EPC1441TC32 - 440Kb OTP FPGA Config PROM | Altera | 32-TQFP
MPN: EPC1441TC32 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPC1441TC32 Overview
What is a configuration PROM? A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that stores FPGA bitstream data and serializes it to the target FPGA at power-up via a dedicated configuration interface (typically Altera's passive serial, fast passive parallel, or passive parallel asynchronous schemes). Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, a configuration PROM provides the boot image that the FPGA loads on every power-up, sitting between system power and the FPGA's CONF_DONE/nCONFIG pins. Configuration PROMs sit inside the hierarchy: PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor.
Key features of the EPC1441TC32 include a 440-Kbit (55,000 byte) flash-based storage core, a 16.7 MHz internal oscillator that supports the FPGA configuration clock domain, and 5.0 V / 3.3 V in-system programmability (ISP) through the built-in IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. The device supports daisy-chain configuration of multiple FPGAs and is compatible with ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, Mercury, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, and Stratix II GX device families.
The internal architecture is divided into two major blocks: a configuration controller and the flash memory array. The controller handles the JTAG ISP, the serial configuration clock generation, and the FPGA handshaking via nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE signals. The flash memory stores the compressed or uncompressed bitstream; the controller reads it out sequentially on FPGA request. The EPC1441 family uses page-mode programming to accelerate ISP, reducing factory programming time compared with byte-mode legacy EPC devices.
Typical applications include boot-configuration storage for industrial PLC FPGA controller boards, telecommunications line-card FPGAs, military/aerospace single-board computers using Stratix or APEX devices, and legacy industrial systems requiring long-life-cycle OTP memory. The OTP nature makes the device well suited to designs where the bitstream is finalized at production and never requires field update.
When designing with the EPC1441TC32, observe JTAG chain ordering when the FPGA shares the JTAG bus - the PROM must appear in the expected BSDL scan position. Decouple VCC with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pin, and respect the 5 V / 3.3 V I/O tolerance when interfacing to a 2.5 V or 1.8 V FPGA bank.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441TC32 β 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 EPC1441TC32 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Supported FPGA Families, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441TC-32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441T32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441LC20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC1441LI20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1064TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.68 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441TC32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM (flash-based) |
| Memory Size | 440 Kbit (55000 byte) |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Internal Oscillator | 16.7 MHz |
| In-System Programming | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, Mercury, Stratix, Stratix GX, Stratix II, Stratix II GX |
| Configuration Modes | Passive Serial, Fast Passive Parallel, Passive Parallel Asynchronous |
| Daisy Chain Support | Yes |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7 mm x 7 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.8 mm |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
EPC1441TC32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 2 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 3 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 4 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS β Configuration status to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 6 | nCONFIG β Configuration control from FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 7 | CONF_DONE β Configuration-complete handshaking |
| Pin 8 | VCC β Supply voltage 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Pin 9 | DCLK β Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 10 | DATA β Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 11 | nCS β Chip select (active low) from FPGA |
| Pin 12 | nOE β Output enable (active low) from FPGA |
| Pin 13 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 14 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 15 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | VCC β Supply voltage 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 21 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | VCC β Supply voltage 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Pin 24 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC1441TC32 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial PLC FPGA Boot Configuration, Telecommunications Line-Card FPGA, Legacy Military / Aerospace SBC, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Medical Imaging FPGA Coprocessor, Server & Storage Controller Cards.
Industrial PLC FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1441TC32 is used as a single-device boot PROM for Altera Cyclone or APEX-based FPGA controller boards inside industrial PLCs and motor-control chassis. Its 440 Kbit density covers typical Cyclone configuration bitstreams, and its 5 V / 3.3 V ISP-compatible JTAG interface allows factory programming during the PLC burn-in stage. Because the device is OTP, the bitstream is locked at production, eliminating field-tampering risk on factory-floor equipment. Engineers place it adjacent to the FPGA with a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor and route the JTAG chain through both the PROM and the FPGA for boundary-scan testing.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line-Card FPGA
Inside telecom line cards the EPC1441TC32 provides the bitstream for a Stratix or APEX II FPGA implementing high-speed SERDES glue logic, framing, and packet processing. The PROM's 16.7 MHz internal oscillator drives the FPGA's passive serial configuration clock, and its support for daisy-chain configuration lets one PROM feed multiple FPGAs on the same line card. The 5 V tolerance eases legacy 5 V backplane integration, while JTAG ISP allows factory re-programming for last-minute firmware revisions before the card ships to the central office.
