EPC8820ARI208-4 - Altera EPC Configuration Device | Altera
MPN: EPC8820ARI208-4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
EPC8820ARI208-4 Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a dedicated configuration memory that sits between a system's non-volatile storage and an SRAM-based FPGA. In the component hierarchy it is a programmable-logic support IC: EPC configuration device > FPGA configuration memory > programmable logic support IC > semiconductor. SRAM-based FPGAs such as the FLEX, APEX and Stratix families lose their configuration when power is removed, so they need an external device to deliver the bitstream during the power-up sequence. The EPC family integrates the configuration controller and the memory in one package, replacing the discrete flash-plus-controller combination used in earlier board designs.
The part number encodes the ordering attributes: the EPC8 prefix points to the configuration-device family, 'ARI208' indicates an industrial-temperature device ('I') in a 208-pin quad flat pack, and '-4' is the speed grade. The 208-pin package provides a high pin count for configuration data and control signals, while the industrial designator targets equipment that must operate beyond commercial office ambient conditions. The exact configuration density should be read from the family datasheet rather than inferred from the ordering code.
Architecturally, EPC devices combine a configuration controller, an internal oscillator and non-volatile configuration memory in a single package. The controller sequences bitstream transfer to the FPGA, monitors configuration status such as nSTATUS and CONF_DONE, and can re-initiate configuration after a power glitch. Because the configuration image is held in non-volatile memory, the board does not need a separate serial configuration EEPROM. Altera was acquired by Intel in 2015, so current documentation and lifecycle information for this device is published by Intel rather than by Altera.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, telecom line cards, test and measurement instruments, medical imaging equipment, broadcast video processors and legacy avionics boards built around Altera SRAM-based FPGAs. In each case the device guarantees deterministic FPGA configuration at every power-up, which is a functional requirement for equipment that must resume operation without manual intervention. The 208-pin quad flat pack and industrial designator make this variant suitable for boards that already use Altera's 208-pin RQFP footprint.
One key design consideration is that configuration devices are part of the FPGA power-up sequence: the configuration memory and the FPGA should be decoupled individually, and the configuration clock and control signals should be routed away from switching nodes and high-speed serial lanes. Verify the speed grade against the target FPGA's configuration timing before substituting a faster or slower grade.
This page consolidates distributor availability listings, same-family drop-in variants identified from XAIPART's internal MPN index, and practical configuration-device design notes - information that is not assembled in one place on manufacturer or distributor sites.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8820ARI208-4 — 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 EPC8820ARI208-4 (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:
EPC8820ARI208-3N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →EPC8820ARI208-3N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →EPC8820ARC208-3N
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$21.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8820ARC208-3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$55.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8820ARI208-4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Manufacturer | Altera (acquired by Intel in 2015) |
| Package | 208-pin quad flat pack, RQFP (per ARI208 ordering field) |
| Pin Count | 208 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (I designator in ARI208) |
| Speed Grade | -4 (Altera configuration speed grade) |
| Configuration Target | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Configuration Memory | Non-volatile configuration memory (EPC family characteristic) |
| In-System Programmability | Supported per EPC family documentation |
EPC8820ARI208-4 208-pin quad flat pack, rqfp (per ari208 ordering field) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC8820ARI208-4 (208-pin quad flat pack, rqfp (per ari208 ordering field) 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 EPC8820ARI208-4.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC8820ARI208-4 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Motion Control, Telecom and Networking Line Cards, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment, Aerospace, Defense and Avionics, Broadcast Video and Display Processing.
Industrial Automation and Motion Control
The EPC8820ARI208-4 fits industrial motion-control and PLC boards that use Altera SRAM-based FPGAs, because its 'I' ordering field denotes the industrial temperature grade required on factory floors where cabinet temperatures routinely exceed commercial limits. Its 208-pin quad flat pack matches existing RQFP-208 land patterns, so a configuration device that has become hard to source can be replaced without a PCB revision - an important consideration for long-life automation platforms. Functionally, the device holds the FPGA bitstream and delivers it during the power-up sequence, so the machine reaches a deterministic, known state every time power is applied. Designers should place it adjacent to the FPGA, share the same decoupling network, and verify the -4 speed grade against the configuration clock budget before committing to production.
Recommended
Telecom and Networking Line Cards
Telecom line cards and carrier-grade switches based on Altera FPGAs need a configuration memory that boots reliably after every power cycle and every software upgrade, because a partially configured FPGA can pass traffic incorrectly. The EPC8820ARI208-4 provides that non-volatile configuration function in a 208-pin quad flat pack, keeping the same board footprint across the EPC8820 family. The industrial temperature designator suits outdoor cabinets, remote radio units and unheated central-office environments, while the -4 speed grade must be checked against the card's power-up timing budget. In practice the device sits close to the FPGA in the same power domain, with configuration control signals routed on a short, quiet path away from high-speed serial lanes to avoid bit errors during bitstream transfer.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench and rack instruments built around Altera SRAM-based FPGAs use a configuration device to guarantee identical instrument behaviour at every cold start, which is essential for calibration traceability and repeatable measurements. The EPC8820ARI208-4 supplies that function from non-volatile memory in a 208-pin quad flat pack that matches existing RQFP-208 layouts, allowing instruments already designed for the EPC8820 family to be built without layout changes. Its industrial temperature designator supports instruments used in environmental chambers and on production floors as well as on the bench. Because configuration timing influences how quickly the instrument reaches its ready state, confirm that the -4 speed grade satisfies the FPGA configuration clock specification and keep the configuration memory supply decoupled from analogue front-end rails.
