EPC8QC100N - 8Mb Altera FPGA Configuration Memory, 100-Pin PQFP
MPN: EPC8QC100N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.2 | $132.00 |
| 100 | $11.85 | $1,185.00 |
| 500 | $10.4 | $5,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.1 | $9,100.00 |
EPC8QC100N Overview
A configuration memory IC is a specialized non-volatile storage device that holds the FPGA's bitstream and serially delivers it to the FPGA at power-up through a dedicated configuration interface (such as Altera's FPP, PS, or AS modes). Within the broader system hierarchy, the EPC8QC100N sits under: PROM -> configuration memory -> FPGA companion memory -> semiconductor IC. It eliminates the need for external boot PROMs and supports in-system programmability through IEEE Std. 1532-compliant JTAG and Jam STAPL flows.
Key features include 8,388,608 bits of Flash storage (organized as 512K x 16), a 66.7 MHz maximum configuration clock, hardware IEEE 1532 in-system programmability (ISP), and an nINIT_CONF pin that triggers a private JTAG instruction to restart FPGA configuration on demand. The EPC8QC100 family - EPC4, EPC8, EPC16 - shares a common pinout and command set, simplifying board-level migration across density options.
Architecturally, the device integrates an embedded Flash array, an internal oscillator, configuration state machine, and a JTAG/IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan controller. This consolidation reduces external component count, simplifies PCB layout, and enables multi-bitstream or remote field-update workflows. The single 3.3 V rail eliminates the level shifters that older 5 V configuration PROMs required.
Typical applications include configuring Altera Stratix II/III, Cyclone II/III, and APEX 20K-series FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, and military/aerospace systems where field-upgradeable bitstream storage is mandatory. Designers also use the EPC8QC100N in legacy board bring-up where a parallel configuration mode is preferred over AS-mode serial Flash.
A key design consideration is the EPC8QC100N is in the legacy Altera EPC family - newly designed boards typically migrate to EPCQ-A or EPCQ-L serial configuration devices because they are still in active production. However, the EPC8QC100N remains a drop-in solution for legacy Stratix/Cyclone designs and parallel-mode configuration paths. Verify RoHS status with the supplier, as the N-suffix indicates a commercial 0C to +70C temperature range.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives (EPC4QC100N, EPC16QC100N, EPC8QI100N, EPC8QC100), practical design notes, and FAQ not found in any single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC8QC100N — 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 EPC8QC100N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Memory Type, Configuration Interface, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC4QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QI100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8Q100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC8QC100N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Flash (NOR, configuration PROM) |
| Memory Size | 8 Mbit (8,388,608 bits) |
| Organization | 512K words x 16 bits |
| Configuration Device Family | EPC8 (Enhanced Configuration Device) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (typ. 3.3 V) |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 66.7 MHz |
| Programmability | IEEE Std. 1532 in-system programmable (ISP) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) + Jam STAPL |
| Package Type | Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP-100) |
| Pin Count | 100 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial, N suffix) |
| nINIT_CONF Pin | Yes (private JTAG instruction to start FPGA configuration) |
| Compatible FPGAs | Altera Stratix, Stratix GX, Cyclone, APEX 20K series |
EPC8QC100N plastic quad flat pack (pqfp-100) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC8QC100N (plastic quad flat pack (pqfp-100) 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 EPC8QC100N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC8QC100N is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration, Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K Series FPGA Boot Memory, Telecom Line Card Bring-Up, Military / Aerospace Avionics, Industrial Controller Multi-FPGA Boards.
Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration
The EPC8QC100N delivers the 8 Mbit Stratix and Stratix-II bitstream at up to 66.7 MHz in fast parallel configuration (FPP) mode, replacing legacy 5 V EPROM PROMs. Its 3.3 V single supply matches Stratix VCCIO without level shifters, and IEEE 1532 JTAG allows field firmware updates without board removal. The nINIT_CONF pin can restart FPGA configuration on demand, simplifying multi-FPGA board bring-up. The PQFP-100 package provides robust mechanical reliability for industrial telecom and military/aerospace applications.
Recommended
Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration
The EPC8QC100N fits Cyclone, Cyclone II, and Cyclone III bitstreams that compress to under 8 Mbit. Its 66.7 MHz maximum configuration clock completes Cyclone-II configuration in under 100 ms, well below typical power-supply ramp windows. Single 3.3 V operation removes the need for 5 V rails on cost-sensitive consumer and industrial boards, and JTAG/1532 ISP enables remote firmware updates over Ethernet-connected MCUs. The PQFP-100 footprint is shared with EPC4QC100N, supporting cost-down on smaller bitstreams.
