EPC4SI8N-JHG2 - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device | 4Mb Flash
MPN: EPC4SI8N-JHG2 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.4 | $4,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.15 | $7,150.00 |
EPC4SI8N-JHG2 Overview
Background: an FPGA configuration memory is a non-volatile serial flash device that holds the FPGA's bitstream and reloads it at every power-up, JTAG-triggered reload, or multi-device reconfiguration event. EPC4 family members belong to the Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) hierarchy, which is distinct from the lower-density EPCS serial configuration device family (EPCS1, EPCS4, EPCS16, EPCS64, EPCS128). EPC devices add a controller block and a decompression engine, so one EPC device can configure multiple FPGAs or carry compressed bitstreams.
Key features of the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 include 4 Mbit of flash, a built-in controller, in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and a dedicated serial configuration data output. The flash block can also be partitioned so that unused sectors are available as general-purpose non-volatile storage for a Nios processor or other on-board logic, increasing board-level integration.
In a typical Altera reference design the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 sits between the FPGA's nCONFIG/nCE/nCONFIG_DONE pins and the host board. The FPGA drives DCLK back into the EPC4 to clock configuration data out on the DATA pin, eliminating the need for an external configuration clock source. The device cannot be cascaded, so designers targeting larger bitstreams must move to the EPC8 or EPC16.
Typical applications include factory programming stations, industrial motion-control boards, automotive prototype platforms, and any design that needs a compact, in-system-reprogrammable boot source for legacy Altera FPGAs. Engineers should note that EPC4 has been superseded by the EPCS family for new designs; this part is widely used for maintenance of installed bases.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC4SI8N-JHG2 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-JHG2 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Interface, Mounting Type, Supported FPGA Families, Configuration Mode.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPCS4SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC4SI8N-JHG0
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPCS1SI8N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC1PI8N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2LI20N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC4SI8N-JHG2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash configuration PROM |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit |
| Interface | Serial (active serial, AS) |
| Max Serial Clock | 40 MHz |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SOIC-8) |
| Pin Count | 8 |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| JTAG Support | Yes (ISP via JTAG) |
| Cascadable | No |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V typical (refer to datasheet) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Configuration Mode | Active Serial (AS) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC4SI8N-JHG2 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nCONFIG β Configuration control input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | VCC β Power supply (3.3 V) |
| Pin 7 | nCE/nSTATUS β Chip enable / status output |
| Pin 8 | JTAG (TDI/TMS) β JTAG data/Mode select shared pin |
Typical Applications
EPC4SI8N-JHG2 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FPGA Boot Memory, Industrial Motion Control Boards, Factory Programming & Test Stations, Automotive Prototype Platforms, Telecom Line-Card FPGA Configuration, FPGA Development Kits & Education.
Legacy Altera FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC4SI8N-JHG2 stores the configuration bitstream for SRAM-based Altera FPGAs such as Stratix, Cyclone, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K devices. Its 4 Mbit density is sized for small-to-mid FPGAs. The device is wired to the FPGA's nCONFIG, nCE, DATA, and DCLK pins; on power-up the FPGA drives DCLK into the EPC4 and clocks the bitstream out on DATA, eliminating the need for an external configuration clock. The EPC4's internal controller and decompression engine allow one device to configure multiple FPGAs or store compressed bitstreams, increasing effective density. Use it where a compact, in-system-reprogrammable boot source is required for an installed Altera FPGA base.
Recommended
Industrial Motion Control Boards
Industrial motion controllers frequently retain legacy Altera FPGAs (ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K) for step/dir generation and quadrature decoding. The EPC4SI8N-JHG2 provides the non-volatile boot image for these FPGAs, allowing field firmware updates via JTAG without removing the board. Its 8-SOIC footprint fits compact motor-drive PCBs and its 40 MHz AS interface supports fast boot times required for safety interlocks. Industrial designers appreciate the EPC4's ability to store user data in unused flash sectors, which can hold calibration constants or motor parameters. For new designs the EPCS4SI8N is recommended, but the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 remains the standard for installed industrial fleets.
