EPC16UC88T - 16Mb FPGA Config PROM | Altera
MPN: EPC16UC88T ⚠ Last Time Buy| 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 | $9.95 | $9,950.00 |
EPC16UC88T Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial Flash device that holds the FPGA bitstream and serially clocks it into the FPGA at power-up through the dedicated configuration port. The EPC16UC88T belongs to the Altera Enhanced Configuration Device family (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16) - the EPC16 is the largest-density member of this family, providing 16 Mbits of storage in a compact footprint, making it well suited for designs that have outgrown the EPC8 or EPC4 but still need a simple, robust, in-system programmable boot source.
Key features include 16 Mb of Flash, 33 MHz maximum clock rate, in-system programmability via IEEE Std 1149.1 (JTAG), cascade support for higher density designs, and an nINIT_CONF_DONE open-drain status output that the FPGA can monitor during multi-PROM cascading. The 88-ball UBGA package is pin-compatible across the EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 family, allowing designers to step up density without changing the PCB layout.
The EPC16UC88T uses a 33 MHz DCLK-domain serial protocol, with the configuration data shifted out on the rising edge of DCLK and latched by the FPGA on the falling edge. Because the EPC16 family predates Altera's later serial quad-mode (EPCQ) and active serial (EPCS/EPCQ-A) families, designers migrating to newer Cyclone 10, MAX 10, or Cyclone V SoC devices must confirm JTAG-mode compatibility, as MSEL configuration modes have evolved.
Typical applications include boot-configuration for legacy Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix II, Stratix III, Stratix IV, Arria GX, and other SRAM-based Altera FPGAs; industrial control boards; telecommunications line cards; test and measurement equipment; military and aerospace form-fit-function retrofits; and any design that must store a multi-megabit FPGA bitstream outside the FPGA itself. The EPC16's 16 Mb capacity comfortably holds bitstreams for medium-to-large FPGAs in the early-2000s to mid-2010s generation.
When designing with the EPC16UC88T, ensure the MSEL[2:0] pins on the FPGA are set to FPP or PS configuration mode compatible with 3.3 V EPC16 signalling, since mixing 1.8 V EPCQ-L devices with a 3.3 V EPC16 will damage inputs. JTAG chain ordering must place the EPC16 in the correct TAP position relative to the FPGA so the FPGA can reprogram the PROM in-system without contention. Decoupling: place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor directly under the package BGA balls on each VCC island to suppress switching noise during bitstream loading.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family density alternatives, and practical configuration-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers source and validate the EPC16UC88T quickly.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UC88T — 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 EPC16UC88T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Compatible FPGA Families, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88
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View Datasheet →EPC16UC88AA
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$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88AB
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$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88II
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$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88SS
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$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88NT
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View Datasheet →EPC16UC88N
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$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16JC88
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$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile Flash configuration PROM (in-system programmable) |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit (2,097,152 x 8 bits) |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (4-wire: nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF_DONE) |
| Maximum DCLK Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA, 11 mm x 8 mm |
| In-System Programming | IEEE Std 1149.1 (JTAG) |
| Cascade Support | Yes (for higher density multi-PROM chains) |
| MSEL Compatibility | FPP / PS configuration modes (3.3 V legacy) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix II, Stratix III, Stratix IV, Arria GX |
| Family Density Step | Largest member of EPC4 / EPC8 / EPC16 family |
| Open-Drain nINIT_CONF_DONE | Yes |
EPC16UC88T 88-ball ubga, 11 mm x 8 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16UC88T (88-ball ubga, 11 mm x 8 mm 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 EPC16UC88T.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16UC88T is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone II FPGA Boot Configuration, Stratix III/IV Multi-PROM Cascading, Industrial Control & Factory Automation, Telecom Line Card Bitstream Storage, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Military & Aerospace Form-Fit-Function Retrofit.
Cyclone II FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC16UC88T provides primary boot storage for Altera Cyclone II FPGAs in PS configuration mode. The 16 Mbit density holds bitstreams for EP2C5 through EP2C70 devices (which span 1.2 to 6.3 Mbit uncompressed), with the FPGA driving DCLK at up to 33 MHz to clock bitstream data out of the PROM. The EPC16UC88T's 3.3 V signalling matches Cyclone II's VCCIO bank requirements, eliminating level shifters. Its nINIT_CONF_DONE open-drain pin lets the FPGA detect configuration completion and begin user-mode operation within milliseconds of power-up. In-system JTAG programmability allows field firmware updates without removing the board.
