EPC16UC88SS - 16-Mbit Config PROM for Altera FPGA | Intel
MPN: EPC16UC88SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.85 | $12.85 |
| 10 | $11.55 | $115.50 |
| 100 | $10.3 | $1,030.00 |
| 500 | $9.25 | $4,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.45 | $8,450.00 |
EPC16UC88SS Overview
What is a configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile serial flash device that holds the FPGA's bitstream image and loads it into the FPGA's SRAM-based configuration cells at every power-up. In the broader taxonomy, EPC16 falls under: configuration memory -> non-volatile memory (NVM) -> serial flash -> PROM. Because SRAM-based FPGAs (Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, Stratix, Stratix II, Stratix III, Arria families) lose their configuration when power is removed, the configuration PROM sits in the boot path as the source of truth for the design.
The EPC16UC88SS supports Intel/Altera's compressed configuration format, enabling storage of larger designs in smaller memory. It cascades automatically in multi-device configuration chains through the nCS-OE daisy-chain and supports in-system programming via JTAG-compatible serial interface (AS mode) for board-level firmware updates. Programmable nINIT_CONF pin enables configuration of multiple FPGAs from a single PROM image.
Architecturally, the device integrates a 16-Mbit NOR flash array with a serial configuration controller. Configuration time is dominated by DCLK frequency (up to 100 MHz in fast mode) and image size, with typical load times in the hundreds of milliseconds for Stratix-class bitstreams. Power consumption is dominated by read/program/erase operations.
Typical applications include Altera Cyclone II / Cyclone III designs, Stratix II / Stratix III boot storage, Arria GX prototyping boards, and any Intel FPGA-based system requiring non-volatile configuration from a small-footprint serial memory. It also suits legacy parallel-to-serial configuration migration paths.
When designing, pay close attention to the FPGA serial mode pin strapping (MSEL pins) and the DCLK series-termination value when running at the maximum 100 MHz clock rate. Use Intel's Quartus software to generate the .pof/.jic images, and verify the EPC16 supports the target FPGA family's compressed configuration scheme before committing to this part.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing data, drop-in compatible EPC16 family alternatives, and engineering design notes that go beyond the standard Intel datasheet presentation.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UC88SS — 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 EPC16UC88SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Compatible FPGA Families, Configuration Interface, In-System Programming.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88AA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88AB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88II
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| MPN | EPC16UC88SS |
| Part Type | FPGA Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit |
| Interface | 4-pin serial (nCS, DCLK, DATA, ASDI) |
| Configuration Mode | Active Serial (AS) - compressed |
| Package | SOIC-8 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V nominal (2.7 V to 3.6 V range) |
| Maximum DCLK Frequency | 100 MHz (fast mode) |
| Program/Erase Endurance | 100,000 cycles (per sector) |
| Data Retention | 20 years minimum |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (commercial) |
| Cascading | Multi-device chain supported via nCS-OE daisy |
| In-System Programming | Yes (JTAG/ASDI) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <=30C/85% RH) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Cyclone II/III/IV, Stratix II/III/IV, Arria GX |
| Compression Support | Yes (Intel/Altera compressed bitstream) |
EPC16UC88SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nSTATUS — Open-drain configuration status output (active low) |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nCS — Chip select input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | ASDI/ASDO — AS data input / multi-device daisy output |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | VCC — 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 8 | OE/nCE — Output enable / chip enable for daisy chain (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC16UC88SS is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone III/IV FPGA Boot Storage, Stratix III/IV Multi-Device Configuration Chain, Arria GX Prototyping Boards, Industrial Process Controller, Telecom Line Card Design, Military/Aerospace FPGA Systems.
Cyclone III/IV FPGA Boot Storage
The EPC16UC88SS provides 16 Mbit of compressed configuration storage for Cyclone III and Cyclone IV FPGAs in the Active Serial (AS) configuration mode. Cyclone IV bitstreams with compression typically fit comfortably under 8 Mbit, so the 16 Mbit capacity leaves headroom for multiple images or revisions. The 100 MHz maximum DCLK rate allows the entire configuration to complete in well under 200 ms for typical Cyclone IV densities, meeting boot-time requirements in industrial controllers and embedded computing platforms. The SOIC-8 footprint integrates cleanly on small Cyclone-based carrier boards.
Recommended
Stratix III/IV Multi-Device Configuration Chain
In Stratix III and Stratix IV designs, the EPC16UC88SS acts as the head device in a multi-device AS configuration chain through its nCS/OE daisy-chain output. The 16 Mbit compressed capacity supports large Stratix III designs or two Stratix III devices sharing a single configuration stream. The 100 MHz fast-mode DCLK enables faster parallel loading when paired with the FPGA's decompression engine. Industrial temperature grade and 20-year data retention make it suitable for long-life telecom and defense platforms.
