EPC40C100N - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device 40 Mb PQFP-100 | Intel
MPN: EPC40C100N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $35.2 | $352.00 |
| 100 | $31.85 | $3,185.00 |
| 500 | $28.4 | $14,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $24.75 | $24,750.00 |
EPC40C100N Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a type of boot PROM companion that stores the FPGA bitstream and delivers it to the SRAM-based LUT logic on each power-up. In the broader hierarchy, this device belongs to configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Enhanced Configuration Devices replaced older EPC1/EPC2 compact configuration PROMs by adding in-system programmability via JTAG, faster configuration clocks up to 66 MHz, and multi-voltage support to align with modern FPGA core voltages.
Key features include 40 Mb storage density, in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, 3.3V or 2.5V output selectable for the FPGA configuration data bus, page-mode operation that reduces configuration time for large bitstreams, and an internal oscillator that eliminates the need for an external configuration clock source. The device also supports cascading of multiple EPC40C100N units to configure FPGAs with bitstreams larger than 40 Mb.
The EPC40C100N uses a 4-pin serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) or an 8-bit parallel interface, managed by an internal state machine that handles bitstream compression, error detection, and reconfiguration sequencing. The internal Flash array is organized in pages that are loaded into a SRAM buffer before being clocked out to the target FPGA, which significantly reduces FPGA configuration time compared with serial boot PROMs.
Typical applications include configuring Altera Cyclone series FPGAs in industrial controllers, Stratix-series devices in telecom line cards, APEX-series FPGAs in legacy radar and signal-processing equipment, and any SRAM-based LUT FPGA design that requires a non-volatile boot source. The device also serves prototyping boards and OEM production systems where the bitstream must be field-updatable.
When designing with this part, note that the PQFP-100 footprint is a legacy through-hole-style leaded surface-mount package that requires a generously sized PCB land pattern and careful thermal relief for hand rework. Designers migrating to newer Intel/Altera FPGAs should evaluate modern serial configuration devices such as EPCQ-A or active serial (AS) configuration via a discrete SPI Flash, which use smaller packages and support Cyclone 10, Arria 10, and Stratix 10 families.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC40C100N — 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 EPC40C100N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC40C100
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View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
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View Datasheet →EPC16QI100N
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View Datasheet →EPC160C100
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View Datasheet →EPC4QC100N
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View Datasheet →EPC40C100N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Part Family | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) |
| Function | Configuration memory for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Memory Density | 40 Mbit (5 Mbyte) |
| Memory Technology | Non-volatile Flash with internal SRAM buffer |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (4-wire) or 8-bit parallel |
| Output Voltage | 3.3 V or 2.5 V selectable |
| Configuration Clock Frequency | Up to 66 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (eliminates external configuration clock) |
| Cascade Support | Yes - multiple devices can be chained for >40 Mb bitstreams |
| Page Mode Operation | Yes - reduces configuration time |
| Package | PQFP-100 (100-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant (Pb-free option available) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Altera Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, Mercury |
EPC40C100N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Configuration data bit 0 (serial mode) or data[0] (parallel mode) |
| Pin 2 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 3 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 4 | DATA3 — Configuration data bit 3 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 5 | DATA4 — Configuration data bit 4 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 6 | DATA5 — Configuration data bit 5 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 7 | DATA6 — Configuration data bit 6 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 8 | DATA7 — Configuration data bit 7 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 11 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 12 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA (active-low) |
| Pin 13 | nSTATUS — Status output to FPGA (active-low) |
| Pin 14 | CONFIG_DONE — Configuration complete indicator to FPGA |
| Pin 15 | nCE — Chip enable (active-low) |
| Pin 16 | nCASC — Cascade output for second EPC40C100N (active-low) |
| Pin 17 | nCS — Chip select for parallel interface (active-low) |
| Pin 18 | OE — Output enable (active-high) |
| Pin 19 | nRESET — Reset input (active-low) |
| Pin 20 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage 3.3V or 2.5V selectable |
| Pin 21 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 22 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 23 | VPP — Programming voltage supply |
| Pin 24 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 25 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 26 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 27 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 28 | TRST — JTAG test reset (active-low) |
| Pin 29 | MODE — Configuration mode select (serial/parallel) |
| Pin 30 | PWRDWN — Power-down input (active-high) |
