EPC1PC8-NW - 1Mb OTP Configuration PROM 8-PDIP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPC1PC8-NW ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.85 | $6.85 |
| 10 | $6.15 | $61.50 |
| 100 | $5.45 | $545.00 |
| 500 | $4.85 | $2,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.3 | $4,300.00 |
EPC1PC8-NW Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory that holds the FPGA's SRAM-based configuration image. Because SRAM LUT cells lose their configuration when power is removed, every FPGA power-up requires an external device to reload the bitstream. The EPC1 family reduces FPGA design complexity by integrating the configuration storage, address counter, oscillator (for older EPC1/EPC1441 devices), and tri-state DATA buffer in a single small package, eliminating the need for a separate boot ROM or microcontroller bootloader.
Key features of the EPC1PC8-NW include a 3.3V or 5V core supply (VCC = 3.3 V to 5.0 V), a low-power CMOS process, an open-drain nSTATUS / CONF_DONE-compatible interface through the FPGA, automatic reset of the internal address counter when OE is driven low, and a JTAG-less simple serial interface (note: JTAG BST is supported only on the EPC2 family, not the EPC1). Programming is performed via the Altera ByteBlasterMV or BitBlaster download cable using the Quartus or MAX+PLUS II programmer flow.
The architecture uses an on-chip ring oscillator (EPC1/EPC1441) or external clock (EPC2) to advance the internal address counter, sequentially presenting each bit on the DATA pin synchronous to DCLK from the FPGA. A low on OE resets the address counter and tri-states DATA, allowing multiple configuration sources to share a bus. The nCS pin enables the device output stage, supporting cascaded PROM chains for multi-device bitstream loading.
Typical applications include boot configuration for Altera / Intel FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, prototyping boards, and legacy MAX 7000 / FLEX 10K design refreshes. The wide VCC range and PDIP package also suit through-hole educational and breadboard designs where surface-mount configuration devices are impractical.
When designing with the EPC1PC8-NW, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VCC (pin 8) and GND (pin 4), and verify the FPGA's MSEL pins select the appropriate configuration mode (AS or PS) for PROM interface compatibility. Designers migrating to newer Intel FPGA families should note that EPCS / EPCQ serial flash devices have largely replaced OTP PROMs in modern Cyclone IV / V / 10 designs.
This page synthesizes drop-in alternatives (EPC1441PC8, EPC1LC20, EPC2LC20), pin-for-pin compatible parts, programming tool compatibility, and practical design notes not aggregated on a single distributor product page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PC8-NW — 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-NW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PI8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441PCB
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8-NW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | OTP Configuration PROM (one-time programmable) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (1,046,496 bits) |
| Interface | Altera / Intel serial configuration (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V or 5 V nominal) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil body, through-hole) |
| Pin Count | 8 |
| Configuration Mode Support | Passive Serial (PS) for FLEX, APEX, Mercury, Cyclone families |
| Oscillator | Internal ring oscillator (EPC1/EPC1441 only; EPC2 uses external clock) |
| JTAG Boundary-Scan Support | No (EPC2 family only) |
| Programming Method | Altera ByteBlasterMV, BitBlaster, or compatible USB-Blaster via Quartus / MAX+PLUS II |
| Lead Finish | Pb-free matte tin (JEDEC J-STD-020 compliant) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| MSL Level | MSL 2 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free -NW suffix) |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera Corporation) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, Mercury, Cyclone, MAX 7000S/AE/B |
EPC1PC8-NW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA DATA[n] pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA DCLK pin |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Chip select, active low; enables output stage |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG — Configuration reset, active low input from FPGA |
| Pin 6 | OE — Output enable, active low; resets address counter and tri-states DATA |
| Pin 7 | VCC — Power supply input, 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Pin 8 | VPP — Programming voltage supply; tied to VCC in user mode |
Typical Applications
EPC1PC8-NW is suitable for 6 applications: FLEX 10K / APEX 20K FPGA Boot Configuration, Mercury and Early Cyclone Device Configuration, Industrial Controller Configuration Storage, Telecom Line Card FPGA Provisioning, Educational FPGA Development Boards, Legacy MAX 7000 / FLEX 6000 Design Refresh.
