EPC1PC8W - 1Mb OTP Configuration PROM for Altera FPGAs
MPN: EPC1PC8W ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.85 | $9,850.00 |
EPC1PC8W Overview
A Configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory that holds the FPGA's configuration bitstream. At system power-up, the FPGA's configuration controller reads the bitstream from the PROM through a synchronous serial interface (DATA, DCLK) and programs its internal SRAM-based configuration latches. Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, the configuration PROM acts as the boot memory that re-initializes the FPGA on every power cycle. The EPC1 family uses a dedicated Altera configuration protocol, not a generic SPI flash interface.
Key features of the EPC1PC8W include 1,048,576 bits (1 Mb) of OTP storage, a simple 4-pin serial programming interface for in-system programming, 3.3V typical VCC operation with 5V-tolerant I/O, and cascadable support so multiple EPC1 devices can be chained to store larger bitstreams. Programming is one-time per cell: once an OTP bit is blown it cannot be erased, making the EPC1PC8W well suited to production volumes where the design has stabilized.
The EPC1 architecture uses an industry-standard OTP memory cell array with on-chip address counters, a serial data engine, and Altera's proprietary configuration sequencer. Programming is performed by applying elevated VPP to the dedicated programming pin while toggling DCLK and shifting data on DATA0. Read-back during device verification uses the same pin set, allowing factory test of the programmed image before final assembly.
Typical applications include boot memory for legacy Altera FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Cyclone, Cyclone II, and Stratix FPGA designs. Designers use the EPC1PC8W in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, military/aerospace retrofits, and test equipment where the host board already targets the Altera configuration pinout and BOM does not allow a switch to a modern Cyclone V/10 or MAX 10 device.
When designing with the EPC1PC8W, ensure the JTAG/programming header exposes nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DATA0, DCLK and that VCC decoupling follows the datasheet's 100 nF + 10 uF guidance. Because the part is OTP, verify the entire bitstream with the Quartus programmer before blowing the array in production.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PC8W — 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 EPC1PC8W (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Compatible FPGA Families, Memory Size, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
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EPC1PC8W Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit (131,072 x 8 or 1,048,576 bits) |
| Interface | Altera/Intel proprietary serial configuration (DATA0, DCLK) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Programming Voltage (VPP) | 5.0 V / 12.0 V (per datasheet programming algorithm) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (PDIP-8) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Configuration Compatibility | Altera FLEX, ACEX, APEX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix |
| Cascadable | Yes (multiple EPC1 devices can be chained for larger bitstreams) |
| Programming Interface | 4-pin serial: nCONFIG, nSTATUS, DATA0, DCLK |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, per datasheet) |
| JTAG/BSD Support | Per datasheet; uses Altera ByteBlaster/USB-Blaster via nCONFIG chain |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life, non-moisture-sensitive) |
EPC1PC8W Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Serial data output to FPGA configuration controller |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 6 | VPP — Programming voltage supply (5 V / 12 V during OTP programming) |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | nCE — Chip enable (cascading, active-low) |
Typical Applications
EPC1PC8W is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FLEX 10K FPGA Boot Memory, ACEX 1K Series FPGA Configuration Source, Cyclone / Cyclone II Configuration in Industrial Retrofits, Stratix and APEX 20K Configuration in Test Equipment, Military and Aerospace Legacy Board Sustainment, Prototype and Educational FPGA Development Boards.
Legacy Altera FLEX 10K FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC1PC8W was designed as the dedicated boot PROM for Altera FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KE, and FLEX 10KA SRAM-based FPGAs. At system power-up the FLEX device enters configuration mode, asserts nCONFIG low, and the EPC1PC8W serially shifts the bitstream on DATA0 clocked by DCLK until CONF_DONE goes high. The 1 Mb capacity matches the typical FLEX 10K100 / 10K130 design density, making the EPC1PC8W the canonical pairing in legacy telecom line cards and industrial controllers that still ship FLEX designs.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Series FPGA Configuration Source
ACEX 1K devices such as EP1K30, EP1K50, and EP1K100 use passive-serial configuration and rely on an external PROM to hold the bitstream. The EPC1PC8W provides 1 Mb of OTP storage, which fits the ACEX 1K design densities for designs up to roughly the EP1K100 tier. In retrofits of existing ACEX 1K boards, the EPC1PC8W remains a drop-in boot memory option when the original EPC1 is being replaced due to wear or obsolescence stock-out.
