EPC4Q100T - 4Mb Enhanced Configuration Device, 100-PQFP | Intel
MPN: EPC4Q100T ✗ 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 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPC4Q100T Overview
What is an Enhanced Configuration Device? An EPC device is a non-volatile flash memory plus controller subsystem that holds an FPGA's configuration bitstream. When the host system powers up, the EPC device automatically loads the bitstream into the attached SRAM-based FPGA through a dedicated configuration port (PS, FPP, or AS mode). This eliminates the need for a separate boot PROM and enables remote in-system reprogramming over JTAG. EPC devices sit hierarchically between raw configuration PROMs and full embedded controllers in the FPGA configuration ecosystem.
Key features of the EPC4Q100T include 4 Mbit of flash storage, 90-ns flash access time (approximately 10 MHz core clock), and a 16-bit data bus (DQ[15:0]) that supports FPP configuration at speeds up to 160 Mbps. The device supports in-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan), enabling field firmware updates without removing the FPGA board. Operating voltage is 3.3 V core with 5 V tolerant I/O on legacy interfaces.
The EPC4Q100T uses a 90-nm (or equivalent process node) flash cell array paired with an internal controller that handles page-mode reads and JTAG-driven updates. The internal oscillator and state machine generate configuration clock and control signals (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG) to the FPGA without external glue logic, simplifying board design.
Typical applications include Stratix and Cyclone FPGA boot storage, industrial control boards with field-updatable firmware, telecommunications line cards requiring remote bitstream updates, and prototyping platforms where multiple bitstreams must be switched in the lab. The device is widely used in legacy Altera/Intel designs where a drop-in configuration memory is needed.
When designing with EPC4Q100T, ensure JTAG chain integrity for in-system programming and observe the configuration mode (PS vs FPP vs AS) pins to match the target FPGA. For new designs, Intel recommends migrating to the newer EPCQ-A or EPCQ-L configuration devices in smaller packages.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4Q100T — 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 EPC4Q100T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage (VCC).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4Q100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4Q100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16Q100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4Q100T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit |
| Memory Type | Flash (non-volatile) |
| Function | Enhanced Configuration Device for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Configuration Modes Supported | PS, FPP (16-bit), AS |
| Flash Access Time | 90 ns (approx 10 MHz core clock) |
| Maximum Configuration Data Rate | 160 Mbps (FPP, 16-bit bus) |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit (DQ[15:0]) |
| In-System Programming | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 3.3 V |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 3.3 V (5 V tolerant on legacy interface pins) |
| Package Type | PQFP-100 (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Package Dimensions | 20 x 14 mm |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, Mercury, ACEX |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
EPC4Q100T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 2 | DQ0 — Configuration data bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | DQ1 — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | DQ2 — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | DQ3 — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | DQ4 — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | DQ5 — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | DQ6 — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | DQ7 — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | DQ8 — Configuration data bit 8 |
| Pin 12 | DQ9 — Configuration data bit 9 |
| Pin 13 | DQ10 — Configuration data bit 10 |
| Pin 14 | DQ11 — Configuration data bit 11 |
| Pin 15 | DQ12 — Configuration data bit 12 |
| Pin 16 | DQ13 — Configuration data bit 13 |
| Pin 17 | DQ14 — Configuration data bit 14 |
| Pin 18 | DQ15 — Configuration data bit 15 |
| Pin 19 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 21 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 22 | nOE — Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 23 | nWE — Write enable (active low, programming) |
| Pin 24 | BYTE_n — Byte/word mode select |
| Pin 25 | ADDR0 — Address line 0 |
| Pin 26 | ADDR1 — Address line 1 |
| Pin 27 | ADDR2 — Address line 2 |
| Pin 28 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 29 | ADDR3 — Address line 3 |
| Pin 30 | ADDR4 — Address line 4 |
| Pin 31 | ADDR5 — Address line 5 |
| Pin 32 | ADDR6 — Address line 6 |
| Pin 33 | ADDR7 — Address line 7 |
| Pin 34 | ADDR8 — Address line 8 |
| Pin 35 | ADDR9 — Address line 9 |
| Pin 36 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 37 | ADDR10 — Address line 10 |
| Pin 38 | ADDR11 — Address line 11 |
| Pin 39 | ADDR12 — Address line 12 |
| Pin 40 | ADDR13 — Address line 13 |
| Pin 41 | ADDR14 — Address line 14 |
| Pin 42 | ADDR15 — Address line 15 |
| Pin 43 | ADDR16 — Address line 16 |
| Pin 44 | ADDR17 — Address line 17 |
| Pin 45 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 46 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 47 | nCONFIG — Configuration control to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 48 | nSTATUS — Status from FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 49 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done from FPGA |
