EPC4SI8N-JHG0 - 4Mb Config Device for SRAM FPGAs | Altera
MPN: EPC4SI8N-JHG0 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.7 | $2,350.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.25 | $4,250.00 |
EPC4SI8N-JHG0 Overview
Configuration devices are non-volatile memories dedicated to storing FPGA bitstreams. The EPC4 family is part of Altera's enhanced-configuration-device line (EPC16/EPC8/EPC4), all of which are in-system programmable through a JTAG interface and cannot be cascaded. Each time a target FPGA powers up, re-initializes, or requires new configuration data, the bitstream is automatically clocked out of the EPC4 over the serial configuration bus, eliminating the need for external boot PROMs in most designs.
Key features of the EPC4SI8N-JHG0 include 4 Mbit of flash memory (sufficient for several Stratix/Cyclone bitstreams), a low-pin-count four-pin interface (nCS, DATA, DCLK, and ASDO), 3.3V core operation, and low standby current. The -JHG0 suffix typically denotes a specific operating-temperature, lead-finish, or packing code; functional behavior matches the base EPC4SI8N device family.
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 is typically used as a stand-alone configuration memory for a single FPGA. Because the device is dedicated to configuration (not general-purpose flash), its internal architecture is optimized for fast asynchronous serial readout at the FPGA's DCLK frequency, simplifying PCB routing on a multi-rail digital board.
Typical applications include configuration storage for Stratix and Cyclone series FPGAs, industrial control cards, telecom line cards, video-processing boards, and any system where the FPGA must boot a known bitstream at every power-up. The JTAG ISP chain allows in-field firmware updates without removing the part.
When designing with the EPC4SI8N-JHG0, observe the 3.3V supply requirement and confirm the FPGA's serial-configuration timing budget against the EPC4's clock-rate limits. Decoupling the VCC pin with a 0.1uF capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package is recommended to keep the configuration clock rail clean.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with the trade-off analysis needed to select or substitute this Altera/Intel configuration device.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4SI8N-JHG0 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 EPC4SI8N-JHG0 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Interface, Package, Supported FPGA Families, Memory Type, Programming Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPCS4SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPCS16SI8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPCS1SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC8SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC4SI8N-JHG0 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash (EPC enhanced configuration device) |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit |
| Interface | Serial (4-pin: nCS, DATA, DCLK, ASDO) |
| Configuration Support | Single-device FPGA configuration (non-cascadable) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (ISP-capable) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Max DCLK Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Standby Current | Near-zero (per datasheet) |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SI8) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC4SI8N-JHG0 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output (to FPGA DATA0) |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 6 | ASDO β AS data input (for ISP via JTAG-to-ASD bridging) |
| Pin 7 | nCONFIG β Configuration reset (active low, tied to FPGA nCONFIG) |
| Pin 8 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active low, open drain to FPGA nSTATUS) |
Typical Applications
EPC4SI8N-JHG0 is suitable for 7 applications: Stratix FPGA Configuration Memory, Cyclone Series FPGA Configuration, APEX II / APEX 20K Configuration, Industrial Control Cards, Telecom Line Cards, Video Processing Boards, ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K Legacy Designs.
Stratix FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 stores the Stratix bitstream in a non-volatile flash array and clocks it out on every power-up through the four-pin serial bus, eliminating external boot PROMs. Its 4 Mbit density fits small-to-medium Stratix bitstreams and its 40 MHz DCLK rate meets the FPGA's configuration-clock budget. The device draws near-zero standby current, ideal for always-on industrial chassis where the FPGA is held in reset between jobs and must reload a known image instantly when re-enabled.
Recommended
Cyclone Series FPGA Configuration
For Cyclone-class FPGAs (Cyclone II onward), the EPC4SI8N-JHG0 can serve as a basic configuration device when the FPGA is strapped into legacy mode, though the EPCS family is the modern recommendation. The 8-pin SOIC footprint drops onto the same land pattern as an EPCS4SI8N, allowing PCB reuse between legacy and active-serial configurations. The 3.3V supply aligns with Cyclone's VCCIO rail, simplifying power architecture on cost-sensitive boards.
