EPC16UI88 - 16Mb Config Device, 88-UBGA | Intel (Altera)
MPN: EPC16UI88 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.85 | $8.85 |
| 10 | $7.92 | $79.20 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $5.95 | $2,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.21 | $5,210.00 |
EPC16UI88 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that retains the FPGA bitstream when system power is removed. At power-on reset, the FPGA enters configuration mode and clocks data out of the PROM through a serial configuration chain (typically Altera's Passive Serial, Passive Parallel Synchronous, or Passive Parallel Asynchronous modes). The EPC16 family supports multi-device configuration chains, allowing one PROM to configure multiple FPGAs, or stacking several PROMs to configure larger devices. Compared with loading bitstreams from external flash, EPC16 devices reduce board space, lower BOM cost, and provide Altera-validated timing guarantees for configuration clock rates up to 100 MHz.
Key specifications include 16 Mb of configuration memory (2 Mbytes), 3.3V core supply, JTAG/IEEE 1149.1 in-system programmability, support for multi-device cascading, and an operating temperature range suitable for industrial applications. The 88-ball UBGA package provides fine-pitch interconnect with thermal characteristics appropriate for embedded industrial and communication systems where the PROM is mounted near the FPGA it configures. The device's low standby current and rapid configuration clock support fast system wake-up times.
The EPC16UI88 supports several Altera configuration modes: Passive Serial (PS), Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS), Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA), and JTAG. Configuration is initiated by the FPGA's nCONFIG pin, after which the PROM presents bitstream data on DATA[7:0] (parallel) or DATA0 (serial) under control of DCLK. Designers must ensure that the EPC16UI88's density and package match the target FPGA's configuration requirements before final placement.
Typical applications include Altera Cyclone II/III, Cyclone IV, Stratix II, and Stratix III FPGA-based embedded boards in industrial automation, communications infrastructure, and test-and-measurement systems. The PROM enables remote field upgrades through JTAG, simplifying firmware revision management in deployed equipment.
When designing with the EPC16UI88, follow Altera's recommended decoupling scheme (0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors close to VCC pins) and route JTAG signals as a four-wire bus (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) with proper termination. Ensure that the configuration clock frequency is within the FPGA's supported range, and verify multi-device cascade timing when chaining multiple FPGAs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Altera EPC16 family, and practical configuration design notes not found on a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UI88 — 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 EPC16UI88 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88AA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88II
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88AB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UI88 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 16 Mb (2 MB) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera Passive Serial / Passive Parallel (Sync & Async) / JTAG |
| Core Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG (in-system programmable) |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 100 MHz |
| Cascading Support | Multi-device configuration chains |
| Supported FPGA Families | Altera Cyclone II/III/IV, Stratix II/III, APEX II |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA (Ultra FineLine BGA), 11x8 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
EPC16UI88 88-ball ubga (ultra fineline bga), 11x8 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16UI88 (88-ball ubga (ultra fineline bga), 11x8 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 EPC16UI88.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16UI88 is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone III FPGA Configuration, Altera Stratix II FPGA Configuration, Industrial Automation Control Boards, Communications Infrastructure (Baseband / DSP Boards), Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Military / Aerospace Single-Board Computers.
Altera Cyclone III FPGA Configuration
The EPC16UI88 stores the 16 Mb configuration bitstream that boots Altera Cyclone III FPGAs at system power-on. The PROM streams the bitstream to the FPGA through the Passive Serial (PS) or Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS) interface, governed by the Cyclone III nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake. With up to 100 MHz DCLK, the EPC16UI88 loads mid-density Cyclone III bitstreams in tens of milliseconds, enabling rapid FPGA wake-up. The 88-ball UBGA package mounts directly beneath or adjacent to the Cyclone III on the same PCB. Compared with loading bitstreams from external parallel flash, the EPC16UI88 reduces BOM cost, simplifies board layout, and provides Altera-validated timing. The JTAG interface also enables field firmware updates via ByteBlasterMV or USB-Blaster cables.
Recommended
Altera Stratix II FPGA Configuration
The EPC16UI88 supports configuration of mid-density Altera Stratix II FPGAs that require 16 Mb of bitstream storage. Stratix II devices use the Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA) mode supported by the EPC16UI88, which streams data on DATA[7:0] controlled by DCLK and the FPGA's nCONFIG signal. The PROM's 3.3V supply and 88-ball UBGA package suit high-density telecom and DSP boards. With cascading support via nCE/nCEO, multiple Stratix II FPGAs can be configured sequentially from one PROM chain. Per Altera configuration documentation, designers must verify that the target Stratix II device's bitstream fits within 16 Mb before final placement, and must follow the reference schematic for DCLK trace length matching.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Control Boards
Industrial automation controllers using Altera Cyclone II or Cyclone IV FPGAs rely on the EPC16UI88 for reliable field-deployed boot storage. The PROM's industrial operating temperature range (-40C to +85C) and in-system JTAG programmability simplify factory firmware provisioning and remote firmware updates via JTAG without removing the board from service. Industrial PLC and motion-control boards benefit from the compact 88-ball UBGA package, which fits within the dense control board layout alongside motor driver and analog front-end circuits. The PROM's 3.3V supply aligns with industrial 24V-to-3.3V power architectures. For new industrial designs, Altera recommends migrating to EPCQ16 serial flash with Cyclone V/10, but the EPC16UI88 remains in production for legacy platforms.
