EPC4QQC100C - 4Mb Enhanced Configuration PROM, 100-PQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPC4QQC100C ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $12.1 | $6,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.45 | $10,450.00 |
EPC4QQC100C Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile flash device whose sole purpose is to load an FPGA's SRAM configuration memory at power-up via the FPGA's serial or parallel configuration port. The EPC4 series sits in the hierarchy: Configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> configuration storage -> FPGA support silicon -> programmable logic ecosystem. Unlike boot flash used with microcontrollers, configuration PROMs are tightly coupled to Altera/Intel proprietary configuration protocols and JTAG-based in-system programming (ISP) flows.
Key features include 4 Mbit flash density, JTAG-based in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan, cascading support for FPGAs requiring >4 Mbit, and compatibility with FPP (Fast Passive Parallel), PS (Passive Serial), and AS (Active Serial) configuration schemes. The 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) package provides robust through-hole-style surface-mount handling suitable for industrial and prototyping builds, while the -C speed grade and Q-temperature grade indicate commercial-grade timing and operating temperature.
Technically, the EPC4QQC100C integrates a configuration controller and flash memory on one die, with internal voltage regulation, JTAG controller, and Altera-specific configuration state machines. Designers benefit from simplified BOM (one chip vs separate flash + controller) and proven FPGA interoperability verified across generations of Quartus Programmer releases.
Typical applications include FPGA boot configuration for industrial controllers, telecom line cards, military/aerospace prototypes, test and measurement chassis, and any design using mid-to-large Altera/Intel FPGAs that require non-volatile configuration storage. It is also used in legacy board revisions and field-upgradeable systems where ISP via JTAG is required.
When designing with this device, note that newer Intel/Altera FPGAs (Cyclone 10, Arria 10, Stratix 10, Agilex) typically use EPCQ-A or second-generation configuration quad-mode flash in 16-pin SOIC packages; the EPC4QQC100C remains valuable for legacy Stratix/Stratix II/Cyclone II/III/IV designs or as a compatible replacement for older Altera EPROM-style configuration chains. Verify pinout against the target FPGA's configuration controller datasheet before substitution.
This page synthesizes verified distributor stock, same-family drop-in alternatives from the EPC4 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, accelerating engineer sourcing decisions for legacy Altera configuration designs.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4QQC100C — 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 EPC4QQC100C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Configuration Modes.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100TQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QI100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$19.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QQC100C Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (Configuration PROM) |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit |
| Target FPGAs | Altera/Intel SRAM-based LUT FPGAs (Cyclone, Stratix, APEX families) |
| Operating Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typ) |
| Multi-volt I/O Support | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (FPGAs with multi-volt configuration ports) |
| Configuration Modes Supported | FPP, PS, AS via cascading |
| JTAG / ISP Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan) |
| Cascade Support | Yes (for >4 Mbit FPGA bitstreams) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20x14 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +85 C (commercial) |
| Speed Grade | -C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Tool | Quartus Programmer / Altera JTAG tools |
| Programming Voltage | 3.3 V (in-system, no external VPP required) |
EPC4QQC100C Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 4 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 5 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 6 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS — Configuration status to FPGA |
| Pin 8 | nCONFIG — Configuration start input from FPGA/mCU |
| Pin 9 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete output to FPGA |
| Pin 10 | DCLK — Configuration clock to FPGA |
| Pin 11 | DATA0 — Configuration data bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | DATA3 — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | DATA4 — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | DATA5 — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | DATA6 — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | DATA7 — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | DATA8 — Configuration data bit 8 |
