EPC4Q100N - 4Mb Enhanced Config Device 100-PQFP | Intel
MPN: EPC4Q100N β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $29.25 | $292.50 |
| 100 | $26.1 | $2,610.00 |
| 500 | $23.4 | $11,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $21.05 | $21,050.00 |
EPC4Q100N Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device (ECD) is a non-volatile flash memory companion IC that bridges a host processor or factory programmer and an SRAM-based FPGA. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, every board that uses them must include a non-volatile boot source; the EPC family provides a single-chip solution that is simpler, smaller, and lower-power than legacy EPROM-plus-microcontroller boot schemes. The EPC4 sits at the entry of the EPC family, joining the EPC2 (legacy) and being superseded in density by the EPC8 and EPC16.
Key features include 4 Mbit (512 Kbyte) of storage, 3.3 V single-supply operation, JTAG-based in-system programming (ISP), and support for both serial (AS) and parallel (AP) configuration schemes for compatible Altera FPGA families. The 100-pin PQFP footprint is mechanically robust for industrial and legacy designs, and the device operates over the industrial temperature range. The flash-based architecture supports tens of thousands of program/erase cycles, enabling frequent firmware revisions during development without removing the part from the board.
The EPC4Q100N uses a 3.3 V core supply, an internal charge pump for program/erase, and a JTAG TAP controller conforming to IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan. Configuration data is clocked out to the target FPGA over a dedicated serial interface (FLEX mode) or an 8-bit parallel interface (parallel mode), with the interface selected by the FPGA's MSEL pins. The part supports compression and decompression of the bitstream in conjunction with the target FPGA, allowing designers to fit larger designs into the 4 Mbit budget than the raw uncompressed logic would suggest.
Typical applications include factory configuration of Cyclone-series FPGAs, multi-FPGA boards requiring sequential or simultaneous configuration, industrial control platforms with remote firmware updates, telecom line cards built on Mercury or APEX FPGAs, and legacy systems being refreshed with a single 3.3 V boot device instead of EPROM-plus-PLD designs. The 100-PQFP package is footprint-compatible with the lower-density EPC2 (100-pin version), enabling in-place upgrades to 4 Mbit storage on existing boards.
When designing with the EPC4Q100N, ensure that the JTAG chain is correctly ordered (Daisy-chain the FPGA and EPC4 TDI/TDO pins) and that the decoupling on VCC is per the manufacturer layout guideline: one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor per supply pin placed within 100 mil of the IC. The CONF_DONE and nSTATUS signals from the FPGA should be pulled up to VCCIO of the configuration bank with 10 kohm resistors. Designers should also verify the EPC4 timing parameters (tCO, tCFG) against the target FPGA's configuration clock specification to avoid first-time-power-up failures in production.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4Q100N β 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 EPC4Q100N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Configuration Interface, Operating Temperature, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC16QI100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4QI100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC40C100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$24.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC40C100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC160C100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4Q100N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash (NOR, Enhanced Configuration Device) |
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit (512 Kbyte) |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (FLEX) / Parallel / JTAG ISP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| JTAG Support | IEEE 1149.1 compliant |
| In-System Programmable | Yes |
| Target FPGA Families | Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, Mercury, ACEX |
| Data Width (parallel mode) | 8-bit |
| Status | Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) |
| Configuration Schemes | Active Serial (AS) / Active Parallel (AP) / Passive Serial (PS) |
EPC4Q100N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 β Parallel data bit 0 / serial data out (FLEX mode) |
| Pin 10 | VCC β 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 20 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 30 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 40 | nOE β Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 50 | DCLK β Configuration clock to FPGA |
| Pin 60 | nCE β Chip enable cascade (active low) |
| Pin 70 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 80 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin 90 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin 100 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
Typical Applications
EPC4Q100N is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone-Series FPGA Boot Memory, APEX/Mercury Multi-FPGA Configuration, Industrial Control Platform Firmware Hub, Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration, Legacy EPROM-Plus-PLD Replacement, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Cyclone-Series FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC4Q100N stores the configuration bitstream for Altera Cyclone-series FPGAs and presents it at power-up via the FLEX serial interface. Its 4 Mbit density fits uncompressed Cyclone designs of roughly 30K-60K logic elements, or larger designs using Cyclone's built-in bitstream compression. The JTAG ISP port enables field firmware updates without removing the part, and the 100-PQFP footprint gives a robust through-hole-style solder joint for industrial environments where the smaller EPCQ4ASI8N would be mechanically marginal.
