EPC1441TI32 - 440kb OTP Config PROM for FPGAs | Altera
MPN: EPC1441TI32 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.05 | $130.50 |
| 100 | $11.6 | $1,160.00 |
| 500 | $10.4 | $5,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.3 | $9,300.00 |
EPC1441TI32 Overview
An FPGA configuration PROM is a specialized serial memory that holds the FPGA's bitstream. SRAM-based FPGAs (such as Altera ACEX 1K, APEX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix II, and FLEX families) lose their configuration when power is removed, so they require an external non-volatile boot source. The EPC1441TI32 answers this need with a low-pin-count serial interface, factory or user-programmable OTP cells, and automatic cascade support for multi-device configuration chains.
Key features include a 90 ns access time (approximately 10 MHz flash read bandwidth), 5.0 V single-supply operation, industrial operating temperature range, and a serial data interface that streams the configuration bitstream to the FPGA's MSEL/AS configuration pins. The device supports Altera's Active Serial (AS) configuration mode and provides automatic cascading when multiple PROMs are required for larger FPGA bitstreams.
Technically, the EPC1441TI32 uses CMOS process technology with one-time-programmable flash cells, exposing only DATA, DCLK, nCS, nCASC, OE, and RESET pins to the FPGA. The 16-bit flash data bus DQ[] at 10 MHz yields roughly 160 Mbps of configuration bandwidth, which is sufficient for most legacy Altera FPGA configuration needs but slower than modern Stratix FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) 100 MHz modes that require dedicated parallel PROMs.
Typical applications include configuring legacy Altera ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix II, Mercury, and Arria GX FPGAs in industrial, telecom, and embedded systems. The wide industrial temperature range makes it suitable for factory automation, test equipment, and ruggedized embedded platforms.
When designing with this device, ensure the FPGA's MSEL pins are strapped to select Active Serial (AS) configuration mode, and verify that the EPC1441TI32's 440 kb capacity exceeds the target FPGA's compressed bitstream size. For larger designs, multiple EPC PROMs can be cascaded using the nCASC pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Altera/Intel alternatives, configuration pinout details, and practical design guidance not found in the standalone datasheet, helping engineers shorten the FPGA boot-circuit design cycle.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1441TI32 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 EPC1441TI32 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Supply Voltage, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441TC32N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441T32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1064VTC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.6 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1064TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.68 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441TI32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | OTP Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 440,800 x 1 bit (approximately 440 kb) |
| Memory Organization | Serial, 1-bit data bus |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| Access Time | 90 ns (approximately 10 MHz) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera Active Serial (AS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7 x 7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology | CMOS OTP flash cell |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| 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 |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC pin for multi-PROM chains) |
EPC1441TI32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nCASC β Cascade select (active low) for multi-PROM chains |
| Pin 5 | OE β Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 6 | nRESET β Reset (active low) |
| Pin 7 | VCC β 5.0 V power supply |
| Pin 8 | VCC β 5.0 V power supply |
| Pin 9 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 10 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 12 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 13 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 32 | GND β Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC1441TI32 is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone / Cyclone II FPGA Boot Configuration, Stratix / Stratix II High-Density FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K / APEX II Industrial Control Systems, ACEX 1K Embedded Platform Configuration, FLEX 10K / FLEX 6000 Legacy Board Replacement, Mercury / Arria GX Test and Measurement Equipment.
Cyclone / Cyclone II FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC1441TI32 is purpose-built for Active Serial (AS) configuration of Altera Cyclone and Cyclone II FPGAs, which dominate legacy industrial and embedded designs. The 440 kb density comfortably stores the compressed bitstream of most Cyclone EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, and EP1C20 devices after compression. With 90 ns access time and a 10 MHz DCLK, the PROM streams configuration data into the FPGA's MSEL/AS pins at startup, completing boot in roughly 50-100 ms depending on bitstream size. The 5 V single supply matches the Cyclone family's core/IO voltage rails, eliminating level shifters on the configuration bus.
Recommended
Stratix / Stratix II High-Density FPGA Configuration
For Altera Stratix and Stratix II FPGAs (EP1S10 through EP2S90), the EPC1441TI32 stores the initial boot image when compressed bitstreams fit under 440 kb. Larger Stratix designs cascade multiple EPC PROMs via the nCASC pin to chain configuration data. The serial AS interface with 10 MHz DCLK yields ~160 Mbps throughput, sufficient for Stratix Passive Serial (PS) mode. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports telecom, military, and outdoor industrial deployments where standard commercial PROMs would fail. Engineers should verify compressed bitstream size before selecting this PROM versus higher-density EPCQ4/EPCQ16 devices.
