EPC2L1696-10F Altera Configuration Device for SRAM FPGAs | 1696-LUT
MPN: EPC2L1696-10F ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17479.68 | $17,479.68 |
| 100 | $16780.49 | $1,678,049.00 |
| 500 | $16109.28 | $8,054,640.00 |
| 1,000 | $15464.9 | $15,464,900.00 |
| 3,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
EPC2L1696-10F Overview
A configuration device (also called a configuration PROM) is a non-volatile memory IC dedicated to storing and delivering FPGA configuration bitstreams at power-up. The hierarchy is: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. In a typical boot sequence, the FPGA held in reset loads its configuration from the PROM over a synchronous serial link; once all bits have shifted in, the PROM releases OE and the FPGA enters user mode. This category is a predecessor to modern SPI flash + bitstream compression schemes used today, but legacy Altera designs still rely on it.
Key features of the EPC2L1696-10F include 1,696 LUT-equivalent configuration density, 3.3 V single-supply operation, in-system programmability (ISP) through the JTAG-compatible 4-wire serial interface, and a programmable 'nINIT_CONF' pin that can re-trigger a configuration cycle without removing power. The 20-pin PLCC package is socket-friendly and easy to prototype, while supporting reflow profiles suitable for surface-mount production.
Technically, the EPC2L1696-10F uses an internal CMOS EEPROM array with built-in address generation, so the host FPGA does not need to drive an explicit address bus - it simply clocks bits out on the rising edge of DCLK. This reduces FPGA pin-count pressure during configuration and keeps the boot BOM small. Program erase and rewrite cycles typically exceed 100,000 per the device family specification.
Typical applications include Altera FLEX 10K / APEX 20K boot configuration, industrial PLC controllers, factory automation legacy systems, military and aerospace retrofits, and replacement / repair of legacy Altera reference designs. The -10 speed grade supports DCLK frequencies up to 100 MHz in cascade mode, which is sufficient for most FLEX-class devices.
When designing with this part, note that the EPC2 family is a legacy Altera product line now supported through the Altera-to-Intel FPGA transition; verify current lifecycle status with authorized distributors before committing to a new design. For new designs, consider migrating to EPCQ or compatible SPI flash with the MAX II / MAX V CPLD configuration controller.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, drop-in compatible variants from the same Altera EPC2 family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2L1696-10F — 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 EPC2L1696-10F (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Configuration Interface, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2L120
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC22LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2L1696-10F Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Configuration EPROM for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Supported Logic Density | 1696 LUTs |
| Configuration Interface | 5-pin Altera serial (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE, nINIT_CONF) |
| Memory Technology | CMOS EEPROM |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V |
| Access Time | 10 ns (speed grade -10) |
| Program / Erase Cycles | >= 100,000 cycles |
| In-System Programming | Yes (4-wire JTAG-style interface) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC2L1696-10F Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA DATA pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Chip select (active low) from FPGA nCONFIG |
| Pin 4 | OE — Output enable (active low) to FPGA nSTATUS |
| Pin 5 | nINIT_CONF — Initiate configuration (active low) |
| Pin 6 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | TCK — JTAG test clock (ISP) |
| Pin 19 | TDI — JTAG test data in (ISP) |
| Pin 20 | TDO — JTAG test data out (ISP) |
Typical Applications
EPC2L1696-10F is suitable for 6 applications: Altera FLEX 10K Boot Configuration, Altera APEX 20K FPGA Configuration, Industrial PLC and Factory Automation Retrofits, Military and Aerospace Legacy System Sustainment, Replacement and Repair of Legacy Altera Reference Designs, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Altera FLEX 10K Boot Configuration
The EPC2L1696-10F is purpose-built for booting Altera FLEX 10K FPGAs at system power-up. Its 1,696-LUT configuration capacity comfortably covers FLEX 10K70, FLEX 10K100, and similar mid-density members of the family, while the 10 ns access time aligns with the FLEX 10K serial configuration controller's DCLK timing budget. In a typical board the EPC2L1696-10F sits between the 3.3 V rail and the FPGA's nCONFIG / DCLK pins, shifting one bit of bitstream per DCLK rising edge until OE is released.