FLEX 10K / APEX 20K FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1PC8-NW provides non-volatile boot storage for legacy Altera / Intel FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KA, FLEX 10KE, and APEX 20K FPGAs whose SRAM configuration cells lose their bitstream on power-down. With 1 Mbit density it fully configures mid-range devices such as the EPF10K100 and EP20K200 in passive-serial mode. The 3.0-5.5 V VCC range matches the FLEX 10K VCCINT rail directly, eliminating an extra LDO. On power-up the FPGA drives DCLK and nCONFIG high, the EPC1PC8-NW sequentially clocks each bit onto DATA, and the FPGA latches it. Once CONF_DONE rises, the FPGA enters user mode. Use of OTP means the configuration is fixed for production and avoids in-field bitstream corruption.
Recommended
Mercury and Early Cyclone Device Configuration
The EPC1PC8-NW supports Altera Mercury EP1M-series and first-generation Cyclone EP1C-series FPGA configuration via the simple-serial interface. For Mercury devices, the 1 Mbit capacity is typically sufficient for all but the largest EP1M350 designs, where the EPC2 / EPC4 family is required. The on-chip oscillator eliminates the need for an external configuration clock source, simplifying PCB design. Designers should note that the EPC1PC8-NW does NOT support JTAG BST; boundary-scan testing on the FPGA must be performed independently of the PROM. For new Cyclone IV / V / 10 designs, an EPCQ serial flash is the modern equivalent, but the EPC1PC8-NW remains fully supported for Mercury and Cyclone I/II/III legacy designs.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Configuration Storage
In industrial PLC and motor-controller designs using legacy Altera FPGAs, the EPC1PC8-NW stores the FPGA bitstream in non-volatile OTP memory and ensures deterministic startup after power cycles or brownouts. The wide 3.0-5.5 V VCC tolerance allows direct connection to industrial 5 V or 3.3 V rails without an additional regulator. The 8-pin PDIP through-hole package simplifies field replacement and rework on legacy controller boards, and the Pb-free matte-tin finish (-NW suffix) meets RoHS requirements for EU and global industrial markets. The OTP nature also prevents accidental overwriting during firmware updates, an important reliability advantage for safety-critical industrial installations.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Provisioning
The EPC1PC8-NW serves as the configuration source for Altera FPGAs on telecom line cards, including legacy FLEX 10KE designs in DSLAM and SONET/SDH equipment. The 1 Mbit OTP memory stores a fixed factory image that initializes the FPGA on each power-up, supporting fast link re-acquisition after line-card reset. The 3.0-5.5 V supply range accommodates standard telecom -48 V backplane-derived 3.3 V and 5 V rails. The 8-pin PDIP package suits the through-hole assembly processes common in legacy telecom hardware, and the Pb-free -NW finish supports RoHS-conformant telecommunications equipment deployed in EU and Asia-Pacific markets. Designers should derate for elevated ambient temperatures typical of telecom enclosures.
Recommended
Educational FPGA Development Boards
The EPC1PC8-NW is widely used on legacy Altera / Intel FPGA educational and development boards, including university lab kits and prototyping platforms based on FLEX 10K and APEX 20K devices. The 8-pin PDIP through-hole package is breadboard-friendly and easy to swap by hand, ideal for student labs. The 1 Mbit capacity supports most teaching-sized designs (counters, state machines, basic DSP). Compatibility with the ByteBlasterMV and USB-Blaster download cables allows students to program the OTP PROM directly from Quartus II or MAX+PLUS II without specialized tools. The Pb-free finish also makes the board assembly process suitable for modern SMT labs that have transitioned to lead-free reflow.