Recommended
Cyclone / Cyclone II Configuration in Industrial Retrofits
Early Cyclone (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) and Cyclone II (EP2C5, EP2C8) FPGAs in passive-serial mode can be configured from an EPC1PC8W for legacy support, though modern Cyclone designs use EPCQ4/EPCQ16 flash instead. This remains common in industrial retrofits, MIL-spec systems, and long-lifecycle equipment where the FPGA family cannot be changed but the original boot PROM must be replaced. The EPC1PC8W stores up to 1 Mb of bitstream, matching small to mid-density Cyclone designs.
Recommended
Stratix and APEX 20K Configuration in Test Equipment
High-density Stratix and APEX 20K FPGA designs in legacy test-and-measurement equipment used cascaded EPC1 PROMs to load multi-megabit bitstreams. The EPC1PC8W served as the primary configuration source in the cascade chain, with additional EPC1 or EPC2 devices for overflow. The 1 Mb density and 8-pin PDIP format made it easy to hand-swap during board bring-up and field service.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy Board Sustainment
Long-lifecycle military and aerospace programs with FLEX and ACEX FPGA designs still require EPC1PC8W stock for board repair and sustainment because the FPGA family cannot be re-qualified. The PDIP-8 package of the EPC1PC8W supports hand-soldering in depot-level repair and the OTP programming model fits the strict bitstream-control regime required for defense applications. Independent distributors and franchised brokers carry the part specifically to support these programs.
Recommended
Prototype and Educational FPGA Development Boards
Older university and prototype FPGA boards built around FLEX 10K and ACEX 1K development kits used the EPC1PC8W as the bundled configuration PROM. Replacement units for teaching labs, evaluation kits, and hobbyist retro builds source this part specifically because the rest of the board (FPGA, configuration pins, JTAG header) was designed around the EPC1 family. The PDIP-8 outline is friendly to through-hole rework and breadboard-style prototyping.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PC8W — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1PC8 | EPC1PC8CEC | EPC1PC8CC | EPC1PC8CCD | EPC2PC8W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP (same) | 8-pin PDIP (same) | 8-pin PDIP (same) | 8-pin PDIP (same) | 8-pin PDIP (same) |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (same) | Intel (same) | Intel (same) | Intel (same) | Intel (same) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit (+60%) |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Configuration Interface | Altera PS (Passive Serial) | Altera PS | Altera PS | Altera PS | Altera PS | Altera PS |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V typical | 3.3 V typical | 3.3 V typical | 3.3 V typical | 3.3 V typical | 3.3 V typical |
| Cascadable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete (aftermarket) | Obsolete (aftermarket) | Obsolete (aftermarket) | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Canonical Altera FPGA boot PROM with 1 Mb density (vs EPC2PC8W)
- Through-hole PDIP package friendly to legacy repair (vs EPC1PC8N (PLCC-20))
- Cascadable via Altera configuration chain protocol (vs Generic SPI flash boot (EPCQ16))
Design Notes
The EPC1PC8W is one-time-programmable: a programming mistake or bitstream error permanently bricks the part. Always dry-run the bitstream in the Quartus Simulator or verify against an EPROM-emulator socket before programming the production EPC1PC8W. Keep at least 5% spare PROMs on hand for production rework and rework loops. Use the ByteBlasterMV or USB-Blaster [DATA_NEEDED: exact programming cable recommendation] to apply the correct VPP and timing per the legacy datasheet.
Place the EPC1PC8W as close as possible to the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize trace length on DCLK and DATA0. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. Route nCONFIG and nSTATUS as point-to-point signals and avoid stub taps; the EPC1 family expects clean 3.3 V CMOS edges per the Altera configuration handbook. For multi-PROM cascading, daisy-chain nCE carefully so only one EPC1 drives DATA0 at any time.
During read mode the EPC1PC8W draws low quiescent current from the 3.3 V VCC rail, but programming mode applies elevated VPP (typically 12 V) on pin 6. Per the legacy Altera datasheet, VPP must be stable before VCC ramps, and the programming algorithm enforces specific rise/fall timing. Always sequence VPP and VCC per the datasheet to avoid corrupting the OTP array or damaging the device. For production programming, use a qualified device programmer that supports the legacy EPC1 algorithm.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not explicitly stated in verified sources retrieved 2026-09-11. Legacy Altera PDIP EPC1 PROMs are typically non-RoHS; request Certificate of Compliance from distributor for production use. AEC-Q100 not applicable for legacy commercial/industrial configuration PROM.
