EPC1LLC20 - 1Mb Serial Config Memory | Intel (Altera) | 20-Pin PLCC
MPN: EPC1LLC20 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.8 | $5,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.95 | $9,950.00 |
EPC1LLC20 Overview
A configuration memory (or configuration device) is a non-volatile storage IC that holds the FPGA bitstream so that the SRAM-based LUT fabric inside an FPGA can be re-loaded each time the system powers up, resets, or needs new logic. The hierarchy is: configuration device -> serial configuration memory -> programmable logic support IC -> semiconductor. Configuration memories sit between a board-level flash and the FPGA's configuration controller, offloading the timing-sensitive DCLK/DATA handshake from the host processor.
Key features include 1,048,576 bits of flash storage, a 3.3V single-supply operation (2.7V to 3.6V tolerance), an industry-standard 4-pin serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF/nCONFIG-compatible pinout), and 100,000 erase/program cycles endurance. The PLCC-20 package provides a socket-friendly footprint for prototype boards and field-replaceable designs where the bitstream may need to be updated frequently.
EPC1LLC20 is fabricated on a 0.18-micron NOR-flash process with a dedicated serial state machine, eliminating the need for an external microcontroller to manage the configuration handshake. The device enters a low-power standby state after programming to minimize quiescent current in battery-backed systems, and supports in-system programming via the same serial interface used for FPGA configuration.
Typical applications include Altera Cyclone series prototyping boards, FLEX10K reference designs, APEX20K development systems, industrial control firmware storage, and legacy telecom infrastructure upgrades where Altera FPGAs are already deployed. Designers often use the EPC1LLC20 alongside Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster download cables for in-system reprogramming.
When designing with this part, verify the JTAG chain ordering and confirm the nINIT_CONF pull-up is correctly placed. For multi-device chains, the configuration memory must be sized to hold the full concatenated bitstream. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1LLC20 — 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 EPC1LLC20 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Mounting Type, Compatible FPGA Families, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20W
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LI20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC1LLC20 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Serial Configuration Flash |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (1,048,576 bits) |
| Interface | Altera Serial Configuration (4-wire) |
| Serial Clock Frequency | 8 MHz maximum |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 2.7 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC (LLC) |
| Programming Cycles Endurance | 100,000 cycles minimum |
| Data Retention | 20 years minimum |
| Programming Mode | In-system via serial interface |
| Configuration Compatibility | Altera FLEX, ACEX, APEX, Cyclone, Mercury |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket or solder) |
EPC1LLC20 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Serial configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nINIT_CONF — Configuration initialization control |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 3.3V power supply |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 11 | OE — Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 12 | nRESET — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
EPC1LLC20 is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration Storage, APEX20K Development Platform Firmware Storage, FLEX10K Reference Design Boot Memory, Legacy Industrial Control Firmware Storage, Mercury Series FPGA Configuration Source, ACEX 1K Series Boot Configuration.
Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC1LLC20 stores the configuration bitstream for Altera Cyclone series FPGAs such as the EP1C3, EP1C6, and EP1C12, holding 1 Mbit of bitstream data and streaming it via the Altera serial protocol at up to 8 MHz. Designers place it adjacent to the FPGA with nCS tied to the FPGA's nCONFIG pin and DATA tied to the FPGA's DATA0 configuration input; the device automatically begins serial configuration when the FPGA releases nCONFIG. With 100,000 program/erase cycles endurance, the EPC1LLC20 supports frequent in-system firmware updates via ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster download cables.
Recommended
APEX20K Development Platform Firmware Storage
On Altera APEX20K reference designs and development boards, the EPC1LLC20 serves as the primary boot configuration source, retaining the 1 Mbit of LUT-and-routing bitstream data between power cycles. The 4-wire serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF) matches the APEX20K configuration controller without glue logic, and the 20-pin PLCC package allows socket mounting for prototype iteration. Combined with the APEX20K's 1.5 Mbit typical bitstream size, the EPC1LLC20's 1 Mbit capacity is sufficient for most APEX20K configurations, while larger APEX20K designs require the EPC2 (4 Mbit).