Recommended
Communications Infrastructure (Baseband / DSP Boards)
Telecommunications baseband and DSP boards often use Altera Stratix II/III or Cyclone III FPGAs that require parallel configuration PROMs. The EPC16UI88 streams the configuration bitstream at up to 100 MHz DCLK, minimizing baseband-card boot latency - critical in hot-swap, line-card-insertion, and redundant-ring failover scenarios. The 88-ball UBGA package allows tight placement near the FPGA to keep DCLK and DATA[7:0] traces short, reducing EMI susceptibility. The PROM's low standby current supports cold-spare line cards where quiescent power is constrained. Multi-device cascade support enables one PROM chain to load multiple FPGAs on the same baseband card, reducing total BOM cost.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test-and-measurement instruments such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers use mid-density Altera FPGAs that the EPC16UI88 configures at power-up. The PROM's JTAG in-system programmability allows instrument manufacturers to ship products with one firmware and field-update them for new measurement standards or compliance updates - critical for long-lifecycle test equipment deployed in validation labs. The 88-ball UBGA package supports dense multi-FPGA instruments where several FPGAs collaborate on DSP and data-acquisition tasks. Combined with nCE/nCEO cascading, the EPC16UI88 simplifies configuration management across multi-FPGA instruments while preserving the precise timing the FPGA needs at boot.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Single-Board Computers
Legacy military and aerospace single-board computers use Altera Cyclone, Stratix II, and APEX II FPGAs that the EPC16UI88 configures. The industrial temperature range and ruggedized board designs in this segment require stable boot PROMs that retain bitstreams for many years without bit-rot. The EPC16UI88's JTAG field-upgrade capability supports mission updates for deployed systems. The 88-ball UBGA is compatible with high-vibration, conformal-coated board assemblies. For new aerospace designs, Altera recommends newer EPCQ flash on supported FPGAs, but the EPC16UI88 continues to support legacy platforms with field-proven reliability and Altera documentation covering configuration timing, JTAG chain order, and cascade topology.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UI88 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88 | EPC16UC88AA | EPC16UC88II | EPC16UC88N | EPC16UC88AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same | 88-ball UBGA (11x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Memory Density | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| JTAG Programming | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) |
| RoHS Status | Non-RoHS (SnPb balls) | Non-RoHS | Non-RoHS | Non-RoHS | RoHS-compliant (lead-free) | RoHS-compliant + automotive |
| Automotive Grade | No | No | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No (industrial temp) | No | Yes (AEC-Q100 + lead-free) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Configuration Clock (max) | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density Altera configuration PROM with parallel interface in UBGA-88 (vs EPC16QC100)
- Compatible with legacy Altera parallel-configuration FPGAs (vs EPCQ16)
- Drop-in upgrade path to lead-free EPC16UC88N (vs EPC16UC88N)
Design Notes
Decouple VCC pins on the EPC16UI88 with 0.1 uF ceramic and 10 uF bulk capacitors placed within 5 mm of the BGA balls, per Altera reference schematics. The 3.3V supply should be derived from the same low-noise rail that powers the target FPGA's VCCINT/VCCAUX to avoid ground-bounce-induced configuration errors. Bulk capacitors must supply the inrush current during DCLK-driven configuration without violating VCC droop tolerances.
Route DCLK and DATA[7:0] traces as a tightly matched bus with length-matched within 50 mils to avoid configuration timing violations. Per Altera configuration documentation, trace impedance should be controlled to 50 ohms single-ended. Place the EPC16UI88 within 50 mm of the target FPGA to minimize trace-induced jitter on DCLK at 100 MHz operation.
Do not use the EPC16UI88 with newer Altera FPGAs such as Cyclone V/10, Arria, or Stratix V/10 - those use EPCQ serial flash, not EPC16 parallel PROMs. Verify the target FPGA's configuration controller in its datasheet before selecting the EPC16UI88. The 16 Mb capacity also must exceed the FPGA bitstream size; otherwise, configure bitstream compression or migrate to a denser PROM.
Compliance Information
EPC16UI88 standard variant uses SnPb BGA balls (non-RoHS). For RoHS-compliant applications, choose EPC16UC88N (lead-free drop-in). AEC-Q100 automotive variants are EPC16UC88AA and EPC16UC88AB. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status were not retrieved from the verified web data - confirm with manufacturer declarations.
