EPC4QI100 - 4Mb Enhanced Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Intel (Altera)
MPN: EPC4QI100 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $28.75 | $287.50 |
| 100 | $24.95 | $2,495.00 |
| 500 | $22.4 | $11,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.85 | $19,850.00 |
EPC4QI100 Overview
An enhanced configuration device (ECD) is a specialized non-volatile memory IC paired with a configuration controller that orchestrates the bitstream transfer between the PROM and the target FPGA during power-up. ECDs belong to the broader configuration memory hierarchy (serial configuration devices < parallel configuration devices < enhanced configuration devices), all of which sit under the FPGA support ecosystem. The EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 family scales memory density (4, 8, and 16 Mbit) using the same controller architecture, letting designers select capacity without changing footprint.
Key features include 4 Mbit of on-board flash (organized as 256K x 16), 66 MHz maximum configuration clock, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532/JTAG, built-in decompression for compressed FPG bitstreams, and a dedicated configuration controller that offloads the host processor. The 100-pin PQFP provides generous ground and supply pins, simplifying PCB layout and improving signal integrity for high-speed configuration transfers. Operating temperature spans the commercial 0 to +70 C range with industrial variants available on demand.
The EPC4QI100 uses a parallel interface and a dedicated controller block to streamline multi-device configuration chains. Compared with simple serial configuration devices (EPCS family), the EPC4 delivers configuration data up to four times faster, which shortens FPGA power-up latency in systems where boot time is critical, such as network switches and telecom line cards.
Typical applications include Altera/Intel Stratix and APEX 20K configuration storage, telecom infrastructure, industrial control, and any design that needs fast parallel FPGA boot. Use the EPC4 when targeting up to 4 Mbit of compressed bitstream and a 100-pin PQFP layout; choose the EPC8 or EPC16 for larger designs that exceed 4 Mbit.
When designing with this device, ensure that the FPGA configuration mode (PS, FPP, PPA) matches the EPC4 interface timing and that the JTAG chain is correctly ordered. Verify that the chosen density leaves at least 25 percent headroom for future firmware revisions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the Altera ECD family, and practical configuration-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4QI100 — 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 EPC4QI100 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Size, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Interface, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QI100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile Flash Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit (256K x 16) |
| Interface | Parallel (16-bit) |
| Configuration Clock (max) | 66 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) |
| Compression Support | Yes (decompression built into controller) |
| Configuration Controller | Integrated |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (PQFP-100, 20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Family | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC4/EPC8/EPC16) |
EPC4QI100 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Configuration data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 2 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | DATA3 — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 6 | DATA4 — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | DATA5 — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | DATA6 — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | DATA7 — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | DATA8 — Configuration data bit 8 |
| Pin 12 | DATA9 — Configuration data bit 9 |
| Pin 13 | DATA10 — Configuration data bit 10 |
| Pin 14 | DATA11 — Configuration data bit 11 |
| Pin 15 | DATA12 — Configuration data bit 12 |
| Pin 16 | DATA13 — Configuration data bit 13 |
| Pin 17 | DATA14 — Configuration data bit 14 |
| Pin 18 | DATA15 — Configuration data bit 15 (MSB) |
| Pin 19 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 21 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 22 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 23 | nCONFIG — Configuration control from FPGA/system |
| Pin 24 | nSTATUS — Status signal to FPGA |
| Pin 25 | nCS — Chip select input |
| Pin 26 | OE — Output enable input |
| Pin 27 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 28 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 29 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 30 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 31 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 33 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 34 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 35 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 46 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 49 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 50 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 51 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 52 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 53 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 54 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 55 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 56 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 57 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 63 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 64 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 65 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 66 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 67 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 68 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 69 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 75 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 81 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 82 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 83 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 84 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 85 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 86 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 87 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 93 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 94 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 95 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 96 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 97 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 98 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 99 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 100 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC4QI100 is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage, APEX 20K / APEX II FPGA Boot Memory, Mercury / ACEX 1K / FLEX 10K Legacy FPGA Support, Telecom Line Cards and Network Switches, Industrial Control and Test Equipment, Legacy Avionics and Defense Backplanes.
Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC4QI100 stores up to 4 Mbit of compressed Stratix configuration bitstream and streams it through a 16-bit parallel interface at 66 MHz during power-up, enabling Stratix FPGAs to enter user mode in well under 100 ms even with full design compression. Its dedicated configuration controller offloads the host CPU, and the 100-pin PQFP provides ample GND and VCC pins for low-noise configuration of multi-gigabit transceivers on the Stratix device. Designers should pair it with an external clock source and verify that the JTAG chain order matches the FPGA before sealing the BOM.
Recommended
APEX 20K / APEX II FPGA Boot Memory
For legacy APEX 20K and APEX II designs, the EPC4QI100 provides the parallel-configuration storage required by these multi-device, high-logic-density FPGAs. The integrated controller handles the APEX 16-bit passive parallel asynchronous (PPA) configuration scheme, eliminating the need for an external CPLD to glue the PROM to the FPGA. Using the EPC4QI100 keeps the BOM simple for industrial PLC and machine-vision cards that still ship with APEX 20K FPGAs.
