EPC4QC1C00N - Enhanced Configuration Device, 3.3V, 100-QFP | Altera
MPN: EPC4QC1C00N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.2 | $132.00 |
| 100 | $11.85 | $1,185.00 |
| 500 | $10.4 | $5,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.1 | $9,100.00 |
EPC4QC1C00N Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a non-volatile flash memory peripheral that holds the FPGA's configuration bitstream and serially shifts it into the FPGA at power-up through the dedicated DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins. The EPC4 family uses a 4-bit-wide multiplexed data path on a single DATA pin, doubling the configuration speed of the original EPC1/EPC2 devices and shortening FPGA in-system programming time.
Key features of the EPC4QC1C00N include 4 Mbit configuration density (sufficient for the largest Stratix family devices in single-device mode), 3.3 V core supply with 3.3 V / 5 V tolerant I/O, in-system programmability via JTAG, page-mode and multi-page configuration support for storing multiple bitstreams, and an industrial operating range of -40 C to +85 C. The on-chip voltage generator eliminates the need for an external high-voltage programming supply.
Architecturally, the EPC4 uses a 4-bit data shift register and dual-page flash array. During FPGA configuration the device shifts configuration data to the FPGA one nibble per DCLK cycle; during ISP (in-system programming) the JTAG interface rewrites the flash array without removing the part from the board.
Typical applications include configuring Stratix-series FPGAs in telecommunications line cards, single-board data-acquisition systems, industrial controllers, and any design requiring non-volatile storage of multiple configuration bitstreams for field upgrades. The 4 Mbit capacity makes it the right choice when the bitstream is larger than the EPC2 (1.6 Mbit) limit.
When designing with the EPC4QC1C00N, follow the Altera reference schematic: tie nCONFIG and nSTATUS to the FPGA with 10 kohm pull-ups to VCC, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VCC pin, and route DCLK as a short impedance-controlled trace to avoid configuration errors at high DCLK rates.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and application notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet without duplicating it.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4QC1C00N — 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 EPC4QC1C00N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, JTAG Support.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4QC100N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100TQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4Q100N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$21.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4Q100T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC1C00N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC4) |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit (4,194,304 bits) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 3.3 V / 5 V tolerant |
| Interface to FPGA | Serial DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE |
| Configuration Data Width | 4-bit multiplexed on single DATA pin |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| In-System Programming | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Programming Voltage | On-chip generated, no external VPP |
| Page Mode | Yes, multi-page storage supported |
| Target FPGA Families | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, Mercury, ACEX |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
EPC4QC1C00N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete output to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 7 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 8 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 9 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 10 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC4QC1C00N is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage, Cyclone FPGA Boot Storage, Multi-Page Bitstream Field-Upgrade Storage, Industrial PLC and Motor Controller Platforms, Telecommunications Line-Card Designs, Legacy Avionics and Defense Systems.
Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC4QC1C00N stores the configuration bitstream for Stratix-series FPGAs and serially shifts it into the FPGA at power-up through the DATA and DCLK pins. Its 4 Mbit density is sufficient to hold the compressed bitstreams of most Stratix-I and Stratix-II designs in single-device mode. The 4-bit multiplexed data path roughly halves configuration time versus the older EPC2 family, which is critical in telecom line cards where fast system bring-up matters. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range supports outdoor deployment, and the JTAG in-system programming interface lets field engineers update firmware without removing the board.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Boot Storage
Cyclone and Cyclone-II FPGAs rely on the EPC4QC1C00N for non-volatile boot storage in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer products. The 3.3 V single-supply operation matches the Cyclone core rail and removes the need for a separate programming voltage. In-system JTAG programming enables remote firmware updates via Ethernet or serial bootloader, which is essential for installed industrial controllers and POS terminals. The 4 Mbit capacity also supports multi-page storage for designs that need to swap between two bitstreams at runtime, such as dual-function test equipment.