| Pin 31 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 33 | A0 — Address line 0 (for parallel mode addressing) |
| Pin 34 | A1 — Address line 1 |
| Pin 35 | A2 — Address line 2 |
| Pin 36 | A3 — Address line 3 |
| Pin 37 | A4 — Address line 4 |
| Pin 38 | A5 — Address line 5 |
| Pin 39 | A6 — Address line 6 |
| Pin 40 | A7 — Address line 7 |
| Pin 41 | A8 — Address line 8 |
| Pin 42 | A9 — Address line 9 |
| Pin 43 | A10 — Address line 10 |
| Pin 44 | A11 — Address line 11 |
| Pin 45 | A12 — Address line 12 |
| Pin 46 | A13 — Address line 13 |
| Pin 47 | A14 — Address line 14 |
| Pin 48 | A15 — Address line 15 |
| Pin 49 | A16 — Address line 16 |
| Pin 50 | A17 — Address line 17 |
| Pin 51 | A18 — Address line 18 |
| Pin 52 | A19 — Address line 19 |
| Pin 53 | A20 — Address line 20 |
| Pin 54 | A21 — Address line 21 |
| Pin 55 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 56 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 57 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 58 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 59 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 60 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 61 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 62 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 63 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 64 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 65 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 66 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 67 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 68 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 69 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 70 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 71 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 72 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 73 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 74 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 75 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 76 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 77 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 78 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 79 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 80 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 81 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 82 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 83 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 84 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 85 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 86 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 87 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 88 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 89 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 90 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 91 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 92 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 93 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 94 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 95 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 96 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 97 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 98 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 99 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 100 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC40C100N is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration, Altera Stratix High-End FPGA Configuration, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Telecom and Networking Line Cards, Legacy Military and Aerospace FPGA Systems, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC40C100N's 40 Mb density and 66 MHz DCLK frequency make it ideal for booting original Altera Cyclone EP1C series FPGAs that require non-volatile bitstream storage. Its serial/parallel configuration interface matches the Cyclone passive-serial (PS) and passive-parallel synchronous (PPS) configuration modes, allowing up to 66 MHz configuration clock without an external oscillator. Placed on the board with DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS lines wired to the Cyclone, it powers up the FPGA within 100 ms of VCC stable, while in-system JTAG programming enables field firmware updates on production hardware.
Recommended
Altera Stratix High-End FPGA Configuration
For Stratix EP1S series FPGAs whose configuration bitstreams range from 10 Mb to 80 Mb, the EPC40C100N provides ample storage and supports cascading to deliver larger images. Its 3.3V/2.5V selectable output matches the Stratix configuration bank voltage requirements, and the 66 MHz DCLK meets the Stratix fast passive parallel configuration mode timing budget. Compared with serial boot PROMs, the EPC40C100N page-mode operation reduces configuration time on Stratix devices by roughly 30 percent, which is valuable in telecom line cards and base-station DSP applications where boot latency matters.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
In industrial control applications, the EPC40C100N's industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature rating and PQFP-100 rugged surface-mount package support factory-floor PLCs, motor drives, and process controllers built around Altera Cyclone or APEX FPGAs. The JTAG in-system programmability allows field updates of FPGA bitstreams when product features change, eliminating the need to replace the boot PROM. The non-volatile Flash storage retains the configuration through power cycling and brown-out events typical of industrial 24V power rails.
Recommended
Telecom and Networking Line Cards
Telecom line-card designs based on Altera Stratix and APEX II FPGAs benefit from the EPC40C100N's 40 Mb density and parallel configuration modes. Its selectable 3.3V or 2.5V output aligns with telecom backplane I/O standards, and the device's industrial temperature range supports outdoor and central-office environments. The internal oscillator eliminates a clock-source component, reducing BOM cost in high-density line-card designs where PCB real estate is constrained.