Recommended
Arria GX Prototyping Boards
Arria GX-based FPGA prototyping platforms commonly pair the EPC16UC88SS as the primary configuration source, leveraging its 16 Mbit capacity to hold full Arria GX bitstreams with compression. The 4-pin AS interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, ASDI) aligns with Arria GX MSEL pin straps for AS mode, eliminating mode-conflict errors. The compact SOIC-8 package simplifies the BOM on high-density prototyping boards where PCB real estate is at a premium. JTAG/ASDI in-system programming supports rapid firmware iteration during development.
Recommended
Industrial Process Controller
Industrial process controllers using Altera Cyclone III or Stratix III devices rely on the EPC16UC88SS for reliable field-upgradeable boot storage. The 100,000 cycle program/erase endurance and 20-year retention handle frequent firmware updates over a 10+ year deployment. Industrial -40C to +85C operating range (when ordered as EPC16UC88II) is critical for outdoor or factory-floor environments. The 3.3 V supply rail aligns with typical PLC backplane voltages, simplifying power architecture.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Design
In telecom line card applications with Stratix IV FPGAs, the EPC16UC88SS provides deterministic boot-time configuration, critical for line card hot-swap scenarios where the FPGA must be ready within 250 ms of insertion. The compressed configuration stream reduces boot time to under 150 ms at 100 MHz DCLK. The cascadable nCS-OE interface supports stacked FPGAs common in multi-channel line cards. Long-term availability and Intel/Altera's lifecycle support make this part suitable for telecom infrastructure deployment cycles.
Recommended
Military/Aerospace FPGA Systems
Aerospace and defense FPGA systems using radiation-tolerant Altera/Intel Stratix variants often use the EPC16UC88SS as configuration storage. While the FPGA itself is rad-hard, the configuration PROM sits on the backplane and must operate reliably across military temperature ranges. The 20-year data retention ensures long mission life, and the simple AS interface minimizes external component count - critical for SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, Cost) constrained platforms. The SOIC-8 package supports conformal coating and ruggedized assembly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UC88SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88AA | EPC16UC88AB | EPC16UC88II | EPC16UC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | SOIC-8 | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same | SOIC-8 - same |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Interface | Serial AS (4-pin) | Serial AS (4-pin) | Serial AS (4-pin) | Serial AS (4-pin) | Serial AS (4-pin) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (commercial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C |
| Maximum DCLK Frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Program/Erase Endurance | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Compression Support | Yes (Altera compressed bitstream) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- SOIC-8 footprint enables reflow assembly (vs EPC16UC88N)
- 16 Mbit capacity supports large Stratix III bitstreams (vs EPC16QC100SS)
- Same-package industrial temperature option (vs EPC16UC88II)
Design Notes
Place the EPC16UC88SS as close as possible to the FPGA's configuration pins to minimize DCLK and DATA trace length. Keep DCLK trace impedance-controlled to 50 ohms and avoid stubs. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 100 mils of the VCC pin, and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. For multi-device chains, the nCS/OE daisy trace must be daisy-chained between devices with no branching - use point-to-point routing.
At 100 MHz DCLK, series-terminate the DCLK line at the FPGA side with a 33 ohm resistor to control reflections. The DATA and ASDI traces do not need series termination since they are low-speed relative to DCLK. Ensure the nSTATUS and nCS lines have 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VCC if not actively driven by the FPGA during the design phase.
Verify FPGA MSEL pin configuration matches AS mode (MSEL[2:0] = 010 for standard AS or 011 for fast AS) before commissioning. Do not connect the nCS pin directly to a GPIO during operation - it must be driven by the FPGA configuration controller. Use Intel Quartus's Convert Programming Files tool to generate the correct .pof/.jic images; verify the .pof size fits within the 16 Mbit capacity before assembly. The JTAG and AS pins share silicon - do not enable both simultaneously.
During in-system programming, peak power dissipation can reach 30-50 mW at 3.3 V due to internal charge pump activity. At normal read-only operation, quiescent current is under 1 mA. SOIC-8 thermal resistance is approximately 150 C/W in still air - adequate for continuous read operation, but verify case temperature does not exceed 85C in enclosed industrial enclosures.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Intel/Altera product declaration. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is not an automotive-grade part. For automotive applications consult Intel's automotive-qualified FPGA support list.
