EPC1PC8N - 1Mb Altera FPGA Config PROM, 8-PDIP | Intel
MPN: EPC1PC8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.95 | $8.95 |
| 10 | $7.85 | $78.50 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640.00 |
| 500 | $5.25 | $2,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.4 | $4,400.00 |
EPC1PC8N Overview
What is an FPGA configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM (also called a serial configuration device) is a small serial Flash or EEPROM device whose sole purpose is to load the bitstream into a volatile SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. The hierarchy is: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> serial memory -> semiconductor. Because most FPGAs are SRAM-based, they lose their configuration when power is removed; the configuration PROM acts as the boot source that re-loads the bitstream through a serial interface (typically Altera's PS or AS mode). Without a configuration PROM, the FPGA must be configured from a processor, Flash, or download cable at every power-up.
Key features of the EPC1PC8N include 1,000,000 bits of OTP storage, a simple 4-wire serial interface to the host FPGA, low standby current, and 3.3V single-supply operation that matches Altera's standard I/O rails. The device is in-system programmable via the IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG interface, allowing boundary-scan testing and re-programming during board bring-up.
From an architectural standpoint, the EPC1PC8N uses an internal oscillator to clock configuration data out to the FPGA in serial mode (DCLK + DATA). It is a write-once device using an anti-fuse cell that cannot be erased once programmed, which makes it well-suited to production environments where the bitstream is fixed.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, telecom line cards, prototyping platforms, and any design that pairs a SRAM-based Altera FPGA with a stand-alone boot source. The 8-pin PDIP form factor is also convenient for development boards and through-hole educational kits.
When designing with this device, observe the 3.3V VCC requirement and ensure the JTAG chain is correctly ordered so that the EPC1PC8N does not interfere with FPGA boundary-scan. Because the EPC1 is OTP, design engineers should verify the bitstream on a development kit before committing to production programming.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PC8N — 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 EPC1PC8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Configuration Mode, Mounting Type, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8CEC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8/PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8CEC52
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC1PC8CC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit |
| Organization | Serial (DCLK + DATA) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage (Typical) | 3.3 V |
| Interface | Altera PS Serial / JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Programmability | In-system via JTAG; OTP after programming |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (PC8N suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (PC8N suffix indicates lead-free) |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (PS mode) |
| JTAG Compliance | IEEE Std. 1149.1-1990 boundary-scan |
EPC1PC8N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | VCC — 3.3V power supply |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input |
| Pin 6 | OE — Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 7 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC1PC8N is suitable for 6 applications: Altera FPGA Boot Configuration, Industrial Control Boards, Telecom Line Card Prototypes, Development Kits and Education Boards, Legacy Board Maintenance and Field Repair, JTAG Boundary-Scan Test Platforms.
Altera FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1PC8N is purpose-built to store the 1-Mbit configuration bitstream for SRAM-based Altera FPGAs and deliver it serially at power-up. The PROM connects to the FPGA through four signals (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG) and clocks configuration data out via DCLK, while the FPGA's internal oscillator-free mode ensures deterministic boot timing. With 1 Mbit of OTP storage, the EPC1PC8N supports legacy Altera Cyclone, APEX, and Mercury device bitstreams that fit within the capacity. Designers typically place the EPC1PC8N adjacent to the FPGA on the same PCB, route the four serial signals in parallel groups, and provide a single 3.3V rail with 100 nF decoupling. The OTP nature means the part must be programmed once with a verified bitstream, after which the configuration is fixed - making the EPC1PC8N ideal for production volumes where design changes are unlikely.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards
Industrial control applications frequently pair Altera FPGAs with serial configuration PROMs to provide deterministic, hands-off boot from a non-volatile source. The EPC1PC8N is well-suited to this role: its 3.0V to 3.6V supply matches the 3.3V rails commonly found on industrial backplanes, and its 8-pin PDIP through-hole package simplifies hand-soldered prototype builds and field-replaceable serviceability. The OTP nature of the EPC1PC8N means industrial OEMs can program the bitstream during board-level test and lock it permanently, preventing field tampering with the FPGA's function. Because the device is obsolete, designers of new industrial boards should consider the EPC2LC20 (Flash-based, re-programmable) or EPCS4 (modern Altera serial Flash) for new designs.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Prototypes
Telecom line-card designers historically used the EPC1PC8N as a quick boot source for Altera FPGA prototypes running glue logic and packet-processing datapaths. The 1-Mbit capacity covers small to mid-density Altera FPGAs used in T1/E1 framers, ATM controllers, and HDLC cores. The 8-pin PDIP package makes the EPC1PC8N convenient for fast bring-up boards where designers may hand-swap parts during debugging. Although the part is in obsolete lifecycle status as of 2026, it remains a low-cost way to maintain legacy line-card spares. For new telecom platforms, the EPCS-series serial Flash devices are recommended due to their higher density and in-system re-programmability via JTAG.