Recommended
Legacy Military / Aerospace SBC
Single-board computers in military and aerospace systems based on the FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, or Mercury FPGA families boot from the EPC1441TC32. The OTP nature of the PROM is an advantage here: the bitstream cannot be modified or corrupted in the field, satisfying tamper-resistance and deterministic-boot requirements common in defense electronics. The 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) package is amenable to the ruggedized SMT assembly flows typical of avionics manufacturing. The PROM's wide FPGA-family support allows a single SBC BOM to host different FPGAs across product variants without redesigning the boot circuit.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top and rack-mounted test instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators) use the EPC1441TC32 to boot Altera FPGAs that implement real-time DSP, trigger logic, and display pipelines. The 440 Kbit density covers mid-range Cyclone-II and APEX designs; the JTAG ISP interface enables production programming during instrument calibration. The commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) is a perfect match for the controlled thermal environment of an instrument chassis, and the small 32-TQFP footprint keeps the boot circuit compact on densely populated DSP boards.
Recommended
Medical Imaging FPGA Coprocessor
Medical imaging platforms (ultrasound, CT, MRI front-end) use Altera Stratix-II or APEX 20K FPGAs as real-time image-pipeline coprocessors, with the EPC1441TC32 as the boot device. The OTP nature guarantees a fixed, FDA-traceable firmware load every time the system powers up - a critical compliance attribute. The PROM's daisy-chain capability lets the same chip also boot an adjacent control FPGA, reducing BOM cost on the imaging board. The wide VCC tolerance (3.3 V / 5.0 V) simplifies integration with mixed-voltage analog front-ends that share the same PCB.
Recommended
Server & Storage Controller Cards
RAID controllers, HBA cards, and SSD controller cards built on Altera APEX 20K or Stratix FPGAs use the EPC1441TC32 to boot their configuration image at PCIe enumeration time. The 5 V tolerant JTAG ISP port allows the PROM to be programmed either before or after board assembly depending on factory flow. The OTP memory ensures the controller firmware is immutable in the field, which is desirable for RAID write-journal logic where the FPGA must run a known-good image on every cold boot. The 32-TQFP SMD package is straightforward to place on the dense controller PCB.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441TC32 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441TC-32 | EPC1441T32 | EPC1441LC20 | EPC1441LI20 | EPC1064TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (now Intel FPGA) | Altera (Intel FPGA) | Altera (Intel FPGA) | Altera (Intel FPGA) | Altera (Intel FPGA) | Altera (Intel FPGA) |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 20-PLCC - different | 20-PLCC - different | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same |
| Memory Size | 440 Kbit (55000 byte) | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 440 Kbit | 64 Kbit (-85%) |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5.0 V | 3.3 V / 5.0 V | 3.3 V / 5.0 V | 3.3 V / 5.0 V | 3.3 V / 5.0 V | 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Internal Oscillator | 16.7 MHz | 16.7 MHz | 16.7 MHz | 16.7 MHz | 16.7 MHz | 16.7 MHz |
| In-System Programming | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG | JTAG |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (mature) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Broadest Altera/Intel FPGA family coverage in the EPC1xxx family (vs EPC1064TC32)
- Surface-mount 32-TQFP package for high-density production boards (vs EPC1441LC20)
- Industry-standard JTAG ISP for factory programming (vs EPC1441PCB)
Design Notes
Place the EPC1441TC32 adjacent to the target FPGA on the same PCB side, with VCC decoupled by a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin. Multiple VCC and GND pins exist on the 32-TQFP package - tie each one to its respective plane with a via to the underlying power or ground pour. The DATA, DCLK, nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE traces should be length-matched (within 5 mm) to avoid setup/hold violations at 16.7 MHz configuration clock. Keep JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) away from switching power nodes to prevent ISP programming failures.
When the EPC1441TC32 and the target FPGA share a JTAG chain, the PROM's TDO must connect to the FPGA's TDI and vice versa, in a daisy-chain topology defined by the BSDL file. Series termination of 33 ohm on TCK is recommended when the JTAG chain exceeds 50 mm or when more than two JTAG devices share the bus. nCS and nOE driven by the FPGA should be pulled high through 10 kohm resistors to VCC at the FPGA end of the trace to prevent floating-chip-select glitches during FPGA power-up ramp.
Because the EPC1441TC32 is OTP, a single bitstream-programming mistake is permanent - the device cannot be erased and reused. Always verify the .pof/.sof programming file with a Quartus II / Quartus Prime simulation against a hardware loopback before ISP programming the production PROM. Do not design the PCB with VCC transient excursions above 5.5 V - the EPC1441 lacks internal ESD protection and over-voltage events can permanently brick the OTP memory array. Finally, do not place the EPC1441 on the same I/O bank as a 1.8 V FPGA: the PROM is 3.3 V / 5.0 V only and level-translation buffers are required.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not explicitly stated in the indexed EPC1441TC32 datasheet text. The device predates Altera's RoHS transition and is widely considered lead-bearing; confirm with distributor or Altera/Intel FPGA before designing into a RoHS-only BOM. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is a commercial-grade configuration PROM, not an automotive-qualified IC.
