EPC8C100T - 8Mb Altera Enhanced Configuration Device | Altera
MPN: EPC8C100T ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $12.1 | $6,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.8 | $10,800.00 |
EPC8C100T Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device is a type of serial configuration PROM that stores the FPGA bitstream and feeds it back to the FPGA at power-up via a serial configuration interface. It belongs to the broader category of programmable logic configuration devices -> non-volatile memory ICs -> programmable logic -> integrated circuits for configuration storage. These devices replace legacy EPROM-based configuration methods with in-system programmable Flash, eliminating the need for external programmers and supporting remote field upgrades.
The EPC8C100T supports 3.3V operation, integrates JTAG-compliant IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan and ISP (in-system programming) interfaces, and offers dedicated pins for FPGA configuration control (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG). Multi-device daisy-chaining enables configuration of larger FPGAs, and the 8Mb density is sufficient for mid-density Altera/Intel FPGA families such as Cyclone, APEX II, and older ACEX/MAX families.
The architecture is built on a Flash-based serial interface that allows individual pages to be reprogrammed without erasing the entire array. Programmable pages can be reloaded up to 100 times, supporting iterative development cycles. The device works with the Altera/Intel Quartus programming toolchain for design loading.
Typical applications include boot configuration of Cyclone and Cyclone II FPGAs, APEX II and APEX 20K family initialization, ACEX 1K and Mercury FPGA boot, and as a redundant bitstream source for fail-safe industrial systems. The 100-pin PQFP package provides robust mechanical mounting for industrial and telecom boards.
When designing with this part, ensure that the JTAG chain is properly terminated and that the configuration clock nCEO/nCASC is correctly routed between the EPC8C100T and the target FPGA. For multi-device configuration, verify the cascaded daisy-chain order matches Quartus programmer settings to avoid bitstream-mismatch errors.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in Altera/Intel family alternatives, and practical configuration design guidance not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8C100T — 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 EPC8C100T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8QC100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8C100T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (Serial Configuration PROM) |
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit |
| Memory Technology | Flash (in-system programmable) |
| Interface | Serial FPGA configuration (Altera/Intel proprietary) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Page Reprogram Cycles | 100 minimum |
| Supported FPGA Families | Cyclone, Cyclone II, APEX II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Mercury, Excalibur |
| Configuration Clock | Internal / external via DCLK |
| Cascade Support | Yes (multi-device daisy chain) |
| RoHS Status | Unknown |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (Altera/Intel legacy configuration device) |
EPC8C100T 100-pin pqfp (20 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC8C100T (100-pin pqfp (20 x 14 mm) 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 EPC8C100T.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC8C100T is suitable for 7 applications: Cyclone / Cyclone II FPGA Boot Configuration, APEX II / APEX 20K Family Initialization, ACEX 1K and Mercury FPGA Boot, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Telecommunications Line Card Configuration, Redundant Bitstream for Fail-Safe Systems, Legacy Board Repair and Maintenance Stock.
Cyclone / Cyclone II FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC8C100T's 8 megabit Flash density is well-matched to Altera Cyclone (EP1C) and Cyclone II (EP2C5 to EP2C20) FPGA bitstreams, which typically range from 2Mb to 6Mb compressed. Placed adjacent to the target FPGA, it streams the configuration bitstream serially via DATA and DCLK at power-up. The JTAG interface (IEEE 1149.1) supports in-system programming so designers can update firmware in the field without removing the board. Industrial -40C to +85C operation suits factory automation and outdoor telecom equipment, and the 100-pin PQFP package is well-supported by standard SMT assembly lines.
Recommended
APEX II / APEX 20K Family Initialization
For APEX II (EP2A) and APEX 20K (EP20K) FPGAs, the EPC8C100T delivers 8Mb of non-volatile storage sufficient for mid-density APEX designs. The serial interface runs at the standard DCLK rate, and CONF_DONE signals the host processor once configuration is complete. Multi-device daisy-chaining via nCASC/nCEO allows several EPC devices to feed a single large APEX II FPGA. For redundant bitstream designs, two EPC8C100T devices can be cascaded to provide fail-safe recovery, an important feature for aerospace and military systems that cannot tolerate FPGA boot failures.
