EPCQ64SI16N

EPCQ64SI16N Overview

The EPCQ64SI16N is a high-density Serial Configuration (SRAM) Device from the EPCQ series, offering advanced capabilities for configuring and storing FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and other programmable devices. With a substantial memory size and flexible interface options, the EPCQ64SI16N is ideal for applications in industrial, automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. This component simplifies system designs by enabling easy reconfiguration of FPGAs and offers fast, reliable memory storage for custom logic.

Key Specifications

• Memory Capacity: 64 Mb (Megabits)
• Voltage Supply: 3.0V to 3.6V
• Operating Current: Active current of 20 mA (typical), Standby current of 1 µA (typical)
• Interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) for flexible and high-speed data transfer
• Package Type: 16-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit)
• Dimensions: 5.0mm x 6.0mm x 1.75mm
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Programming Voltage: 3.0V (typical)
• Data Rate: Up to 50 MHz SPI clock speed
• Tolerances: ±5% for voltage supply

Unique Features and Benefits

• High-Density Storage: With 64 Mb of memory, the EPCQ64SI16N provides ample storage for FPGA configuration data, enabling more complex designs and applications.
• Fast SPI Interface: The high-speed SPI interface ensures quick configuration, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring fast boot times and low latency.
• Low Power Consumption: The device operates with very low standby current, allowing it to preserve energy in battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.
• Small Form Factor: The compact 16-pin SOIC package allows it to be easily integrated into space-constrained designs while providing significant memory capacity.

Benefits:

• Faster Design Iterations: The ability to store multiple configuration files allows designers to quickly switch between configurations without needing to replace hardware.
• Reduced Component Count: With high-density memory in a compact package, the EPCQ64SI16N reduces the need for multiple memory chips, helping to streamline your bill of materials.
• Increased Reliability: Its robust operating temperature range and low power consumption ensure reliable performance in a variety of industrial and consumer environments.

Practical Applications & Use Cases

• FPGA Configuration: The EPCQ64SI16N is commonly used to configure FPGAs in both high-end and low-power systems, ensuring they boot with the desired configuration data.
• Embedded Systems: This device is well-suited for embedded systems where non-volatile memory is required for storing critical configuration data.
• Automotive Electronics: Used in automotive applications for configuring automotive ECUs (Electronic Control Units) with custom logic and firmware.
• Telecommunications Equipment: Essential in networking devices like switches and routers, where fast configuration of programmable logic is required.
• Industrial Automation: The EPCQ64SI16N is used to store configurations for control systems and sensor interfaces, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions.

Problem-Solving Scenarios:

• Space-Constrained Designs: The compact SOIC package is perfect for applications where PCB real estate is limited but high-density memory is still necessary.
• Frequent Configuration Changes: If your system requires regular changes to its FPGA configuration, the EPCQ64SI16N allows for fast reconfiguration through its SPI interface, streamlining updates and revisions.
• Energy-Sensitive Applications: In battery-operated devices, the EPCQ64SI16N’s low standby current helps extend battery life without sacrificing memory capacity.

Compatibility & Integration

• System Compatibility: The EPCQ64SI16N is compatible with a variety of Altera (now Intel) FPGAs and programmable logic devices that use SPI for configuration.
• Installation: The device is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package, making it suitable for standard PCB assembly processes. It is easy to integrate into existing systems with SPI interface support.
• Programming: The device is programmable via a standard SPI programmer. A suitable software tool (like Intel's Quartus Prime) is required to load configuration files onto the EPCQ64SI16N.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum operating voltage for the EPCQ64SI16N?

• The device operates with a voltage supply range of 3.0V to 3.6V, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

2. Can the EPCQ64SI16N be used in automotive or harsh environments?

• Yes, the operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C makes it suitable for use in automotive and industrial environments, where temperature extremes are common.

3. What type of systems can the EPCQ64SI16N be used with?

• The EPCQ64SI16N is compatible with FPGAs and programmable logic devices that support SPI-based configuration, including Altera (Intel) FPGAs.

4. What tools are required to program the EPCQ64SI16N?

• You will need an SPI programmer and appropriate software tools, such as Intel Quartus Prime, to load the configuration data onto the device.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Configuration Issues: If the EPCQ64SI16N fails to configure the connected FPGA, check the connections to the SPI interface and verify that the power supply is stable within the recommended range (3.0V to 3.6V).
• Low-Speed Communication: Ensure that the clock speed for SPI programming does not exceed the specified maximum data rate of 50 MHz. A higher clock speed may cause communication errors.

Conclusion

The EPCQ64SI16N is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-density, and low-power serial configuration device. Its ease of integration, fast SPI interface, and robust performance make it the perfect solution for configuring FPGAs and other programmable logic devices in a wide range of applications, from industrial control systems to telecommunications.

EPCQ64SI16N Specifications