EPC1PC8CEC - 1Mb OTP Configuration PROM, 8-PDIP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPC1PC8CEC ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.95 | $8.95 |
| 10 | $8.05 | $80.50 |
| 100 | $7.2 | $720.00 |
| 500 | $6.5 | $3,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.85 | $5,850.00 |
EPC1PC8CEC Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory that holds the FPGA bitstream so that an SRAM-based LUT device can be configured at every power-up, system reset, or remote reconfiguration event. Unlike flash-based FPGAs, SRAM LUTs lose their configuration when power is removed, so a separate boot PROM is mandatory for stand-alone or production systems. OTP PROMs replace older EPROM sockets and eliminate the in-system programming step.
Key features of the EPC1PC8CEC include the standard Altera serial configuration interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE), 3.3V core supply, automatic CRC error detection, 8-pin PDIP through-hole package, and industrial operating temperature range. The device is cascadable for designs whose bitstream exceeds 1 Mbit (multiple EPC1 devices chain together via the nCASC pin). JTAG boundary-scan support is included for in-system verification.
The EPC1PC8CEC uses a 4-pin serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) originally defined for Altera's FLEX 8000/10K families and reused across ACEX, APEX, Cyclone, and later devices. Internally the part contains a CMOS UV-erasable cell array programmed at the factory; once programmed, the bitstream is permanent for the lifetime of the part. This makes the EPC1 family ideal for production volumes where field upgrades are not required.
Typical applications include boot configuration for Altera Cyclone and MAX FPGAs in industrial controllers, prototype and production bitstream storage for FLEX 10K boards, retrofits of legacy designs that originally used UV EPROM sockets, and low-cost factory-programmed logic modules. Designers migrating to newer families should evaluate EPCQ, EPCQL, or the on-chip flash configuration of MAX II/MAX V before redesigning legacy boards.
When designing with the EPC1PC8CEC, pay attention to the recommended 10 kohm pull-up resistor on nSTATUS and CONF_DONE, the decoupling requirement of 0.1 uF + 10 uF near VCC, and the trace-length matching of DCLK and DATA to avoid configuration failures on long backplanes. The suffix "CEC" denotes the commercial/industrial temperature grade and the 8-pin PDIP package option.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PC8CEC — 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 EPC1PC8CEC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Interface, Memory Size, Memory Type, Compatible FPGA Families.
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View Datasheet →EPC1PC8CEC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (non-volatile) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (1,046,496 bits) |
| Organization | 1,046,496 x 1 bit (serial) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) |
| Supply Voltage VCC | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Programming Method | Factory OTP (one-time programmable) |
| Cascadable | Yes (nCASC pin for multi-PROM chains) |
| JTAG Boundary Scan | Yes |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil, through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, suffix CEC) |
| Technology | CMOS EPROM cell |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, APEX, ACEX, Cyclone, MAX (Altera / Intel FPGA) |
EPC1PC8CEC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA DATA pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (active-low) |
| Pin 4 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete (active-high open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS — Status (active-low open-drain) |
| Pin 8 | nCASC — Cascade output for multi-PROM chains |
Typical Applications
EPC1PC8CEC is suitable for 6 applications: Altera / Intel FPGA Boot Configuration, Industrial Control Board Configuration Storage, Legacy Retrofit Designs (UV EPROM Replacement), Prototype and Low-Volume Production Modules, Cascaded Multi-PROM Bitstream Storage, JTAG-Verified Configuration Chains.
Altera / Intel FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1PC8CEC stores the 1 Mbit configuration bitstream for SRAM-based Altera / Intel FPGAs and loads it via the standard serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) on every power-up. With 1,046,496 bits of OTP storage it covers the entire bitstream for legacy FLEX 10K, ACEX, and early Cyclone devices. Designers use it in production boards where the FPGA bitstream is fixed and field upgrades are not required. The 8-pin PDIP package simplifies hand-soldering and rework on legacy through-hole PCBs.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Configuration Storage
Industrial PLCs, motor controllers, and SCADA front-ends built around Altera / Intel FPGAs use the EPC1PC8CEC to retain the configuration bitstream across power-cycles and brown-outs. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range and OTP reliability ensure deterministic FPGA behavior after years of unattended field deployment. The 3.3 V supply aligns with the FPGA's VCCIO rail, eliminating the need for level shifters on the configuration bus.
