EPC1PC8 - 1Mb OTP Config PROM for FPGAs, 8-PDIP | Intel
MPN: EPC1PC8 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.6 | $76.00 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640.00 |
| 500 | $5.2 | $2,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
EPC1PC8 Overview
What is a Configuration PROM? A Configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that stores the bitstream used to program a volatile-memory FPGA (such as SRAM-based LUT devices) every time the system powers up. The PROM sits on the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins (DATA0, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) and serially shifts the configuration data into the FPGA. Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, the Configuration PROM is mandatory for any standalone boot - it transforms an otherwise volatile FPGA into a self-contained, deterministic system. Hierarchy: PROM -> Non-volatile memory -> Memory IC -> Semiconductor.
Key features of the EPC1PC8 include 1,048,576 bits (1Mb) of one-time programmable storage, a 5V-only supply (VCC = 5.0V typical, with 3.3V or 5V I/O tolerance depending on FPGA), a simple 4-pin serial configuration interface (DATA, DCLK, nCS, OE), and support for Altera's proprietary serial configuration scheme. The 8-pin PDIP package is the industry-standard through-hole footprint (300 mil body, 2.54 mm pitch) used by classic logic and memory devices, simplifying hand prototyping, breadboard evaluation, and legacy system maintenance.
The EPC1PC8 is internally organized to match the bitstream width and CRC scheme expected by its target FPGAs. Configuration is initiated by the host system pulling nCONFIG high on the FPGA; the FPGA then drives nSTATUS high and asserts OE on the PROM, which serially clocks out the bitstream on DCLK/Data. Because the part is OTP, the bitstream is written once during device programming (using a MasterBlaster, ByteBlaster, or compatible Altera programmer) and is retained for the life of the system without battery backup.
Typical applications include configuring legacy Altera FLEX 10K and APEX 20K evaluation boards, industrial control retrofits that must remain bit-compatible with installed FPGA-based assets, and educational platforms teaching the fundamentals of FPGA boot flows. It is also used as a low-cost configuration source for designs where in-system reprogrammability is not required.
When designing with the EPC1PC8, observe the recommended decoupling (0.1 uF ceramic close to VCC and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum cap), keep the DCLK trace short, and protect the OE/nCS lines from noise during configuration. Because the device is OTP, designers should program verified bitstreams and store a backup of the original .pof file.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in compatible alternatives (including larger-density EPC family members and same-footprint cousins), and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PC8 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 EPC1PC8 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Interface, Memory Size, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2PC8
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC1441PC8
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1PC8 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (Non-volatile) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (1,048,576 bits) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 5.0 V (typical) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera proprietary serial (DATA, DCLK, OE, nCS) |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (8-PDIP, 300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Target FPGAs | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K/20KE/20KC, FLEX 10K/10KE/10KA, FLEX 6000/A |
| Pin Pitch | 2.54 mm (0.100 in) |
| Programming Hardware | Altera MasterBlaster / ByteBlaster (legacy programmer) |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (1-bit data, 1-bit clock) |
EPC1PC8 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial configuration data output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA DCLK pin |
| Pin 3 | OE β Output Enable - asserted by FPGA nSTATUS to enable DATA output |
| Pin 4 | nCS β Chip Select - typically tied to FPGA nCONFIG |
| Pin 5 | VCC β 5V power supply input |
| Pin 6 | VPP β Programming voltage input (12V during programming, ground during read) |
| Pin 7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 8 | GND β Ground (second ground pin) |
Typical Applications
EPC1PC8 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FPGA Configuration (FLEX 10K / APEX 20K), Industrial Control System Retrofits, Educational FPGA Development Platforms, Avionics & Military Legacy Bit-Compatible Systems, Telecommunications Backplane FPGA Cards, Medical Imaging & Diagnostic Equipment Retrofits.
Legacy Altera FPGA Configuration (FLEX 10K / APEX 20K)
The EPC1PC8 stores the bitstream that initializes SRAM-based Altera FPGAs such as FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KA, APEX 20K, APEX 20KE, and ACEX 1K on every power-up. Its 1Mb density is sufficient for mid-density FLEX 10K and APEX 20K designs, and the proprietary serial DATA/DCLK/OE protocol exactly matches the FPGA's passive-serial configuration mode. Designers connect EPC1PC8.nCS to the FPGA nCONFIG line and use a 10k pull-up on OE; this is the canonical boot topology for legacy Altera boards.
