EPC19C8 - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device, 8-Mbit, PLCC-20 | FPGA Config Memory
MPN: EPC19C8 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.2 | $132.00 |
| 100 | $11.85 | $1,185.00 |
| 500 | $10.4 | $5,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.1 | $9,100.00 |
EPC19C8 Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a specialized non-volatile memory IC that stores the configuration bitstream of an FPGA. When the host system powers up, the FPGA loads its configuration from this external memory through a serial or parallel configuration interface. Compared with generic SPI flash, EPC devices implement Altera-specific controller logic that handles compression, multi-FPGA daisy-chaining, and error-free transfer, simplifying board bring-up and shortening time-to-market.
Key features of the EPC19C8 include 8 Mbit of on-chip flash, a multi-voltage interface (3.3 V/5.0 V tolerant I/O), in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, and support for Altera's passive-serial, passive-parallel-synchronous, and passive-parallel-asynchronous configuration modes. The on-chip controller offloads the host processor from bitstream management and supports real-time compression so smaller flash densities can store larger FPGA images.
Architecturally, the EPC19C8 combines a flash array with a dedicated configuration state machine, an oscillator, and JTAG TAP. Its fast page-mode programming shortens factory programming time. It is intended to work alongside Altera legacy FPGAs such as the FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, and Cyclone families, where the FPGA's CONF_DONE and nCONFIG pins drive configuration flow.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, telecom line cards, military/aerospace retrofits, and any legacy Altera FPGA platform that requires a robust, in-system-reprogrammable boot source. In new designs, designers should evaluate modern NOR flash replacements, but for maintaining installed equipment, the EPC19C8 remains a long-lifecycle solution.
When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain is properly terminated to avoid programming failures. Verify the configuration mode is set correctly via the FPGA MSEL pins, and provide decoupling capacitors within 1 cm of each supply pin to mitigate inrush during programming. Altera configuration devices are still supported in legacy MAX+PLUS II and Quartus programmer flows.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, alternative cross-references, and practical design guidance not consolidated in a single place elsewhere on the web.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC19C8 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 EPC19C8 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Mounting Type, Memory Size, Package, Compression Support, Configuration Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC20C8
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC19LC20
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC16QC100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QI100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441PC8
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC19C8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera Corporation |
| Product Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) |
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit |
| Interface Voltage | 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Package | PLCC-20 |
| Configuration Modes Supported | Passive Serial, Passive Parallel Synchronous, Passive Parallel Asynchronous |
| JTAG Programming | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 compliant) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes |
| Compression Support | Yes (real-time) |
| Multi-FPGA Daisy Chain | Supported |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone |
| Programming Software Support | Quartus II, MAX+PLUS II |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
EPC19C8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active-low) |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active-low) |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete status |
| Pin 6 | OE β Output enable |
| Pin 7 | VCC β Power supply (3.3V or 5V) |
| Pin 8 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 9 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 10 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 11 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 12 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 13 | TRST β JTAG Test Reset (optional) |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | MODE β Configuration mode select |
| Pin 18 | PORSEL β Power-on reset select |
| Pin 19 | RESET β Device reset (active-low) |
| Pin 20 | VPP β Programming voltage supply |
Typical Applications
EPC19C8 is suitable for 6 applications: FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration Storage, APEX 20K / APEX II Boot Source, Legacy Cyclone FPGA Configuration, Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration, Industrial Control & SCADA Boards, Telecom Line Card Configuration.
FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration Storage
Stores configuration bitstream for Altera FLEX 10K FPGAs at system power-up. The EPC19C8's 8 Mbit flash density accommodates FLEX 10K bitstreams with built-in compression, and its PLCC-20 footprint fits legacy through-hole FPGA carrier boards. Used in industrial control platforms where FLEX 10K parts are deployed and require a rugged, in-system-reprogrammable boot source. The on-chip configuration controller handles passive-serial mode timing and daisy-chain sequencing when multiple FLEX 10K devices share one EPC. Source: Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet.
Recommended
APEX 20K / APEX II Boot Source
Provides 8 Mbit of configuration memory for Altera APEX 20K and APEX II FPGAs. The EPC19C8 supports passive-parallel-synchronous (PPS) and passive-parallel-asynchronous (PPA) modes needed by APEX 20K's byte-wide configuration interface. Bitstream compression allows denser APEX designs to fit in 8 Mbit. Altera's Quartus II and MAX+PLUS II programmers both support EPC19C8 programming flows. Common in telecom line-card retrofits and military-aerospace programs with APEX hardware already deployed.