Recommended
Factory Programming & Test Stations
Manufacturing programming stations use the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 to pre-load Altera FPGA bitstreams before board assembly. Its JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface enables in-system programming directly on the assembled PCB, eliminating socketed PROMs. Test stations can re-flash the EPC4 between builds, supporting multiple product variants from one board. The 8-SOIC package is compatible with automated pick-and-place and the 40 MHz AS clock shortens programming cycles. Because the EPC4 supports decompression, smaller compressed bitstreams can be stored, reducing programming time. Engineers should verify date codes and lot traceability to avoid counterfeit parts when sourcing for production programming fixtures.
Recommended
Automotive Prototype Platforms
Automotive prototype ECUs and ADAS evaluation boards often use Altera Cyclone or APEX 20K FPGAs for sensor fusion pre-processing. The EPC4SI8N-JHG2 provides the non-volatile boot source, with the EPC4's controller managing the configuration handshake. Although the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its 8-SOIC footprint and JTAG re-programmability make it useful for prototype flashing and bench testing before production migration to automotive-grade configuration devices. Designers should select AEC-Q100-qualified EPCS or EPCQ parts for production ECUs.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card FPGA Configuration
Legacy telecom line cards use Altera FLEX 10K or APEX 20K FPGAs for framer and protocol bridging. The EPC4SI8N-JHG2 stores the bitstream and supports in-service JTAG updates during maintenance windows, avoiding card swap. Its 4 Mbit density covers the typical line-card FPGA image and its 40 MHz AS clock meets the fast reboot requirement for high-availability systems. The EPC4's ability to share flash sectors with on-board Nios firmware storage is useful for storing provisioning data on the same device. Stock EPC4SI8N-JHG2 for telecom field replacements; migrate to EPCS4 or EPCQ for new line-card designs.
Recommended
FPGA Development Kits & Education
University labs and FPGA training boards rely on the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 to teach configuration memory concepts, JTAG programming, and active-serial boot flows. The 8-SOIC package is easy to solder on through-hole adapter boards, and the EPC4 datasheet serves as a teaching example of controller-plus-flash partitioning. Students program the EPC4 with simple Altera example designs (LED blinkers, UART bridges) and observe configuration timing on oscilloscopes. The part's obsolete status also makes it a useful study case for lifecycle management and second-source migration strategy.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC4SI8N-JHG2 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPCS4SI8N | EPC4SI8N | EPCS1SI8N | EPC1PI8N | EPC2LI20N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC variant - same | 20-PLCC - different |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 2 Mbit |
| Serial Clock Max | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Interface | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) |
| Internal Controller | Yes | No (simpler serial flash) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Internal controller plus decompression engine (vs EPCS4SI8N)
- 4 Mbit density for mid-sized FPGAs (vs EPCS1SI8N)
- Higher 40 MHz AS clock vs older EPC1/EPC2 families (vs EPC1PI8N)
Design Notes
Estimated: VCC = 3.3 V, ICC(active) ~ 15 mA during configuration read, ICC(standby) ~ 50 uA. Power dissipation during read is roughly 50 mW, so local 0.1 uF + 10 uF decoupling close to pin 6 is essential. Tie nCONFIG high through 10 kohm to VCC and provide a clean reset to avoid spurious re-configuration. Refer to Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet for exact ICC values.
Place the EPC4SI8N-JHG2 within 25 mm of the target FPGA's DATA and DCLK pins to keep the serial configuration traces short and impedance-controlled. Route DATA and DCLK as a 50 ohm microstrip pair, avoid stubs, and keep them away from switching power rails. The 8-SOIC thermal pad is not present; standard ground pour is sufficient because the device dissipates < 100 mW.
Critical pitfalls: (1) Do not cascade EPC4 devices - the EPC4 datasheet explicitly forbids cascading; use EPC8 or EPC16 for larger images. (2) Verify that the target FPGA family supports EPC4 configuration (Stratix/Cyclone/APEX II/APEX 20K/Mercury/ACEX 1K/FLEX 10K); some newer Cyclone V/10 require EPCQ. (3) Always observe JTAG chain order - place the EPC4 first or last in the chain and 4.7 kohm pull-ups on TMS/TCK per IEEE 1149.1.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and conflict-mineral status not present in the verified web data for EPC4SI8N-JHG2. EPC4 family predates widespread RoHS reporting; consult Intel/Altera environmental compliance documentation or request a manufacturer certificate of compliance (CoC) before designing into new products.