Recommended
Multi-Page Bitstream Field-Upgrade Storage
The EPC4QC1C00N's multi-page mode lets a single device hold two or more configuration bitstreams, allowing field upgrades or A/B failover between firmware versions. When the system detects an updated bitstream in the on-board host flash, it can issue a page-select command and trigger the EPC4 to reload the FPGA with the alternate image. This is valuable in remote telecommunications and military systems where physical board access is impossible. The on-chip charge pump eliminates external VPP, simplifying the layout versus older EPC1 designs.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Motor Controller Platforms
Industrial PLCs and motor drives use the EPC4QC1C00N because of its industrial temperature rating and Altera's long-term process control support. The configuration device sits beside the main FPGA on the controller's base board and provides deterministic, glitch-free startup at -40 C, which is essential for cold-start in outdoor cabinets and refrigerated warehouses. Its 100-pin PQFP package gives strong thermal and mechanical robustness compared with smaller SOIC configuration devices, surviving high-vibration environments such as factory floors.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line-Card Designs
Telecom line cards built around Stratix or APEX FPGAs require a robust non-volatile configuration store; the EPC4QC1C00N meets this need with 4 Mbit of single-supply 3.3 V flash and JTAG in-system programming for remote firmware updates. Its fast 4-bit multiplexed configuration interface shortens line-card boot time, which directly impacts Mean-Time-To-Service in central-office deployments. The industrial temperature range and PQFP-100 mechanical package are proven in NEBS-compliant telecom chassis, and the part is supported by Altera Quartus programming tools for legacy bitstream compatibility.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and Defense Systems
The EPC4QC1C00N remains in service in long-lifecycle avionics and defense systems that were designed around Stratix-I and APEX FPGAs. Because of the multi-decade support window in these programs, the original EPC4 configuration device is still specified for new production boards. Its industrial temperature range, exposed pad to the 100-pin PQFP, and Altera JTAG programming flow support the rigorous firmware-update procedures required by DO-254 and MIL-STD-810 programs. Where the EPC4QC1C00N is EOL, the EPC4QC100N serves as a drop-in same-package replacement on existing PCBs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4QC1C00N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4QC100N | EPC4QC100 | EPC4QC100T | EPC4QC100TQ | EPC4Q100N | EPC4Q100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) - same | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) - same | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) - same | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) - same | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) - same | 100-pin PQFP (QFP-100) - same |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Interface | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE | Serial DATA / DCLK / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE |
| In-System Programming | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG |
| Packaging Form | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with -40 C to +85 C support (vs EPC4QC100)
- Same 100-pin PQFP footprint across the EPC4 family (vs EPC4Q100N)
- On-chip charge pump eliminates external VPP supply (vs Legacy EPC1 / EPC2 family)
Design Notes
Place the EPC4QC1C00N within 50 mm of the FPGA's configuration pins and route DATA and DCLK as short matched-length traces. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to VCC on nCONFIG and nSTATUS as required by the Altera reference schematic. Decouple each VCC pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin to suppress transient current during configuration. Estimated: based on typical Altera configuration reference schematic (DS-CONFIG) and standard JTAG TCI recommendations.
Do not confuse EPC4 with EPC2 - although they share the same package, EPC2 only stores 1.6 Mbit and will fail to configure any bitstream larger than 1.6 Mbit. Verify the compressed bitstream size in Quartus before selecting the configuration device. Also confirm the FPGA family supports EPC4 (Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, Mercury, ACEX) - newer Cyclone-IV/10 families use EPCQ devices with a different protocol.
DCLK is the most critical signal: route it as a 50 ohm microstrip with no stubs and keep its trace length less than 100 mm. Avoid routing DATA adjacent to switching power or clock signals - crosstalk on DATA causes configuration CRC errors and CONF_DONE failures. If the design uses long cables between the EPC4 and a remote FPGA, place a 33 ohm series damping resistor at the EPC4 DATA output to reduce ringing.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status were not present in the verified web data; values set to unknown per Data Authenticity Rule 10. AEC-Q100 is not applicable (the EPC4QC1C00N is a memory/peripheral IC, not an automotive analog IC).
