EPC8Q100TBAC - 8Mb Altera Enhanced Configuration Device | Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC8Q100TBAC ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.75 | $167.50 |
| 100 | $14.95 | $1,495.00 |
| 500 | $13.2 | $6,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.8 | $11,800.00 |
EPC8Q100TBAC Overview
An Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) is a specialized serial/parallel flash memory that pairs with an Altera/Intel FPGA to provide single-chip, instant-on configuration. The configuration controller sits between the FPGA and the configuration bitstream source, decoding the FPGA's passive serial (PS), fast passive parallel (FPP), or passive parallel asynchronous (PPA) configuration mode. EPC devices occupy a well-defined position in the FPGA power-up ecosystem: they store the FPGA's SRAM LUT configuration data and present it through a deterministic interface, eliminating the need for external boot PROMs, SD cards, or microcontroller-driven configuration. Their role in the power-tree is upstream of the FPGA core, sequencer, and transceivers.
Key features of the EPC8Q100TBAC include 8 Mb of storage capacity, a 90-ns access time, support for 16-bit-wide data output, and compatibility with multiple Altera FPGA configuration modes. The device operates from a single 3.3 V supply and supports in-system programmability through the IEEE 1532 / JTAG interface, enabling field upgrades of configuration bitstreams without removing the FPGA. The QFP package is industry-standard and supports surface-mount assembly on conventional reflow profiles.
The EPC8Q100TBAC's architecture combines a flash memory array with a dedicated configuration controller logic that handles page-mode buffering and bitstream decompression. When paired with a 100-MHz Stratix device in FPP mode, the device can sustain the high configuration write bandwidth required for fast field upgrades, while still meeting the lower-bandwidth needs of legacy Cyclone parts in PS mode.
Typical applications include FPGA configuration bitstream storage in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, military/aerospace embedded systems, factory automation, prototyping platforms, and any system that requires single-chip FPGA boot without external memory. Its non-volatile nature makes it especially valuable in systems requiring fast power-on-to-functional time.
Designers should plan PCB layout to keep the EPC-to-FPGA configuration bus short and impedance-controlled, with a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to the VCC pin. The JTAG chain should include proper TCK termination to avoid signal-integrity issues at high programming speeds.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Altera/Intel EPC family, and application context not found in the legacy datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8Q100TBAC — 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 EPC8Q100TBAC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Memory Type, Package, Memory Density, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8Q100C
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8Q100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100TBAC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8C100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8Q100TBAC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 8 Mb |
| Memory Type | Flash (non-volatile configuration storage) |
| Access Time | 90 ns (approximately 10 MHz flash read) |
| Flash Read Bandwidth | Approximately 160 Mbps (16-bit DQ[] at 10 MHz) |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit (DQ[]) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Configuration Modes Supported | PS (Passive Serial), FPP (Fast Passive Parallel), PPA (Passive Parallel Asynchronous) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1532 / JTAG (in-system programmable) |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial grade (TBAC suffix) |
| Package | QFP (TBAC suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Altera Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, ACEX |
| Configuration Bitstream Compression | Supported (page-mode buffering) |
EPC8Q100TBAC qfp (tbac suffix) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC8Q100TBAC (qfp (tbac suffix) 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 EPC8Q100TBAC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC8Q100TBAC is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration, Cyclone FPGA Bring-Up in Industrial Controllers, Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration, Prototyping Platform Single-Chip Boot, Military/Aerospace FPGA Configuration Storage, Factory Automation and Motor Control.
Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration
The EPC8Q100TBAC provides 8 Mb of non-volatile storage for Stratix-series bitstreams, with 90-ns access time and a 16-bit DQ[] bus delivering approximately 160 Mbps of configuration bandwidth. The device's support for Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) mode enables the high-throughput configuration required by 100-MHz Stratix FPGAs. Placed adjacent to the FPGA on the PCB, the EPC8Q100TBAC delivers configuration data on power-up via the nSTATUS/CONF_DONE handshake, eliminating the need for external boot PROMs. Compared with discrete SPI flash, the integrated configuration controller handles page-mode buffering and decompression transparently.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Bring-Up in Industrial Controllers
For Cyclone II/III-based industrial controllers, the EPC8Q100TBAC delivers single-chip FPGA boot with 8 Mb capacity, well-matched to typical Cyclone bitstream sizes. The 3.3 V single-supply operation simplifies power-tree design, and the JTAG interface (IEEE 1532) supports field firmware upgrades without removing the controller from its enclosure. According to the Altera EPC datasheet, the device's PS mode is compatible with all Cyclone passive-serial configuration schemes. Designers benefit from deterministic power-on-to-functional time, critical for industrial PLC and motor-control applications.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration
In telecom line cards, the EPC8Q100TBAC stores FPGA bitstreams that initialize the card's fabric and switch logic. The 90-ns access time and 160 Mbps bandwidth are sufficient for in-service firmware upgrades when the line card enters a maintenance window. The industrial temperature grade (TBAC suffix) ensures reliable operation across telecom ambient ranges. The 16-bit DQ[] bus minimizes configuration time, reducing the card's bring-up latency after a hot-swap or reboot event. Engineers should place the EPC device within 50 mm of the FPGA to maintain signal integrity on the configuration bus.
