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EPCS64SI16N

64Mbit serial Flash for Altera FPGA configuration, AS interface, 3.3V, SOIC-16

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Manufacturer Part：

EPCS64SI16N

Package：

SOIC-16 300mil (10.3 x 7.5 x 2.35mm)

Description

Product Overview

The EPCS64SI16N from Intel (Altera) is a 64Mbit serial Flash memory configuration device designed for FPGA configuration. It supports 3.3V operation with 16-pin SOIC packaging and provides active serial (AS) configuration for Cyclone and Stratix FPGA families.

Key Specifications

Density	64 Mbit (8 MB)
Interface	Active Serial (SPI-compatible)
Supply Voltage	3.0V to 3.6V
Max Clock Frequency	20 MHz
Page Size	256 bytes
Sector Size	65,536 bytes
Programming Time	1.5s typical (full chip)
Endurance	100,000 erase/program cycles
Data Retention	20 years
Operating Temperature	-40 to 85 C
Package	SOIC-16 (300mil)

Features

Optimized for Altera FPGA active serial configuration
Supports DCLK clock rates up to 20MHz
In-system programmable via JTAG or USB-Blaster
Low-power operation with deep-sleep mode
Compatible with Cyclone, Cyclone II, and Stratix series

Applications

FPGA configuration storage for Altera/Intel devices
Embedded system boot firmware
Multi-FPGA configuration chains
Remote firmware update systems
Industrial control and automation logic

Product Introduction:EPCS64SI16N Product Introduction

The EPCS64SI16N from Intel is a 64Mbit serial configuration device specifically designed for active serial (AS) configuration of Altera FPGA families including Cyclone and Stratix. The device stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and automatically loads it upon power-up when connected to the FPGA’s AS configuration interface. It supports clock rates up to 20MHz for fast configuration times and can be reprogrammed in-system through the FPGA’s JTAG interface or a dedicated programming header.

Working Principle:EPCS64SI16N Working Principle

The EPCS64SI16N operates as a serial Flash memory optimized for FPGA configuration. **Active Serial Configuration**: When the FPGA powers up in AS mode, it drives the serial clock (DCLK) and reads configuration data from the EPCS device. The FPGA asserts nCS to select the device, then clocks out data serially on the DATA pin. The entire configuration process is controlled by the FPGA’s built-in configuration controller. **Memory Architecture**: The 64Mbit array is organized as 256-byte pages within 65,536-byte sectors. Page programming writes 256 bytes at a time, while erase operations affect entire sectors. **In-System Programming**: The device can be reprogrammed through the FPGA’s JTAG interface using Intel Quartus software and a USB-Blaster cable. This enables remote firmware updates without physical access to the device. **Multi-Device Chains**: Multiple EPCS devices can be cascaded to configure multiple FPGAs, with the nCS-to-nCS chaining allowing sequential access.

Pin Description:EPCS64SI16N Pin Definition and Functions

Pin	Name	Description
1	nCS	Chip select (active low)
2	DATA	Serial data output to FPGA
3	DCLK	Serial clock from FPGA
4-8	NC/ASDI	No connect / serial data input
9	ASDI	Active serial data input
10	nCONFIG	Configuration reset (active low)
11-14	VCC/GND	Power and ground pins
15	nHOLD	Suspend operation (active low)
16	nWP	Write protect (active low)

Application Scenarios:In which products and applications isEPCS64SI16N used

Cyclone FPGA Config: Primary configuration device for Cyclone IV and Cyclone 10 LP FPGAs
Stratix Boot: Configuration storage for Stratix series with AS interface
Multi-FPGA: Cascaded configuration chain for systems with multiple FPGAs
Remote Update: In-system reprogramming via JTAG for field firmware updates
Industrial Logic: Configuration storage for FPGA-based industrial control systems

Alternative Models:What chips are recommended as replacements for EPCS64SI16N

Model	Manufacturer	Key Difference
EPCS128SI16N	Intel	128Mbit density, same package
EPCS16SI8N	Intel	16Mbit, 8-pin SOIC
EPCQ128ASI16N	Intel	128Mbit, quad SPI, faster config
M25P80-VMN6P	Numonyx	8MB SPI Flash, SOIC-16
S25FL064P0XMFI001	Infineon	64Mbit SPI Flash, SOIC-16