Recommended
Development Kits and Education Boards
Educational FPGA development boards often use the EPC1PC8N as the configuration source for student projects because of its through-hole DIP package and simple 4-wire interface. The DIP form factor allows students to easily insert, remove, and replace the part during lab exercises - a feature impossible with surface-mount configuration devices. The 3.3V supply matches the logic levels on common educational Altera FPGA boards such as the Cyclone development kit. Because the EPC1PC8N is OTP, instructors typically use it for fixed demos where the bitstream does not change between class sessions, while reserving EPCS4 or EPC2LC20 for project courses that require frequent bitstream updates.
Recommended
Legacy Board Maintenance and Field Repair
Field repair depots maintain stock of the EPC1PC8N for legacy Altera FPGA-based equipment where the configuration PROM has failed or where spare boards must be pre-programmed. The 8-pin PDIP package allows technicians to swap the device on the bench without hot-air rework stations, which is critical in field service scenarios where specialized tooling is unavailable. The OTP nature of the EPC1PC8N means spare devices must be pre-programmed with the correct bitstream at a programming center before field deployment. Given the obsolete status of the part, repair depots are advised to keep at least 6-12 months of inventory to bridge supply gaps while qualifying EPC2LC20 or EPCS-series replacements.
Recommended
JTAG Boundary-Scan Test Platforms
The EPC1PC8N includes built-in JTAG boundary-scan test (BST) circuitry compliant with IEEE Std. 1149.1-1990, allowing it to participate in a multi-device JTAG chain for production test and board bring-up. The PROM's JTAG interface supports programming, verification, and boundary-scan I/O tests, making the EPC1PC8N useful in production ATE stations that exercise both the FPGA and its boot source in the same scan chain. According to the Altera datasheet, JTAG BST can be performed before or after configuration but not during configuration - a key timing constraint for test engineers. The 8-pin PDIP package supports test clips and ISP fixtures used in contract manufacturing environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PC8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1PC8 | EPC1PC8CEC | EPC1PC8/PI8 | EPC1PC8CEC52 | EPC1PC8C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 8-PDIP (PC8N) | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit |
| Memory Type | OTP (anti-fuse) | OTP (anti-fuse) | OTP (anti-fuse) | OTP (anti-fuse) | OTP (anti-fuse) | OTP (anti-fuse) |
| 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 Compliance | IEEE 1149.1-1990 | IEEE 1149.1-1990 | IEEE 1149.1-1990 | IEEE 1149.1-1990 | IEEE 1149.1-1990 | IEEE 1149.1-1990 |
| Lead-Free (RoHS) | Yes (PC8N suffix) | No (SnPb) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-free RoHS-compliant finish (vs EPC1PC8)
- Same 1-Mbit density as legacy part (vs EPC2LC20)
- Through-hole PDIP form factor (vs EPC1PC8CEC)
Design Notes
The EPC1PC8N operates from a single 3.3V supply and draws low standby current during idle. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin (pin 3) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same 3.3V rail. According to the Altera datasheet, the device sources a small amount of current through the DATA pin during configuration; ensure the rail can supply the inrush without sagging below 3.0V or the FPGA will fail to configure.
Route the four serial configuration signals (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG) from the EPC1PC8N to the FPGA in a matched-length group, keeping traces short (under 50 mm where possible) and away from switching power and clock edges. Because the 8-pin PDIP package is through-hole, designers have wide latitude on trace widths - but keep the DATA line away from noisy I/O to prevent configuration errors. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on nCONFIG to ensure the FPGA does not enter configuration at the wrong time.
The EPC1PC8N is OTP - once programmed, the configuration cannot be erased or rewritten. Verify the bitstream on a development board before committing production devices to programming. According to the Altera datasheet, JTAG BST may not be performed during configuration - leave a timing margin between the nCONFIG rising edge and the first DCLK cycle. Do not exceed the 3.6V absolute maximum supply voltage, as this will permanently damage the OTP cells.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per PC8N suffix (lead-free matte-tin finish). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the part is intended for industrial/commercial FPGA configuration. Halogen-free status not specified in available datasheet.