Recommended
Prototyping Platform Single-Chip Boot
The EPC8Q100TBAC enables single-chip FPGA boot on prototyping platforms where minimizing BOM and board complexity is essential. By integrating flash storage and configuration controller into one QFP package, designers eliminate the need for separate boot PROMs, SPI flash, or configuration microcontrollers. The JTAG programming interface (IEEE 1532) allows bitstream updates via standard tools such as Quartus Programmer. This is particularly valuable for university labs, evaluation kits, and rapid prototyping environments where quick configuration turnaround is essential.
Recommended
Military/Aerospace FPGA Configuration Storage
For military and aerospace embedded systems, the EPC8Q100TBAC provides rugged non-volatile configuration storage for Altera FPGAs in avionics, control, and instrumentation subsystems. The industrial temperature range and surface-mount QFP package support conventional MIL-STD-810 assembly processes. With 8 Mb of storage and 90-ns access time, the device handles typical mid-range FPGA bitstreams for systems such as flight-control computers, mission processors, and electronic warfare subsystems. The in-system JTAG programming supports secure field updates under controlled maintenance procedures.
Recommended
Factory Automation and Motor Control
In factory automation systems such as PLCs, servo drives, and motor controllers, the EPC8Q100TBAC delivers reliable FPGA configuration with the long-term supply stability required by industrial customers. The device's PS configuration mode supports all Altera mid-range FPGAs commonly used in motion-control loops, where deterministic boot time is critical for safe machine restart. The 3.3 V supply integrates cleanly with industrial 24V-bus-derived rails. Compared with boot PROMs, the EPC8Q100TBAC's integrated controller eliminates external glue logic, reducing PCB area and BOM cost.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8Q100TBAC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8Q100C | EPC8Q100 | EPC16QI100TBAC | EPC16QI100T | EPC16QI100N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFP (TBAC) | QFP (TBAC) - same | QFP (TBAC) - same | QFP (TBAC) - same | QFP (TBAC) - same | QFP (TBAC) - same |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Memory Capacity | 8 Mb | 8 Mb | 8 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb | 16 Mb |
| Access Time | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns | 90 ns |
| Data Bus Width | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Programming Interface | JTAG / IEEE 1532 | JTAG / IEEE 1532 | JTAG / IEEE 1532 | JTAG / IEEE 1532 | JTAG / IEEE 1532 | JTAG / IEEE 1532 |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade in QFP package (vs EPC8Q100C)
- Higher density alternative available within same package (vs EPC16QI100TBAC)
- Integrated configuration controller vs discrete flash (vs Generic SPI flash)
Design Notes
Place the EPC8Q100TBAC within 50 mm of the target FPGA to maintain signal integrity on the configuration bus. Use a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to the VCC pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The 16-bit DQ[] bus should be length-matched if routing across the PCB, with series damping resistors (22-33 ohm) near the FPGA end if reflections are observed.
The JTAG chain should include proper TCK termination (typically 10 kohm pull-up to VCC) to avoid signal-integrity issues at high programming speeds. When the EPC8Q100TBAC and the target FPGA share the JTAG chain, ensure both devices have correctly ordered TDI/TDO connections and that the JTAG ID codes are unique or properly cascaded. Refer to the Altera EPC datasheet section on JTAG programming for chain configuration guidance.
Do not assume the EPC8Q100TBAC is pin-compatible with newer Intel configuration solutions such as the MAX II CPLD-based configuration controllers. The EPC family uses dedicated configuration controller logic that differs from MAX II. Also note that this part is in obsolete lifecycle status as of 2026-09-11; new designs should evaluate the active configuration scheme for the target Intel FPGA family (typically external SPI flash for Cyclone 10 / Stratix 10).
Compliance Information
Compliance information not present in the verified web data. The TBAC suffix typically denotes an industrial temperature grade option. RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status should be verified directly with Intel/Altera or via the manufacturer datasheet for this obsolete part.
