EPCS16SI8N Manufacturer, Market Trend, Application Fields and More

21 February 2024


Ⅰ. Overview of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅱ. Manufacturer of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅲ. Specifications of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅳ. Dimensions and package of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅴ. Functional description of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅵ. Application fields of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅶ. Market trend of EPCS16SI8N

Ⅷ. How to choose the appropriate operating mode of EPCS16SI8N?



EPCS16SI8N is packaged in 8-SOIC and is part of the EPCS series of electronic component chips. It is designed to run as an End-of-Life (EOL) component. In this article, we will discuss some key points related to EPCS16SI8N, including specifications, manufacturer, dimensions and package, market trend and application fields, so that you can have an in-depth understanding of this device. So let’s get started!



Ⅰ. Overview of EPCS16SI8N


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The EPCS16SI8N is a configuration memory chip designed specifically for storing configuration information within digital circuits. Classified as an obsolete (EOL) component, it comes packaged in SOIC-8 format, making it suitable for surface mount device or surface mount technology installations. Critical to its proper functioning, the chip requires operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. It operates within a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 3.6V and offers a memory size of 16 Mbit, ensuring sufficient capacity for configuration storage. With a clock frequency of 40 MHz, it facilitates efficient data processing within the digital circuits it serves.


Alternatives and equivalents:

AT17F16-30CI

AT17F16A-30CC

EPCS1SI8N

ISO7840DW

ISO7840DWR



Ⅱ. Manufacturer of EPCS16SI8N


EPCS16SI8N is produced by Altera, which has now been acquired by Intel. Altera was founded in 1983 and currently has more than 3,000 employees in 19 countries around the world. Since inventing the world's first programmable logic device two decades ago, Altera has continued its tradition of innovation and become the world's advocate for "System on Programmable Chip" (SOPC) solutions. The FPGA chips produced by Altera are mainly used in telecommunications and wireless communication equipment, and involve industries such as automobiles, industry, military equipment, and networks. Among its biggest customers are China's Huawei and Sweden's Ericsson.



Ⅲ. Specifications of EPCS16SI8N


• The memory size of EPCS16SI8N is 16MB.

• Its operating temperature is -40°C to 85°C.

• Its installation method is SMD or SMT.

• Its power supply voltage is 2.7V to 3.6V.

• It comes in SOIC-8 package and tube packaging.

• The manufacturer of EPCS16SI8N is Altera (now acquired by Intel).

• EPCS16SI8N has a length of 4.9 mm, a width of 3.9 mm, and a height of 1.65 mm.



Ⅳ. Dimensions and package of EPCS16SI8N

 

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The EPCS16SI8N has a length of 4.9 mm, a width of 3.9 mm, and a height of 1.65 mm. This memory chip comes in SOIC-8 package and tube packaging. The SOIC-8 package can not only accommodate more memory chips, but also improve the stability and reliability of the chip. The tube packaging can prevent the memory chip from being affected by environmental factors, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the memory chip.



Ⅴ. Functional description of EPCS16SI8N


To use the SRAM-based device configuration system, the configuration data must be loaded each time the device is powered on. The EPCS device is a flash memory device that can store configuration data that you use for FPGA configuration purpose after power on. You can use the EPCS device on all FPGA that support AS x1 configuration scheme. For an 8-pin SOIC package, you can migrate vertically from the EPCS1 device to the EPCS4 or EPCS16 device. For a 16-pin SOIC package, you can migrate vertically from the EPCS64 device to the EPCS128 device. With support for the new data decompression feature, you can determine which EPCS device to use to store the configuration data used to configure the FPGA.



Ⅵ. Application fields of EPCS16SI8N


EPCS16SI8N is often used in the following fields:


• Automation control: In automation control systems, EPCS16SI8N can be used to store the program or configuration information of controllers to realize automatic control and management of equipment or systems.


• Parameter storage: The EPCS16SI8N is used to store parameter settings in digital circuits, such as communication protocol parameters and system configuration parameters. When a digital circuit starts up or runs, the EPCS16SI8N can provide the required configuration information to ensure that the circuit operates correctly according to the preset parameters.


• FPGA configuration: At startup, the FPGA can read its configuration information from the EPCS16SI8N. This configuration information includes preset parameters and logic structures to properly initialize its internal logic and connections.


