EPC8QC100-T - 8Mb Altera Enhanced Configuration PROM | Altera
MPN: EPC8QC100-T ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.75 | $1,375.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.85 | $9,850.00 |
EPC8QC100-T Overview
An enhanced configuration device is a type of non-volatile serial configuration memory that retains the FPGA bitstream across power cycles and presents it to the target FPGA at power-on via industry-standard configuration protocols. Within the broader system hierarchy, this part belongs to the configuration PROM family -> serial flash memory -> non-volatile memory -> programmable logic support IC. Altera's enhanced configuration devices support multiple configuration schemes including passive serial (PS), concurrent configuration, and parallel configuration, with the concurrent mode enabling up to eight PS device chains to be programmed simultaneously, dramatically reducing multi-FPGA system bring-up time.
Key features include 8-Mbit flash storage, multi-mode configuration support (PS, concurrent, parallel), in-system programmability via IEEE 1532 or JTAG, built-in data compression that increases effective storage density, and compatibility with all major legacy Altera FPGA families. The flash memory block uses a 3.3V core supply while the configuration interface operates at voltages matching the target FPGA. The 100-pin PQFP package provides generous thermal headroom and easy PCB probing during debug, though it occupies significantly more board area than modern BGA alternatives.
Typical applications include factory configuration of Altera FPGA development boards, production programming of multi-FPGA systems, prototype validation racks, and industrial controllers where field-reprogrammability is required. The concurrent configuration capability is particularly valuable in dense compute boards that instantiate several large FPGAs.
When designing with this device, ensure the configuration mode pins (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA0) are correctly terminated per the target FPGA reference schematic. Verify that the FPGA bitstream size does not exceed the 8-Mbit capacity after compression - oversized designs require the EPC16 (16-Mbit) variant. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in variants from the EPC family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8QC100-T — 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 EPC8QC100-T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QI100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100-T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Enhanced Configuration PROM (Flash) |
| Memory Size | 8 Mbit |
| Configuration Schemes | Passive Serial (PS), Concurrent, Parallel |
| FPGA Compatibility | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) |
| Data Compression | Yes (built-in) |
| Package | PQFP-100 (20 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Shipping Packaging | Tape & Reel (suffix -T) |
| Manufacturer | Altera (now Intel FPGA) |
EPC8QC100-T pqfp-100 (20 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC8QC100-T (pqfp-100 (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 EPC8QC100-T.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC8QC100-T is suitable for 6 applications: Altera FPGA Factory Configuration, Multi-FPGA Concurrent Configuration, Field-Reprogrammable Industrial Controllers, FPGA Development Board Reference Designs, Telecommunications Backplane Configuration, Aerospace and Defense Legacy FPGA Systems.
Altera FPGA Factory Configuration
The EPC8QC100-T serves as the primary configuration memory for legacy Altera FPGA designs based on Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K device families. Its 8-Mbit capacity accommodates uncompressed bitstreams for mid-density FPGAs in this family, and the built-in data compression feature typically extends effective storage to handle larger designs. Placed adjacent to the target FPGA with shared nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK and DATA0 signals, the device autonomously loads configuration at power-on. Compared to discrete boot flash with custom controller logic, the EPC8QC100-T integrates the configuration controller on-die, simplifying PCB layout and reducing time-to-market. Engineers should verify the post-compression bitstream fits within 8 Mbit before committing to this part.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Concurrent Configuration
In systems that instantiate several large Altera FPGAs in parallel (telecom backplane, high-channel-count DSP, multi-FPGA prototyping rigs), the EPC8QC100-T's concurrent configuration mode is decisive. A single EPC8QC100-T can drive up to eight passive serial (PS) configuration chains simultaneously, slashing board-level configuration time from minutes to seconds compared with daisy-chained PS. Each chain loads in parallel rather than sequentially, and the on-chip controller manages the handshaking with each FPGA's nSTATUS/CONF_DONE pins. For mixed-density chains, pairing EPC8 and EPC16 devices on the same board maintains topology while accommodating per-FPGA bitstream size differences. This mode is unique to the enhanced configuration family and not available in EPCQ devices.