| Pin 50 | nCE — Chip enable to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 51 | DCLK — Configuration clock to FPGA |
| Pin 52 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 53 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 54 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 55 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 56 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 57 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 63 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 64 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 65 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 66 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 67 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 68 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 69 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 75 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 76 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 77 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 78 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 79 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 80 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 81 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 82 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 83 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 84 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 85 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 86 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 87 | GND — Ground |
| 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 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 93 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 94 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 95 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 96 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 97 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 98 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 99 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 100 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC4Q100T is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration, Cyclone FPGA Configuration Memory, Telecommunications Line Card Firmware Storage, Industrial Control Board Bitstream Storage, FPGA Prototyping Platform Bitstream Switching, Legacy APEX FPGA Configuration Subsystem.
Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC4Q100T's 4 Mbit flash storage and 16-bit DQ bus are ideal for Stratix FPGA boot configuration on legacy Altera/Intel boards. Its 160 Mbps FPP data rate matches Stratix configuration bandwidth requirements without throughput bottleneck. Placed between the 3.3 V system rail and the Stratix configuration port (nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE), the EPC4Q100T streams the bitstream at power-up. Unlike a separate boot PROM, the EPC4Q100T requires no external controller because the internal state machine generates all FPGA hand-shake signals. This makes it suitable for industrial control boards and telecom line cards based on first-generation Stratix devices, where a compact 100-PQFP footprint (20x14 mm) is already laid out and field-replacement of legacy inventory is required.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC4Q100T is widely deployed as the configuration memory for Cyclone-series FPGAs on cost-sensitive industrial and consumer boards. Its 4 Mbit density is sufficient for most Cyclone compressed bitstreams (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12 families). The JTAG-based in-system programmability (IEEE 1149.1) lets engineers update firmware in the field without removing the board. Placed near the Cyclone configuration pins, the EPC4Q100T operates from the 3.3 V rail with 5 V tolerant legacy interfaces. For new Cyclone designs in 2026, EPCQ-A or EPCQ-L devices are recommended, but the EPC4Q100T remains a drop-in choice for existing boards with the 100-PQFP footprint already committed.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Firmware Storage
The EPC4Q100T is suited to telecommunications line cards where remote firmware updates are required. Its 4 Mbit flash holds the Stratix or APEX configuration bitstream plus optional checksum, and the JTAG interface allows the central office to reprogram the FPGA without board removal. The device's 100-PQFP industrial-grade packaging tolerates the thermal environment of central-office racks. Placed on the line-card PCB near the JTAG header, the EPC4Q100T shares a 3.3 V supply rail with the FPGA. Compared to a discrete boot PROM, it eliminates external glue logic and reduces BOM cost by integrating the configuration state machine, making it a proven choice for legacy telecom infrastructure.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Bitstream Storage
The EPC4Q100T provides reliable non-volatile bitstream storage for industrial control boards based on Altera/Intel FPGAs. Its 4 Mbit flash tolerates the wide temperature swings of factory environments when specified in industrial temperature grade. Placed between the FPGA and the JTAG programming header, the EPC4Q100T enables factory-floor firmware updates via standard JTAG probes. Its 100-PQFP package (20 x 14 mm) is robust for through-hole-style mounting on industrial PCBs, and the 3.3 V core supply aligns with the rail already powering the FPGA I/O. For motor-control, PLC, and SCADA boards, the EPC4Q100T is a drop-in solution that survives field-replacement cycles in mature product families.