• Microcontroller boot code: Some microcontrollers have the ability to boot from external memory. The EPCS16SI8N can be used to store the microcontroller's boot code to be loaded into the microcontroller's internal program memory at power-up.


• Firmware storage: The EPCS16SI8N is not only used to store parameter settings in digital circuits, but is also widely used to store firmware and other important data in digital systems. Firmware is software embedded in the hardware that controls the operation of the hardware device. For digital signal processors, firmware may include algorithms and programs used to process digital signals. By storing this firmware in the EPCS16SI8N, the DSP is able to quickly load and execute these programs when needed, enabling efficient signal processing functions.



Ⅶ. Market trend of EPCS16SI8N


The data in the figure below comes from xcc.com. We will analyze the market trend of EPCS16SI8N in terms of price and inventory.


1. Price of EPCS16SI8N


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As shown in the figure, the highest price of EPCS16SI8N began to stabilize at 223.71 yuan in August. At the same time, its average price also showed a downward trend. Specifically, the average price of EPCS16SI8N dropped to its lowest point in July, at 34.92 yuan, and reached its highest point in December, at 223.71 yuan. An obvious trend in the figure is that the highest price, lowest price and average price of this material are exactly the same in December, which is mainly affected by inventory changes.


2. Stock of EPCS16SI8N


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The inventory of EPCS16SI8N in the past six months was insufficient and fluctuated greatly. Such fluctuations may be caused by a variety of factors, such as supply shortages, changes in market demand, or adjustments to inventory management strategies. This inventory instability may have an impact on prices, causing them to fluctuate. After entering 2024, the inventory of EPCS16SI8N began to rebound.



Ⅷ. How to choose the appropriate operating mode of EPCS16SI8N?


This chip supports a variety of operation modes, including parallel mode, active serial mode, passive serial mode and boundary scan mode. Which mode to choose depends on our application requirements, hardware configuration and the characteristics of the FPGA or CPLD used.


1. Parallel Mode


Parallel mode is suitable for scenarios that require high-speed configuration. In this mode, the EPCS16SI8N receives configuration data from the FPGA or CPLD through the parallel interface. When using parallel mode, we need to make sure that the FPGA or CPLD supports parallel interfaces and additional wiring is required to connect these devices.


2. Active Serial (AS) Mode


AS mode is the default operation mode of the EPCS16SI8N. In this mode, the EPCS16SI8N receives configuration data from the FPGA or CPLD through the serial interface. AS mode is suitable for most applications because it is simple and does not require additional hardware configuration.


3. Passive Serial (PS) Mode


PS mode is suitable for scenarios where the EPCS16SI8N needs to be connected to multiple FPGAs or CPLDs. In PS mode, EPCS16SI8N configuration data is transferred from external devices (e.g. microprocessor) to FPGA or CPLD via parallel bus.


4. Boundary Scan (JTAG) Mode


JTAG mode is usually used for testing and debugging purposes. Through the JTAG interface, we can use a boundary-scan tool (e.g. Intel's Quartus Prime) to configure the FPGA or CPLD. If we are doing hardware development or debugging, the JTAG mode can be very useful. However, in a production environment, it may not be the most efficient configuration method.


When selecting the operation mode for the EPCS16SI8N, we should consider several key factors. First, it is critical to ensure that both the FPGA or CPLD and external devices support the selected operation mode. If we frequently need to update and debug the FPGA or CPLD configuration, JTAG mode may be a good choice because it provides flexible configuration and debugging capabilities. On the other hand, if we have a high demand for configuration speed, we can consider the parallel mode as it usually enables faster configuration speed. However, AS and PS modes are also fast enough to meet the needs of most applications. It is worth noting that parallel and PS modes may require more wiring work as we need to connect additional signal lines.




Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the replacement and equivalent of EPCS16SI8N?


You can replace the EPCS16SI8N with AT17F16-30CI, AT17F16A-30CC, EPCS1SI8N, ISO7840DW or ISO7840DWR.


2. What is the typical application of EPCS16SI8N?


EPCS16SI8N is often used in embedded systems, particularly with FPGAs, where it stores configuration data for the FPGA at startup.


3. What is EPCS16SI8N?


EPCS16SI8N is a serial configuration device manufactured by Intel. It is commonly used for configuring and storing FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) designs.