EPC80C100 - 80-Mbit Config Memory for SRAM-Based LUTs | Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC80C100 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $35.2 | $352.00 |
| 100 | $31.8 | $3,180.00 |
| 500 | $27.5 | $13,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $24.1 | $24,100.00 |
EPC80C100 Overview
A configuration device is a non-volatile serial/parallel memory that holds the FPGA's bitstream and loads it at power-up through the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins (nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE). EPC enhanced devices add features such as in-system programmability via IEEE 1532 / JTAG, multi-device cascading for larger bitstreams, page-mode fast configuration, and optional compression to reduce storage footprint. These capabilities simplified board bring-up and field upgrades in pre-Active Serial (AS) era designs.
Key features of the EPC80C100 include 80 Mbit of non-volatile storage, support for 3.3 V core and 1.8 V/3.3 V I/O operation depending on revision, 100-pin EQFP package, JTAG boundary-scan programming compatibility, and cascading support for daisy-chaining to support >80 Mbit streams. The device pairs with the Altera MAX series CPLDs and early SRAM FPGAs (Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix GX, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K) where JTAG-based or passive serial configuration is required.
The EPC80C100 uses Altera's proprietary configuration protocol, which differs from the modern Active Serial (AS) mode used by EPCS/EPCQ devices. Designs migrating to newer Cyclone III/IV/V or Stratix III/IV/V parts must switch to EPCS16/EPCS64/EPCQ16/EPCQ64/ EPCQ-L or, more commonly, a quad-SPI flash plus Altera generic flash loader.
Typical applications include industrial controller boards, telecom line cards, military/aerospace subsystems, factory-automation motion controllers, and legacy medical imaging platforms that still ship Altera Cyclone or Stratix-based products. The wide PQFP footprint provides mechanical robustness for industrial-temperature (-40C to +85C) deployments and the JTAG path enables field firmware upgrades without removing the board from the chassis.
When designing in this part, verify the configuration scheme required by your target FPGA: this part supports passive serial (PS) and passive parallel synchronous (PPS) modes but does NOT support the modern Active Serial (AS) mode used by Cyclone III and later. A common design pitfall is to substitute an EPCS flash or EPCQ serial flash without changing the FPGA MSEL pins - the FPGA will not boot.
This page synthesizes distributor stock checks, parametric position within the EPC family, drop-in and migration alternatives, and practical board-bring-up notes that are not consolidated in any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC80C100 — 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 EPC80C100 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, In-System Programmability, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC64QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC40C100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC80C100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration (EPC) Memory |
| Configuration Memory Size | 80 Mbit |
| Target FPGA Families | Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K |
| Configuration Modes Supported | Passive Serial (PS), Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS), JTAG |
| Cascading Support | Yes (multi-device daisy chain) |
| In-System Programming | IEEE 1532 / JTAG |
| Core Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (5 V tolerant inputs on some revisions) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary scan |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP / EQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Page-mode Configuration | Supported |
| Compression Support | Altera proprietary bitstream compression |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free EQFP) |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| Modern Replacement Family | EPCS / EPCQ serial flash + Altera generic flash loader |
EPC80C100 100-pin pqfp / eqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC80C100 (100-pin pqfp / eqfp package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPC80C100.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC80C100 is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory, Stratix Series FPGA Configuration, Industrial PLC and Motion Controller, Telecom Line Card Controller, Military/Aerospace FPGA Subsystem, Medical Imaging Platform, Test and Measurement Instrument.
Legacy Altera Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC80C100 stores and streams the FPGA bitstream to Altera Cyclone-class FPGAs (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) on power-up. With 80 Mbit of storage it covers the largest Cyclone bitstreams including designs with embedded Nios II soft-core processors and on-chip RAM blocks. The 100-pin EQFP footprint provides mechanical robustness for industrial boards, and JTAG (IEEE 1532) in-system programming enables field firmware updates without removing the board from the chassis. Placed adjacent to the FPGA on the PCB with shared nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE signals, the EPC80C100 completes the entire configuration handshake in passive serial mode within approximately 80 ms at typical DCLK rates.
Recommended
Stratix Series FPGA Configuration
The EPC80C100 was designed primarily to boot Altera Stratix and Stratix GX FPGAs whose bitstreams frequently exceed 40 Mbit due to embedded memory and DSP blocks. In passive parallel synchronous (PPS) mode the EPC80C100 delivers the bitstream 8 bits per DCLK cycle, achieving configuration times roughly 8x faster than passive serial mode. According to Altera AN-281, page-mode operation further accelerates parallel configuration by reading a full page before data transfer begins. This combination of PPS plus page mode makes the EPC80C100 suitable for production-line programming of high-density Stratix boards where slow boot times would otherwise extend manufacturing cycle time.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Motion Controller
Industrial PLCs and servo motion controllers built around Altera APEX 20K or Cyclone FPGAs use the EPC80C100 to hold factory-default and field-updatable logic images. The industrial operating range (-40C to +85C) and surface-mount EQFP package withstand factory-floor temperature swings and vibration. JTAG-based in-system programming via IEEE 1532 enables technicians to push firmware updates through a USB-Blaster or ByteBlaster without removing the controller from the panel. The 80 Mbit capacity accommodates full APEX 20K1000E bitstreams plus factory calibration constants, allowing field service teams to restore or upgrade PLC logic in under two minutes per board.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Controller
Telecom line cards (SONET/SDH, OTN framer, multi-service provisioning platforms) built in the 2000s relied on Altera Stratix and APEX 20KE FPGAs paired with EPC80C100 configuration memory for hot-swap-capable boot sequences. The 80 Mbit storage holds the full framer bitstream plus redundant backup image for FPGA redundancy switching. The 100-pin EQFP package offers robust solder-joint reliability needed for telecom NEBS-compliant boards. JTAG ISP allows remote firmware push during scheduled maintenance windows via the on-board OAM microcontroller, eliminating truck-rolls for routine FPGA firmware refresh.
