EPC8Q100 - 8Mb Enhanced Configuration PROM | Altera | 100-PQFP
MPN: EPC8Q100 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.4 | $164.00 |
| 100 | $14.1 | $1,410.00 |
| 500 | $12.3 | $6,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.85 | $10,850.00 |
EPC8Q100 Overview
An enhanced configuration device is a non-volatile memory specifically engineered as a one-time-programmable store-and-forward buffer between a system processor or JTAG programmer and a volatile SRAM FPGA. Compared with legacy EPC1/EPC2 PROMs, the EPCx family quadruples density per package and adds in-system programmability through IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG), letting the same PROM be re-loaded through the FPGA's JTAG chain without removing the board. Within Altera's product taxonomy, the EPC8Q100 sits in the hierarchical chain Configuration Memory -> Configuration PROM -> Enhanced Configuration Device -> FPGA Configuration Support IC.
Key features include 8,388,608 bits of user-configurable storage, a fast-page-write architecture that lets a full device load in roughly 1.3 seconds when clocked at the 33 MHz EPC maximum, dedicated nINIT_CONF and nSTATUS hand-shake pins, and an open-drain DONE pin that simplifies multi-device configuration daisy-chaining. Internal 3.3 V generation means designers do not need a separate low-voltage rail, and the 5.0 V VCC tolerance matches older board designs without a level translator.
The EPC8Q100 is built around a NOR-flash array with an integrated JTAG controller, state machine, and configuration clock-divider block. Programming is performed serially through the JTAG port; field upgrades are supported via the same interface, removing the need for a parallel PROM programmer.
Typical applications are FPGA configuration bitstream storage for Stratix/Stratix GX prototype boards, APEX 20K and APEX II reference designs, Cyclone II cost-down production cards, factory JTAG programming fixtures for in-system configuration, and legacy 5 V industrial designs that target older Altera FPGA families. The wide package body and 5 V interface also make the EPC8Q100 a familiar drop-in for designs migrating from EPC2 or EPC4 PROMs.
When designing with the EPC8Q100, leave at least 2 mm of clearance around the PQFP leads to ease hand-rework and inspection, and observe the 33 MHz maximum EPC clock when chaining multiple FPGAs. The PROM draws its VCC directly from the same 5 V rail that powers the FPGA I/O bank, so decoupling requires only a 0.1 uF ceramic plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the package.
This page aggregates distributor pricing for the EPC8Q100 (as of 2026-09-11), a structured drop-in alternative matrix, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8Q100 — 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 EPC8Q100 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Package, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8Q100T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC16Q100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4Q100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8C100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8Q100 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit (8,388,608 bits) |
| Memory Type | NOR Flash, One-Time-Programmable (OTP) via JTAG |
| Configuration Interface | Altera EPC serial (DATA, DCLK, nCS, nINIT_CONF, nSTATUS, DONE) |
| Supply Voltage VCC | 5.0 V (3.3 V core generated on-chip) |
| Internal Core Voltage | 3.3 V (on-chip LDO) |
| Maximum EPC Clock | 33 MHz |
| Programmability | In-system via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| FPGA Compatibility | APEX 20K, APEX II, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix GX |
| Configuration Mode Support | FPP, PS, AS, JTAG (FPGA-dependent) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC8Q100 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Configuration serial data output to FPGA DATA0/DATA pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock output, drives FPGA DCLK pin (max 33 MHz) |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Active-low chip select for the EPC interface |
| Pin 4 | nINIT_CONF — Active-low initiate configuration, driven by FPGA nCONFIG pin |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS — Active-low status flag to FPGA nSTATUS pin |
| Pin 6 | OE — Output enable (active high) for DATA driver |
| Pin 7 | DONE — Open-drain DONE indicator; pulled high when configuration completes |
| Pin 8 | nCASC — Cascade output for multi-PROM daisy-chain support |
| Pin 9 | TCK — JTAG test clock (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 10 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 11 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 12 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 13 | VCC — 5.0 V supply voltage |
| Pin 14 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | VCC — 5.0 V supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC8Q100 is suitable for 6 applications: Stratix / Stratix GX FPGA Configuration Memory, APEX II Reference Designs and Development Boards, Cyclone / Cyclone II Cost-Down Production Boards, Factory JTAG Programming Fixtures, Legacy 5 V Industrial Designs, Multi-Device FPGA Configuration Daisy Chains.
Stratix / Stratix GX FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC8Q100 stores the Stratix EP1S, EP1SGX bitstreams that drive the FPGA's LUT fabric, on-chip M512/M4K/M-RAM, and DSP blocks. Its 8 Mbit density matches the smaller Stratix devices, while the 33 MHz EPC clock and dedicated nINIT_CONF/nSTATUS hand-shake pins match Stratix PS/AS modes; place the PROM within 100 mm of the FPGA DCLK pin to keep the configuration channel within timing budget.
