EPC144TC32 - Altera 440kb OTP Configuration PROM | 32-TQFP
MPN: EPC144TC32 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 |
EPC144TC32 Overview
A configuration PROM (programmable read-only memory) is a non-volatile serial memory device that holds the FPGA's bitstream and serially configures the FPGA at power-on via a dedicated configuration interface. The EPC1xx family follows the hierarchy: configuration PROM -> serial memory -> non-volatile memory -> programmable logic support device. These devices replace EPROM/EEPROM-based configuration solutions and streamline FPGA boot logic by integrating the configuration controller, oscillator, and bitstream storage in a single chip.
Key features of the EPC144TC32 include 440,800-bit storage capacity (sufficient for mid-density Altera FPGA bitstreams), a dedicated serial configuration interface (compatible with Altera FLEX/ACEX configuration schemes), low-power CMOS process technology, and an operating voltage range that aligns with classic 5V/3.3V Altera FPGA families. The 32-pin TQFP (7x7) package provides a compact footprint with surface-mount compatibility for volume manufacturing.
Typical applications include Altera FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, and early Cyclone FPGA configuration storage in telecom, industrial control, networking, and embedded systems designs. The EPC144TC32 is most commonly found in legacy Altera-based designs and is often specified in long-lifecycle industrial and aerospace programs.
When designing, note that the EPC144TC32 is OTP (one-time programmable) β once programmed, the bitstream cannot be erased or rewritten. For designs that require field re-programmability, the EPC2 or EPC4 erasable PROMs in the same TQFP-32 footprint should be considered. Verify that the specific Altera FPGA configuration mode (PS, AS, or JTAG) supports this device, as the EPC144 family targets older serial configuration schemes.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144TC32 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 EPC144TC32 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Supported FPGA Families, Operating Temperature, Memory Size.
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 βEPC1441TC-32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1064TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.68 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC144TC32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | OTP Configuration PROM (One-Time Programmable) |
| Manufacturer | Altera (now Intel FPGA) |
| Memory Capacity | 440,800 bits (440 kb) |
| Interface | Serial (Altera proprietary FPGA configuration interface) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time programmable, non-erasable) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Altera FLEX, ACEX, APEX, early Cyclone/Stratix |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (legacy Altera FLEX/ACEX scheme) |
| Process Technology | CMOS (low-power) |
EPC144TC32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β Power supply |
| Pin 2 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 3 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DCLK β Configuration clock input |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (from FPGA) |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (to FPGA) |
| Pin 8 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete indicator |
| Pin 9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 10 | VCC β Power supply |
| Pin 11 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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 | TCK β JTAG test clock (factory programming) |
| Pin 23 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 24 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin 25 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin 26 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 27 | VCC β Power supply |
| 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
EPC144TC32 is suitable for 7 applications: Altera FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration, Altera ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Memory, Altera APEX 20K Mid-Density Configuration, Legacy Industrial Controller PCB, Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot, Aerospace / Defense Legacy System Sustainment, Test & Measurement FPGA Subsystem.
Altera FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration
The EPC144TC32 stores and serially delivers the 440 kb configuration bitstream to Altera FLEX 10K series FPGAs at power-on via the legacy Altera serial configuration interface. The 440,800-bit OTP capacity is sized specifically for FLEX 10K density requirements, eliminating the need for external EPROM boot circuitry. Placed between the FPGA's nCONFIG/nSTATUS pins and the system reset, it provides deterministic cold-start configuration in industrial control boards, telecom line cards, and embedded controllers. Engineers should note that OTP means the bitstream cannot be field-updated, so the design must be production-final before programming.
Recommended
Altera ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC144TC32 was a standard configuration memory for Altera ACEX 1K FPGAs (e.g., EP1K10, EP1K30, EP1K50), supplying the serial bitstream via the FLEX-style configuration scheme. The 440 kb OTP capacity comfortably accommodates ACEX 1K bitstreams up to the EP1K100 device. The 32-pin TQFP package simplifies PCB layout in space-constrained designs such as PCI add-in cards, video processing boards, and DSP front-ends. For production designs, the OTP nature guarantees the bitstream cannot be corrupted by partial programming, which is critical for safety-regulated applications.
Recommended
Altera APEX 20K Mid-Density Configuration
The EPC144TC32 supports boot-loading of Altera APEX 20K series FPGAs (e.g., EP20K100, EP20K200) in designs that fit within the 440 kb bitstream budget. The OTP configuration memory is paired with the APEX device's nCONFIG/DCLK chain to provide deterministic power-on configuration in networking line cards, base-station DSP, and industrial automation controllers. Compared to erasable PROMs, the EPC144TC32 offers the lowest unit cost for high-volume production where bitstream revisions are not expected after release.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Controller PCB
Long-lifecycle industrial controllers, machine tool interfaces, and SCADA systems designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s use the EPC144TC32 to boot Altera FLEX/ACEX FPGAs in 24V-bus, factory-floor environments. The 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) surface-mount package supports volume SMT assembly, and the OTP memory guarantees bitstream integrity over a 15-25 year service life without battery backup. Engineers maintaining these systems must source through obsolete-component distributors because the part was discontinued with the Altera FPGA families it served.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Boot
Telecom infrastructure equipment (SONET/SDH framers, cross-connect switches, base-station controllers) deployed in the late 1990s used Altera FLEX 10K and ACEX 1K FPGAs paired with EPC144TC32 configuration PROMs. The 440 kb OTP memory holds the firmware bitstream for deterministic cold-start after power-cycle events common in central-office environments. Telecom OEMs typically specified OTP configuration memory to prevent accidental field re-programming that could introduce compliance or interoperability issues.