Recommended
Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment
Medical imaging and diagnostic systems frequently use SRAM-based Altera FPGAs for detector readout and image pre-processing, and they require a deterministic power-up sequence because the FPGA must be configured before acquisition can begin. The EPC8820ARI208-4 stores the bitstream in non-volatile memory and loads it automatically, matching that requirement, while its industrial temperature designator permits use in equipment rooms where cooling is limited. The 208-pin quad flat pack keeps the same footprint as other EPC8820 family members, which simplifies second-sourcing for long-life medical platforms that remain in service for a decade or more. Designers should confirm configuration timing against the -4 speed grade, verify RoHS status for the target market, and validate the configuration sequence as part of the power-on self-test routine.
Recommended
Aerospace, Defense and Avionics
Avionics and defense boards that still use Altera SRAM-based FPGAs depend on a configuration device that powers up deterministically across the mission temperature range. The EPC8820ARI208-4's industrial temperature designator addresses that requirement, and its 208-pin quad flat pack matches legacy RQFP-208 layouts used on established programs where re-qualification of a new PCB is prohibitively expensive. The -4 speed grade should be checked against the configuration clock budget and the FPGA's configuration timing specification, because a slower configuration device extends the interval between power-up and the FPGA releasing reset. For these programs, procurement should include traceability documentation and date codes, and the lead-free member EPC8820ARI208-3N can be qualified as a parallel source where the assembly process permits it.
Recommended
Broadcast Video and Display Processing
Broadcast video routers, format converters and display processors implement real-time pixel pipelines in Altera SRAM-based FPGAs, and they must re-enter a valid configuration within seconds of a power event to avoid dropping on-air output. The EPC8820ARI208-4 provides the non-volatile bitstream storage and automatic loading function for such FPGAs in a 208-pin quad flat pack that drops into existing RQFP-208 footprints used in studio equipment racks. The industrial temperature designator suits equipment installed in machine rooms and outside-broadcast vehicles, while the -4 speed grade must be validated against the FPGA's configuration clock requirement. Ensure the configuration device supply is sequenced with the FPGA core rail and keep the configuration clock net away from video clock domains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8820ARI208-4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8820ARI208-3N | EPC8820ARI208-3 | EPC8820ARC208-3N | EPC8820ARC208-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | RQFP 208-pin (quad flat pack) | RQFP 208-pin - same | RQFP 208-pin - same | RQFP 208-pin - same | RQFP 208-pin - same |
| Pin Count | 208 pins | 208 pins | 208 pins | 208 pins | 208 pins |
| Speed Grade | -4 | -3 (one grade faster) | -3 (one grade faster) | -3 (one grade faster) | -3 (one grade faster) |
| Temperature Designator | Industrial (I) | Industrial (I) | Industrial (I) | Commercial (C) | Commercial (C) |
| Lead-Free ('-N') Suffix | Not present (leaded ordering code) | Present (lead-free) | Not present (leaded) | Present (lead-free) | Not present (leaded) |
| Configuration Target | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Drop-in on 208-pin RQFP Land Pattern | Reference device | Yes (same footprint) | Yes (same footprint) | Yes (same footprint) | Yes (same footprint) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature ordering code on the standard 208-pin footprint (vs EPC8820ARC208-3N)
- Slower -4 grade usable as a cost and availability fallback (vs EPC8820ARI208-3N)
- Leaded ordering code for legacy and exempt assembly processes (vs EPC8820ARI208-3N)
Design Notes
An Enhanced Configuration Device shares the FPGA power-sequencing domain, so decouple its supply pins with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor per supply pin plus a bulk capacitor of a few microfarads placed within a few millimetres of the package, and keep the return path short and direct. Do not derive the configuration device supply from a rail that is sequenced after the FPGA core rail, otherwise the FPGA can leave its power-up configuration state before the configuration memory is ready, and configuration will fail intermittently. Confirm the exact recommended decoupling network and sequencing order in the Intel/Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet for the 208-pin device.
The 208-pin quad flat pack is a fine-pitch surface-mount package, so obtain the current package drawing and manufacturer land-pattern recommendation before starting layout, and never scale a land pattern from a photograph. Estimated: fine-pitch QFP assembly generally uses a laser-cut stainless stencil in the 0.10-0.12 mm range with 1:1 apertures, but treat this as general assembly practice rather than a datasheet value and verify it against the package drawing. On existing boards keep the original footprint - all same-family EPC8820 variants are intended to drop into the identical 208-pin land pattern, whereas any device in a different package forces a PCB revision.
Three pitfalls dominate EPC design work. First, verify that the configuration scheme selected by the FPGA's MSEL pins matches the configuration device and that a configuration clock is present at power-up; a mismatch produces an FPGA that never asserts CONF_DONE. Second, confirm the speed grade before substitution: replacing a -4 device with a -3 part is normally safe, but populating a -3 design with a -4 device can violate the configuration timing budget. Third, legacy Altera configuration devices are frequently counterfeited, so buy from franchised distributors or suppliers that provide date codes and certificates of conformance, and validate markings under magnification on receipt.
Compliance Information
No compliance statements were present in the verified web data retrieved for EPC8820ARI208-4. The ordering code carries no '-N' suffix, which in Altera's ordering scheme corresponds to the leaded construction option, so the part should not be assumed RoHS compliant. Confirm RoHS, REACH and material declarations directly with Intel or a franchised distributor before design release.
