EPC16UI88T - 16Mb Enhanced Config Device, 88-pin UBGA | Altera
MPN: EPC16UI88T ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26 | $260.00 |
| 100 | $23.5 | $2,350.00 |
| 500 | $21.1 | $10,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.2 | $19,200.00 |
EPC16UI88T Overview
An enhanced configuration device (EPC) is a non-volatile flash memory with an Altera-specific serial configuration interface that loads bitstream data into a companion FPGA at power-up, after reconfiguration requests, or via remote in-system programming (ISP). Compared with older EPCS / EPCQ devices, the EPC16 family supports multi-boot, dual-image storage, page-mode decompression and the Altera Passive Parallel (PP) or Passive Serial (AS) configuration schemes, providing a more flexible boot source for Stratix, Cyclone, Arria and other LUT-based Altera devices.
Key features of the EPC16UI88T include 16 Mb of usable configuration memory, parallel data compression to fit larger bitstreams into the same flash density, support for multiple FPGA configuration schemes (PS, AS, FPP), and in-system programmability through the JTAG or Active Serial interface. The device supports a standard 4-wire serial interface plus optional parallel data path, and offers dedicated MSEL[2:0] and nCONFIG/nSTATUS control pins for handshaking with the target FPGA.
Typical applications include boot configuration for mid-density Altera FPGAs (Cyclone III, Cyclone IV, Stratix II GX and similar generation devices), industrial control and factory automation platforms that require remote firmware upgrade capability, networking line cards and base stations, and test/measurement equipment where multi-image storage enables field-safe rollback. The wide operating temperature range and industrial qualification also suit industrial, military, and aerospace ground systems.
When designing with this device, confirm that the target FPGA configuration scheme matches the EPC16 control pin mapping, and observe the 0.8 mm BGA PCB layout rules (laser-drilled vias, microvia stack-ups are recommended for high-density BGA fan-out). Always use the manufacturer-supported Quartus II / Quartus Prime programmer for device programming and verify JTAG chain integrity before ISP operations.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical PCB/boot design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UI88T — 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 EPC16UI88T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Family, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UI88
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UI88N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UI88AA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16U188N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$19.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16JC88
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UI88T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile Flash Configuration Memory |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Device Family | EPC16 Enhanced Configuration Device |
| Target FPGA Type | Altera SRAM-based LUT devices (Cyclone, Stratix, Arria) |
| Supported Configuration Schemes | Passive Serial (PS), Active Serial (AS), Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA (Ultra FineLine BGA) |
| Package Pitch | 0.8 mm |
| Interface | Altera 4-wire serial + optional parallel data |
| In-System Programming | Yes (JTAG and Active Serial) |
| Multi-Boot Support | Yes (dual-image storage) |
| Data Compression | Yes (Altera parallel compression) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
EPC16UI88T 0.8 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC16UI88T (0.8 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 EPC16UI88T.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC16UI88T is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration, Stratix II GX Multi-Image Boot Storage, Industrial PLC and Factory Automation Controllers, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Telecommunications Line Cards, Aerospace Ground Systems and Avionics Spares.
Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC16UI88T stores the configuration bitstream for Altera Cyclone III, Cyclone IV and similar mid-density SRAM-based FPGAs at power-up, providing 16 Mbit of non-volatile storage with multi-boot and parallel data compression to fit larger bitstreams. It connects to the FPGA via the Passive Serial, Active Serial, or Fast Passive Parallel interface, allowing remote in-system programming through JTAG or Active Serial. Designers use this configuration memory in industrial controllers and embedded vision platforms where the 0.8 mm UBGA footprint is already established on the PCB.
