EPC16UIC88 - 16Mb Enhanced Configuration Device | Altera/Intel
MPN: EPC16UIC88 β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.4 | $164.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.8 | $5,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.2 | $10,200.00 |
EPC16UIC88 Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device (ECD) is a serial-configuration PROM that streams bitstream data into a Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, or other Altera FPGA at FPGA power-up, then enters a low-power standby state. Compared with classic EPCS/EPCQ serial flashes, the EPC16 family supports the proprietary 16-bit parallel FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) configuration mode that older Altera FPGAs required, and integrates the Altera 4-pin passive configuration controller so no external host controller is needed during configuration. The EPC16UIC88 sits in the configuration-memory IC hierarchy: configuration PROM -> serial/parallel configuration memory -> FPGA bitstream storage -> programmable-logic boot device.
Key features of the EPC16UIC88 include 16 Mb of flash-organized storage, JTAG-ISP via IEEE 1149.1, a dedicated nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE handshake with the target FPGA, multi-device cascading for systems larger than 16 Mb, and a 20-year data-retention specification. The UBGA-88 11 x 8 mm package supports the JTAG-driven ISP that allows board-level reprogramming of the configuration bitstream in production or in the field, while an internal oscillator and controller offload bitstream-clocking tasks from the system processor.
The device uses a CMOS process with a 3.3 V core; during configuration it draws the bulk of its current, then drops to a micro-amp standby once CONF_DONE is asserted. This separation is important because power-sequencing on legacy Altera FPGAs typically requires the configuration PROM to be valid before the FPGA's VCCINT ramp completes, so deterministic PROM power-up timing is part of the design.
Typical applications for the EPC16UIC88 include legacy Stratix II/III, Cyclone II/III, APEX 20K, and Mercury FPGA designs where 16 Mb is sufficient, industrial control boards requiring in-field configuration updates via JTAG, and multi-device daisy-chained configurations where two EPC16s combine to provide 32 Mb. It is also used as a fallback boot image in systems that later migrate bitstream loading to a host processor or to a serial flash.
When designing with the EPC16UIC88, observe the JTAG chain order, the nCONFIG/nSTATUS pull-up requirements, and the recommended decoupling on VCC (one 0.1 uF plus one bulk capacitor placed within 1 cm of the package). The Altera Enhanced Configuration Device Data Sheet for the EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 family should be consulted for the cascaded-configuration schematic and for JTAG chain length limits.
This page synthesizes Altera/Intel distributor pricing, JTAG-ISP-enabled drop-in alternatives, and practical FPGA-configuration design notes that are not gathered in a single location in the manufacturer's datasheet, giving a board-level engineer the cross-reference and design checklist needed for a one-step ECO.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC16UIC88 β 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 EPC16UIC88 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Configuration Interface, In-System Programmability, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16UC88
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC16UI88
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16UI88N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPCE16UC88
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC8UC88
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC16UIC88 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 16 Mb (1M x 16) |
| Memory Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (flash-based, non-volatile) |
| Configuration Interface | Parallel CMOS, FPP mode for legacy Altera FPGAs |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V |
| In-System Programmability | Yes, JTAG IEEE Std 1149.1 |
| Data Retention | 20 years minimum |
| Package | UBGA-88 (Ultra FineLine BGA), 11 x 8 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Multi-Device Cascading | Yes, supports 2-device daisy-chain for 32 Mb |
| Configuration Handshake Pins | nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE |
| Lead-Free Reflow | Yes, peak reflow 260C per JEDEC J-STD-020 |
| Process Technology | CMOS, 3.3 V core |
EPC16UIC88 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin A2 | DCLK β FPGA configuration clock output |
| Pin A3 | DATA0 β FPP data bit 0 |
| Pin A4 | DATA1 β FPP data bit 1 |
| Pin A5 | DATA2 β FPP data bit 2 |
| Pin A6 | DATA3 β FPP data bit 3 |
| Pin A7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin A8 | DATA4 β FPP data bit 4 |
| Pin A9 | DATA5 β FPP data bit 5 |
| Pin A10 | DATA6 β FPP data bit 6 |
| Pin A11 | DATA7 β FPP data bit 7 |
| Pin B1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin B2 | nCONFIG β Configuration control from FPGA (input) |
| Pin B3 | nSTATUS β Status handshake to FPGA |
| Pin B4 | CONF_DONE β Configuration-done handshake |
| Pin B5 | DATA8 β FPP data bit 8 |
| Pin B6 | DATA9 β FPP data bit 9 |
| Pin B7 | DATA10 β FPP data bit 10 |
| Pin B8 | DATA11 β FPP data bit 11 |
| Pin B9 | DATA12 β FPP data bit 12 |
| Pin B10 | DATA13 β FPP data bit 13 |
| Pin B11 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin C1 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin C2 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin C3 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin C4 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin C5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin C6 | DATA14 β FPP data bit 14 |
| Pin C7 | DATA15 β FPP data bit 15 |
| Pin C8 | GND β Ground |
| Pin C9 | CASCADEn β Cascade enable for multi-device config |
| Pin C10 | OE β Output enable for data bus |
| Pin C11 | CE β Chip enable |