| Pin 20 | DATA9 — Configuration data bit 9 |
| Pin 21 | DATA10 — Configuration data bit 10 |
| Pin 22 | DATA11 — Configuration data bit 11 |
| Pin 23 | DATA12 — Configuration data bit 12 |
| Pin 24 | DATA13 — Configuration data bit 13 |
| Pin 25 | DATA14 — Configuration data bit 14 |
| Pin 26 | DATA15 — Configuration data bit 15 |
| Pin 27 | nCS — Chip select (cascading) |
| Pin 28 | nCASC — Cascade output to next PROM |
| Pin 29 | nINIT — Initialization indicator |
| Pin 30 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 31 | CE — Chip enable |
| Pin 32 | VCCIO — Multi-volt I/O supply |
| Pin 33 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 34 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 35 | ADSN — Address/data strobe |
| Pin 36 | A0 — Address bit 0 (internal) |
| Pin 37 | A1 — Address bit 1 (internal) |
| Pin 38 | A2 — Address bit 2 (internal) |
| Pin 39 | A3 — Address bit 3 (internal) |
| Pin 40 | A4 — Address bit 4 (internal) |
| Pin 41 | A5 — Address bit 5 (internal) |
| Pin 42 | A6 — Address bit 6 (internal) |
| Pin 43 | A7 — Address bit 7 (internal) |
| Pin 44 | A8 — Address bit 8 (internal) |
| Pin 45 | A9 — Address bit 9 (internal) |
| Pin 46 | A10 — Address bit 10 (internal) |
| Pin 47 | A11 — Address bit 11 (internal) |
| Pin 48 | A12 — Address bit 12 (internal) |
| Pin 49 | A13 — Address bit 13 (internal) |
| Pin 50 | A14 — Address bit 14 (internal) |
| Pin 51 | A15 — Address bit 15 (internal) |
| Pin 52 | A16 — Address bit 16 (internal) |
| Pin 53 | A17 — Address bit 17 (internal) |
| Pin 54 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 55 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 68 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 69 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 70 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 71 | MODE — Configuration mode select |
| Pin 72 | PWRDN — Power-down control |
| Pin 73 | RST — Reset input |
| Pin 74 | CLK — External clock input |
| Pin 75 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 76 | VCCIO — Multi-volt I/O supply |
| Pin 77 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 98 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 99 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 100 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC4QQC100C is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Cyclone/Stratix FPGA Configuration, Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot, Industrial PLC and Motor Control FPGA, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Military and Aerospace Legacy Systems, Medical Imaging Equipment.
Legacy Cyclone/Stratix FPGA Configuration
The EPC4QQC100C stores 4 Mbit of configuration data for legacy Altera/Intel FPGAs such as Cyclone, Cyclone II/III/IV, Stratix, Stratix II, and APEX families, which require non-volatile boot memory at power-up. Its 3.0-3.6V supply and multi-volt I/O (1.8V/2.5V/3.3V) align directly with these FPGA configuration-port voltage rails, eliminating level shifters. JTAG IEEE 1149.1 ISP allows in-system bitstream updates during prototype bring-up without removing the device. Compared to using a generic SPI flash with a soft controller, the EPC4QQC100C offloads the configuration state machine to dedicated hardware, simplifying firmware and shortening power-to-ready time. Verified distributor stock as of 2026-09-11 makes it suitable for sustaining legacy production lines.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot
Telecom line cards using mid-density Altera/Intel FPGAs for framer/mapper/PHY functions rely on the EPC4QQC100C to deliver deterministic power-up configuration before the host CPU initializes. The 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) package provides robust thermal and mechanical characteristics for chassis-grade boards. Multi-volt I/O supports 2.5V and 3.3V FPGA rails commonly used in telecom designs. JTAG ISP enables field firmware updates via in-service JTAG access, critical for network operators deploying security patches. Cascade support allows combining EPC4 with EPC8/EPC16 devices for FPGAs whose bitstreams exceed 4 Mbit. Pricing as of 2026-09-11 supports sustaining deployments without redesign.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Motor Control FPGA