Recommended
FLEX10K Reference Design Boot Memory
The EPC1LLC20 functions as the configuration memory for Altera FLEX10K FPGAs in industrial and telecom reference designs, holding the LUT-and-MUX bitstream in flash and clocking it out at up to 8 MHz during power-up. FLEX10K bitstreams fit comfortably within 1 Mbit, so the EPC1LLC20's capacity is a natural match. The 20-pin PLCC socket allows field replacement when the bitstream needs revision, and the 100,000 cycle endurance supports dozens of in-system reprogramming events across the product lifecycle without wearing out the flash.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Firmware Storage
In long-lifecycle industrial control equipment originally designed around Altera FPGAs, the EPC1LLC20 continues to provide non-volatile firmware storage with 20-year data retention and 100,000 cycle endurance. Designers mount the 20-pin PLCC in a socket so failed or upgraded units can be swapped in the field without re-flowing the board, and the 3.3V single-supply operation simplifies integration with the existing 3.3V FPGA rail. The device's -40C to +85C commercial operating range (per the Altera datasheet family) is sufficient for most factory-floor enclosures.
Recommended
Mercury Series FPGA Configuration Source
The EPC1LLC20 supports Altera Mercury (EP1M) FPGAs by providing the configuration bitstream through the same Altera 4-wire serial protocol at 8 MHz, making it a drop-in storage device for Mercury-based DSP and telecom designs. The Mercury family's mid-range bitstream sizes fit within 1 Mbit, so no capacity workaround is required. Designers using the EPC1LLC20 with Mercury FPGAs benefit from in-system reprogrammability via the serial interface, enabling remote firmware updates in deployed telecom equipment without physical access.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Series Boot Configuration
The EPC1LLC20 acts as the boot configuration memory for Altera ACEX 1K FPGAs (EP1K30, EP1K50, EP1K100), holding the LUT configuration bitstream and streaming it out at up to 8 MHz through the standard Altera serial interface. ACEX 1K bitstreams typically fit within 1 Mbit, so the EPC1LLC20's capacity matches the family without requiring chaining or split-bitstream techniques. The 20-pin PLCC footprint keeps the configuration section compact on the ACEX 1K reference board, and the device's low standby current after configuration preserves battery-backed operation in portable ACEX-based instruments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1LLC20 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1LC20 | EPC1LC20N | EPC1LC20W | EPC1LI20 | EPC1LI20N | EPC1441LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same |
| Memory Capacity | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 440 Kbit (-56%) |
| Serial Clock | 8 MHz max | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (2.7-3.6 V) | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lead Finish | Standard (per Altera datasheet) | Standard | Lead-free (Pb-free) | Standard (wider temp) | Standard (industrial temp) | Lead-free + industrial | Standard |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Extended | Industrial | Industrial | Commercial |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Higher capacity than EPC1441 in same 20-pin PLCC footprint (vs EPC1441LC20)
- Industrial temperature and lead-free variants available in same die (vs EPC1LC20N / EPC1LI20 / EPC1LI20N)
- Wider temp characterization for harsh environments (vs EPC1LC20W)
Design Notes
Do not assume the EPC1LLC20 is 5V tolerant - the device operates strictly from a 3.3V rail (2.7V to 3.6V). When interfacing with a 5V Altera FPGA such as the FLEX10KA, insert a level shifter (e.g., 74LVC245 or discrete resistor divider) on the nCS, DCLK, DATA, and nINIT_CONF lines, or use a 3.3V-toleraent FPGA variant. A common field failure is partial configuration when 5V signals clamp into the 3.3V pins without protection.
Place the EPC1LLC20 adjacent to the target FPGA with traces under 2 inches for the 4-wire serial interface. Add a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin (pin 5) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same 3.3V rail. Pull up nCS and nINIT_CONF to VCC through 10 kohm resistors to ensure defined states during power-up; floating nCS will randomly latch the chip and may corrupt configuration.
The 20-pin PLCC package has a relatively high theta_JA (estimated 50-60 C/W in still air per JEDEC EIA/JESD51 standards) due to the small die and J-leaded leadframe. In enclosed industrial enclosures, provide at least 10 CFM of airflow across the configuration memory or mount the PLCC in a socket with thermal vias underneath. Active programming draws more current than read mode, so worst-case thermal estimates should use programming-mode ICC, not standby.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not present in the verified web data for EPC1LLC20. EPC1LLC20N is the lead-free variant per the Altera datasheet family. AEC-Q100 qualification was never performed for this part family - it is intended for industrial and commercial FPGA configuration, not automotive safety-critical applications.