Recommended
APEX 20K / APEX II Industrial Control Systems
The EPC1441TI32 is well suited for APEX 20K and APEX II FPGA configuration in industrial control and factory automation platforms where these legacy FPGAs remain deployed. Its industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) handles factory floor thermal extremes, and the OTP cell prevents accidental re-programming in the field. The 5 V single-supply operation simplifies power tree design on APEX boards that already distribute 5 V across the backplane. With 90 ns access time, configuration completes in under 100 ms for typical APEX 20K100/20K200 designs after bitstream compression.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Embedded Platform Configuration
The EPC1441TI32 serves as the configuration memory for ACEX 1K FPGAs (EP1K10, EP1K30, EP1K50, EP1K100) in legacy embedded designs, particularly where designers need industrial temperature operation in compact form factors. The 32-pin TQFP (7 x 7 mm) footprint saves board area versus larger EPCQ modules, critical for embedded boards with tight layout constraints. With 440 kb of storage, the PROM accommodates compressed ACEX 1K bitstreams comfortably. The OTP cell ensures bitstream integrity throughout the product lifetime - no battery backup required unlike with EEPROM-based boot memory.
Recommended
FLEX 10K / FLEX 6000 Legacy Board Replacement
The EPC1441TI32 supports configuration of FLEX 10K (EPF10K10 through EPF10K250) and FLEX 6000 (EPF6010 through EPF6024) FPGAs, which are still maintained in long-lifecycle aerospace, defense, and industrial programs. The 5 V operation matches FLEX device supply rails, and the OTP cell prevents inadvertent reprogramming during system test or field service. The industrial temperature grade is essential for outdoor telecom base stations and avionics subsystems. When replacing failed boards, the EPC1441TI32 provides bit-identical configuration behavior to original Altera-supplied PROMs.
Recommended
Mercury / Arria GX Test and Measurement Equipment
The EPC1441TI32 is used in Altera Mercury and Arria GX FPGA test platforms, prototyping boards, and bench instrumentation where 5 V logic-level compatibility is required. The 440 kb density fits typical Mercury (EP1M120) and Arria GX (EP1AGX20, EP1AGX35) compressed bitstreams. The serial AS interface simplifies board routing with only DATA, DCLK, nCS, and nCASC signals. Industrial temperature range ensures test equipment operates reliably in production environments, and the OTP cell guarantees bitstream consistency across board revisions, critical for repeatable test results.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1441TI32 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441TC32N | EPC1441TC32 | EPC1441T32 | EPC1064VTC32 | EPC1064TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP - same | 32-TQFP - same |
| Memory Density | 440,800 x 1 (440 kb) | 440,800 x 1 (440 kb) | 440,800 x 1 (440 kb) | 440,800 x 1 (440 kb) | 65,536 x 1 (~64 kb) | 65,536 x 1 (~64 kb) |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Configuration Mode | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) | Active Serial (AS) |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes (nCASC pin) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) (vs EPC1441TC32)
- Highest density in the EPC1441 family (440 kb) (vs EPC1064VTC32)
- 5 V operation matches legacy Altera FPGA rails (vs EPCQ4A / EPCQ16A)
Design Notes
Estimated: Verify FPGA compressed bitstream size before selecting EPC1441TI32. For Cyclone EP1C6 designs with typical compression ratios of 30-50%, bitstreams range from 0.4 to 1.2 Mb, so a single 440 kb EPC1441 is sufficient. For larger Cyclone II EP2C20/EP2C35 designs, the compressed bitstream often exceeds 1 Mb, requiring cascaded EPC PROMs. Using Quartus II, generate the compressed bitstream (.rbf) and check its byte count against the 440,800-bit limit. Failure to verify density causes incomplete configuration and FPGA non-startup.
Place the EPC1441TI32 within 50 mm of the FPGA's MSEL/AS configuration pins (DATA, DCLK, nCS, nCASC, OE, nRESET) to minimize trace inductance on the configuration bus. Use 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane beneath the configuration traces; route DATA and DCLK on adjacent layers with ground return paths to avoid coupling. Estimated: keep DCLK trace length below 25 mm to prevent signal integrity issues at the 10 MHz configuration clock. Decouple VCC pins with 100 nF ceramic + 10 uF bulk capacitors placed within 3 mm of the package.
The EPC1441TI32 requires a stable 5.0 V +/- 5% supply during FPGA configuration. Estimated: configuration current draw peaks at 30-50 mA during read cycles, dropping to <5 mA in standby. Use a low-noise LDO (e.g., LM7805 or TPS7A4533) rather than a switching regulator to avoid injecting switching noise into the configuration bus. Add a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor at the PROM VCC pin to handle inrush during read cycles. Verify supply sequencing: VCCINT (FPGA core) and VCC (EPC PROM) must rise together to avoid latch-up.
Per Altera's Altera Configuration Handbook (now archived), MSEL pins on the target FPGA must be strapped to select Active Serial (AS) mode (MSEL[2:0] = 0b000 for standard AS, 0b010 for AS with fast POR). Estimated: incorrect MSEL strapping causes the FPGA to wait indefinitely for configuration data, appearing as a 'dead' board. Always double-check MSEL resistors against the FPGA datasheet's AS mode requirements before debugging other potential issues. For multi-FPGA configuration chains, wire nCASC of the master PROM to nCS of the slave PROM.
Compliance Information
EPC1441TI32 is an obsolete Altera/Intel part. RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free compliance data was not present in the verified web data and is marked as 'unknown'. Compliance status should be verified with the broker before procurement. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for configuration memory devices.