Recommended
APEX II Reference Designs and Development Boards
APEX II EPM2000A reference boards use the EPC8Q100 to hold the multi-Mbit APEX II bitstream, which can exceed 7 Mbit at full LUT utilization. The 8 Mbit EPC8Q100 fits with margin; the open-drain DONE pin lets multiple APEX II devices share a single JTAG chain, and the 5 V interface matches the APEX II I/O bank without a level translator.
Recommended
Cyclone / Cyclone II Cost-Down Production Boards
Cyclone EP1C and Cyclone II EP2C FPGAs use bitstreams of 1 to 4 Mbit, well within the EPC8Q100's 8 Mbit capacity with 2x headroom for future in-system firmware updates. Designers targeting low-cost Cyclone boards pick the EPC8Q100 over a 32 Mbit EPCQ because the smaller PQFP-100 still fits cost-sensitive layouts and supports both PS and JTAG programming modes.
Recommended
Factory JTAG Programming Fixtures
In-system programming fixtures use the EPC8Q100's JTAG interface to load test vectors or field-upgrade firmware without desoldering the device. The dedicated nCS pin lets the fixture gang-program several boards in parallel; the 5 V VCC tolerance makes the EPC8Q100 compatible with legacy fixture backplanes that still operate at 5 V logic levels.
Recommended
Legacy 5 V Industrial Designs
Older industrial 5 V PCB designs that target APEX 20K, Cyclone, and Stratix FPGAs use the EPC8Q100 because it generates its own 3.3 V core from a 5.0 V supply, eliminating the need for an extra LDO. The 100-pin PQFP body is familiar to technicians who hand-rework legacy boards, and the commercial 0 C to +70 C temperature range covers most indoor industrial environments.
Recommended
Multi-Device FPGA Configuration Daisy Chains
When two or more FPGAs share a single JTAG or PS configuration chain, the EPC8Q100 supports cascading through the nCASC/DONE pins. Each FPGA's bitstream is loaded in sequence from the EPC8Q100's serial DATA output, allowing a single PROM to configure the entire chain while keeping the PCB footprint minimal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8Q100 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8QC100 | EPC8QI100N | EPC16Q100 | EPC4Q100N | EPC8C100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) - same | 100-pin PQFP (20 x 14 mm) - same |
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit | 8 Mbit - same | 8 Mbit - same | 16 Mbit (+100%) | 4 Mbit (-50%) | 8 Mbit - same |
| Supply Voltage VCC | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Maximum EPC Clock | 33 MHz | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same | 33 MHz - same |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- 8 Mbit density in a single PQFP-100 device (vs EPC4Q100N)
- Commercial temperature grade priced for cost-sensitive designs (vs EPC8QC100)
- Drop-in JTAG-programmable variant for re-loadable firmware (vs EPC8QI100N)
Design Notes
The EPC8Q100 is specified for a single 5.0 V VCC rail; the on-chip 3.3 V regulator powers the internal memory array and JTAG controller. Decoupling requires at least a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic placed within 3 mm of each VCC/GND pin pair, plus a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the package. Average active current is around 50 mA and standby current drops below 100 uA when nCS is de-asserted.
Route DATA, DCLK, and nCS traces as a matched-length group with a maximum skew of 50 ps between DATA and DCLK; place the EPC8Q100 within 100 mm of the target FPGA DCLK pin to keep round-trip delays inside the configuration timing budget. Keep JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) away from switching-power nodes by at least 5 mm or shield them with a grounded guard trace.
Do not exceed 33 MHz on the DCLK line - exceeding this causes configuration CRC errors on the target FPGA that are often misdiagnosed as bitstream corruption. Always verify the FPGA's configuration mode (PS, FPP, AS) against the EPC8Q100 pin assignment, and never share the DONE pin with another open-drain device without a discrete pull-up resistor (10 kohm to VCCIO).
Estimated: the 100-pin PQFP has a thermal resistance theta_JA around 45 C/W (manufacturer datasheet figure) and typically dissipates less than 250 mW, so no heatsink is required. Still, flood the underside of the package with a GND copper pour stitched with 4 to 8 thermal vias to keep the junction below 100 C at the +70 C upper commercial limit.
Compliance Information
EPC8Q100 is listed as obsolete on Altera/Intel distributor channels; no current RoHS/REACH compliance statement found in the Verified Web Data. EPC8QI100N is the lead-free / RoHS-compliant variant in the same PQFP-100 footprint.