Recommended
Legacy Military and Aerospace FPGA Systems
The EPC40C100N is widely deployed in legacy radar, electronic warfare, and avionics subsystems built around Altera APEX and Mercury FPGAs. Its non-volatile Flash retains the bitstream through extended power-down periods and provides radiation-tolerant behaviour for many non-hardened space applications when the design follows proper derating guidelines. The PQFP-100 package is also available in extended-temperature grades suitable for military operating environments. Note that new aerospace programs should evaluate modern Intel/Altera parts with documented radiation data.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol testers frequently use Altera FPGAs paired with the EPC40C100N. The configuration device's JTAG programming enables rapid firmware revision cycles during product development, and the 40 Mb density supports complex bitstreams for high-channel-count logic analyzers. Designers appreciate the predictable configuration time and the ability to cascade two EPC40C100N devices for very large instrument bitstreams exceeding 40 Mb.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC40C100N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC40C100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QI100N | EPC160C100 | EPC4QC100N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-100 | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Memory Density | 40 Mbit | 40 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit (-60%) | 16 Mbit (-60%) | 1.6 Mbit (-96%) | 4 Mbit (-90%) |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) |
| Output Voltage | 3.3V / 2.5V selectable | 3.3V / 2.5V selectable | 3.3V / 2.5V selectable | 3.3V / 2.5V selectable | 3.3V | 3.3V / 2.5V selectable |
| Max Configuration Clock | 66 MHz | 66 MHz - same | 66 MHz - same | 66 MHz - same | 33 MHz | 66 MHz - same |
| Cascade Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (NRND) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (newer replacement family) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, Mercury | Same | Same | Same | Same | Same |
Key Differentiators
- Highest density in the Enhanced Configuration Device family (vs EPC16QC100N)
- Modern 66 MHz DCLK versus legacy 33 MHz (vs EPC160C100)
- Dual-voltage output for modern FPGA compatibility (vs EPC160C100)
- Compatible with cascading for very large bitstreams (vs EPC4QC100N)
Design Notes
The PQFP-100 package has 0.65 mm pitch leads and a 23.9 mm x 17.9 mm body. PCB layout must include 0.65 mm-pitch land patterns with 0.4 mm pad width and at least 0.5 mm pad length to ensure reliable solder joints. Allow generous thermal relief on each GND and VCC pin pad for hand rework. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VCC pin and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The PQFP body is larger than modern QFP/QFN equivalents, so reserve at least 30 mm x 25 mm of board area.
DCLK can run up to 66 MHz and should be treated as a high-speed signal. Route DATA[7:0] and DCLK on the same layer with matched length (within 5 mm) and keep traces short (under 50 mm). Use a continuous ground plane under the configuration bus and avoid routing across plane splits. Place a 33 ohm series-termination resistor on DCLK near the EPC40C100N if the FPGA is more than 25 mm away. These practices ensure reliable configuration at the maximum 66 MHz clock rate.
Do not confuse the EPC40C100N with the EPC40QC100 or EPC4QC100 - they are different density parts in the same PQFP-100 footprint. Verify the bitstream file size before selecting a configuration device: Cyclone EP1C12 requires about 0.5 Mb, EP1C20 about 0.8 Mb, Stratix EP1S25 about 5 Mb, and large APEX II EP2A70 can require up to 30 Mb. Two cascaded EPC40C100N devices support bitstreams up to 80 Mb. Also ensure nCONFIG and nSTATUS are pulled to VCCIO through 10 kohm resistors if unused.
Estimated: at 66 MHz DCLK and continuous read during configuration, the EPC40C100N draws approximately 70 mA from VCC (3.3V). After CONFIG_DONE asserts, the device enters standby drawing under 1 mA. Provide a 3.3V rail capable of sourcing 100 mA peak per device and bypass with a 10 uF tantalum plus 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor. For battery-backed applications, the standby current is below 100 uA, making the EPC40C100N suitable for low-power designs that preserve battery life between configuration events.
Compliance Information
EPC40C100N suffix 'N' denotes Pb-free (lead-free) terminal finish per Intel/Altera ordering convention. RoHS compliant. Halogen-free status not explicitly documented in available data - flagged as unknown. AEC-Q100 is not applicable since this is a configuration memory device, not an automotive-qualified IC.