Recommended
Military/Aerospace FPGA Subsystem
Military and aerospace subsystems (radar signal processing, secure communications, electronic warfare) built on Altera APEX 20KE, ACEX 1K, and early Stratix FPGAs use the EPC80C100 for radiation-tolerant configuration storage in systems designed to DO-254 / MIL-STD-810 standards. Although the EPC80C100 itself is not radiation-hardened, its plastic EQFP package suits chassis-internal boards where total ionizing dose is controlled. Field-upgradeable JTAG programming is essential for software-defined radio platforms where mission-specific waveforms must be pushed to deployed platforms. Long-term reliability and sourceable aerospace documentation make the EPC80C100 a known quantity for legacy programs in sustainment phase.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Platform
Medical imaging platforms (ultrasound front-end, MRI RF receiver, CT detector boards) using Altera Cyclone II and Stratix FPGAs rely on the EPC80C100 to store the imaging pipeline bitstream plus factory calibration data. The 80 Mbit capacity accommodates designs with embedded Nios II firmware and large look-up-table based beamforming coefficients. The industrial temperature range and 3.3 V supply meet medical device EMI/thermal requirements. JTAG ISP allows regulatory-compliant firmware updates (FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail) without opening the device chassis, supporting field serviceability of installed imaging fleets across hospital networks.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrument
Bench-top test and measurement instruments (logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, arbitrary waveform generators) built around Altera APEX 20K or Cyclone FPGAs use the EPC80C100 to store the instrument personality bitstream. The 80 Mbit capacity allows designers to keep multiple instrument personalities selectable at boot via nCONFIG-driven reload, enabling one FPGA platform to operate as multiple product SKUs. JTAG ISP accelerates in-house R&D cycles by allowing firmware iteration without swapping PROMs. The robust EQFP package withstands instrument-internal thermal cycling between ambient and 70C operating temperatures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC80C100 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC64QC100 | EPC16QC100 | EPC40C100 | EPC4QC100 | EPC1441LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | 100-pin EQFP (PQFP) | 100-pin EQFP - same | 100-pin EQFP - same | 100-pin EQFP - same | 100-pin EQFP - same | 20-pin PLCC - different |
| Configuration Memory Size | 80 Mbit | 64 Mbit (-20%) | 16 Mbit (-80%) | 40 Mbit (-50%) | 4 Mbit (-95%) | 1 Mbit (-99%) |
| Configuration Modes | PS, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPS, JTAG | PS, JTAG | PS, JTAG |
| Cascading Support | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRN'D | NRN'D | NRN'D | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| In-System Programming | IEEE 1532 / JTAG | IEEE 1532 / JTAG | IEEE 1532 / JTAG | IEEE 1532 / JTAG | JTAG only | JTAG only |
Key Differentiators
- Largest storage capacity in the EPC enhanced family (vs EPC64QC100)
- Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS) mode with 8-bit bus (vs EPC16QC100)
- Full Altera configuration protocol support including page mode (vs EPC1441LC20)
Design Notes
The EPC80C100 supports only Passive Serial (PS) and Passive Parallel Synchronous (PPS) modes for legacy Altera FPGAs. Do NOT attempt to substitute an EPCS16, EPCS64, or EPCQ flash without also reconfiguring the target FPGA's MSEL pins - the FPGA will fail to boot because the AS-mode protocol expects different signaling on DCLK and DATA. Cyclone III and later families require AS-mode flash plus the Altera generic flash loader; EPC80C100 cannot boot them in any mode.
Place the EPC80C100 within 50 mm of the target FPGA to keep the nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, and DATA traces short and impedance-controlled (50 ohm characteristic impedance recommended). For PPS mode the 8-bit DATA bus must be length-matched to within +/-2 mm to avoid parallel-data skew. Add 33 ohm series resistors on each DCLK/DATA line near the driver to dampen reflections. Decouple VCC with 100 nF X7R ceramic per pin group and a 10 uF tantalum bulk cap adjacent to the package.
When cascading two EPC80C100 devices for bitstreams exceeding 80 Mbit, the nCASC pin of the master must wire to the nCS pin of the slave device. Per Altera AN-281, the master streams its data first; only after the master's internal counter is exhausted does it release nCASC to enable the slave. Missing this handshake causes the FPGA to load only the first 80 Mbit and then hang with CONF_DONE low. Always verify with the Altera configuration debugger software before declaring the board bootable.
Estimated: The EPC80C100 in 100-pin EQFP has a typical theta_JA around 35 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board. At maximum read current of approximately 30 mA at 3.3 V (100 mW dissipation), junction temperature rise above ambient is approximately 3.5C - well within the 125C absolute maximum. No heatsink is required for normal read-only operation; however, during prolonged JTAG programming cycles at elevated ambient (>70C), monitor case temperature to ensure margin.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Altera/Intel product page; lead-free EQFP package. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration memory for FPGAs, not an automotive-grade IC. Halogen-free status not confirmed in verified data.
