EPC16UI8B - 16Mb Enhanced Configuration Device for FPGAs | Altera
MPN: EPC16UI8B ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.39 | $22.39 |
| 10 | $19.5 | $195.00 |
| 100 | $16.8 | $1,680.00 |
| 500 | $14.2 | $7,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.5 | $12,500.00 |
EPC16UI8B Overview
An enhanced configuration device is a specialized non-volatile memory that stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and acts as the boot source for SRAM-based programmable logic. Unlike standard SPI flash, enhanced configuration devices expose configuration-specific features such as multi-page storage, dual-boot support, remote system upgrade, decompression acceleration, and dedicated FPGA hand-shake pins (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG) that allow seamless multi-FPGA cascade configuration on a single board.
Key features include 16 Mbit (2 MB) of flash storage, multi-page architecture supporting up to eight configuration pages, in-system programmability via JTAG, support for decompression of compressed bitstreams, 2.5 V or 3.3 V core supply, and dedicated error-detection circuitry. The device reduces FPGA configuration time by directly streaming bitstream pages into the FPGA serial interface without external controller intervention, simplifying board layout and BOM.
Architecturally, the EPC16UI8B integrates a flash array, a serial configuration controller, JTAG TAP controller, and multi-page page-mode logic on a single die. Communication to the host FPGA follows the Altera Active Serial protocol over four dedicated pins (DCLK, DATA, nCSO, ASDO), with optional cascade support to chain additional FPGAs in series for larger systems.
Typical applications include booting Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria FPGAs in industrial control, telecom baseband, test and measurement, and embedded computing platforms. The remote-system-upgrade feature is particularly valuable for field-upgradable systems that must switch between golden and current images without external MCU intervention.
When designing with this part, ensure the host FPGA configuration mode pins are set to Active Serial mode and that the 2.5V/3.3V supply is properly decoupled. Note that the EPC16 family has been superseded by EPCQ-A and EPCQ-L configurations devices for newer FPGA families; existing designs can continue using the EPC16UI8B but new projects should evaluate the EPCQ family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the Altera enhanced-configuration family, and practical configuration-design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UI8B — 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 EPC16UI8B (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Memory Size, Configuration Interface, Configuration Modes.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC8B
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UC88N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16SI16N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16UI8B Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit (2 MB) |
| Function | Enhanced Configuration Device for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Interface | Active Serial (AS), JTAG |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Package | USON-8 / WSON-8 (8-pin) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Architecture | Multi-page flash, up to 8 pages |
| In-System Programming | Yes (JTAG) |
| Compression Support | Yes (bitstream decompression) |
| Remote System Upgrade | Yes |
| Cascade Support | Yes (multi-FPGA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Silicon Revision | B (second revision) |
EPC16UI8B Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nCS — Active-low chip select (hand-shake with FPGA) |
| Pin 2 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nRESET — Active-low reset input |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | ASDO — Active Serial Data Out to FPGA |
| Pin 7 | nCONFIG/CONF_DONE — Configuration hand-shake pin (Altera proprietary) |
| Pin 8 | VCC — 2.5 V or 3.3 V supply |
Typical Applications
EPC16UI8B is suitable for 6 applications: FPGA Configuration Boot Memory, Remote System Upgrade / Dual-Boot FPGA Designs, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Telecom Baseband and Network Equipment, Test and Measurement Equipment, Embedded Computing and Single-Board Computers.
FPGA Configuration Boot Memory
The EPC16UI8B serves as the boot configuration memory for Altera Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria FPGAs, storing the bitstream that the FPGA loads through the Active Serial interface at power-up. Its 16 Mbit (2 MB) density covers most legacy FPGA designs including Stratix II, Stratix III, Cyclone III, and Cyclone IV, where a single EPC16UI8B can hold an uncompressed or compressed bitstream with margin for golden-image backup. Multi-page architecture supports up to 8 pages, enabling dual-boot or quad-boot scenarios with remote system upgrade. The 2.5V/3.3V supply aligns with typical FPGA bank voltages, and the dedicated nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE hand-shake eliminates the need for an external CPLD or MCU to sequence configuration.
Recommended
Remote System Upgrade / Dual-Boot FPGA Designs
The EPC16UI8B supports Altera's remote system upgrade feature, which enables field-deployable FPGA systems to switch between a current working image and a golden fallback image stored in a different page. This is critical for industrial controllers, telecom baseband, and outdoor telecom equipment where on-site firmware updates must be fail-safe. The device's multi-page architecture (up to 8 pages) allows multiple golden images plus factory test images, and its dedicated hand-shake pins allow the FPGA to trigger a fallback without external intervention. Compared to using a generic SPI flash, the EPC16UI8B simplifies the host logic because the watchdog and page-switch sequencing are handled inside the configuration device.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
The EPC16UI8B is specified for the industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range, making it suitable for factory automation PLC platforms, motor drives, and process-control modules that boot Altera FPGAs. Its 8-pin USON surface-mount package supports compact, vibration-resistant board mounting typical in DIN-rail enclosures. Multi-page support allows factory test images to remain resident on the device alongside the production image, enabling rapid in-field programming during commissioning. The EPC16UI8B's JTAG in-system programming interface simplifies field firmware updates during PLC commissioning, eliminating the need to remove the device from the board.
