EPC4QC100T - 4Mb FPGA Config PROM, 100-PQFP | Altera / Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC4QC100T β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.9 | $5,950.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.25 | $10,250.00 |
EPC4QC100T Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory IC that holds the FPGA's bitstream. When the system powers up, the PROM serializes the configuration data through dedicated FPGA configuration pins (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) so the FPGA boots into a known operating state without external MCU intervention. Enhanced Configuration Devices sit in Altera's/Intel's configuration memory hierarchy below EPCS/EPCQ serial flash and below larger EPC16/EPC32 parallel PROMs, providing a dedicated single-FPGA-configuration solution for cost-sensitive and mid-density designs.
Key features include in-system programmability via IEEE Std. 1149.1 (JTAG) and Altera-supported serial interface commands, 3.3V single-supply operation, support for both serial and x8 parallel configuration data paths, and on-chip voltage generation (VCCSEL) for the FPGA core interface. The device also supports MultiVolt I/O for compatibility with 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5.0V FPGA configuration banks, hardware-driven or software-driven nINIT_CONF controls, and a dedicated nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshake.
Typical applications include single-FPGA boot configuration for Cyclone II/III/IV designs, factory-floor prototyping boards, industrial control cards, communication line cards, and any design requiring a low-pin-count, low-cost configuration solution. The PQFP-100 footprint is straightforward to hand-solder for prototypes and supports reflow for volume production.
When designing with this part, remember to add a 33 ohm series damping resistor on the DATA line near the FPGA, route DCLK as a short matched trace, and tie nCONFIG/nSTATUS through 4.7 kohm pull-ups. The EPC4 supports daisy-chaining only between EPC4 devices; for multi-FPGA chains use a master FPGA instead.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4QC100T 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 EPC4QC100T (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Compatible FPGA Families.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4QC100
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4QC100N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4QC100C
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4Q100T
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4Q100N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$21.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4QC100T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash configuration PROM (non-volatile) |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Serial / x8 Parallel (selectable) |
| Maximum Serial Clock Frequency | 66 MHz |
| Supported FPGAs | Altera/Intel Cyclone, Stratix, APEX families |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typ) |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO / MultiVolt) | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| In-System Programming | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG + serial interface |
| JTAG Support | Yes (1149.1 boundary-scan compliant) |
| Configuration Modes | Serial (1-bit) and Parallel (x8) |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Yes (EPC4-to-EPC4 only) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack), 20 x 14 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead-free; RoHS compliance depends on date code |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
EPC4QC100T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 3 | DATA0 β Configuration data bit 0 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 4 | DATA1 β Configuration data bit 1 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 5 | DATA2 β Configuration data bit 2 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 6 | DATA3 β Configuration data bit 3 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 7 | DATA4 β Configuration data bit 4 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 8 | DATA5 β Configuration data bit 5 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 9 | DATA6 β Configuration data bit 6 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 10 | DATA7 β Configuration data bit 7 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 11 | DCLK β Configuration clock to FPGA |
| Pin 12 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (input to PROM, driven by FPGA or host) |
| Pin 13 | nSTATUS β Configuration status handshake |
| Pin 14 | CONF_DONE β Configuration done flag (open-drain) |
| Pin 15 | nCE β Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 16 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 17 | OE β Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 18 | RESET β Device reset |
| Pin 19 | MODE β Serial/Parallel mode select |
| Pin 20 | VCCIO β I/O supply (MultiVolt 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V/5.0V) |
| Pin 21 | VCCSEL β On-chip voltage generator enable |
| Pin 22 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin 23 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin 24 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 25 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin 26 | TRST β JTAG test reset (active low, optional) |
| Pin 27 | nINIT_CONF β Initiate configuration request |
| Pin 28 | PADD β Parallel address pin (extended modes) |
| Pin 29 | PADD2 β Parallel address pin (extended modes) |
| Pin 30 | PADD3 β Parallel address pin (extended modes) |
| Pin 31 | CLKUSR β User clock input (optional) |
| Pin 32 | DEV_OE β Device-level output enable |
| Pin 33 | DEV_CLR β Device-level clear |
| Pin 34 | WP β Write protect (flash) |
| Pin 35 | HOLD β Hold (suspend serial access) |
| Pin 36 | CSO β Chip select output (for daisy-chain) |
| Pin 37 | VCC β 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 38 | GND β Ground |
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| Pin 99 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 100 | VCC β 3.3V core supply |
Typical Applications
EPC4QC100T is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration, Stratix FPGA Configuration Memory, Industrial Control Boards, Telecommunications Line Cards, Prototyping and Development Boards, Legacy System Sustainment.