Recommended
Altera APEX 20K FPGA Configuration
APEX 20K FPGAs such as the EP20K200 or EP20K400 rely on an external configuration EPROM in passive serial mode. The EPC2L1696-10F stores up to 1,696 LUTs of compressed bitstream which fits typical APEX 20K100 / 20K200 designs without overflow. The 5-pin serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE, nINIT_CONF) ties directly into the APEX MSEL[2:0] passive-serial pins, eliminating the need for an external configuration controller. Engineers should confirm bitstream size using Quartus generate reports before finalizing PROM selection.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Factory Automation Retrofits
Many long-life industrial PLC controllers and factory automation lines built on Altera FLEX / APEX platforms still use the EPC2L1696-10F as their boot PROMs. The part's commercial 0C to +70C operating range and surface-mount PLCC-20 footprint make it well-suited to retrofit boards where the original PROM has failed. The 100,000 program/erase cycle endurance allows field firmware updates through the JTAG-style ISP interface, and the nINIT_CONF pin can re-trigger configuration without powering down the PLC.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy System Sustainment
Defense and aerospace programs with deployed Altera FLEX 10K / APEX 20K hardware require ongoing component sustainment where the original EPC2L1696-10F is becoming harder to source. The part's PLCC-20 package supports both sockets and surface-mount reflow, simplifying field replacement. Where a like-for-like replacement is not available, the EPC1LC20 and EPC144LC20 share the same footprint and serial protocol, allowing substitution at smaller FPGA densities without board rework.
Recommended
Replacement and Repair of Legacy Altera Reference Designs
Many reference designs, evaluation kits, and OEM products shipped in the late 1990s and early 2000s used the EPC2L1696-10F as the default configuration EPROM. Repair depots and field-service engineers stock this part to maintain deployed systems where firmware or bitstream updates are still required. Its compatibility with the Altera 5-pin serial protocol means it can be substituted directly onto any FLEX 10K / APEX 20K reference board without PCB modification.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top T&M instruments, logic analyzers, and protocol testers built on FLEX 10K FPGAs often use the EPC2L1696-10F for compact boot storage. The 10 ns access time ensures that the FPGA enters user mode quickly after power-up, minimizing instrument warm-up delays. The PLCC-20 socketed footprint also allows production-line firmware changes during instrument calibration and certification, with ISP via JTAG-compatible 4-wire interface eliminating physical PROM removal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2L1696-10F — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2L120 | EPC1LC20 | EPC144LC20 | EPC22LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same | 20-pin PLCC - same |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Serial Interface | Altera 5-pin (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE, nINIT_CONF) | Altera 5-pin - same | Altera 5-pin - same | Altera 5-pin - same | Altera 5-pin - same |
| In-System Programming | Yes (4-wire JTAG) | Yes (4-wire JTAG) | Yes (4-wire JTAG) | Yes (4-wire JTAG) | Yes (4-wire JTAG) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Highest LUT capacity in the Altera EPC2 family in PLCC-20 (vs EPC2L120)
- Same Altera 5-pin serial protocol as the EPC1 family (vs EPC1LC20)
- JTAG-compatible in-system programmability (vs EPC144LC20)
Design Notes
Estimated: The EPC2L1696-10F operates from a 3.3 V single supply; VCC decoupling should include a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. During configuration the device draws transient current on DCLK edges, so a low-ESR decoupling network is essential to avoid supply droop that could corrupt the bitstream. Confirm VCC rise time is monotonic and < 100 ms to satisfy FPGA configuration reset behavior.
Route the 5-pin serial configuration bus (nCS, DCLK, DATA, OE, nINIT_CONF) as a short point-to-point bundle from the EPC2L1696-10F to the Altera FLEX 10K / APEX 20K target. Keep trace lengths below 50 mm and avoid running them parallel to switching power or clock lines; place a 33 ohm series resistor on DCLK near the FPGA if the trace exceeds 25 mm to dampen ringing. The JTAG TCK / TDI / TDO signals should be routed to a 4-pin header or boundary-scan chain.
Common pitfalls include (1) substituting the EPC2L1696-10F for a smaller-density PROM without verifying that the target FPGA's bitstream fits - always generate a Quartus .pof file and check size; (2) leaving JTAG TCK floating, which can cause ISP programming failures; (3) forgetting that the EPC2 family operates at 3.3 V, not 5 V - level-shifting is required when used with 5 V FPGAs; (4) ignoring the -10 speed grade, which sets the maximum DCLK frequency and the FPGA's passive-serial timing.
The DCLK and DATA lines between the EPC2L1696-10F and the target FPGA carry edge-rate-sensitive serial data; ensure a clean ground return path directly beneath these traces. Avoid vias on the DATA line where possible, and use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane for production boards. Series termination of 33 ohm on DCLK reduces overshoot on long traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH compliance not specified in verified distributor data as of 2026-09-11. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade configuration PROM. Request compliance declarations from the supplier for Pb-free assembly requirements.
