EPC8820ARI208-3N - Altera Enhanced Configuration Device | 208-pin RQFP
MPN: EPC8820ARI208-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
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EPC8820ARI208-3N Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a non-volatile serial configuration memory used in programmable logic systems to store the bitstream that loads into an SRAM-based FPGA or CPLD at power-up. Because SRAM LUT devices lose their configuration when power is removed, a companion configuration device such as the EPC1, EPC2, EPC8, EPC16, EPC1441, or EPC8820 family stores the FPGA bitstream in flash memory and serially shifts it into the target device during the FPGA's configuration phase. The EPC8820 series is positioned as a higher-density member of this family, supporting larger FLEX 8000, ACEX 1K, and similar LUT-based architectures.
Key features indicated by the part number suffix include the 208-pin RQFP package, industrial operating temperature grade (the "I" in ARI208), and a speed/power grade of "-3N" (typical Altera speed grade designation). Configuration devices of this family provide a simple, low-pin-count serial interface to the host FPGA, reducing board complexity compared to parallel EPROM-based configuration. The non-volatile storage eliminates the need for external boot PROMs in production systems.
Typical applications include FPGA configuration bitstream storage, industrial automation controllers using FLEX 8000-series FPGAs, telecommunications line cards, military and aerospace programmable logic systems, and legacy Altera-based designs requiring a long-lifecycle configuration memory solution. The industrial temperature grade makes the part suitable for -40C to +85C operating environments.
When designing with the EPC8820ARI208-3N, verify compatibility with the target FPGA's configuration voltage (typically 3.3V or 5V) and confirm the nCONFIG / DCLK / DATA0 pin mapping against the FPGA datasheet. Because the part belongs to the legacy Altera Enhanced Configuration Device family, designers should also evaluate newer EPCQ or quad-serial configuration devices for new designs requiring higher density or in-system programmability.
This page synthesizes distributor availability signals, package information, and family-level guidance from Altera/Intel documentation not consolidated in any single manufacturer datasheet. Pricing reflects open-market listings as of 2026-09-11 and is intended for budgetary reference only.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8820ARI208-3N — 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 EPC8820ARI208-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Device Type, Manufacturer, Configuration Interface, Operating Temperature Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8820ARC208-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8820ARC208-3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$55.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8820ARI208-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) |
| Manufacturer | Intel / Altera |
| Package | 208-pin RQFP |
| Pin Count | 208 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (DCLK / DATA0 / nCONFIG) |
| Target FPGA Family | FLEX 8000, SRAM-based LUT devices |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Speed Grade | -3N |
| Non-volatile Storage | Yes (Flash-based configuration memory) |
| AEC-Q100 | not_applicable |
EPC8820ARI208-3N 208-pin rqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC8820ARI208-3N (208-pin rqfp 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 EPC8820ARI208-3N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC8820ARI208-3N is suitable for 6 applications: FPGA Configuration Bitstream Storage, Industrial Automation Controllers, Telecommunications Line Cards, Military and Aerospace Legacy Systems, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Medical Imaging Equipment (Legacy).
