EPC1P18N - 1Mb Altera Config PROM for SRAM-based FPGAs
MPN: EPC1P18N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.6 | $4,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.45 | $7,450.00 |
EPC1P18N Overview
What is an FPGA configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM (also called a configuration device or boot PROM) is a non-volatile serial memory that holds the FPGA's bitstream image and serially delivers it to the SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM is volatile, every time the FPGA powers on it must be re-loaded from an external source; the configuration PROM provides that source. The hierarchy is: FPGA configuration device -> configuration memory -> serial PROM -> non-volatile memory -> semiconductor memory. Altera configuration PROMs sit alongside the EPC2, EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 in the same family, scaled by bitstream size.
Key features include 1 Mbit of storage capacity (sufficient for legacy Cyclone-class bitstreams), dual supply support (3.0 V to 3.6 V and 4.5 V to 5.5 V) so the part can be paired with both 3.3 V and 5 V Altera FPGAs, Altera's proprietary serial configuration protocol, and industrial operating temperature range of -40 C to +85 C. The 8-pin PDIP package has a 0.300 inch (7.62 mm) row spacing and is supplied in tube packaging.
In a typical system the EPC1P18N sits at the end of a daisy-chain of FPGA configuration devices driven by the FPGA's MSEL[2:0] configuration mode pins and the nCONFIG / nSTATUS handshake. Because the part is one-time programmable, bitstream updates require physical part replacement - the EPC1P18N is therefore not a field-upgradeable storage medium. Engineers designing new boards today typically choose a flash-based or controller-based configuration scheme, but the EPC1P18N remains in production for legacy board sustain and long-lifecycle industrial systems.
Typical applications include legacy Altera Cyclone I boot memory, APEX 20K reference designs, ACEX 1K configuration storage, industrial control card bitstream retention, and 5 V-tolerant FPGA configuration rails. The dual-voltage support is the principal differentiator versus single-voltage competitors. When designing with the EPC1P18N ensure the target FPGA's configuration mode pins are set to select serial configuration from an EPC1-class device, and verify that the 1 Mbit capacity is sufficient for your compiled bitstream - oversize bitstreams require an EPC2 or larger.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1P18N — 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 EPC1P18N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Size, Memory Type, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
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✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC1P18N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) |
| Part Number | EPC1P18N |
| Function | Configuration Device for SRAM-based LUT Devices |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit |
| Programmable Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Supply Voltage - Low | 3 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage - High | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Configuration Interface | Altera proprietary serial |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | 8-DIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Pin Count | 8 |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Family Member | EPC1 series |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Cyclone, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Mercury |
EPC1P18N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input (active low) |
| Pin 4 | VCC — Power supply (3.0-3.6 V or 4.5-5.5 V) |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output (active low) |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | OE — Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC1P18N is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone I FPGA Configuration Memory, APEX 20K Configuration Storage, ACEX 1K FPGA Bitstream Retention, Mercury FPGA Configuration, Industrial Control Card Boot Memory, Legacy 5 V FPGA Configuration Rails.
Cyclone I FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC1P18N stores and loads 1 Mbit configuration bitstreams into Altera Cyclone I (EP1C3, EP1C4, EP1C6) FPGAs at power-up. With 1 Mbit of OTP storage it covers the largest Cyclone I bitstreams while operating from a 3.0-3.6 V supply aligned to the Cyclone I core voltage. Engineers wire DATA to the FPGA's DATA0 pin and DCLK to DCLK; the FPGA drives nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake. A 33 ohm series damping resistor on DATA reduces ringing at high DCLK rates. Use this part for industrial control boards where Cyclone I bitstreams must boot from non-volatile memory without external microcontroller intervention.
Recommended
APEX 20K Configuration Storage
The EPC1P18N configures Altera APEX 20K devices via Altera's proprietary serial protocol with dual 3.3 V / 5 V supply support. APEX 20K boards typically operate at 5 V logic, and the 4.5-5.5 V supply range of the EPC1P18N accepts the 5 V rail directly without level shifting. APEX 20K bitstreams under 1 Mbit (small EP20K100/200 designs) fit comfortably; larger APEX devices require EPC2, EPC4, or EPC8. Mount the PROM in the same 8-DIP socket and route the serial chain to the FPGA's MSEL-configured DCLK/DATA pins.