Recommended
ACEX 1K and Mercury FPGA Boot
The EPC8C100T is fully compatible with ACEX 1K (EP1K) and Mercury (EP1M) FPGAs, both of which require a serial configuration PROM at power-up. ACEX 1K designs up to EP1K100 fit comfortably within the 8Mb budget, while Mercury devices with embedded ARM cores benefit from the EPC8C100T's reliable industrial temperature grade. The 100-pin PQFP package is the same mechanical form factor used across the entire Enhanced Configuration Device family, enabling design teams to standardize on a single PCB layout for multiple product variants.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
In PLC controllers, motor drives, and SCADA systems, the EPC8C100T provides reliable boot storage for FPGA-based DSP and control logic. Its industrial -40C to +85C operating range tolerates factory-floor temperature swings, and the 100-pin PQFP package handles the vibration and thermal cycling of industrial cabinets. The JTAG ISP interface enables field firmware updates via the same JTAG chain used for FPGA debugging, simplifying production programming and after-sales service. With 8Mb of storage, mid-density control FPGAs boot in well under 100 ms.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards frequently use Altera FPGAs for packet processing and SERDES functions, and the EPC8C100T is a qualified configuration storage solution for such designs. Its 100-pin PQFP package fits the 1-inch board-edge spacing typical of ATCA and AdvancedTCA cards, while its industrial temperature grade supports outdoor base-station deployment. The daisy-chain capability allows two EPC devices to feed an FPGA with redundant bitstreams for carrier-grade reliability, and JTAG programming allows central-office firmware updates without board removal.
Recommended
Redundant Bitstream for Fail-Safe Systems
Safety-critical applications - railway signaling, medical instrumentation, and aerospace control - require FPGA boot reliability. By cascading two EPC8C100T devices through the nCASC/nCEO pins, designers can implement a primary/secondary bitstream configuration where the FPGA falls back to a known-good image if the primary fails to load CONF_DONE. Each EPC8C100T holds 8Mb, enough for two independent bitstreams of a 4-6Mb Cyclone II design. The JTAG ISP allows field updates to both devices via the standard IEEE 1149.1 chain, simplifying compliance verification.
Recommended
Legacy Board Repair and Maintenance Stock
Many production lines still ship boards designed around the EPC8C100T in the 2005-2015 era. Because the part is now obsolete, repair depots and contract manufacturers maintain safety stock of EPC8C100T devices for warranty repair and refurbishment. Specialty distributors (Jotrin, FPGAkey, VEKEMO) hold remaining inventory and can fulfil small-quantity orders with full traceability. Engineers designing new products should not select this part; instead, choose the current EPC8QC100T or migrate to MAX series CPLDs as configuration controllers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8C100T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8QC100T | EPC8QC100 | EPC16QC100T | EPC16QC100 | EPC4QC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same | PQFP-100 (20x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same | Altera - same |
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit | 8 Mbit | 8 Mbit | 16 Mbit (+100%) | 16 Mbit (+100%) | 4 Mbit (-50%) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) / ISP |
| Cascade Support | Yes (multi-device daisy chain) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active (DigiKey stocked) | Active (DigiKey stocked) | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Doubles configuration storage vs EPC4 family at same footprint (vs EPC4QC100)
- Half the storage cost-efficiency vs EPC16 family (vs EPC16QC100T)
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs EPC8QC100)
Design Notes
The DCLK configuration clock between EPC8C100T and the target FPGA must be kept short (<50 mm) and routed with a 50-ohm characteristic impedance. Place a 33-ohm series damping resistor at the EPC DATA output to limit ringing when driving long PCB traces. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to VCC on nSTATUS and CONF_DONE to define idle state when the EPC is deselected.
Do not cascade EPC8C100T devices of different densities in the same chain without updating Quartus programmer settings - the .SOF/.POF bitstream must match the physical PROM order. Verify that nCASC of the upstream device connects to nCEO of the downstream EPC, not to its nCONFIG. Mixing industrial (-T suffix) and commercial temperature parts in one chain is allowed but may cause timing violations at temperature extremes.
Place the EPC8C100T within 25 mm of the target FPGA to minimize DCLK and DATA trace length. Provide a continuous ground plane under the device and stitch vias around the PQFP-100 perimeter to reduce EMI. Decouple VCC with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor adjacent to each VCC pin pair, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the device supply entry. JTAG chain signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) should be routed as a bus with stub length kept below 10 mm.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in available web data. EPC8C100T is a legacy Altera/Intel configuration device; RoHS compliance should be verified per specific date/lot code with the distributor.