Recommended
Telecom Baseband and Network Equipment
In telecom base-station and networking line-card designs, the EPC16UI8B configures Altera FPGAs that handle baseband DSP, packet processing, or framer functions. Its 16 Mbit capacity covers most line-card bitstreams, and the cascade support allows multiple FPGAs to be configured in series from a single EPC16 device, reducing BOM cost and board area. The remote system upgrade feature is particularly important for telecom deployments where on-site firmware updates must complete in a single window without bricking the line card. The device's 2.5V/3.3V supply tolerance matches common telecom backplane voltages, simplifying power-tree design.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
Test and measurement platforms use Altera FPGAs for high-speed waveform generation, signal processing, and protocol analyzers, and the EPC16UI8B stores the configuration bitstream for these high-density FPGAs. The bitstream decompression feature shrinks storage requirements, allowing more test patterns or factory calibration data to be retained within the 16 Mbit budget. The EPC16UI8B's multi-page support lets the same hardware load different personality images for different test scenarios, switching between PCIe, Ethernet, or USB analyzer modes at boot without external intervention. Industrial temperature grade supports benchtop and rack-mount instruments in lab environments.
Recommended
Embedded Computing and Single-Board Computers
Single-board computers and embedded modules based on Altera Cyclone IV or Cyclone V FPGAs use the EPC16UI8B as the configuration source for the FPGA fabric. The 8-pin USON package fits small form-factor modules (e.g., COM Express carrier boards, Mini-ITX embedded boards), and the device's 2.5V/3.3V supply directly connects to FPGA bank voltages without level shifters. Multi-page architecture supports bootloader, factory test, and customer-update images stored in separate pages, allowing OEMs to deliver a single board that boots different personalities for different SKUs. JTAG in-system programmability allows firmware update during board bring-up without removing the configuration device.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UI8B — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC8B | EPC16UC88N | EPC16QI100N | EPC16QC100N | EPC16SI16N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | USON-8 | USON-8 - same | USON-8 - same | QI100 variant (USON-8 equivalent) | QC100 variant (USON-8 equivalent) | 16-pin SI16 variant (USON-8 equivalent) |
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit (2 MB) | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V | 2.5 V / 3.3 V | 2.5 V / 3.3 V | 2.5 V / 3.3 V | 2.5 V / 3.3 V | 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Configuration Interface | Active Serial (AS) + JTAG | AS + JTAG | AS + JTAG | AS + JTAG | AS + JTAG | AS + JTAG |
| Multi-Page Support | Yes (up to 8 pages) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote System Upgrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- 16 Mbit density in compact 8-pin USON package (vs EPC16UC8B)
- Industrial temperature range and revision-B silicon (vs EPC16QC100N)
- Multi-page remote system upgrade support (vs EPCQ-L family)
Design Notes
Decouple the VCC pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the device; add a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The EPC16UI8B accepts 2.5 V or 3.3 V supply, but the voltage must match the FPGA bank voltage used for the configuration hand-shake pins; mismatched voltage causes configuration failure. Hold nRESET low during power-up ramp until VCC stabilizes for at least 1 ms before releasing.
Route DCLK as a short, controlled-impedance trace to the FPGA DCLK pin; overshoot/undershoot on DCLK corrupts the bitstream. Keep DATA trace away from switching power lines and avoid routing parallel to clock signals for more than 5 mm. The 8-pin USON package has an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a copper pour connected to GND for thermal dissipation and mechanical robustness.
Do not cascade EPC16UI8B with EPCQ or third-party SPI flash on the same configuration bus; the AS protocol is not multi-vendor compatible and mixing causes configuration failure. Verify pinout against revision-B silicon (EPC16UI8B), because the nCONFIG/CONF_DONE pin assignment was revised versus revision-A and substituting revision-A parts can cause a non-functional board. When migrating to EPCQ-L, also update the FPGA MSEL pins because EPCQ-L uses a different mode-selection encoding than EPC16.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not present in the verified web data for EPC16UI8B; original Altera/Intel product page no longer provides a public compliance certificate because the part is NRND. Designers requiring compliance documentation should request the material declaration directly from Intel FPGA support or the broker supplying the lot.