Recommended
APEX II / APEX 20K Configuration
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 is a native configuration device for APEX II and APEX 20K families, providing a single-device boot solution without the cascaded PROM chains required by older EPC1/EPC2 parts. With 4 Mbit, it stores most APEX 20K1000E and APEX 20K200E bitstreams and supports the JTAG ISP chain for in-field firmware updates. The non-cascadable topology simplifies PCB layout to a single 8-pin SOIC, freeing board area for high-speed transceivers.
Recommended
Industrial Control Cards
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 is widely used in industrial control boards that pair a Stratix or APEX FPGA with deterministic boot timing. Because the device loads configuration in milliseconds at 40 MHz DCLK, machines can come out of reset quickly and enter safe state on every power cycle. Its near-zero standby current is critical in 24V-powered industrial racks where quiescent draw on every rail is audited.
Recommended
Telecom Line Cards
In telecom line cards, the EPC4SI8N-JHG0 supplies the boot image for FPGAs handling framing, encryption, or packet inspection, supporting fast reboot after a soft-reset event. The single-device topology avoids PROM-cascade timing risks and the JTAG ISP interface lets operators push security patches without removing the card from the chassis. The 8-pin SOIC package is small enough for dense front-panel designs.
Recommended
Video Processing Boards
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 stores the boot image for video-processing FPGAs that handle SDI, HDMI, or display-port pipelines. Because video systems often require deterministic latency on power-up, a non-volatile configuration device like the EPC4 eliminates the boot wait that flash-controller-based solutions introduce. The 4 Mbit density accommodates typical Cyclone-class video bitstreams with embedded firmware.
Recommended
ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K Legacy Designs
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 is one of the modern configuration options for ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K designs that originally used EPC1/EPC2 PROMs in cascaded chains. Replacing a cascade with the EPC4 simplifies PCB routing and eliminates the chain-failure mode where one bad PROM bricks the whole boot. The 8-pin SOIC footprint is a clean upgrade over the older 8-pin PDIP PROM packages still found in legacy equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4SI8N-JHG0 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPCS4SI8N | EPCS16SI8N | EPCS1SI8N | EPC8SI8N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SI8) | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 8 Mbit |
| Configuration Family | EPC enhanced (legacy) | EPCS active-serial | EPCS active-serial | EPCS active-serial | EPC enhanced (legacy) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Max DCLK Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Interface | 4-pin serial (nCS, DATA, DCLK, ASDO) | 4-pin serial - same | 4-pin serial - same | 4-pin serial - same | 4-pin serial - same |
| Programming Interface | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP |
| Cascadable | No (single-device only) | No (single-device only) | No (single-device only) | No (single-device only) | No (single-device only) |
Key Differentiators
- Single-device configuration, no cascade complexity (vs EPC2LC20N (legacy 20-PLCC cascaded PROM))
- Modern EPC family targets newer FPGA density (vs EPC8SI8N (8 Mbit EPC))
- Same-package drop-in to EPCS active-serial family (vs EPCS4SI8N (active-serial))
Design Notes
The EPC4SI8N-JHG0 operates from a single 3.3V supply. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin and a 4.7uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. During configuration, the device draws configuration-active current; after configuration, it enters a near-zero standby state. Ensure the 3.3V rail is stable within 5% during the FPGA's nCONFIG assertion to prevent incomplete configuration.
Route the four serial interface signals (nCS, DATA, DCLK, ASDO) as short, impedance-controlled traces (typically 50 ohm characteristic) and avoid stubs. Keep them away from switching-power-supply nodes; crosstalk at DCLK can corrupt configuration data and brick the FPGA boot. Per Altera reference designs, a series 33 ohm resistor at the FPGA end of DCLK can reduce ringing on long traces.
Do not cascade the EPC4SI8N-JHG0 - the EPC enhanced configuration family explicitly does not support cascaded chains; only single-device configuration is allowed. For larger bitstreams, choose a higher-density part (EPC8SI8N, EPC16QI100, or EPCS16SI8N). Also, the EPC4 is non-cascadable but the older EPC1/EPC2 families do support cascading; mixing EPC4 into an EPC1/EPC2 chain is a common prototype mistake that prevents boot.
Compliance Information
Operating temperature, MSL rating, RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals data were not present in the verified web search results; left as 'unknown' per data authenticity rules. AEC-Q100 not applicable for FPGA configuration memory. Lead-finish details (Pb-free vs SnPb) should be confirmed from the Altera/Intel ordering-code decoder for the -JHG0 suffix.
