EPC4QC100C - 4Mb Enhanced Configuration Device, PQFP-100 | Altera
MPN: EPC4QC100C ✗ 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 |
EPC4QC100C Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a specialized non-volatile memory IC that stores the FPGA's configuration bitstream and delivers it serially or in parallel to the target FPGA at power-up or reconfiguration. It combines a flash memory array with an internal configuration controller, eliminating the need for an external microcontroller to manage the FPGA configuration process. The device family sits within the broader hierarchy: Configuration Memory -> Memory IC -> Integrated Circuit -> Semiconductor, providing a high-reliability alternative to discrete flash + controller designs.
Key features of the EPC4QC100C include 4 Mb of flash storage, a multi-device cascading option for higher density FPGAs, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532 or JTAG, and support for both serial and parallel configuration data formats. The internal controller handles configuration timing, error detection via CRC, and compression using Altera's compressed bitstream format, reducing flash space requirements by up to 60 percent. The device operates from a single 3.3 V supply.
The architecture centers on a flash memory core with a hardware configuration controller implementing the Altera configuration protocol. Data is loaded from flash into the controller buffer, then clocked out to the FPGA over the dedicated configuration interface (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE). The 66 MHz maximum DCLK frequency supports rapid configuration of large Stratix-class devices, where configuration times can otherwise exceed several hundred milliseconds.
Typical applications include factory configuration of high-density Altera FPGAs on production boards, field-upgradable systems via JTAG, multi-FPGAs requiring synchronous configuration, and designs requiring compact non-volatile storage of multiple bitstreams for FPGA dynamic reconfiguration. The 4 Mb capacity is well-suited to mid-density APEX and Cyclone families, and may also store firmware images for companion processors.
Design consideration: when cascading multiple EPC devices for higher-density FPGAs, ensure nCASC is properly wired between devices and that the bitstream is split across the configuration chain in the correct order. PCB layout should keep the DCLK trace short and matched to maintain signal integrity at 66 MHz.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4QC100C — 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 EPC4QC100C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Configuration Modes.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4Q100T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100C Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash (NOR) Configuration Memory |
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 66 MHz |
| Interface Type | Serial / Parallel FPGA Configuration |
| Configuration Compatibility | Altera Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, ACEX, Mercury families |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | PQFP-100 (20 x 14 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial grade) |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via IEEE 1532 / JTAG |
| Multi-Device Cascade Support | Yes (via nCASC pin) |
| Bitstream Compression | Yes (Altera compressed bitstream format) |
| Configuration Error Detection | CRC |
| Configuration Modes | Serial, Parallel, JTAG, Remote update |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (EOL by Altera/Intel) |
EPC4QC100C pqfp-100 (20 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC4QC100C (pqfp-100 (20 x 14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPC4QC100C.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC4QC100C is suitable for 6 applications: FPGA Configuration Storage, Multi-FPGA Synchronous Configuration, In-System FPGA Reconfiguration via JTAG, Remote System Field Upgrade, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment.
FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC4QC100C provides non-volatile storage for Altera FPGA configuration bitstreams. Its 4 Mb flash capacity is sized to configure mid-density Altera FPGAs including Cyclone II, APEX 20K, and smaller Stratix devices using Altera's compressed bitstream format. The device's 66 MHz maximum DCLK frequency minimizes FPGA configuration time, supporting fast system boot in industrial and embedded applications. Because the configuration controller is integrated on-chip, designers avoid the complexity of external microcontroller-based configuration management, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Synchronous Configuration
The EPC4QC100C supports nCASC-based multi-device cascade chains, enabling synchronous configuration of multiple FPGAs on the same board. Each device passes configuration control to the next after its own load completes, ensuring deterministic multi-FPGA startup timing. Designers building parallel-processing boards with two or more Altera FPGAs can chain EPC4QC100C devices using the cascade pin. The 100-pin PQFP package provides all necessary cascade control signals and matches the same footprint as larger EPC8/EPC16 siblings for future capacity upgrades.