Recommended
Legacy MAX 7000 / FLEX 6000 Design Refresh
For designers maintaining or refreshing legacy Altera MAX 7000S / AE / B and FLEX 6000-series designs, the EPC1PC8-NW provides a modern, in-stock configuration source that is still manufactured and supported by Intel (formerly Altera). The 1 Mbit density exceeds the bitstream size of most MAX 7000 and FLEX 6000 devices, leaving headroom for design growth. The 8-pin PDIP pinout matches the original reference schematics, allowing drop-in replacement of obsolete configuration devices. The Pb-free matte-tin finish also enables upgrading the assembly process to RoHS-compliant lead-free reflow without changing the FPGA or the surrounding circuitry, a key benefit for long-lifecycle industrial and aerospace programs with extended production runs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PC8-NW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1PC8 | EPC1441PC8 | EPC1441PI8 | EPC1441PI8N | EPC1441PCB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP (300-mil) | 8-PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-PDIP (300-mil) - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (1,046,496 bits) | 1 Mbit - identical | 0.6 Mbit (621,542 bits) | 0.6 Mbit (621,542 bits) | 0.6 Mbit (621,542 bits) | 0.6 Mbit (621,542 bits) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - identical |
| Interface | Altera Simple Serial (PS) | Simple Serial - identical | Simple Serial - identical | Simple Serial - identical | Simple Serial - identical | Simple Serial - identical |
| Lead Finish | Pb-free matte tin (-NW) | SnPb (non-RoHS) | SnPb (non-RoHS) | SnPb (non-RoHS) | Pb-free matte tin (-N) | SnPb (non-RoHS) |
| JTAG BST Support | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (EPC1 family) | Yes - identical | Yes (EPC1441 family) | Yes (EPC1441 family) | Yes (EPC1441 family) | Yes (EPC1441 family) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density drop-in option in 8-pin PDIP with RoHS finish (vs EPC1441PC8)
- Pb-free matte-tin finish (-NW) versus legacy SnPb (vs EPC1PC8)
- Internal oscillator eliminates external clock (vs EPC2 family)
Design Notes
The EPC1PC8-NW requires a stable 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply on pin 7 (VCC). Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VCC and pin 4 (GND) with the shortest possible trace length to minimize switching noise coupling into the DATA output. Estimated: typical operating current is approximately 15-20 mA during configuration (based on datasheet typical values), so the supply rail must be sized to handle this inrush during FPGA load. The VPP pin (pin 8) may be tied directly to VCC in user mode; a separate VPP rail is only required during factory programming via the ByteBlasterMV / USB-Blaster cable.
Route the DATA, DCLK, nCS, nCONFIG, and OE traces between the EPC1PC8-NW and the target FPGA as a controlled-impedance group with matched lengths to within 1 cm to avoid setup/hold violations on the configuration clock. Keep the DATA trace away from switching power converters and high-current digital signals to prevent corruption of the configuration bitstream. The 8-pin PDIP package is through-hole, so the user can hand-swap the part for prototyping. For production, consider migrating to the surface-mount PLCC variant (EPC1LC20) once the design is validated, while keeping the EPC1PC8-NW as a pin-compatible backup source.
Do NOT confuse the EPC1 family (no JTAG BST) with the EPC2 family (JTAG BST and in-system programmable). The two are NOT drop-in compatible at the package level - EPC1 uses 8-pin PDIP while EPC2 uses 20-pin PLCC. Always verify that the FPGA's MSEL pins are configured for the correct configuration mode (PS for EPC1, FPP for EPC2). When programming the OTP EPC1PC8-NW, ensure the generated .pof is final - OTP means the part CANNOT be reprogrammed. Designers should always verify the .pof contents by configuring an FPGA in JTAG or PS mode before committing the bitstream to the OTP PROM. Estimate: 1 programming cycle only; budget accordingly for prototype builds.
For multi-PROM cascading (EPC1PC8-NW plus additional EPC1 / EPC1441 devices), connect the nCS pins in a daisy chain driven by the FPGA's CS[n] outputs. Only one PROM should have its OE line low at a time. Place a 4.7 kohm pull-up resistor on each nCS line and a 4.7 kohm pull-up on the shared DATA line to maintain a defined high level when all PROMs are tri-stated. The EPC1PC8-NW's OE and nCS pins are critical for bus arbitration - incorrect logic on these pins will cause configuration bus contention and FPGA load failures.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per the -NW suffix (Pb-free matte-tin). Reach compliance per Intel / Altera product declaration. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is a memory / configuration PROM, not an automotive-qualified IC; consult Intel for automotive-grade equivalent if needed.