| Pin D1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin D2 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin D3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin D4 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin D5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin D6 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin D7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin D8 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin D9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin D10 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin D11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E2 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin E3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E4 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin E5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E6 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin E7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E8 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin E9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin E10 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin E11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin F1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin F2 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin F3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin F4 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin F5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin F6 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin F7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin F8 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin F9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin F10 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin F11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin G1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin G2 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin G3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin G4 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin G5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin G6 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin G7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin G8 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin G9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin G10 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin G11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H2 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin H3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H4 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin H5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H6 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin H7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H8 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin H9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin H10 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin H11 | GND β Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC16UIC88 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix II/III FPGA Configuration Storage, Cyclone II/III Industrial Control Boards, APEX 20K / APEX II Legacy Designs, Multi-Device Cascaded 32 Mb Configuration, Test and Measurement JTAG-Programmable Platforms, Aerospace / Defense FPGA Bitstream Storage.
Stratix II/III FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC16UIC88 provides 16 Mb of non-volatile bitstream storage for legacy Stratix II and Stratix III FPGAs that use the parallel Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) configuration mode. The 1M x 16 memory width matches the FPP data bus width of these FPGAs, enabling direct connection of the FPPDATA[15:0] lines without external multiplexing. With 3.3 V single-supply operation and JTAG IEEE 1149.1 in-system programmability, the EPC16UIC88 streamlines board bring-up and supports field firmware upgrades without removing the device. Designers should connect nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE per the Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet and place 0.1 uF decoupling within 1 cm of the VCC balls. The 88-ball UBGA footprint keeps the configuration path compact adjacent to the FPGA.
Recommended
Cyclone II/III Industrial Control Boards
Industrial control boards that pair Cyclone II or Cyclone III FPGAs with the EPC16UIC88 benefit from 16 Mb of reliable configuration storage and JTAG-driven in-field bitstream updates. The EPC16UIC88's parallel FPP interface matches the Cyclone II/III configuration controller, and the device's 20-year data-retention rating is well-suited to factory-automation equipment with decade-long service lifetimes. Industrial -40C to +85C screening supports deployment in unconditioned enclosures, while 3.3 V operation simplifies the power tree alongside the Cyclone VCCIO bank. Designers should add bulk and decoupling capacitance within 1 cm of the package and observe the JTAG chain order when multiple configuration devices coexist.
Recommended
APEX 20K / APEX II Legacy Designs
Long-lifecycle APEX 20K and APEX II designs rely on the EPC16UIC88 for parallel FPP configuration storage. The 16 Mb capacity accommodates the APEX bitstream sizes while the 88-ball UBGA footprint fits the legacy board layouts already proven in deployed systems. JTAG ISP enables factory-programming of the configuration image and allows engineering-change orders without reworking the hardware. The 3.3 V supply aligns with the APEX VCCIO rail, eliminating level shifters between the configuration PROM and the FPGA. Maintain CONF_DONE pull-up and observe the cascade timing when two EPC16UIC88 devices are daisy-chained for >16 Mb bitstreams.
Recommended
Multi-Device Cascaded 32 Mb Configuration
For FPGAs whose compressed bitstream exceeds 16 Mb, two EPC16UIC88 devices can be daisy-chained to deliver 32 Mb of configuration storage. The cascade uses dedicated cascade pins and a master/slave configuration controller handshake that is documented in the Enhanced Configuration Device data sheet. This topology is common in Stratix III designs that exceed the single-device capacity. The second EPC16UIC88 must observe the same VCC ramp timing and CONF_DONE signaling, and the JTAG chain must include both devices in a known order. Both ICs share the same UBGA-88 footprint, simplifying the PCB layout for the cascade.
