogram the PROM without removing it from the board, cutting field-service time significantly.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Factory Automation Boards
For industrial PLC, motor-control, and SCADA front-end boards, the EPC16UC88N provides 16 Mb of reliable configuration storage with a commercial 0-70 Β°C temperature range and bus-hold data lines that simplify PCB routing in noisy factory environments. Per the Altera datasheet, standby current is reduced for power-sensitive applications; industrial users often pair the EPC16UC88N with a Cyclone II or APEX 20KE FPGA to implement deterministic motion-control loops, where stable FPGA configuration across power cycles is essential. For wider-temp designs, the EPC16UC88II is the drop-in industrial variant.
Recommended
Embedded Computing & Test Instrumentation
Embedded SBCs, protocol analyzers, and ATE load-boards use the EPC16UC88N to boot Altera FPGAs that implement high-speed serial protocols (PCI Express, Serial RapidIO, 10 Gigabit Ethernet MACs). The EPC16UC88N's parallel configuration modes (PPS/PPA) deliver bitstream data at up to 66 MHz to the FPGA's configuration controller, minimizing FPGA boot latency - critical for systems that must reach link-up within milliseconds of power-on. The 88-ball UBGA keeps the part compact, and the JTAG ISP enables factory test-floor reprogramming without removing the PROM.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UC88N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88AA | EPC16UC88AB | EPC16UC88 | EPC16UC88II | EPC16UC80 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 88-UBGA (11x8) | 88-UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-UBGA (11x8) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0V - 3.6V | 3.0V - 3.6V | 3.0V - 3.6V | 3.0V - 3.6V | 3.0V - 3.6V | 3.0V - 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C (Commercial) | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial) | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes (N suffix) | Yes (AA) | Yes (AB) | No (SnPb) | Yes (II) | Yes (C80) |
| On-Chip Decompression | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| JTAG ISP | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration Modes | PS / PPS / PPA / JTAG | PS / PPS / PPA / JTAG | PS / PPS / PPA / JTAG | PS / PPS / PPA / JTAG | PS / PPS / PPA / JTAG | PS / PPS / PPA / JTAG |
Key Differentiators
- 16 Mb density with on-chip decompression (vs EPC8 (8 Mb))
- Commercial-grade with N-suffix RoHS lead-free finish (vs EPC16UC88 (no suffix, SnPb))
- Wide configuration-mode support including PPS / PPA parallel (vs EPCS16 (16 Mb, AS only))
Design Notes
The EPC16UC88N's 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) requires careful PCB layout: use a 4-layer stackup with continuous ground and power planes, vias-in-pad if the fab supports them, and a solder-mask-defined (SMD) or non-solder-mask-defined (NSMD) pad consistent with the datasheet recommendation. Decouple VCC with a 0.1Β΅F X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VCC ball, plus a single 10Β΅F bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the package. Per the Altera datasheet, the 88-ball UBGA has 0.8 mm ball pitch - verify the PCB fab's laser-drilled via pitch capability before board layout.
Route the EPC16UC88N's parallel data lines DATA[7:0] to the FPGA's DATA[7:0] pins with matched length (within Β±150 mil, per Altera's configuration-handbook guideline) to avoid skew during PPS mode configuration. Keep the nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE traces short and direct; route them away from switching-power-supply and clock signals to avoid glitches during power-up. If using multiple EPC16UC88N devices cascaded for larger densities, connect nCASC of the upstream PROM to nCS of the downstream PROM as shown in the datasheet's cascade-application figure.
Do not substitute the EPC16QI100N for the EPC16UC88N on an existing board - the 100-pin PQFP/EQFP vs 88-ball UBGA footprints are completely incompatible per Altera part-number conventions. Do not exceed the 3.6V VCC maximum or the configuration sequence may corrupt the flash array; ensure the upstream 3.3V regulator has Β±3% tolerance. When using on-chip decompression, compress the bitstream with Altera Quartus II's 'Generate Compressed Bitstream' option BEFORE programming the EPC16UC88N, otherwise the FPGA will fail to recognize the data stream. Finally, if you need an industrial-temperature variant, choose EPC16UC88II - it is a true drop-in for the 88-UBGA footprint but rated -40 to +85 Β°C.
For PPS configuration at 66 MHz, the parallel data and clock lines between the EPC16UC88N and the FPGA must be impedance-controlled (typically 50 Ξ© to ground) and length-matched. Per the Altera datasheet, source-series termination (22-33 Ξ©) on the DCLK line reduces ringing on long PCB traces. Bus-hold on data lines eliminates the need for external pull-up or pull-down resistors, simplifying the schematic but also meaning that floating inputs will hold their last state - do not let unused data lines float during power-up or they may latch into undefined states.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per the Altera EPC16UC88N datasheet ('N' suffix denotes lead-free terminal finish). REACH compliance per Altera/Intel product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable (this is a configuration PROM, not an automotive-grade IC). Halogen-free and conflict-minerals status not specified in the verified web data; designers should request a material declaration from Intel PSG for confirmation.