Cyclone FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC4QC100T serves as the primary configuration source for Altera/Intel Cyclone-series FPGAs on power-up, holding the 4 Mbit of bitstream data and serializing it through the DATA/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake. Its 66 MHz maximum DCLK rate enables fast boot times even for bitstreams approaching the 4 Mbit density limit, and its single 3.3V supply plus MultiVolt I/O allow direct interface to Cyclone II/III/IV banks at 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V. This makes the EPC4QC100T ideal for factory-floor controllers, PLCs, and any mid-density FPGA system that needs a single-chip non-volatile boot solution without an external MCU.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Configuration Memory
For Stratix and Stratix II designs that fit within 4 Mbit, the EPC4QC100T provides a dedicated single-FPGA configuration path with both serial and x8 parallel data interfaces, allowing designers to trade off pin count against boot speed. The parallel mode achieves up to 528 Mbps configuration throughput, dramatically reducing the in-system programming window for large Stratix bitstreams. Its in-system JTAG programmability per IEEE 1149.1 also makes it a good fit for Stratix-based communication line cards that need field-upgradable boot images without removing the board.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards
In industrial PLCs, motor controllers, and HMI panels, the EPC4QC100T provides a rugged, wide-temperature (-40 C to +85 C) configuration memory that boots Altera/Intel FPGAs deterministically at every power cycle. Its PQFP-100 footprint supports both hand-rework during prototyping and high-volume reflow during production. The JTAG-based in-system programming allows firmware engineers to update the boot image on installed boards without desoldering the PROM, which is critical for remote industrial sites where downtime costs dominate.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
Telecom line cards built on Altera/Intel FPGAs use the EPC4QC100T to provide a deterministic, single-supply configuration source that boots the FPGA into the correct protocol image at line-card power-up. The MultiVolt I/O allows direct interface to 1.8V or 2.5V FPGA banks without level shifters, simplifying PCB layout and BOM. Its x8 parallel mode supports very fast field upgrades, and JTAG access supports in-system reconfiguration from the central office management interface.
Recommended
Prototyping and Development Boards
Engineers prototyping with Altera/Intel FPGA development kits use the EPC4QC100T as a plug-and-play configuration source on PQFP-100 sockets, allowing the same board to load different bitstreams during development cycles. The hand-solderable PQFP-100 footprint (0.65 mm pitch) is forgiving enough for engineering rework, and JTAG-based programming lets developers iterate on bitstream images without swapping hardware. This makes the EPC4QC100T a popular choice for university labs and OEM design houses that need a flexible boot memory.
Recommended
Legacy System Sustainment
Long-life-cycle defense, aerospace, and industrial systems that were designed around Altera/Intel Cyclone II/III or Stratix FPGAs continue to use the EPC4QC100T as a long-term, form-fit-function-compatible configuration source for sustainment and spare-parts manufacturing. Because the part is NRND but still produced for legacy programs, the EPC4QC100T lets sustainment engineers maintain identical firmware-boot behavior across multi-decade production runs without re-spinning the FPGA boot path. This is essential for programs with 15-25 year field-life requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4QC100T β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4QC100 | EPC4QC100N | EPC4QC100C | EPC4Q100T | EPC4Q100N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Configuration Modes | Serial + x8 Parallel | Serial + x8 Parallel | Serial + x8 Parallel | Serial + x8 Parallel | Serial + x8 Parallel | Serial + x8 Parallel |
| Max Serial Clock | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz | 66 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V | 3.3V | 3.3V | 3.3V | 3.3V | 3.3V |
| JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +85 C (commercial extended) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Shipping Format | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Same-die tape-and-reel packaging variant (vs EPC4QC100)
- Lead-free finish variant (vs EPC4QC100N)
- Extended-temperature variant for commercial (vs EPC4QC100C)
Design Notes
Series-damp the DATA line with a 33 ohm resistor placed close to the FPGA DATA pin to limit ringing on the configuration clock-to-data timing margin. Route DCLK as a short, impedance-matched trace with a series termination resistor to suppress reflections. Keep the nCONFIG/nSTATUS traces away from switching power lines to avoid false configuration requests at power-up. The PQFP-100 package has long internal bond wires; keep the EPC4 within 50 mm of the FPGA's configuration pins to minimize skew.
Decouple the EPC4QC100T with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor on each VCC pin, plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor at the package entry point. The VCCIO (MultiVolt) supply can be tied directly to the FPGA's configuration bank supply at 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V. Enable the on-chip VCCSEL generator if the FPGA requires an internal core voltage reference. Power-rail sequencing is not required between VCC and VCCIO.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VCC of 4.0V - transient overshoot from a poorly-decoupled 3.3V rail can corrupt the flash array. Always pull nCONFIG high through a 4.7 kohm resistor; floating nCONFIG can cause intermittent configuration failures. For JTAG programming, ensure the JTAG chain is terminated correctly - the EPC4 has TRST as an optional pin, but a hard reset on VCC ramp is generally safer than relying on TRST. The EPC4 supports daisy-chaining only between EPC4 devices; attempting to chain EPC4 + EPC8/EPC16 can cause protocol mismatches.
In parallel (x8) configuration mode, byte-scope the DATA[7:0] bus for simultaneous-switching-output (SSO) effects. The PQFP-100 bond-wire inductance is around 5-7 nH, so adding 22 ohm source-series termination on each DATA line at the PROM side improves signal integrity above 33 MHz DCLK rates. Keep the parallel-mode trace lengths matched within 5 mm to avoid bit-skew on the FPGA's parallel capture register.
Compliance Information
Lead-free finish per Altera/Intel product marking. AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA configuration memory is not an automotive-grade IC). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data. Conflict-minerals compliance per Intel Programmable Solutions Group policy.