Recommended
Stratix III/IV Multi-PROM Cascading
For Stratix III and Stratix IV FPGAs whose bitstreams exceed 16 Mbit, designers cascade two EPC16UC88T devices using the nCASC chain. The first PROM holds the lower 16 Mbit and asserts nCASC low to enable the second PROM, which then streams the upper 16 Mbit to the FPGA at 33 MHz DCLK. This cascaded configuration delivers 32 Mbit of non-volatile storage at 3.3 V, sufficient for S60/S80/S230 Stratix devices. The UBGA-88 footprint simplifies board layout when two EPC16 devices are mounted side by side, and the JTAG chain supports in-system reprogramming of both PROMs in a single scan operation.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Factory Automation
The EPC16UC88T's industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade and 3.3 V tolerance suit factory-floor PLCs, motor controllers, and industrial gateways powered by 24 V->3.3 V rails. The PROM reliably boots Cyclone II or Cyclone III FPGAs that handle EtherCAT, PROFINET, or Modbus-TCP real-time Ethernet stacks at the fieldbus layer. In-system JTAG programming enables field firmware updates over the factory network without powering down the line. Designers retain legacy FPP/PS boot mode while modernising firmware, avoiding PCB changes that would be required to migrate to active-serial EPCQ devices.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Bitstream Storage
In ATCA/AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA telecom line cards, the EPC16UC88T provides redundant non-volatile storage for the line-card FPGA, which typically implements packet classification, encryption offload, or SERDES aggregation. The 16 Mbit density holds the FPGA bitstream plus an optional golden-image copy for fail-safe field upgrades. Multi-PROM cascading enables Stratix IV-based line cards to boot from 32 Mbit of EPC16 storage at 3.3 V. Hot-swap safety is enhanced by the PROM's JTAG-controlled in-system update, allowing carriers to push bitstream changes during maintenance windows without service interruption.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and protocol analysers rely on the EPC16UC88T to boot DSP-and-control FPGAs that perform real-time signal processing. The PROM's 33 MHz DCLK enables FPGA configuration in under 200 ms for a 16 Mbit Cyclone II image, minimising instrument power-on delay. Engineers can update FPGA firmware over JTAG during calibration cycles without disassembling the chassis. The UBGA-88 footprint supports dense multi-channel instruments where multiple FPGAs each require their own PROM, and the same PCB layout accommodates the lower-density EPC4UC88 and EPC8UC88 variants for instrument families.
Recommended
Military & Aerospace Form-Fit-Function Retrofit
Long-lifecycle defence and aerospace platforms often require bit-for-bit identical FPGA boot configurations when replacing end-of-life PROMs. The EPC16UC88T's same-density drop-in variants EPC16UC88AA, AB, II, SS, NT, and N provide multiple temperature-grade and screening options without changing the 88-ball UBGA footprint or the bitstream image. Mission-critical systems can thus refresh PROM inventory to address obsolescence while preserving the FPGA's configuration integrity. The JTAG interface supports secure in-system update by depot-level test equipment under controlled access, meeting MIL-STD-454 and DO-254 documentation requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UC88T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88 | EPC16UC88AA | EPC16UC88AB | EPC16UC88II | EPC16UC88SS | EPC16UC88NT | EPC16UC88N | EPC16JC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel FPGA) | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same | Altera (Intel FPGA) - same |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8) - same |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit - same |
| Maximum DCLK Frequency | 33 MHz | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 3.0 V to 3.6 V - same |
| Configuration Interface | FPP / PS serial (4-wire) | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same | FPP / PS serial - same |
| In-System Programming | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same |
| Temperature Grade / Screening | Industrial -40 C to +85 C (T suffix) | Industrial (no -T) | AA screening | AB screening | II industrial screening | SS screening | NT screening | N industrial screening | JC plastic-package variant |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density legacy EPC family PROM at 16 Mbit (vs EPC8UC88)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade (vs EPC16UC88AA)
- Native FPP/PS serial compatibility with legacy Altera FPGAs (vs EPCQ256)
Design Notes
Estimated: EPC16UC88T typically draws 30-50 mA active and 1-5 mA standby at 3.3 V during configuration loading. Provide at least 200 mA of 3.3 V rail headroom on the PROM VCC island so the in-rush during bitstream clock-out does not collapse the rail. Decouple with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic placed within 5 mm of the BGA balls, plus a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. Sequence the PROM VCC with the FPGA VCCIO[2..3] bank that drives DCLK/DATA/nCS to avoid latch-up during power-up.
Do NOT migrate from EPC16UC88T to EPCQ256/EPCQ-A on the same PCB without verifying MSEL[2:0] settings on the FPGA. The EPC16 family uses FPP/PS serial at 3.3 V, while EPCQ devices use active-serial quad-mode at 1.8 V or 3.3 V. Mismatched MSEL settings cause the FPGA to expect a different protocol and fail to configure. Also confirm JTAG chain order: the EPC16 must be downstream of the FPGA in the JTAG scan chain so in-system programming does not lock up the FPGA's configuration logic.
Use a 4-layer PCB with continuous GND plane under the 88-ball UBGA to control impedance on DCLK (33 MHz) and provide a low-impedance return path. Escape the UBGA on a 0.8 mm ball pitch using micro-via-in-pad (VIP) or dog-bone fan-out to inner signal layers. Keep the DATA trace short (under 50 mm) and routed away from switching power nodes to minimise coupling. The nINIT_CONF_DONE trace should be pulled up to VCCIO with a 10 kohm resistor and not paralleled with active FPGA outputs.
Compliance Information
Lifecycle status: last_time_buy per Altera/Intel FPGA product change notifications. RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral declarations were not in the verified web data; refer to the manufacturer datasheet and PCN documents for authoritative compliance status.
