EPC1PCB - Altera Enhanced Config 1Mb Flash PLCC-20 | Intel
MPN: EPC1PCB ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.6 | $9,600.00 |
EPC1PCB Overview
A configuration device is a non-volatile memory IC that stores FPGA bitstream data and reloads it at every power-up, reset, or reconfiguration event because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed. Enhanced configuration devices add an internal configuration controller and a low-pin-count serial/parallel interface that emulates the behavior of a microprocessor-driven configuration sequence, freeing the FPGA's user I/O and reducing system complexity.
Key features include a 1-megabit flash memory density, an internal oscillator that drives configuration timing without external components, support for FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) and PS (Passive Serial) configuration modes, and 3.3V VCC operation with 5.0V-tolerant I/O. The device re-programmability is in-system programmable via JTAG, eliminating the need for external programmers. Programming cycle endurance is rated for thousands of erase/program cycles.
The architecture pairs a flash array with a state-machine controller that implements the Altera configuration protocol, including multi-device daisy-chaining via nCASC and nCS pins. Designers can configure a chain of multiple SRAM-based FPGAs from a single EPC1PCB by cascading additional configuration devices. The internal voltage translator allows the EPC1 to drive FPGAs with 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5.0V I/O banks directly from a 3.3V VCC supply.
Typical applications include production configuration storage for APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, and Stratix FPGA designs in telecom, industrial control, and military/aerospace systems. The EPC1PCB is widely used in legacy Altera design flows where the bitstream must be retained across power cycles without a separate flash MCU. Multi-device configuration chains using nCASC/nCS pins support dense FPGA arrays that exceed a single device's capacity.
When designing with the EPC1PCB, ensure the JTAG chain includes the EPC1 in the FPGA's boundary-scan order so in-system programming works correctly. The PLCC-20 socket allows field replacement without specialized tools, an advantage for legacy systems where the configuration device may need to be swapped to update bitstreams. Note that newer Cyclone/Stratix families prefer EPCQ or EPCQ-A serial configuration devices over the parallel EPC1 due to lower pin count and faster configuration time.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternatives from the same EPC1 family, and practical design notes on JTAG chain order and nCASC multi-device configurations that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PCB — 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 EPC1PCB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Memory Type, Memory Size, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2PC20
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC1441PC8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PCB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Enhanced Configuration Device for SRAM-based FPGAs |
| Memory Density | 1 Mbit |
| Program Memory Type | Flash (non-volatile) |
| Configuration Modes Supported | FPP (Fast Passive Parallel), PS (Passive Serial) |
| Supply Voltage VCC | 3.3 V |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 5.0 V tolerant |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX, FLEX, ACEX, Cyclone, Stratix |
| Interface | Altera configuration bus (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) |
| Multi-Device Daisy Chain | Yes (nCASC, nCS pins) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes |
| Package | PLCC-20 (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (socket-compatible) |
EPC1PCB Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Configuration data bit 0 (FPP mode) / serial DATA (PS mode) |
| Pin 2 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 3 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 4 | DATA3 — Configuration data bit 3 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 5 | DATA4 — Configuration data bit 4 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 6 | DATA5 — Configuration data bit 5 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 7 | DATA6 — Configuration data bit 6 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 8 | DATA7 — Configuration data bit 7 (FPP mode) |
| Pin 9 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 10 | nCONFIG — Configuration start control input (active low) |
| Pin 11 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output (active low) |
| Pin 12 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete output (active high) |
| Pin 13 | nCASC — Cascade output to next EPC device in chain (active low) |
| Pin 14 | nCS — Chip select input (active low) |
| Pin 15 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 16 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 17 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 18 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 19 | VCC — 3.3V power supply |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC1PCB is suitable for 6 applications: APEX 20K FPGA Production Configuration, FLEX 10K Series FPGA Configuration Storage, ACEX 1K FPGA Low-Cost Configuration, Cyclone FPGA Legacy Configuration (Pre-EPCQ Migration), Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration (nCASC Mode), Telecom Line Card Configuration Storage.
APEX 20K FPGA Production Configuration
The EPC1PCB stores the configuration bitstream for Altera APEX 20K family SRAM-based FPGAs in industrial and telecom systems. Its 1 Mbit flash capacity covers the bitstream size of APEX 20K devices up to the EP20K200E/EP20K400E range, and the FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) interface reduces configuration time versus serial EEPROM alternatives. Designers place the EPC1PCB on the board with nCONFIG tied to the FPGA's configuration controller and DATA[7:0] driving the parallel data bus. The device's internal oscillator and state machine handle the multi-step APEX configuration handshake (config request, data transfer, CONF_DONE handshake, init) without an external host MCU. The PLCC-20 socket allows field replacement when bitstream updates require a different revision, and JTAG in-system programming eliminates the need for an external programmer.
Recommended
FLEX 10K Series FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC1PCB is widely deployed as the configuration storage device for FLEX 10K and FLEX 10KE FPGAs in industrial control, factory automation, and test-and-measurement equipment. Its on-chip controller implements the FLEX configuration protocol, including the multi-frame configuration data transfer and CRC verification, without burdening the host processor. The 1 Mbit density fits the bitstream of FLEX 10K devices up to the EPF10K100A and EPF10K130E. Designers configure the EPC1PCB in PS mode for small FLEX devices or FPP mode for larger ones requiring faster configuration time. Multi-device chains are supported via nCASC/nCS, allowing one EPC1 to configure a cascade of FLEX 10K FPGAs sequentially - useful in DSP co-processing boards where multiple FLEX chips work in lockstep.