Recommended
Field-Reprogrammable Industrial Controllers
The EPC8QC100-T's in-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1532) makes it suitable for industrial controllers that require occasional firmware updates without removing the board from service. A technician connects a USB-Blaster or compatible JTAG probe to the device's JTAG pins, reprograms the EPC8QC100-T with a new bitstream, and the next power cycle loads the updated FPGA image. The flash memory retains data for years without refresh, suiting 24/7 industrial environments. For plants with multiple boards, the JTAG chain can daisy-chain several EPC8 + FPGA pairs for batch updates. Compared to soldered-once PROMs, this approach cuts field service cost by orders of magnitude.
Recommended
FPGA Development Board Reference Designs
Altera's legacy FPGA development kits and many third-party evaluation boards use the EPC8QC100-T as the reference configuration device for prototyping ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, and FLEX 10K designs. Designers porting these reference designs to production get a well-documented bill-of-materials path, including example schematics showing how to wire nCONFIG, MSEL pins, and JTAG chain ordering. The 100-pin PQFP package is also breadboard-friendly for low-frequency prototyping, allowing easy clip-on probing during bring-up. For new designs targeting the same FPGAs, the EPC8QC100-T remains the safest choice because every Quartus programmer release supports it.
Recommended
Telecommunications Backplane Configuration
Telecom backplanes that aggregate multiple FPGAs for packet processing, line-card interface bridging, and protocol offload rely on the EPC8QC100-T's concurrent configuration to minimize system bring-up time after a cold start or field reset. With eight PS chains loadable in parallel, a 6-FPGA line card can be fully operational within seconds rather than minutes. The 8-Mbit capacity matches the typical compressed bitstream for medium-density Stratix and APEX II devices used in this segment, and the proven -40C to +85C (industrial) variants are available. The 100-pin PQFP package also accommodates the heavier copper pours needed for telecom thermal envelopes.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Legacy FPGA Systems
Long-lifecycle aerospace and defense programs continue to maintain and re-spin legacy Altera FPGAs (FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K) for which the EPC8QC100-T remains a qualified configuration memory source. The device's PQFP-100 package offers robust mechanical and thermal performance in harsh environments, and the flash storage provides the non-volatility required for avionics, radar, and secure-communications platforms. For boards that originally shipped with EPC8 and need to replace aged stock, the EPC8QC100-T is the supported re-order part. System designers often specify the EPC16QC100-T to gain future-proofing headroom while keeping the same pin-compatible footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8QC100-T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC8QC100 | EPC16QC100 | EPC16QC100T | EPC4QC100 | EPC4QC100T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| 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 |
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit | 8 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 16 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Shipping Packaging | Tape & Reel (-T) | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel |
| FPGA Compatibility | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families |
| Concurrent Configuration Support | Yes (up to 8 PS chains) | Yes (up to 8 PS chains) | Yes (up to 8 PS chains) | Yes (up to 8 PS chains) | Yes (up to 8 PS chains) | Yes (up to 8 PS chains) |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) | Yes (IEEE 1532 / JTAG) |
| Data Compression | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs EPC8QC100)
- 8-Mbit density balanced against bitstream size (vs EPC4QC100T)
- Half the storage of EPC16 for cost-sensitive designs (vs EPC16QC100T)
Design Notes
The EPC8QC100-T requires both a core supply and an I/O supply - consult the datasheet for exact voltage rails. Decouple both supplies with 0.1uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of the respective supply pins, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the device. In-rush current during concurrent programming of multiple chains can be substantial - ensure the regulator has sufficient headroom.
Place the EPC8QC100-T adjacent to the target FPGA to minimize trace length on nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK and DATA0 signals. Keep DCLK traces short (< 50 mm) and series-terminate if the FPGA is more than 50 mm away to avoid ringing. For concurrent configuration mode, route each PS chain's data lines with matched length to prevent skew between FPGAs. Add a JTAG header on every board for in-system reprogramming access.
Do not assume 8 Mbit of raw storage equals 1 Mbyte of usable configuration data - the actual limit depends on FPGA bitstream compression ratio. For designs near the capacity boundary, choose the EPC16QC100 (16-Mbit) variant instead. Verify MSEL pin settings on the target FPGA match the chosen configuration mode (PS vs concurrent vs parallel). Mixing EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 in the same concurrent chain works but each device must be loaded with its own chain bitstream.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free compliance not stated in the provided verified web data; Altera legacy configuration devices were typically lead-free by default but this should be confirmed against the device-specific material declaration before use in restricted markets.