Recommended
Mercury / ACEX 1K / FLEX 10K Legacy FPGA Support
The EPC4QI100 supports the older Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K FPGA families through its parallel passive configuration interface, allowing long-lifecycle industrial and aerospace programs to keep using proven FPGAs. The 4 Mbit capacity fits most ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K designs after compression, while the same 100-pin PQFP footprint lets engineers replace a failing EPC1 or EPC2 without reworking the PCB. Field upgrades use the IEEE 1532 JTAG interface, supporting in-system reprogramming without removing the device.
Recommended
Telecom Line Cards and Network Switches
In telecom line cards where FPGA boot time is part of the carrier-grade startup budget, the EPC4QI100's 66 MHz parallel configuration minimizes power-on-to-user-mode latency. The device streams configuration data into Altera FPGAs through 16-bit DATA lines, supporting fast passive parallel configuration without burdening the system controller. Its commercial 0-70 C operating range is sufficient for climate-controlled central-office environments, while the wide pin count gives excellent signal integrity for long PCB traces.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Test Equipment
Industrial PLCs, motion controllers, and automated test equipment rely on the EPC4QI100 to boot Altera FPGAs deterministically after power-up. The integrated controller simplifies firmware bring-up by handling the entire configuration handshake (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, nCS, OE) without host intervention, and the 100-pin PQFP package simplifies hand-solder rework during prototyping. For long-life industrial designs, the EPC4QI100N Pb-free variant supports modern lead-free reflow profiles.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and Defense Backplanes
Long-life avionics and defense programs that built around Altera APEX II and FLEX 10K FPGAs continue to use the EPC4QI100 as their configuration memory because of its mature, well-documented silicon and long-term support contracts. Its parallel 16-bit interface delivers deterministic configuration even on backplanes where serial configuration devices can suffer from signal-integrity issues. Obsolescence risk is mitigated by stocking spare EPC4QI100N Pb-free variants as drop-in equivalents.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4QI100 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4QI100N | EPC4QC100 | EPC8QC100 | EPC16QC100 | EPC8QC100N | EPC16QI100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same |
| Memory Size | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit (same) | 4 Mbit (same) | 8 Mbit (+100%) | 16 Mbit (+300%) | 8 Mbit (+100%) | 16 Mbit (+300%) |
| Configuration Clock (max) | 66 MHz | 66 MHz (same) | 66 MHz (same) | 66 MHz (same) | 66 MHz (same) | 66 MHz (same) | 66 MHz (same) |
| Interface | Parallel 16-bit | Parallel 16-bit (same) | Parallel 16-bit (same) | Parallel 16-bit (same) | Parallel 16-bit (same) | Parallel 16-bit (same) | Parallel 16-bit (same) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) | 3.3 V (same) |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Compliant | Pb-free variant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Pb-free variant | Compliant |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated configuration controller eliminates external glue logic (vs EPC1LC20 (legacy 1 Mbit serial configuration PROM))
- Parallel 16-bit interface delivers 4x faster configuration than serial PROMs (vs EPCS16 (16 Mbit serial configuration device))
- Same 100-pin PQFP footprint as EPC8/EPC16 family (vs EPC8QC100)
Design Notes
The EPC4QI100 operates from a single 3.3 V supply and draws a small quiescent current during configuration. Decouple VCC pins (5, 19, 27, 33, 68, 84, 98) with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed as close to the device as possible, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic cap near the package to suppress FPGA inrush currents during configuration. Keep the 3.3 V rail clean because any noise on VCC can corrupt the parallel DATA bus and cause configuration failures.
The 16-bit DATA bus and DCLK lines should be routed as a matched-length group, with trace length matching within +/- 100 mil to avoid setup/hold violations on the target FPGA. Series-terminate each DATA line with 33 ohm resistors near the EPC4QI100 if the configuration trace length exceeds 3 inches. Place a ground guard trace between DATA[0..7] and DATA[8..15] to minimize crosstalk, and keep the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) electrically isolated from the parallel DATA bus.
Do not exceed the 66 MHz maximum DCLK frequency, and confirm the FPGA configuration mode (FPP/PPA/PS) matches the EPC4QI100 interface timing. Verify JTAG chain order in the Quartus programmer before sealing the BOM, and ensure the EPC4 bitstream size leaves at least 25 percent headroom for future firmware revisions. Because the EPC4QI100 is obsolete, consider migrating new designs to active EPCQ or EPCQ-L serial configuration devices that support Cyclone, Arria, and Stratix 10 families.
Place the EPC4QI100 within 2 inches of the target FPGA to keep DCLK and DATA traces short and matched. Use a continuous ground plane under the PQFP-100 device to provide low-impedance return paths for the parallel DATA bus. Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) to a dedicated test header that is accessible after board assembly for in-system programming and boundary-scan testing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Altera/Intel product page. EPC4QI100N is the Pb-free variant with identical pinout. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data and is recorded as 'unknown'. The part is classified obsolete by Intel; design teams should consider EPCQ-family active configuration devices for new designs.