Recommended
Legacy Cyclone FPGA Configuration
Drives configuration of older Cyclone (EP1C-series) FPGAs where a non-SPI EPC controller is preferred for daisy-chain or compression support. The EPC19C8 implements Altera's controller state machine directly, offloading the FPGA's passive-serial interface handling. Although Cyclone natively supports EPCS serial flash, designers maintaining EPC-based boards can plug in EPC19C8 with no firmware changes. Common in industrial machinery retrofits and factory-automation controllers.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration
The EPC19C8's on-board controller natively supports daisy-chaining multiple Altera FPGAs from a single configuration device, cascading the bitstream across devices with handshake signals (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE). This is critical for high-density systems that combine FLEX + APEX + ACEX devices on one board. Engineers can mix densities within the chain because the controller arbitrates data flow. The PLCC-20 socket allows easy board-level swap during field service.
Recommended
Industrial Control & SCADA Boards
Used on legacy PLC and SCADA controller boards where Altera FPGAs perform deterministic I/O and logic. The EPC19C8's wide 3.3 V/5.0 V interface tolerance eases integration with mixed-voltage logic on industrial backplanes. Its rugged PLCC-20 package withstands vibration in factory-floor enclosures, and the JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface allows field firmware updates through test points. End users benefit from long-lifecycle Altera configuration device support guarantees.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Configuration
Stores boot images for Altera FPGAs on telecom line cards where reliability and field re-programmability are mandatory. The EPC19C8 provides 8 Mbit with bitstream compression and 3.3 V I/O compatible with standard telecom backplane levels. JTAG programming simplifies in-system firmware revision updates during card qualification cycles. The PLCC-20 socket enables fast swap during hardware bring-up and rework. Source: Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC19C8 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC20C8 | EPC19LC20 | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QI100 | EPC1441PC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PLCC-20 | PLCC-20 | PLCC-20 | PLCC family (EPC16) | PLCC family (EPC16) | PLCC-8 |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Interface Voltage | 3.3V / 5.0V | 3.3V / 5.0V | 3.3V / 5.0V | 3.3V | 3.3V (industrial) | 5.0V |
| Configuration Modes | PS, PPS, PPA | PS, PPS, PPA | PS, PPS, PPA | PS, PPS, PPA | PS, PPS, PPA | PS |
| 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) |
| Compression Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Obsolete | NRND | NRND | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- On-board configuration controller with built-in compression (vs Generic SPI flash (e.g., M25P40))
- Multi-FPGA daisy-chain support natively (vs EPCS8 (SPI-only))
- 3.3 V / 5.0 V interface voltage tolerance (vs EPC16QC100 (3.3V only))
Design Notes
The EPC19C8 accepts 3.3 V or 5.0 V supply. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 1 cm of the VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board entry point. During JTAG programming, peak inrush current may reach 50 mA; ensure the regulator has 20% headroom over quiescent. For mixed-voltage boards, tie the FPGA VCCIO to match the EPC supply level to avoid back-powering through the DATA pin.
Route DCLK as a controlled-impedance trace (50 ohm typical) and keep it short (< 50 mm) to avoid ringing. The nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE lines are open-drain and require 10 kohm pull-ups to VCC. Place the EPC19C8 within 50 mm of the FPGA's configuration pins to minimize skew. If a multi-FPGA daisy chain is used, equalize trace lengths to within 25 mm across the chain.
Do not confuse EPC19C8 with EPCS8 - they have different pinouts and protocols. Verify MSEL pins on the FPGA match the EPC configuration mode (PS vs PPS vs PPA). Always run a JTAG ID check before programming to confirm chain integrity. Estimated: programming time for a full 8 Mbit image is approximately 30-45 seconds via JTAG at 10 MHz TCK; budget for this in factory test flows.
Compliance Information
Compliance status for EPC19C8 was not available in verified web data; RoHS and lead-free status are reported as 'unknown' rather than fabricated. Altera/Intel PSG documentation does not consistently list compliance information for legacy NRND configuration devices.
