EPC1PI8N - 1Mb OTP FPGA Config PROM, 8-PDIP | Altera / Intel
MPN: EPC1PI8N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.6 | $4,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.4 | $7,400.00 |
EPC1PI8N Overview
What is an FPGA configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory that holds the FPGA's bitstream and loads it into the SRAM-based logic fabric at power-up. PROMs sit in the boot chain between a board-level storage source and the FPGA, occupying the same category as boot EEPROMs and flash-loader devices. As a member of the broader FPGA configuration memory family, it bridges firmware storage and volatile programmable logic, and is itself a sub-class of non-volatile serial memory in the memory IC hierarchy.
Key differentiating features include 1-Mbit density, an industry-standard 4-pin serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCS, OE), low-power CMOS technology and an operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. The 'N' suffix designates the standard 8-PDIP 0.300 inch through-hole package, and the 'I' indicates the industrial temperature grade.
The EPC1PI8N is built on a CMOS OTP process, allowing one-time in-system or pre-programmed configuration. Programming is performed by Altera's Quartus / MAX+PLUS II toolchain with the Altera Programming Unit (APU) or third-party programmers that support the EPC1 instruction set.
Typical applications include low-volume FPGA designs, factory-programmed industrial controllers, prototyping boards for legacy Altera FPGAs, and cost-sensitive embedded platforms that prefer a discrete configuration memory over a parallel flash plus controller. Its dual-voltage supply range allows direct interfacing to both 3.3V and 5V FPGA banks.
Design trade-off: because the EPC1PI8N is OTP, any firmware update requires a physical device swap or socketed adapter. Designers who anticipate in-field firmware revision should consider JTAG-direct configuration, a flash-based equivalent, or a socketed DIP footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1PI8N — 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 EPC1PI8N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Interface, Supported FPGA Families, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1064PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1213PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.11 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PI8N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit |
| Programmable Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Interface | Serial (DATA, DCLK, nCS, OE) |
| Supply Voltage - Low | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage - High | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Package / Case | 8-DIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Memory Configuration | x1 |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, Mercury |
| Technology | CMOS |
| ECCN | 3A991.b.2.a |
EPC1PI8N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | OE — Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 5 | VCC — Power supply (3.0-3.6 V or 4.5-5.5 V) |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC1PI8N is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FPGA Configuration (Cyclone / APEX / FLEX), Industrial Control / Factory Automation Boards, Prototyping and Education Boards (Legacy Altera), Low-Volume / Cost-Sensitive Embedded Products, Mil/Aero Retrofit and Form-Fit-Function Replacement, Test & Measurement Hardware.
Legacy Altera FPGA Configuration (Cyclone / APEX / FLEX)
The EPC1PI8N's 1-Mbit density and Altera serial protocol make it a direct fit for configuring ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K and Mercury FPGAs at power-up. The dual 3.3 V / 5 V supply range matches both legacy 5 V and modern 3.3 V FPGA banks without level shifters. Placed in series between the board's power-on reset and the FPGA's MSEL0/AS pins, the PROM hands the bitstream over to the LUT fabric in roughly 40-200 ms depending on FPGA density, freeing the CPU/MCU from any boot-time configuration duty.
Recommended
Industrial Control / Factory Automation Boards
Industrial controllers in factory-automation lines often lock the FPGA bitstream at board build time, making the EPC1PI8N's OTP architecture a cost-effective, tamper-resistant choice. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range supports unheated enclosures and outdoor cabinets. The through-hole PDIP package tolerates vibration and conformal-coating rework better than fine-pitch surface-mount parts, which is why the EPC1PI8N still ships in factory-floor PLC, motor-drive and SCADA board designs.
Recommended
Prototyping and Education Boards (Legacy Altera)
University labs and FPGA training kits using legacy Altera dev boards (e.g. early Cyclone / APEX reference designs) often include an EPC1PI8N as the configuration source so students see a real serial PROM-to-FPGA boot path. The PDIP package is breadboard- and socket-friendly, allowing students to swap pre-programmed bitstreams manually. The 1-Mbit capacity is ample for the small reference designs typically used in coursework.
Recommended
Low-Volume / Cost-Sensitive Embedded Products
For low-volume production runs where NRE costs must be amortized across a few hundred boards, the EPC1PI8N's OTP architecture and PDIP footprint eliminate the need for a flash controller plus serial-flash IC. Engineers can program the device once during board test and ship a sealed, untamperable configuration. This reduces BOM by 1-2 parts and avoids the firmware-update infrastructure (bootloader, dual-image) required for in-system flash-based PROMs.
Recommended
Mil/Aero Retrofit and Form-Fit-Function Replacement
Long-lifecycle defense and aerospace programs often need form-fit-function equivalents for obsolete Altera boot PROMs to keep fielded systems supportable without re-spinning the FPGA board. The EPC1PI8N's 8-PDIP footprint and bitstream-compatible protocol allow direct socket replacement in legacy designs when modern flash-based PROMs are not pin-compatible. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade meets most ground-vehicle and avionics-bay environments.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Hardware
Test and measurement instruments (logic-analyzer probes, protocol exercisers, ATE fixtures) often use small FPGAs as state machines, and a pre-programmed EPC1PI8N lets the manufacturer lock calibration constants and IP into the FPGA without exposing them to the field. The 1-Mbit density covers most state-machine bitstreams, and the PDIP package simplifies board rework when a calibration update requires a new PROM (just pull and swap).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1PI8N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1PI8 | EPC1064PI8 | EPC1213PI8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 8-PDIP (0.300 inch) | 8-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 8-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 8-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 64 Kbit | 213 Kbit |
| Programmable Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Interface | Altera Serial (DATA/DCLK/nCS/OE) | Altera Serial (DATA/DCLK/nCS/OE) | Altera Serial | Altera Serial |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX 1K, APEX, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, Mercury | Same families | Older FLEX / ACEX only (smaller bitstreams) | FLEX 10K / ACEX 1K / APEX 20K |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Largest bitstream capacity in the EPC1 8-PDIP family (vs EPC1064PI8)
- Standard 0.300 inch PDIP package for easy prototyping (vs EPC1PC8)
- Dual 3.3 V / 5 V supply range (vs EPC1441PI8)
Design Notes
The EPC1PI8N draws only micro-amps in standby but requires a clean 3.0-3.6 V or 4.5-5.5 V rail with at least 1 uF decoupling placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin. Sharing the FPGA's configuration-bank supply is acceptable, but do NOT route the PROM from a switching converter without adequate bulk filtering - the DCLK edge jitter couples into the bitstream and causes FPGA configuration failures.
Place the EPC1PI8N as close as practical to the FPGA's DATA / DCLK / nCS / OE pins. Keep trace lengths matched within 10 mm to avoid setup/hold violations at high DCLK frequencies (the PROM drives DCLK back to the FPGA). The 8-PDIP package is through-hole; provide a socket footprint if field firmware updates are anticipated, otherwise solder directly to the board.
Because the EPC1PI8N is OTP, any bitstream error is permanent - designers must validate the bitstream on a socketed PROM in-circuit before committing to a production run. Also verify MSEL0/AS mode pins on the FPGA are set for serial configuration, and that nCS pull-up is present on the board - a floating nCS can prevent the PROM from enabling the DATA output.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH / lead-free status is not stated in the verified distributor excerpts; confirm with the supplier before using in RoHS-only production. ECCN 3A991.b.2.a per GlobalSpec listing. Part is obsolete.