Recommended
APEX/Mercury Multi-FPGA Configuration
Multi-FPGA boards built on APEX20K or Mercury FPGAs need a single boot device that can drive multiple targets in parallel; the EPC4Q100N's parallel 8-bit mode clocks configuration data into several FPGAs simultaneously, reducing board-level complexity. The 4 Mbit storage handles APEX bitstreams up to roughly 400K gates uncompressed, and the JTAG chain enables in-system programming of both the FPGAs and the EPC4 in a single boundary-scan operation. Industrial temp grade supports telecom and aerospace test equipment.
Recommended
Industrial Control Platform Firmware Hub
Industrial PLCs and motor controllers built around SRAM-based Altera FPGAs use the EPC4Q100N as a non-volatile firmware hub. The 3.3 V single supply simplifies power tree design, and the 100-PQFP package withstands vibration better than fine-pitch SOIC alternatives. In-system programmability over JTAG allows field service technicians to update configuration without opening the enclosure. The 4 Mbit density holds a full bitstream plus space for golden-image backup, enabling fail-safe rollback in safety-critical applications.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration
Telecom line cards frequently use Stratix or APEX FPGAs alongside processor complexes; the EPC4Q100N's parallel configuration mode enables simultaneous FPGA bring-up during card reset, minimizing boot time. The 100-PQFP footprint is compatible with legacy line-card layouts being refreshed for new firmware, and the industrial temp grade supports outdoor cabinet installations. JTAG boundary scan also serves as a board-level interconnect test during manufacturing, reducing test-cost overhead on production lines.
Recommended
Legacy EPROM-Plus-PLD Replacement
The EPC4Q100N replaces legacy boot schemes built from EPROM plus microcontroller or CPLD glue logic, reducing board area from roughly 4-6 ICs to a single 100-PQFP device. Single 3.3 V supply eliminates the 5 V-to-3.3 V level shifters that legacy designs needed, and JTAG ISP removes the EPROM eraser/programmer cycle from the manufacturing flow. Industrial temp grade supports military and aerospace retrofits where the original EPROM is no longer sourceable.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test instruments such as protocol analyzers, logic-analyzer front-ends, and ATE load boards use SRAM-based Altera FPGAs for high-speed signal processing; the EPC4Q100N provides a single-chip boot solution that simplifies fixture design. The 100-PQFP package is mechanically easy to socket for production-line firmware swapping, and JTAG ISP enables in-fixture programming during calibration. The 4 Mbit density supports bitstreams for mid-density Cyclone or APEX parts commonly used in instrumentation front-ends.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4Q100N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC16QI100N | EPC4QI100N | EPC40C100N | EPC40C100 | EPC160C100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-PQFP | 100-PQFP - same | 100-PQFP - same | 100-PQFP - same | 100-PQFP - same | 100-PQFP - same |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Configuration Mode | Serial / Parallel / JTAG ISP | Serial / Parallel / JTAG ISP | Serial / Parallel / JTAG ISP | Serial / Parallel / JTAG ISP | Serial / Parallel / JTAG ISP | Serial / Parallel / JTAG ISP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| JTAG ISP (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Highest pin-compatible density upgrade path in same footprint (vs EPC16QI100N)
- Industrial temperature variant with identical die (vs EPC4QI100N)
- 100-PQFP footprint retained across EPC family (vs EPC2TC32N (32-pin PLCC))
Design Notes
Place one 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 100 mil of each VCC pin of the EPC4Q100N; add one bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the package's supply entry point. Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) with controlled 50 ohm impedance and 4 mil traces, and put a 10 kohm pull-up on each of nSTATUS and CONF_DONE if these are tied back from the FPGA's configuration bank. Keep the parallel data bus (DATA[0..7]) length-matched within 200 mil for clean DDR-style capture at higher DCLK rates.
When using parallel configuration mode, the EPC4Q100N drives DATA[0..7] on the rising edge of DCLK; verify that the target FPGA samples on the falling edge and that setup/hold margins meet the FPGA's datasheet values. For long DCLK traces (>3 inches), insert a series 33 ohm damping resistor near the EPC4 driver and re-simulate timing. If multiple EPC4 devices are cascaded to configure multiple FPGAs, confirm that nCE daisy-chaining and DCLK fan-out are within the EPC4 output drive specification.
Do not assume the EPC4Q100N is RoHS compliant by default - the 100-PQFP package predates the universal RoHS transition and older date codes may use SnPb finish; confirm with the supplier on a per-lot basis. Do not exceed the maximum DCLK frequency for the target FPGA configuration mode; consult both the EPC4 datasheet's tCO timing and the FPGA's fMAX for configuration. Finally, do not leave nOE floating - tie it to logic high during JTAG programming to avoid bus contention on DATA[0..7].
Compliance Information
Compliance not listed in verified distributor data as of 2026-09-11; confirm with supplier on a per-lot basis. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is a non-automotive configuration memory.