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Bitstream Retention
The EPC1P18N serves as boot storage for ACEX 1K (EP1K10, EP1K30, EP1K50, EP1K100) devices, which require a small configuration image (typically well below 1 Mbit). The 4.5-5.5 V supply range matches ACEX 1K's 5 V-tolerant I/O and 2.5 V core when the board-level rail is 5 V. ACEX 1K designs persist in legacy telecom and industrial cards; the EPC1P18N enables direct drop-in support without re-spinning the PCB. Confirm via the ACEX 1K datasheet that the configuration mode is set to serial (MSEL pins) and the DCLK rate does not exceed the EPC1P18N specification.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration
The EPC1P18N configures Altera Mercury (EP1M120, EP1M350) FPGAs which target high-speed serial I/O and embedded applications. Mercury bitstreams typically fit within 1 Mbit, so the EPC1P18N provides sufficient storage. The -40 C to +85 C industrial operating temperature range matches Mercury-based board requirements for telecom and test equipment. Place the EPC1P18N close to the FPGA's configuration pins and use controlled-impedance traces for DCLK/DATA to avoid configuration errors.
Recommended
Industrial Control Card Boot Memory
The EPC1P18N is widely used in industrial control cards as a non-volatile boot source for legacy Altera FPGAs. The 8-pin PDIP through-hole package suits industrial conformal-coated boards and supports hand-rework during field service. The -40 C to +85 C industrial operating temperature range covers factory-floor and outdoor cabinet environments. Designers value the OTP nature for compliance with locked bitstream requirements - the configuration cannot be reverse-engineered by re-reading the PROM after deployment.
Recommended
Legacy 5 V FPGA Configuration Rails
The EPC1P18N's 4.5-5.5 V supply support allows direct connection to legacy 5 V Altera FPGA configuration rails (APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Mercury) without level shifting. Newer Altera configuration devices (EPCQ family) require 3.3 V; the EPC1P18N remains the configuration device of choice for older 5 V designs. The 8-DIP through-hole package also provides mechanical robustness for vibration-prone industrial and mil/aero applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1P18N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1PI8N | EPC1441PI8 | XCF01SVOG20C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Xilinx (AMD) |
| Package | 8-DIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) | 8-DIP - same footprint | 8-DIP - same footprint | 20-TSSOP - different footprint |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit - identical | 144 Kbit (smaller) | 1 Mbit - identical |
| Programmable Type | OTP | OTP - identical | OTP - identical | In-system programmable flash |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0-3.6 V / 4.5-5.5 V | 3.0-3.6 V / 4.5-5.5 V - identical | 3.0-3.6 V / 4.5-5.5 V - identical | 3.0-3.6 V (single supply) |
| Configuration Protocol | Altera serial | Altera serial - identical | Altera serial - identical | Xilinx serial (not Altera) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C - identical | -40 C to +85 C - identical | -40 C to +85 C - identical |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole | Through-Hole - identical | Through-Hole - identical | Surface Mount |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-voltage 3.3 V / 5 V support in one package (vs EPC1PI8N)
- Compatible with both legacy 5 V and modern 3.3 V Altera FPGAs (vs EPC1441PI8)
- Altera serial protocol for direct Altera FPGA compatibility (vs XCF01SVOG20C)
Design Notes
Estimated: When migrating a Cyclone I design from EPC1P18N to EPC2, verify that the larger 2 Mbit density does not affect configuration timing. The Altera serial protocol auto-detects density in the daisy-chain; however, if the chain includes an EPC1 and EPC2 in series the master FPGA must be set to multi-device mode (MSEL pins). Misconfiguration of MSEL is the most common cause of boot failure in dual-density chains.
Place the EPC1P18N within 25 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins. Route DCLK and DATA as controlled-impedance 50 ohm microstrip traces with a 33 ohm series damping resistor near the FPGA input to suppress ringing. Keep the trace length mismatch between DCLK and DATA below 5 mm to avoid setup-time violations at maximum configuration clock rates. Decouple VCC with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the supply pin.
Estimated: The 8-DIP through-hole footprint of the EPC1P18N has 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) pin pitch and 0.300 inch (7.62 mm) row spacing. Provide 0.6 mm diameter plated through-holes with 1.0 mm pads per IPC-2221. For dual-voltage designs, route separate 3.3 V and 5 V islands with a ferrite bead at the boundary to avoid ground-loop noise coupling into the configuration chain during power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per 'N' suffix lead-free plating convention. Halogen-free status not stated in verified datasheet. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - industrial temperature grade only.