Recommended
Test and Measurement JTAG-Programmable Platforms
Test-and-measurement platforms with Altera FPGAs use the EPC16UIC88 for its JTAG IEEE 1149.1 in-system programmability, allowing calibration tables and bitstream updates through the production test fixture. The 3.3 V supply fits bench-instrument power rails, while the 88-ball UBGA integrates cleanly above the FPGA's configuration bank. The 16 Mb capacity supports rich instrument bitstreams, and the 20-year data-retention specification guarantees that stored calibration constants survive long shelf-life intervals. Designers should expose the JTAG pins to a header for factory programming and add ESD protection on the JTAG lines per IEC 61000-4-2 guidance.
Recommended
Aerospace / Defense FPGA Bitstream Storage
Defense and aerospace subsystems that depend on legacy Altera FPGAs use the EPC16UIC88 as a ruggedized, non-volatile configuration store. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and 20-year retention specification support extended deployment profiles, while JTAG ISP enables depot-level firmware refresh. The 88-ball UBGA package withstands shock and vibration consistent with aerospace environments when properly board-mounted. Compliance with RoHS and lead-free reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020 ensures compatibility with modern aerospace assembly lines. Designers should confirm the date-code and RoHS status against program-specific export-control and obsolescence requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC16UIC88 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16UC88 | EPC16UI88 | EPC16UI88N | EPCE16UC88 | EPC8UC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | UBGA-88 (11x8) | UBGA-88 (11x8) - same | UBGA-88 (11x8) - same | UBGA-88 (11x8) - same | UBGA-88 (11x8) - same | UBGA-88 (11x8) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Size | 16 Mb (1M x 16) | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb (pre-programmed) | 8 Mb (-50%) |
| Configuration Interface | Parallel FPP | Parallel FPP | Parallel FPP | Parallel FPP | Parallel FPP | Parallel FPP |
| JTAG ISP (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Multi-Device Cascading | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Programmed by Altera | No | No | No | No | Yes (factory programmed) | No |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with 88-ball UBGA footprint (vs EPC16UC88)
- 16 Mb density vs half-density sibling (vs EPC8UC88)
- Customer-programmable vs factory-programmed variant (vs EPCE16UC88)
Design Notes
Place one 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor and one 10 uF bulk capacitor within 1 cm of the EPC16UIC88 VCC balls. Use a low-impedance 3.3 V plane tied to the FPGA's VCCIO bank. Sequence the 3.3 V rail so that VCC is valid before the FPGA's VCCINT starts to ramp, otherwise the EPC16UIC88 may interpret the FPGA as already in user mode and skip configuration.
The 88-ball Ultra FineLine BGA follows JEDEC MO-219 with fine-pitch geometry. Use 4-6 mil trace-and-space PCB capability and microvia or via-in-pad for reliable assembly. Provide a continuous ground plane beneath the BGA to control impedance of the FPP data and clock traces. Match the trace lengths of DATA[15:0] and DCLK within 200 mil to avoid setup/hold violations in FPP mode.
Route DCLK and DATA[15:0] on the same layer with no splits in the reference plane. Add a 33 ohm series termination near the EPC16UIC88 if the longest FPP trace exceeds 50 mm. Keep JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) short and isolated from switching power lines; add 4.7 kohm pull-ups on TMS and TDI per IEEE 1149.1.
Do not leave nCONFIG floating - it must be tied to VCC through a 10 kohm resistor or driven by the FPGA. The CONF_DONE signal requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VCC. When cascading two EPC16UIC88 devices, ensure the CASCADEn pin of the slave is driven by the master; reversing master/slave roles prevents configuration. For JTAG ISP, the JTAG chain order (TDI->TDO) must place configuration devices before user logic to avoid in-system programming interference.
Compliance Information
Lead-free reflow supported per JEDEC J-STD-020 (peak 260C). RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the verified web data and require distributor confirmation for industrial programs. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration PROM for Altera FPGAs, not an automotive analog/mixed-signal IC.
