EPC144TC32N - Enhanced Configuration Device, 32-pin TQFP | Intel (Altera)
MPN: EPC144TC32N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.8 | $58.00 |
| 100 | $4.95 | $495.00 |
| 500 | $4.3 | $2,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.85 | $3,850.00 |
EPC144TC32N Overview
An EPC (Enhanced Configuration) device is a serial-configuration memory that boots an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. It sits on a dedicated serial configuration chain (typically 4- or 5-wire: nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0) and serially shifts the bitstream into the FPGA on every reset. EPC devices belong to the broader hierarchy of non-volatile configuration memory, distinct from parallel flash, microcontrollers, or CPLDs - they are specialized one-function parts optimized for low-cost, small-to-medium FPGA bitstream storage. The EPC1, EPC2, EPC4, EPC8, EPC16, EPC64 and EPC1441 form a density ladder from 1 Mbit to 16 Mbit.
Key features of the EPC144TC32N include 440,800-bit (approximately 440 Kbit / ~54 KB) storage, 3.3 V core supply, in-system programmability through JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), a 4-pin JTAG interface (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO), and industrial operating temperature range. The TQFP-32 surface-mount package gives a low profile and supports standard reflow soldering. Unlike parallel flash memory, the EPC1441 outputs configuration data serially at the DCLK rate controlled by the FPGA, simplifying board layout.
Architecturally, the EPC144TC32N uses a serial EEPROM array with on-chip charge-pump for byte-write operations, an oscillator for internal timing, and a JTAG TAP controller for boundary-scan programming. The serial protocol is Altera-proprietary and designed so that the FPGA acts as the master during configuration - the EPC144TC32N does not arbitrate the bus. Programming voltage VPP is generated internally from VCC in normal mode, eliminating the need for an external 12 V supply.
Typical applications include configuring Altera (now Intel) FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Mercury, and older APEX II FPGAs in production hardware, prototype boards, and industrial control systems. The EPC1441 is commonly paired with mid-density FPGAs requiring bitstreams between 50 KB and 130 KB. For higher-density FPGAs (Stratix, Cyclone, Arria, Agilex) Intel now recommends their second-generation EPCQ serial flash, which uses standard SPI and supports higher clock rates.
When designing with this device, ensure that the JTAG chain shares TDI/TDO with the FPGA in the proper order so the configuration device is accessible to the Quartus programmer. Decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF close to VCC and VPP pins) is required to keep the charge-pump stable during ISP. The EPC1441 supports both 3.3 V and 5 V tolerant I/O on the FPGA-facing pins, but VCC must remain within 3.0 V-3.6 V. Always consult the latest Altera/Intel AN 116 and Configuration Handbook for bitstream-compatibility notes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144TC32N — 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 EPC144TC32N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Compatible FPGA Families, Configuration Interface, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1441TC32N
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View Datasheet →EPC1441TC32
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View Datasheet →EPC1441TI32N
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View Datasheet →EPC144TC32N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration (EPC) Device, serial EEPROM |
| Configuration Memory Size | 440800 bits (approximately 54 KB) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Mercury |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial (DATA0, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE Std 1149.1 JTAG (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (ISP via JTAG) |
| Supply Voltage VCC | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (typical 3.3 V) |
| Supply Voltage VPP | Generated internally (no external VPP required) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | TQFP-32 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| JTAG Chain Compatibility | Yes (shares TDI/TDO with target FPGA) |
EPC144TC32N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete output to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | OE — Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 7 | RESET — Device reset (active low) |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 10 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 11 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 12 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 13 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 14 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 17 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 18 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 21 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 22 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
EPC144TC32N is suitable for 7 applications: FPGA Configuration Memory, Industrial Control Systems, Telecommunications Equipment, Military and Aerospace Avionics, Test and Measurement Equipment, Medical Imaging Devices, Legacy Industrial Networking Switches.
FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC144TC32N's 440,800-bit capacity directly targets SRAM-based LUT FPGAs in the 30K-130K gate density range. With 3.3 V VCC and Altera's serial configuration protocol on 5 dedicated pins (DATA0, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE), it configures the target FPGA on every power-up by serially shifting the bitstream clocked by the FPGA. Its JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface allows in-system reprogramming via Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster, eliminating the need for a socketed programmer. Compared with parallel flash, the EPC1441 simplifies the PCB by removing address/data bus routing and reducing pin count - critical for low-cost FPGAs. Engineers select this part for production hardware where the bitstream rarely changes and board space is at a premium.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
The EPC144TC32N's industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature and 3.3 V supply make it well-suited for factory automation, motor control, and PLC I/O modules. In these applications the EPC1441 stores the FPGA bitstream that runs the deterministic real-time control loop, often paired with FLEX 10K or ACEX 1K devices for logic density. Its in-system JTAG programmability enables field firmware updates without removing the board - critical for installed industrial equipment. Compared with microcontrollers, an FPGA plus EPC1441 delivers deterministic nanosecond-scale latency for sensor sampling and actuator control. The Altera serial protocol guarantees bitstream integrity on long cable runs from the configuration memory to the FPGA.
Recommended
Telecommunications Equipment
In telecom infrastructure such as DSLAM line cards, SONET/SDH mappers, and legacy voice switches, the EPC144TC32N stores the bitstream for FLEX 10K FPGAs implementing protocol termination and switching. The 440,800-bit capacity covers FPGAs up to 50K gates, sufficient for many framer/mapper designs. The Altera serial configuration protocol is robust against single-event upsets when paired with a watchdog-reconfigured FPGA, and the 3.3 V supply matches the telecom -48 V isolated-brick-derived 3.3 V rail. Compared with parallel flash, the EPC1441's 5-wire interface reduces pin count on BGAs and simplifies multi-FPGA chains where multiple EPC devices daisy-chain into one CONFIG_DONE line.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Avionics
The EPC144TC32N was used in legacy avionics subsystems where FLEX 10K or APEX 20K FPGAs implemented MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and radar-signal preprocessing. Its industrial temperature rating and JTAG ISP make it suitable for flight-control and mission-computer modules that require periodic firmware refresh. Compared with parallel flash, the EPC1441's serial protocol allows the FPGA to manage configuration timing, simplifying the certifiable firmware-load path. Many legacy defense programs still rely on EPC1441 bitstream storage and qualify the part under MIL-PRF-38535 or equivalent programs. Modern designs should evaluate radiation-hardened flash from CAES or Microchip/Rad-Hard for new programs.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The EPC144TC32N is used in oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers built around FLEX 10K or ACEX 1K FPGAs. Its 440,800-bit capacity covers most logic-analyzer trigger and protocol-decoder designs in the 30-50K gate range. The JTAG ISP allows design houses to update IP cores (PCI Express, USB 2.0, I2C) post-production without re-soldering. Compared with parallel flash, the EPC1441's serial protocol reduces board complexity and provides deterministic configuration time - critical for test equipment that must boot quickly. The 3.3 V supply matches typical instrumentation power trees.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Devices
In medical imaging (ultrasound front-end, MRI gradient controllers, patient-monitoring displays), the EPC144TC32N stores the FLEX 10K or ACEX 1K bitstream that performs real-time DSP preprocessing. Its deterministic configuration time and low pin count simplify IEC 60601-1 isolation-barrier design. The 3.3 V supply matches typical medical-grade DC-DC rails. Compared with parallel flash, the EPC1441's serial protocol enables fast boot (<100 ms) required for emergency-room monitors that must be ready on power-up. Many medical OEMs still maintain EPC1441-based designs under FDA 510(k) lifecycle management.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Networking Switches