Recommended
Aerospace / Defense Legacy System Sustainment
Aerospace and defense platforms with Altera FLEX/ACEX-based FPGA subsystems use the EPC144TC32 as a qualified configuration memory source. The OTP characteristic is preferred in flight-control and avionics applications because it eliminates the risk of in-flight re-programming or radiation-induced bit-flip corruption in the configuration memory. Sustainment programs for these platforms must maintain a lifetime-buy stock of EPC144TC32 or its pin-compatible EPC1441TC32N variant because authorized Altera/Intel FPGA franchised distributors no longer carry active inventory of this part.
Recommended
Test & Measurement FPGA Subsystem
Legacy bench-top and ATE (automatic test equipment) FPGA subsystems built around Altera ACEX 1K and APEX 20K devices used the EPC144TC32 for configuration storage. The OTP memory simplified production because test fixtures were programmed once at board build and never required firmware updates in the field. Engineers designing replacement PCBs for these instruments must use EPC1441TC32N or EPC2 as drop-in modern alternatives, since the original EPC144TC32 is obsolete and primarily available through aftermarket distributors as of 2026.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144TC32 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441TC32N | EPC1441TC32 | EPC1441T32 | EPC1441TC-32 | EPC1064TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Memory Capacity | 440,800 bits (440 kb) | 440,800 bits (440 kb) - same | 440,800 bits (440 kb) - same | 440,800 bits (440 kb) - same | 440,800 bits (440 kb) - same | ~65 kb (lower density) |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP - same | OTP - same | OTP - same | OTP - same | OTP - same |
| Interface | Altera legacy serial configuration | Altera legacy serial configuration - same | Altera legacy serial configuration - same | Altera legacy serial configuration - same | Altera legacy serial configuration - same | Altera legacy serial configuration - same |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX / ACEX / APEX / early Cyclone | FLEX / ACEX / APEX / early Cyclone - same | FLEX / ACEX / APEX / early Cyclone - same | FLEX / ACEX / APEX / early Cyclone - same | FLEX / ACEX / APEX / early Cyclone - same | FLEX / ACEX (smaller FPGAs only) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete (newer revision) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Density Designator | 144 (440 kb) | 1441 (440 kb) | 1441 (440 kb) | 1441 (440 kb) | 1441 (440 kb) | 1064 (~65 kb) |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in compatible with the modern EPC1441 family (vs EPC1441TC32N)
- Suitable for higher-density FPGAs than the smaller EPC1064 (vs EPC1064TC32)
- OTP (one-time programmable) for bitstream integrity (vs EPC2TC32 (erasable))
Design Notes
The EPC144TC32 is OTP (one-time programmable) β once programmed, the bitstream cannot be erased or rewritten. Engineers must verify the final bitstream file before programming the device. For prototypes or designs requiring firmware updates, use an EPC2 erasable PROM in the same TQFP-32 footprint, or migrate to a modern EPCS/EPCQ flash-based configuration device with PCB redesign. Attempting to re-program an already-programmed EPC144TC32 will result in verification failures.
Place the EPC144TC32 as close as possible to the target Altera FPGA's configuration pins (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA) to minimize trace length and signal integrity issues. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each VCC pin of the EPC144TC32, with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) footprint requires standard SMT reflow profile; ensure PCB pad design matches JEDEC MSL classification (exact MSL level: [DATA_NEEDED]).
The EPC144TC32 serial configuration interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) operates at low frequencies (<= 33 MHz typical for Altera FLEX/ACEX configuration) but is sensitive to ground bounce during power-on. Route the DCLK trace as a controlled-impedance microstrip or stripline with a ground reference plane beneath it. Keep the nCONFIG signal pulled high through a 4.7 kohm resistor to VCC, and CONF_DONE pulled high through a 4.7 kohm resistor to VCC per Altera reference designs. Avoid routing configuration traces near switching power or high-speed digital signals.
Because the EPC144TC32 is obsolete, sourcing requires careful counterfeit-risk management. As of 2026-09-11, the part is available only through aftermarket distributors (Chipdigger, Jotrin, DigiPart, Alibaba brokers). When purchasing, request lot-date-code traceability, factory-programming verification reports, and X-ray or decapsulation inspection if possible. For aerospace/defense applications, insist on certificates of conformance and, ideally, source from distributors who can trace parts back to the original Altera wafer fab. Avoid brokers with no technical documentation or warranty support.
Compliance Information
The EPC144TC32 is an obsolete Altera legacy part; original Altera datasheet compliance data not verified in current web sources. The 'N' suffix on EPC1441TC32N variants typically denotes lead-free compliance per Altera's late-1990s/early-2000s part-number conventions, but this cannot be verified from the provided web data.