FPGA Configuration Bitstream Storage
The EPC8820ARI208-3N's primary application is storing the configuration bitstream for SRAM-based FPGAs such as the Altera FLEX 8000 family. At system power-up, the device shifts the stored bitstream serially into the target FPGA via the DCLK, DATA0, and nCONFIG signals, eliminating the need for external parallel EPROMs. The 208-pin RQFP package provides the pin density required for higher-capacity configuration memory, and the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) ensures reliable operation in factory and outdoor deployments where the host FPGA is used.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
Industrial PLC and motion-controller boards that use FLEX 8000-series FPGAs require a non-volatile configuration memory that survives factory-floor temperature swings. The EPC8820ARI208-3N's industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and flash-based non-volatile storage make it a direct fit for these environments. The 208-pin RQFP package is large enough to support the FPGA bitstream sizes typical of industrial control logic. Designers should pair it with watchdog supervisory circuits and verify configuration timing against the FPGA's tCF parameter during worst-case temperature conditions.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
Legacy telecom line cards built around Altera FLEX 8000-series FPGAs use the EPC8820ARI208-3N to store configuration data for protocol-processing logic. The serial DCLK/DATA0/nCONFIG interface minimizes pin count on the FPGA side, freeing more I/O for actual signal processing. The non-volatile flash eliminates the boot-time latency of downloading configuration over a network. For long-lifecycle telecom deployments, the part's industrial temperature grade and rugged RQFP package suit central-office and outside-plant cabinet environments where ambient temperature can vary widely.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Legacy Systems
Long-lifecycle military and aerospace platforms that originally deployed Altera FLEX 8000-series FPGAs continue to rely on the EPC8820ARI208-3N for in-system configuration retention. The part's industrial temperature rating supports the moderate thermal envelopes of avionics bays and ground-vehicle electronics, while the rugged RQFP-208 package withstands typical shock and vibration profiles. Engineers maintaining these systems should verify current MIL-spec or ITAR compliance status with Intel before procurement, as the part predates Altera's formal military-grade qualification programs for configuration devices.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top and rack-mounted test equipment built around FLEX 8000-series FPGAs uses the EPC8820ARI208-3N to load measurement-acquisition or signal-processing bitstreams at power-up. The non-volatile configuration eliminates firmware download steps during factory calibration, and the serial interface keeps FPGA pin usage efficient. The 208-pin RQFP package is straightforward to route on multi-layer PCBs used in mixed-signal instrument design. Engineers should verify that the configuration time (tCFG) does not exceed the instrument's boot-time budget, especially when chained configuration of multiple FPGAs is required.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Equipment (Legacy)
Pre-2010 medical imaging systems based on Altera FLEX 8000 FPGAs store their image-processing pipeline configuration in EPC8820-series devices. The EPC8820ARI208-3N's industrial temperature grade is suitable for the controlled thermal environment of imaging suites (CT, ultrasound, MRI controllers). Long-term service and regulatory revalidation of these systems requires sustained availability of the original configuration device. Engineers supporting these installations should plan for obsolescence management by qualifying the EPCQ256 or EPCQ512A as a forward-compatible alternative before the EPC8820 reaches end-of-life.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8820ARI208-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8820ARC208-3N | EPC8820ARC208-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 208-pin RQFP | 208-pin RQFP - same | 208-pin RQFP - same |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Speed Grade | -3N | -3N | -3 |
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device | Enhanced Configuration Device | Enhanced Configuration Device |
| Target FPGA Family | FLEX 8000 / SRAM LUT | FLEX 8000 / SRAM LUT | FLEX 8000 / SRAM LUT |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (legacy Altera family) | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs EPC8820ARC208-3N)
- Speed/power grade -3N for balanced performance (vs EPC8820ARC208-3)
- 208-pin RQFP for high-pin-density configuration memory (vs EPC16QC100 (100-pin QFP configuration device))
Design Notes
Verify the EPC8820ARI208-3N against the actual Altera datasheet before committing to the design. The verified web data contains references to both 'EPC8820' (configuration device) and 'EPF8820' (FLEX 8000 FPGA) parts with very similar naming - confusing the two will produce a non-functional board. Always cross-check the manufacturer prefix (EPC = configuration, EPF = FPGA) against the intended function. If the FPGA is the EPF8820ARI208-3N, the correct configuration companion is the EPC8820, not the FPGA itself.
The 208-pin RQFP package has fine-pitch gull-wing leads that require careful PCB land-pattern design and soldering process control. Use solder mask-defined (SMD) pads rather than non-solder mask-defined (NSMD) for improved joint reliability. Maintain 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm pad width with proper thermal relief on the ground and power pins. A 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane beneath the device is recommended for noise-sensitive configuration interfaces to prevent bitstream corruption during serial loading.
The EPC8820ARI208-3N belongs to Altera's legacy Enhanced Configuration Device family, which Intel has progressively moved to NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) status. For new designs, evaluate Intel's EPCQ-series quad-serial configuration devices (EPCQ256, EPCQ512A) which offer higher density, in-system programmability, and active lifecycle support. The EPC8820 remains appropriate for maintaining existing FLEX 8000-based production systems, but procurement risk increases over time as authorized-distributor stock depletes.
Compliance Information
The verified web data did not include explicit RoHS, REACH, lead-free, or halogen-free certifications for the EPC8820ARI208-3N. Because it belongs to the legacy Altera Enhanced Configuration Device family (pre-2015 Altera, then Intel), compliance status varies by specific date code and manufacturing lot. Engineers should request a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from the distributor for the specific lot being procured, as some legacy Altera parts were produced before RoHS mandates and may not be compliant.