Recommended
Stratix II GX Multi-Image Boot Storage
The EPC16UI88T's dual-image multi-boot feature makes it ideal for Stratix II GX-based designs that require a golden image and a field-upgradable image. The 16 Mbit density and parallel data compression allow storage of large Stratix II GX bitstreams with decompression on the fly. Engineers configure the FPGA to fall back to the second image if the first fails CRC verification, supporting field-safe firmware updates in networking line cards and base-station hardware.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Factory Automation Controllers
The EPC16UI88T serves as the configuration store for industrial PLC platforms built on Altera Cyclone or Arria FPGAs, where remote firmware upgrades over JTAG/Active Serial and long-term -40 C to +85 C operation are mandatory. Its multi-boot capability lets factory engineers roll back to a known-good image after a failed field update, reducing truck rolls. The 88-ball UBGA package supports compact, vibration-resistant industrial board layouts when reinforced with underfill.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement instruments benefit from the EPC16UI88T's ability to store multiple FPGA configuration images for different test personalities (e.g., oscilloscope, logic analyzer, BERT) on the same hardware. The 16 Mbit capacity accommodates large Arria II/Arria V bitstreams used in high-speed ADC interfacing. Fast Passive Parallel mode supports faster configuration times, reducing instrument boot latency and improving production-line throughput.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
In telecom line cards built on Altera Stratix II / Stratix IV FPGAs, the EPC16UI88T provides reliable non-volatile configuration storage with in-system programming through the JTAG chain shared with the FPGA. Multi-boot support is critical for telecom equipment requiring field-safe firmware rollouts and carrier-grade reliability. The 88-ball UBGA package and 3.3V operation suit standard telecom board power rails and assembly processes.
Recommended
Aerospace Ground Systems and Avionics Spares
The EPC16UI88T is used in aerospace ground equipment and avionics spares where legacy Altera FPGA designs must continue operating beyond the original part's active lifecycle. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range, multi-boot image fallback, and stable long-term flash retention make it suitable for mission-critical support hardware. Engineers typically qualify multiple sources (EPC16UI88, EPC16UI88N) for obsolescence management per DO-254/DO-160 guidelines.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UI88T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UI88 | EPC16UI88N | EPC16UI88AA | EPC16U188N | EPC16JC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 88-ball UBGA | 88-ball UBGA - same | 88-ball UBGA - same | 88-ball UBGA - same | 88-ball UBGA - same | 88-ball UBGA - same |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Schemes | PS, AS, FPP | PS, AS, FPP | PS, AS, FPP | PS, AS, FPP | PS, AS, FPP | PS, AS, FPP |
| Multi-Boot Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Compression | Yes (parallel) | Yes (parallel) | Yes (parallel) | Yes (parallel) | Yes (parallel) | Yes (parallel) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Primary Use | Altera FPGA boot memory | Altera FPGA boot memory | Altera FPGA boot memory | Altera FPGA boot memory | Altera FPGA boot memory | Altera FPGA boot memory |
Key Differentiators
- Identical 88-ball UBGA footprint for full drop-in swap (vs EPC16UI88)
- Original enhanced configuration device with multi-boot and parallel compression (vs EPCQ16)
- Single 16-Mbit density reduces BOM complexity (vs EPC16UC88 (8 Mbit))
Design Notes
Estimated: the EPC16UI88T's 88-ball UBGA package uses a 0.8 mm pitch; design microvia-in-pad or laser-drilled stacked vias on all BGA pads, and route all signals on inner layers to escape the dense ball array. Use a 4- or 6-layer PCB stack-up with dedicated ground and power planes beneath the device. Avoid routing high-speed signals (DCLK, DATA[15:0]) across plane splits to prevent reference plane discontinuities that degrade signal integrity during Fast Passive Parallel configuration.
Provide a clean 3.3 V rail to the EPC16UI88T with at least a 1 uF decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pins, plus a 0.1 uF high-frequency bypass cap adjacent to the device. During in-system programming through JTAG, peak current can spike to 30-50 mA per VCC pin; insufficient decoupling may cause programming failures or bit corruption. Use a low-impedance power plane rather than traces to minimize voltage droop during ISP operations.
Do not confuse the EPC16UI88T (enhanced configuration device, 16 Mbit, 88-ball UBGA) with the EPCQ16 or EPCS16 (Quad-Serial / Serial Configuration Devices). They use different configuration protocols and pin mappings; substituting one for the other requires FPGA MSEL pin reconfiguration and board rework. When migrating from EPC16 to EPCQ, confirm the target FPGA supports the new configuration scheme and verify the JTAG chain still includes both devices correctly.
Keep the DCLK trace between the EPC16UI88T and the target FPGA under 50 mm (estimated) and series-terminate at the source if length exceeds 25 mm. Match the length of DATA[15:0] in FPP mode within +/-2 mm to avoid setup/hold violations during configuration. Place the 25 MHz or 40 MHz configuration clock oscillator close to the EPC16UI88T's CLK pin to minimize jitter, and route it on an inner stripline layer with continuous ground reference.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not provided in verified web data. Altera Enhanced Configuration Devices family is generally industrial-grade (not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive). Mark [DATA_NEEDED] fields above for downstream verification.