Recommended
FPGA Prototyping Platform Bitstream Switching
The EPC4Q100T supports FPGA prototyping platforms where engineers switch between multiple bitstreams during hardware validation. The 4 Mbit flash holds one compressed bitstream while engineers iterate on RTL and reload via JTAG, and the 160 Mbps FPP configuration rate keeps reload time under a second for most Cyclone and APEX designs. Placed on a daughter card or interposer, the EPC4Q100T streams the bitstream into the target FPGA through a standard configuration header. Compared to using a separate microcontroller to load configuration, the EPC4Q100T requires no software stack and provides a known-good Altera/Intel reference design path, making it suitable for university and lab prototyping environments.
Recommended
Legacy APEX FPGA Configuration Subsystem
The EPC4Q100T is a known-good configuration memory for APEX 20K and APEX II FPGAs in legacy military and aerospace subsystems. Its 4 Mbit density covers APEX EP20K100/EP20K200 bitstreams, and the 100-PQFP package provides the mechanical robustness required for through-hole mounting on avionics PCBs. Placed between the APEX device and the FPGA's configuration port, the EPC4Q100T streams the bitstream at power-up via the PS or FPP mode. Its 3.3 V core supply is compatible with APEX I/O rails. The EPC4Q100T is NRD for new designs but remains the validated choice for maintaining and repairing fielded APEX-based avionics and defense electronics where re-spinning the FPGA configuration subsystem is not feasible.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4Q100T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4Q100 | EPC4Q100N | EPC4QI100N | EPC16Q100 | EPC16QC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit |
| Flash Access Time | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns |
| Configuration Data Rate (max) | 160 Mbps (FPP) | 160 Mbps (FPP) | 160 Mbps (FPP) | 160 Mbps (FPP) | 160 Mbps (FPP) | 160 Mbps (FPP) |
| In-System Programming | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in pin-compatible with EPC16Q100 in same 100-PQFP footprint (vs EPC16Q100)
- Industrial temperature variant available within same family (vs EPC4QI100N)
- Same-package variant with 4x density for future-proofing (vs EPC16QC100)
Design Notes
Place the EPC4Q100T as close as physically possible to the target FPGA's configuration port to minimize trace length on DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, and the 16-bit DQ bus. Per the Altera cf_52001 datasheet, configuration traces should be length-matched to within 1 inch and routed over a continuous ground plane to prevent signal-integrity issues during FPP mode at 10 MHz. Add 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors on each VCC pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum near the device.
Do not confuse the EPC4Q100T (100-pin PQFP, 4 Mbit) with the EPC4QI100N (industrial temperature grade) or EPC16Q100 (16 Mbit, 100-pin PQFP) when sourcing - all three share the same footprint but differ in temperature grade or memory density. When migrating from a discrete boot PROM, ensure the JTAG chain order is correct: TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO must form a single daisy chain so the EPC4Q100T and the FPGA can be programmed in series. Do not apply 5 V to VCC - the EPC4Q100T core runs at 3.3 V; only legacy interface pins are 5 V tolerant.
Estimated: for the 100-pin PQFP at 20 x 14 mm, allow at least 25 x 19 mm of board real estate including keep-out zones for hand-soldering or inspection. Keep the EPC4Q100T away from switching power converters to avoid injecting noise into the configuration hand-shake signals. If the design uses Active Serial (AS) mode, route the serial data line away from the DQ[15:0] parallel bus to prevent crosstalk during power-up configuration.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance data not provided in Verified Web Data for EPC4Q100T. The Altera EPC family was originally released before RoHS mandates; later revisions may offer lead-free variants - check with the distributor for the specific date code. AEC-Q100 not applicable because this is a configuration memory, not a safety-critical automotive IC.