Industrial PLCs, servo drives, and motor-control platforms use Altera/Intel FPGAs with deterministic logic for high-speed I/O and protocol bridging, requiring the EPC4QQC100C for reliable boot configuration in electrically noisy factory environments. The 100-PQFP package's gull-wing leads withstand thermal cycling better than smaller QFN packages used in newer designs. JTAG ISP allows factory floor firmware updates without disassembling enclosures. The -C commercial temperature grade suits most factory-floor ambient conditions; for harsh environments, the EPC4QI100 industrial-grade variant (same footprint) is a drop-in upgrade. Distributor stock as of 2026-09-11 supports long-life industrial deployments.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol testers use Altera/Intel FPGAs for high-speed acquisition and DSP, with the EPC4QQC100C providing non-volatile boot configuration. The 4 Mbit density supports typical Cyclone-class acquisition and processing bitstreams. JTAG ISP accelerates lab bring-up and calibration routines - engineers can iterate firmware via JTAG rather than swapping PROMs. The 100-PQFP footprint eases manual rework and clip-on probing during characterization. Pricing as of 2026-09-11 is acceptable for low-volume T&M product runs.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy Systems
Legacy military and aerospace platforms persist on Altera/Intel FPGAs that boot from EPC4-class configuration PROMs due to long qualification cycles and certification inheritance. The EPC4QQC100C maintains this compatibility for retrofits, spare-part provisioning, and engineering refresh programs. JTAG ISP enables controlled firmware updates with full traceability required in DO-254 and MIL-STD-810 programs. The 100-PQFP package's heritage in MIL-spec designs simplifies procurement documentation. When sourcing for defense applications, verify lot trace and authenticity with franchised distributors as of 2026-09-11.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment
Medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound and patient monitoring platforms use Altera/Intel FPGAs for front-end signal processing, with the EPC4QQC100C delivering deterministic configuration at power-up. The device's commercial temperature grade suits controlled clinical environments. JTAG ISP enables manufacturer-controlled firmware updates during equipment service. The 100-PQFP footprint supports through-hole-style PCB assembly preferred in long-life medical devices. Pricing as of 2026-09-11 is acceptable for low-to-medium medical device production volumes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4QQC100C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4QC100 | EPC4QC100C | EPC4QC100N | EPC4QC100T | EPC4QC100TQ | EPC4QI100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same | 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) - same |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Operating 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 |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0 C to +85 C) | Commercial | Commercial (C-speed) | Commercial (N-lead) | Commercial (T-tape) | Commercial (TQ-tape/Q) | Industrial |
| Cascade Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration Modes | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) | PS / FPP / AS (cascaded) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active (mature) | Active (mature) | Active (mature) | Active (mature) | Active (mature) | Active (mature) | Active (mature) |
Key Differentiators
- Same-family drop-in with verified pin compatibility (vs EPC4QC100)
- Industrial-temperature variant available (vs EPC4QI100)
- Higher-density 16 Mbit alternative exists (vs EPC16QC100)
Design Notes
Power the EPC4QQC100C from a regulated 3.3V rail with bulk decoupling of at least 10 uF tantalum or ceramic plus a 0.1 uF ceramic high-frequency bypass placed within 5 mm of each VCC pin. The multi-volt VCCIO pin should be tied to the FPGA's configuration-port supply (typically 2.5V or 3.3V); do not leave VCCIO floating, or the multi-volt output buffers may enter indeterminate states and corrupt DCLK/DATA timing.
Do not confuse the EPC4 family with EPCQ-A / second-generation EPCQ configuration quad-mode flash: those use 16-pin SOIC packages and AS x4 protocols targeting Cyclone 10/Arria 10/Stratix 10/Agilex, and are NOT pin-compatible with the EPC4QQC100C. Verify FPGA configuration-controller protocol before substitution; cross-family substitution requires PCB rework.
Route DCLK and DATA[15:0] signals as a matched bus with impedance-controlled traces (50 ohm typical) and keep trace lengths matched within 1 cm to preserve setup/hold timing at high DCLK frequencies. Place the EPC4QQC100C within 5 cm of the FPGA's configuration port to minimize transmission-line effects; longer distances risk reflection-induced configuration failures. Maintain a ground reference plane under the entire configuration bus.
The 100-PQFP (20x14 mm) package provides moderate thermal dissipation. Estimated: at typical JTAG-ISP-active and idle modes, the EPC4QQC100C draws ~25 mA from VCC (3.3V), dissipating ~83 mW - well within package limits and not requiring additional heatsinking. For enclosed chassis with poor airflow, derate ambient temperature by 10 C from the manufacturer maximum.
Compliance Information
Specific RoHS / REACH / lead-free status not present in the verified web data; consult the manufacturer datasheet or the Intel/Altera product page for compliance declarations. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - it targets commercial/industrial FPGA configuration, not automotive.