Recommended
APEX 20K Series FPGA Boot Memory
APEX 20K and APEX II FPGAs use parallel configuration with the EPC8QC100N providing the multi-Mbit bitstream. The nINIT_CONF pin enables software-controlled reconfiguration, useful for APEX systems that switch between two personalities at runtime. Industrial temperature grades (via EPC8QI100N drop-in alternative) extend operation to -40 C to +85 C for factory-floor APEX designs. The IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface is supported by legacy Altera Quartus-II programmers for in-system programming during board test.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Bring-Up
Telecom line cards using multiple Altera FPGAs benefit from the EPC8QC100N's parallel configuration mode and the nINIT_CONF pin for synchronized multi-FPGA boot sequences. Each FPGA on the line card can be daisy-chained or fed from its own EPC8 device, and the 66.7 MHz clock keeps total boot time under 500 ms even for four-FPGA configurations. Field-serviceable bitstream updates via JTAG eliminate the need to remove line cards for firmware upgrades, a critical MTBF improvement for carrier-grade telecom infrastructure.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Avionics
Avionics systems requiring non-volatile, radiation-tolerant FPGA configuration rely on the EPC8QC100N's mature Flash-based design and extended-temperature drop-in variants. The PQFP-100 package withstands vibration and thermal cycling better than BGAs in some legacy avionics enclosures. IEEE 1532 in-system programmability allows depot-level firmware updates without desoldering, reducing mean-time-to-repair. The single 3.3 V supply simplifies power-tree design in 28 V avionics buses when paired with hold-up converters.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Multi-FPGA Boards
PLC and motion-controller boards pair EPC8QC100N devices with multiple Altera FPGAs to distribute real-time processing across parallel logic. The 66.7 MHz configuration clock brings all FPGAs online within deterministic time windows, essential for safety-rated industrial controllers that must reach a known state within a defined power-on interval. Field firmware updates via JTAG/1532 ISP allow factory operators to roll out new PLC logic without halting production lines, significantly reducing total cost of ownership.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC8QC100N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC4QC100N | EPC16QC100N | EPC8QI100N | EPC8QC100 | EPC8Q100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | PQFP-100 | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same | PQFP-100 - same |
| Memory Density | 8 Mbit | 4 Mbit (-50%) | 16 Mbit (+100%) | 8 Mbit (same) | 8 Mbit (same) | 8 Mbit (same) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Max Configuration Clock | 66.7 MHz | 66.7 MHz | 66.7 MHz | 66.7 MHz | 66.7 MHz | 66.7 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| IEEE 1532 ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in density options within the EPC family (vs EPC4QC100N and EPC16QC100N)
- Industrial-temperature drop-in available (vs EPC8QI100N)
- nINIT_CONF pin for on-demand reconfiguration (vs EPC8QC100 (no N-suffix variant))
Design Notes
The EPC8QC100N operates from a single 3.3 V supply on VCC pins. Decouple each VCC pin with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or polymer capacitor near the device. The internal Flash read during configuration can draw up to 50 mA peak; ensure the upstream regulator has at least 200 mA of headroom above quiescent current. For Stratix-II systems where VCCIO is 1.8 V or 2.5 V, add series resistors (33 ohm) on DCLK and DATA[15:0] lines to limit voltage excursions and reduce signal-integrity issues.
The PQFP-100 package has 0.65 mm lead pitch and requires careful soldering with no-clean SAC305 paste and a profiled reflow ramp no faster than 2 C/s. Keep all 100 traces on inner PCB layers and route length-matched within 25 mm on the 16-bit DATA bus to meet the 66.7 MHz timing budget. Place the EPC8QC100N within 50 mm of the FPGA's DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins to keep configuration-clock edges clean. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on nCONFIG and nSTATUS to VCCIO of the FPGA.
Do not attempt to use the EPC8QC100N with FLEX 10K or other 5 V-only Altera FPGAs - the EPC device is a 3.3 V part and will not drive 5 V inputs reliably. When migrating from EPC4QC100N to EPC8QC100N, verify that the Quartus .sof-to-.hex conversion correctly uses the lower-density option for backward compatibility - EPC8 bitstreams can be downgraded to EPC4 format but the reverse is not possible. The nINIT_CONF pin is active-low; floating it leaves the JTAG private instruction disabled. Always tie unused DATA[7:0] to GND through 10 kohm resistors on 16-bit-configured boards running in 8-bit mode.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not specified in the verified web data; verify with supplier before use in RoHS-compliant designs. The EPC8 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose EPC8QI100N for industrial-grade applications.
