EPC4QC100 - 4Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC4QC100 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.5 | $1,450.00 |
| 500 | $12.8 | $6,400.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.4 | $11,400.00 |
EPC4QC100 Overview
A configuration PROM (also called a serial configuration memory) is a non-volatile flash device that stores the FPGA bitstream and loads it into the FPGA at power-up. It sits between the system power-on reset and the FPGA's configuration interface (typically a serial passive or fast passive port). EPC-class devices replace legacy EPC1/EPC2 PROMs and add IEEE Std. 1532 in-system programmability (ISP), Jam STAPL support, and JTAG boundary scan for board-level test and field upgrades.
Key features include 4 Mb flash density, 3.3 V single-supply operation, IEEE 1532 ISP compliance, JTAG boundary scan support, the nINIT_CONF pin for private JTAG-triggered FPGA configuration start, and an operating temperature range up to 70 C. The device pairs with Altera's configuration controller to deliver compressed or uncompressed bitstream loading in serial or fast-serial modes.
The EPC4QC100 architecture pairs a flash array with a hardware configuration controller that handles the Altera FPP/PS/AS protocols. ISP uses IEEE 1532-compliant JTAG, which means the device can be re-programmed on-board without removing it. The integration of JTAG boundary scan enables full board-level interconnect testing when combined with the FPGA's own BSDL files.
Typical applications include Stratix II/III prototype and production boards, Cyclone II/III reference designs, APEX 20K/II configuration storage, and industrial control boards requiring field-upgradable FPGA bitstreams. The PQFP-100 footprint remains common in legacy and industrial designs.
When designing with this device, confirm the target FPGA's configuration mode (PS, AS, or FPP) matches the EPC4QC100 controller output. A decoupling network of 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors must be placed within 5 mm of the VCC pins to meet flash-memory inrush specifications during ISP.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 100-pin PQFP, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4QC100 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 EPC4QC100 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8QC100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC16QC100T
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4Q100T
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4Q100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$21.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC40C100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4QC100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM for FPGAs |
| Memory Type | Flash |
| Memory Size | 4 Mb |
| Supply Voltage (Core and I/O) | 3.3 V |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 66 MHz |
| Interface | Serial / Fast Passive (Altera FPGAs) |
| In-System Programmability | IEEE Std. 1532 compliant |
| JTAG Support | Yes (boundary scan + ISP via Jam STAPL) |
| nINIT_CONF Pin | Yes (triggers FPGA configuration via private JTAG instruction) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, Mercury, ACEX |
EPC4QC100 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 3 | DATA β Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DCLK β Configuration clock input |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG β Configuration control from FPGA |
| Pin 6 | nSTATUS β Status output to FPGA |
| Pin 7 | nCE β Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 8 | nINIT_CONF β Private JTAG instruction to start FPGA configuration |
| Pin 9 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin 10 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 11 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin 12 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin 100 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC4QC100 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix II/III FPGA Configuration Storage, Cyclone II/III Reference Boards, APEX 20K/II High-Density FPGA Boards, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Telecommunications Line Cards, Military and Aerospace FPGA Boards (Legacy).
Stratix II/III FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC4QC100 stores the 4 Mb compressed or uncompressed bitstream for Stratix II/III FPGAs and delivers it through the Altera passive serial or fast passive configuration interface. Its 3.3 V single-supply operation matches Stratix aux rails, and the 66 MHz DCLK rate keeps FPGA configuration time under 100 ms for typical designs.
Recommended
Cyclone II/III Reference Boards
Cyclone II and Cyclone III development kits frequently use the EPC4QC100 to store the demo bitstream because its 4 Mb flash is sufficient for compressed Cyclone images. The IEEE 1532 ISP support allows the kit manufacturer to re-flash the PROM via the on-board JTAG chain without removing the chip, simplifying manufacturing and field updates.
Recommended
APEX 20K/II High-Density FPGA Boards
The EPC4QC100 was specifically designed for very high-density FPGAs such as APEX 20K and APEX II families. Its configuration controller supports the APEX passive parallel and passive serial modes, and the 100-pin PQFP gives board designers enough pins for the parallel data bus plus JTAG and control signals on a single chip.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
In PLC and motor-control boards, the EPC4QC100 provides a field-upgradable configuration store for Cyclone or Stratix FPGAs. The JTAG ISP via Jam STAPL allows technicians to update the FPGA bitstream in the field without de-soldering the PROM, and the 100-PQFP industrial footprint survives vibration and thermal cycling in factory environments.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
Legacy telecom line cards based on Altera FPGAs use the EPC4QC100 to hold the bitstream in non-volatile storage, with JTAG access for centralized provisioning systems. The 3.3 V supply and IEEE 1532 ISP enable remote bitstream updates across thousands of deployed units, reducing truck-roll maintenance costs.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace FPGA Boards (Legacy)
Many MIL-STD-1553, radar, and avionics boards designed in the early 2000s use the EPC4QC100 with Altera APEX or Stratix FPGAs. Although now obsolete, the part remains in service via aftermarket supply chains, and its JTAG ISP allows mission-configurable bitstream loading via the nINIT_CONF pin during pre-flight checks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4QC100 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8QC100 | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QC100N | EPC16QC100T | EPC4Q100T | EPC4Q100N | EPC40C100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20x14) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Flash Memory Size | 4 Mb | 8 Mb (+100%) | 16 Mb (+300%) | 16 Mb (+300%) | 16 Mb (+300%) | 4 Mb (same) | 4 Mb (same) | 4 Mb (same) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| IEEE 1532 ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| nINIT_CONF Pin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in upgrade path to 8 Mb and 16 Mb flash (vs EPC8QC100 and EPC16QC100)
- IEEE 1532 ISP and JTAG boundary scan integrated (vs EPC40C100)
- Industrial temperature variant for harsh environments (vs EPC4Q100N)
Design Notes
The EPC4QC100 requires a 3.3 V supply on VCC with a decoupling network of 0.1 uF (X7R) plus 10 uF (X5R or tantalum) placed within 5 mm of the supply pins. During IEEE 1532 ISP programming, flash inrush current can exceed 50 mA per sector; insufficient bulk capacitance will cause VCC droop and ISP write failures. Add a ferrite bead on VCC if the board shares the supply with switching converters.
Route the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) as a 4-wire daisy-chain with stub lengths under 10 mm. Place the EPC4QC100 within 25 mm of the FPGA's JTAG pins to maintain signal integrity at the 66 MHz DCLK rate. Keep the DATA line impedance-matched to 50 ohm with a series 33 ohm resistor near the FPGA end to suppress ringing on the fast passive configuration bus.
Do not confuse EPC4QC100 (PQFP-100, 4 Mb, 3.3 V) with EPCQ4 (SOIC-8, 4 Mb, 1.8 V or 3.3 V) - they are NOT pin-compatible and require different PCB footprints. The PQFP-100 EPC4QC100 is drop-in compatible with EPC8QC100 and EPC16QC100, but the SOIC-8 EPCQ4 requires a board redesign. Always confirm the datasheet package code before ordering drop-in replacements.
The 100-pin PQFP exposes thermal pad to the leadframe; on standard 100-PQFP (no exposed pad) the die heat dissipates through the leads. For ISP-heavy designs that frequently re-program the flash, ensure at least 4 oz copper on inner power planes connected to the GND leads to prevent thermal accumulation during long Jam STAPL sessions.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free and conflict-mineral status are not specified in the verified web data. The part is marked obsolete per Octopart; AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is not applicable for legacy Altera configuration PROMs.