Recommended
In-System FPGA Reconfiguration via JTAG
The EPC4QC100C supports in-system programming through its IEEE 1532-compliant JTAG interface, allowing field updates of the FPGA bitstream without removing the board. Engineers can re-flash configuration memory through the JTAG pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) using Altera's Quartus programmer tool, enabling remote firmware updates and rapid design iteration. The 4 Mb capacity supports multiple stored bitstreams for dynamic-reconfiguration scenarios where the FPGA must switch between modes at runtime via the remote-update feature.
Recommended
Remote System Field Upgrade
The EPC4QC100C supports Altera's remote update feature, allowing the host processor to command the FPGA to load a new bitstream from a different flash page via the configuration interface. This is ideal for industrial controllers, networking equipment, and other deployed systems that require field firmware upgrades without manual JTAG access. Designers can partition the 4 Mb flash into multiple bitstream slots and use the remote-update sequence to switch between them safely, with built-in CRC verification confirming each load before FPGA startup.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
The EPC4QC100C, in its commercial-grade 0C to +70C temperature range, suits industrial control boards and factory automation controllers that pair an Altera FPGA with deterministic boot-time requirements. The 66 MHz DCLK rate enables sub-200 ms configuration of mid-density Cyclone devices, supporting fast restart after power-cycle events in PLC and motor-control systems. Designers use the EPC4QC100C alongside Altera's industrial-grade FPGA families such as Cyclone III to build rugged control platforms with reliable non-volatile configuration storage.
Recommended
Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment
The EPC4QC100C remains in demand for sustaining legacy Altera-based products where redesign is not economically viable. Industries such as aerospace, defense, and medical equipment operate equipment with 10-20 year lifecycles where the original FPGA configuration solution must be maintained. Distributors and obsolete-component brokers stock remaining EPC4QC100C inventory specifically for these sustainment programs. Engineers should verify date codes and sourcing channels to ensure authentic parts when procuring for legacy repair workflows.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4QC100C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4QC100 | EPC4Q100T | EPC8QC100 | EPC16QC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | PQFP-100 | PQFP-100 (same) | PQFP-100 (same) | PQFP-100 (same) | PQFP-100 (same) |
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 8 Mbit (+100%) | 16 Mbit (+300%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Maximum DCLK Frequency | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) | Yes (nCASC) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| JTAG Programming | Yes (IEEE 1532) | Yes (IEEE 1532) | Yes (IEEE 1532) | Yes (IEEE 1532) | Yes (IEEE 1532) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard Altera configuration interface with broad FPGA ecosystem support (vs EPC16QC100)
- PQFP-100 package with full JTAG and cascade pin access (vs EPC4Q100N)
- Integrated flash + configuration controller in single IC (vs Discrete flash + microcontroller configuration solution)
Design Notes
Keep the DCLK trace from the EPC4QC100C to the target FPGA as short as possible and impedance-matched to 50 ohms to maintain signal integrity at the 66 MHz maximum clock rate. Place the EPC device within 2 inches of the FPGA's configuration pins. Use a ground reference plane directly under the DCLK trace and avoid routing across plane splits.
When cascading multiple EPC4QC100C devices for higher-density FPGAs, verify that nCASC, nCONFIG, and nSTATUS are correctly wired in a daisy-chain between devices. Mis-ordering cascade signals is the most common configuration failure mode and can appear as intermittent FPGA configuration errors at power-up. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet cascade timing diagrams for setup/hold requirements between consecutive devices.
Estimated: at 3.3 V supply with active configuration, the EPC4QC100C draws approximately 30 mA during flash read and 60 mA peak during in-system programming. Add a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VCC pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum on the supply rail. Inrush during JTAG programming may require additional bulk capacitance to prevent board-level supply droop.
The PQFP-100 package has moderate thermal resistance, and the EPC4QC100C operates within commercial 0C to +70C ambient range. In enclosed industrial enclosures with poor airflow, derate the device by ensuring at least 100 LFM of forced-air cooling or thermal vias under the exposed pad area. For industrial-grade operation, substitute the EPC4QC100 variant, which is rated -40C to +85C with identical electrical performance.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not confirmed in verified web data; given Altera-era product, the part likely contains lead-based solder finish (SnPb) and is not RoHS compliant. Verify with manufacturer documentation before designing into RoHS-restricted applications.