Recommended
Industrial Control System Retrofits
Industrial systems installed in the late 1990s and early 2000s with FLEX 10K or APEX 20K FPGAs require identical bitstream retention when a Configuration PROM fails. The EPC1PC8 in 8-PDIP is a through-hole part that drops into legacy sockets on these boards without redesign, keeping 24V-factory systems running without requalification. Designers match the bitstream CRC and use MAX+PLUS II or Quartus to regenerate a .pof before programming.
Recommended
Educational FPGA Development Platforms
University digital-logic labs and FPGA training courses teach the configuration flow using FLEX 10K and APEX 20K boards with EPC1PC8 PROMs. The 8-PDIP through-hole package is easy to insert and remove, supports repeated classroom experiments, and tolerates the frequent reprogramming cycles typical of teaching labs. The EPC1PC8's single 5V supply matches the legacy 5V logic rails on these boards, eliminating level-shifters in student designs.
Recommended
Avionics & Military Legacy Bit-Compatible Systems
Avionics and military systems that were qualified with FLEX 10K or APEX 20K FPGAs often cannot be redesigned (re-certification cost). The EPC1PC8 enables bit-compatible replacement of failed Configuration PROMs on these boards, restoring the system's configuration storage to its as-built specification. Designers must use the original MAX+PLUS II .pof and program using MasterBlaster-compatible tools to maintain airworthiness/qualification compliance.
Recommended
Telecommunications Backplane FPGA Cards
Telecom backplanes from the late 1990s use FLEX 10K FPGAs to implement glue logic, bus bridges, and SERDES control on line cards. The EPC1PC8 holds the bitstream that initializes these glue-logic FPGAs at line-card insertion. Its OTP nature ensures the configuration cannot be corrupted by line-card hot-swap transients, which is essential for NEBS-compliant telecom hardware.
Recommended
Medical Imaging & Diagnostic Equipment Retrofits
Medical imaging systems (ultrasound, MRI controllers, patient monitors) built in the 2000s use FLEX 10K and APEX 20K FPGAs for signal processing and timing. The EPC1PC8 in 8-PDIP is a service-replacement Configuration PROM that restores boot capability without changing the as-built FPGA logic or triggering regulatory re-filing. Hospitals and service organizations stock EPC1PC8 as a maintenance part for these life-cycle-extended medical systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PC8 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2PC8 | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP (300 mil) | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | 20-pin PLCC - different |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit | 1.69 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 1 Mbit |
| Programmability | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Supply Voltage | 5V | 3.3V / 5V | 5V | 5V |
| JTAG Support | No | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | No | No |
| Target FPGAs | FLEX 10K/10KE/10KA, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000/A | Same + newer devices | Same | Same |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest-density 8-PDIP EPC1 family member (vs EPC1441PC8)
- 5V-only operation, no JTAG support (vs EPC2PC8)
- Through-hole DIP for legacy retrofits (vs EPC1LC20 (20-pin PLCC))
Design Notes
Estimated: EPC1PC8 active read current is approximately 30 mA at 5V (0.15W). Add a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VCC (pin 5) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic on the same 5V rail. During OTP programming, VPP (pin 6) is pulsed to 12V at up to 30 mA - use a 4.7 uF bypass on VPP and a series 100 ohm resistor to limit programming-current ringing. Do not apply 12V to VPP during normal read operation.
Place the EPC1PC8 within 50 mm of the FPGA's configuration pins to keep DCLK and DATA traces short and well-matched. Add 10k pull-up resistors on nCS (tied to FPGA nCONFIG) and OE (driven by FPGA nSTATUS) so the configuration starts cleanly on power-up. Use a ground return trace under the DCLK line, and keep DCLK/DATA away from switching power-supply nodes - noise coupling into these lines causes configuration CRC errors and partial boot failures.
Because the EPC1PC8 is OTP, a single programming error forces the device to be discarded - always program a verified .pof file and readback to confirm CRC before depaneling. Do NOT connect VPP (pin 6) directly to 5V; during read mode VPP must be at 0V (GND) to avoid latch-up. Do NOT mix EPC1 and EPC2 bitstreams without re-generating the .pof with the correct target PROM device ID. Finally, do not insert the EPC1PC8 into a Cyclone-series FPGA board - Cyclone requires EPCS Active Serial PROMs.
Compliance Information
EPC1PC8 is a legacy Altera part released before RoHS-era compliance mandates; full compliance status was not available in the verified web data. Mark all [DATA_NEEDED] fields for traceability review. The device is functionally equivalent to obsolete Altera/Intel silicon; no modern automotive qualification applies.