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Low-Cost Configuration
The EPC1PCB configures the Altera ACEX 1K family of low-cost SRAM-based FPGAs used in consumer electronics, low-volume industrial products, and cost-sensitive communication equipment. ACEX 1K bitstreams are typically 100-500 Kbit, fitting comfortably in the EPC1PCB's 1 Mbit flash. Designers use PS (Passive Serial) configuration mode to minimize board wiring and I/O usage - the EPC1 drives only DATA, DCLK, and nCONFIG to the ACEX device. The 3.3V VCC and 5V-tolerant I/O of the EPC1PCB simplify mixed-voltage designs where the ACEX 1K may operate at 2.5V core with 3.3V or 5V I/O banks. JTAG programming allows manufacturers to update the configuration late in the production flow or in the field without removing the device from the board.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Legacy Configuration (Pre-EPCQ Migration)
Early Cyclone FPGA designs (Cyclone EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) used the EPC1PCB in PS configuration mode before the migration to EPCQ4/EPCQ8 serial flash devices. Systems with field-deployed Cyclone boards that cannot accept a board redesign continue to use the EPC1PCB because its parallel interface matches the Cyclone's flexible configuration controller. The 1 Mbit density is sufficient for the smaller Cyclone devices (EP1C3, EP1C6) but tight for EP1C12/EP1C20 designs which approach 1 Mbit. Designers of legacy Cyclone systems value the EPC1PCB's JTAG reprogrammability for in-field bitstream updates over the older ByteBlasterMV programming flow.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration (nCASC Mode)
The EPC1PCB supports multi-device daisy-chaining via the nCASC and nCS pins, allowing one or more EPC1 devices to configure a chain of SRAM-based FPGAs sequentially. Each FPGA in the chain receives its bitstream in turn as the configuration controller cascades through devices using the nCASC handshake. This topology is valuable in high-density DSP boards using multiple APEX 20K or FLEX 10K devices working in lockstep, where each FPGA has a unique bitstream but shares the configuration bus. Designers must ensure each FPGA's CONF_DONE signal feeds back correctly into the cascade and that total bitstream data fits within the cumulative flash capacity of the EPC1 chain.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Configuration Storage
In telecom line cards and central-office equipment, the EPC1PCB stores FPGA bitstreams for protocol-processing FPGAs that must come up deterministically on every power-cycle. The PLCC-20 socketed form factor allows field-service technicians to swap the configuration device when updating protocol revisions or recovering from bitstream corruption, without desoldering components. The EPC1PCB's industrial temperature range and 5V-tolerant I/O support the mixed-voltage environments common in telecom backplanes (3.3V core with 5V legacy I/O). JTAG in-system programming permits remote or factory reprogramming without removing the line card from service.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PCB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1LI20 | EPC1LC20 | EPC1PC8 | EPC2PC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PLCC-20 (PCB) | PLCC-20 (LI20) - same | PLCC-20 (LC20) - same | PLCC-20 (PC8) - same | PLCC-20 (PC20) - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Memory Density | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit - same | 1 Mbit - same | 1 Mbit - same | 2 Mbit (+100%) |
| Supply Voltage VCC | 3.3 V | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same |
| Configuration Modes | FPP and PS | FPP and PS - same | FPP and PS - same | FPP and PS - same | FPP and PS - same |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same | JTAG - same |
| Multi-Device Cascade | Yes (nCASC, nCS) | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in 1 Mbit alternate within the same PLCC-20 footprint (vs EPC1LC20)
- Doubling of flash density on the same PLCC-20 footprint (vs EPC2PC20)
- Compatible with legacy Altera configuration bus (vs EPCQ4)
Design Notes
Place the EPC1PCB in a PLCC-20 through-hole socket (e.g., 3M 2200-series) so the configuration device can be field-replaced without desoldering. Keep the DATA[7:0], DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE traces short and length-matched to the FPGA to avoid signal-integrity issues during high-speed FPP configuration. Decouple VCC (pin 19) with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic near the socket. The JTAG pins TDI/TMS/TCK/TDO must be brought to a header or test point for in-system programming.
Do not mix EPC1 (3.3V VCC) with 5.0V-only legacy FPGAs without verifying I/O voltage compatibility - the EPC1 has 5V-tolerant I/O but its VCC must remain at 3.3V. In multi-device daisy chains, ensure nCASC from each EPC device connects to nCS of the next EPC, and that the final EPC's nCASC ties back to the chain DONE logic. A common mistake is forgetting to include the EPC1 in the JTAG boundary-scan chain, which breaks in-system programming - add the EPC1 between the FPGA and the JTAG header in the scan order.
The JTAG chain should be ordered with TDI entering the EPC1 first, then exiting to the FPGA's TDI, looping back to TDO of the EPC1 to the JTAG header TDO. This allows joint programming of both the EPC1 flash and the FPGA's volatile configuration. For multi-FPGA chains using nCASC, layout the cascade traces to match the chain order (EPC1A -> FPGA1 -> EPC1B -> FPGA2 -> ...) to avoid bus contention during cascade reconfiguration.
Compliance Information
RoHS/lead-free status not confirmed in Verified Web Data; cycle to EPC1LI20 or EPC1LC20N if lead-free is required. AEC-Q100 not applicable for FPGA configuration storage IC. Lifecycle is NRND per Altera/Intel product roadmap.