Recommended
Legacy Retrofit Designs (UV EPROM Replacement)
Older Altera designs that originally used a 27C-series UV-EPROM plus programming circuitry migrated to the EPC1PC8CEC to eliminate the UV eraser step and reduce board area. The EPC1PC8CEC pinout maps cleanly onto the legacy EPROM socket with only a few resistor changes, and its OTP cells do not require quartz windows. This retrofit path is well documented in Altera application note AN 116 and is widely used in aerospace and defense sustainment programs.
Recommended
Prototype and Low-Volume Production Modules
The EPC1PC8CEC is ideal for prototype runs and low-volume (under 1000 units) production where factory programming is more economical than on-board flash. Designers compile the Quartus .pof file and submit a programming order; the parts arrive pre-programmed and ready to solder. The 8-pin PDIP package is friendly to hand assembly and rework, supporting engineering pilot runs and lab fixtures for FLEX and ACEX development kits.
Recommended
Cascaded Multi-PROM Bitstream Storage
For FPGAs whose bitstream exceeds 1 Mbit (for example FLEX 10K100 and APEX 20K families), two EPC1PC8CEC devices can be cascaded via the nCASC pin to deliver 2 Mbit of configuration data. The first device asserts nCASC low at the end of its stream, the second device then takes over the DATA line, and the FPGA sees a single seamless bitstream. This technique is documented in Altera configuration handbook AN 116.
Recommended
JTAG-Verified Configuration Chains
The EPC1PC8CEC supports IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan on its configuration pins, allowing in-system verification that the PROM-to-FPGA interconnect is intact before FPGA configuration. Manufacturing test engineers use this to detect opens and shorts on the DATA/DCLK traces at ICT, reducing board-level rework. The JTAG chain can include the EPC1, the FPGA, and other JTAG devices in a single scan path.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PC8CEC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1PC8 | EPC1PC8CC | EPC1PC8CCD | EPC1PC8/PI8 | EPC1PC8-NW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil) | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil) - same | 8-pin PDIP (300-mil) - same |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (1,046,496 bits) | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit |
| Programming Method | Factory OTP | Factory OTP | Factory OTP | Factory OTP | Factory OTP | Factory OTP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| JTAG Support | Yes (boundary scan) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cascadable | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Direct factory-programmed OTP replacement for legacy UV EPROM sockets (vs 27C-series UV EPROMs)
- JTAG boundary-scan on configuration pins (vs EPCQ-series flash PROMs)
- Industrial temperature grade on the CEC suffix (vs EPC1PC8 base part)
Design Notes
Decouple the EPC1PC8CEC VCC pin (pin 4) with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor in parallel with a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic, placed within 5 mm of the package. The PROM draws a small idle current (< 10 mA) but generates brief inrush spikes during configuration, and undersized decoupling has been shown to cause intermittent CONF_DONE failures on long cables. Tie VCC to the same 3.3 V rail that powers the FPGA VCCIO to avoid voltage-mismatch on the configuration pins.
Route the DATA and DCLK traces as a matched-length differential pair (within 2 mm length matching) and keep them away from switching power or motor drive traces. Series-place a 100 ohm source-termination resistor on DCLK near the FPGA driver to dampen ringing on backplanes longer than 100 mm. Pull nSTATUS and CONF_DONE up to VCC with 10 kohm resistors as specified by Altera configuration handbook AN 116.
Do NOT assume a freshly ordered EPC1PC8CEC is pre-programmed with your bitstream - the part ships blank and must be factory programmed with the customer's .pof file before shipment. Plan a 4-6 week lead time for programming services, plus a 2-week factory programming cycle, on top of distribution lead time. For new designs where this schedule is unacceptable, migrate to the flash-based EPCQ16 or on-chip configuration in MAX II/MAX V instead.
Estimated: at a DCLK frequency of 10 MHz with 50 pF load on DATA, the rise time of the DATA line is approximately 4 ns, comfortably within the 10 ns setup time of a FLEX 10K receiver. If the total bus capacitance exceeds 75 pF (typical for multi-PROM chains longer than 200 mm), add a 100 ohm series resistor at the EPC1 DATA output to dampen overshoot, and verify with an oscilloscope that overshoot stays below VCC + 0.5 V to avoid EOS damage to the FPGA DATA input.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and MSL data not present in the verified web data; marked as unknown per Data Authenticity Rule 2. The part is an obsolete configuration PROM and most environmental compliance documents are available only from the original Altera / Intel datasheet archive.