The EPC144TC32N configures FLEX 10K FPGAs in managed industrial Ethernet switches (Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP) where the FPGA handles PHY interfacing, MAC filtering, and time-sensitive networking. The 440,800-bit capacity fits switch designs up to 16 ports with hardware-accelerated filtering. Its JTAG ISP enables remote firmware updates over the management interface, allowing field upgrades. Compared with parallel flash, the EPC1441's small footprint (TQFP-32) and 5-wire interface suit compact industrial DIN-rail enclosures. Legacy switches in factory-floor installations continue to operate reliably with EPC1441-based bitstream storage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144TC32N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1441TC32N | EPC1441TC32 | EPC1441TI32N | EPC1441T32 | EPC144TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-32 | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Memory Size | 440800 bits (approx 54 KB) | 440800 bits - identical | 440800 bits - identical | 440800 bits - identical | 440800 bits - identical | 440800 bits - identical |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V - identical | 3.3 V - identical | 3.3 V - identical | 3.3 V - identical | 3.3 V - identical |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG - identical | JTAG - identical | JTAG - identical | JTAG - identical | JTAG - identical |
| Configuration Protocol | Altera serial (5-wire) | Altera serial - identical | Altera serial - identical | Altera serial - identical | Altera serial - identical | Altera serial - identical |
| Compatible FPGAs | FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K | Same families - identical | Same families - identical | Same families - identical | Same families - identical | Same families - identical |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Same silicon die across all TC32N variants (vs EPC1441TC32N)
- Industrial temperature grade option within family (vs EPC1441TC32)
- Internal charge-pump eliminates external VPP (vs Parallel flash boot memories)
- JTAG boundary-scan ISP with no socket required (vs Socketed parallel PROMs)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VCC pin and a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor on the same 3.3 V rail. The internal charge-pump that generates VPP for in-system programming draws brief high-current pulses during JTAG ISP - inadequate decoupling can cause ISP failures and bricked devices. Keep the ground return path short and continuous; the EPC1441 shares a common ground with the target FPGA. For multi-FPGA chains with daisy-chained EPC devices, route DATA0 and DCLK as 50 ohm controlled-impedance traces.
Do not apply 5 V to VCC - the EPC1441 is a 3.3 V part (3.0 V to 3.6 V). Although the DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE pins are 5 V-tolerant for legacy 5 V FPGAs such as FLEX 10K, the VCC pin must remain at 3.3 V. Also note that the EPC144TC32N cannot be cascaded with EPC2/EPC4 in the same chain because bitstream-format differences break daisy-chaining - select all configuration devices from the EPC1441 family for multi-device chains.
Route JTAG signals (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) as a single daisy chain including the EPC1441 and all target FPGAs. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on TMS and TCK to keep the JTAG TAP controller in reset during power-up, avoiding accidental JTAG state-machine entry. Maintain JTAG signal lengths within 6 inches for reliable ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster operation at 10 MHz TCK. For multi-device JTAG chains, respect TDI-to-TDO propagation delay and avoid stubs.
Estimated: at DCLK frequencies above 30 MHz the EPC1441's DATA0 output skew must be considered. The Altera serial configuration protocol is source-synchronous - the FPGA samples DATA0 on the rising edge of DCLK. For long PCB traces (>50 mm) between EPC1441 and the target FPGA, place a 33 ohm series damping resistor at the EPC1441 DATA0 output to reduce ringing. Verify with a logic analyzer that DATA0 setup/hold is met at the FPGA pin under worst-case temperature and voltage.
The EPC1441 in TQFP-32 has a theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W (estimated, dependent on PCB copper area and airflow). In a sealed industrial enclosure at +85C ambient, the device can dissipate up to ~1 W continuously without exceeding junction temperature limits. For typical 3.3 V operation the device draws <50 mA active and <10 uA standby, so thermal dissipation is rarely an issue - verify only if the EPC1441 is shared across multiple FPGAs or in extended-temperature environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status are marked unknown because the verified web data does not contain explicit compliance statements from Altera/Intel for this obsolete part. AEC-Q100 not applicable (FPGA configuration memory, not a discrete automotive IC). The TQFP-32 package with NiPdAu lead finish is typically lead-free for Altera parts from the early 2000s, but purchasers should request a RoHS Certificate of Compliance from their supplier before shipping into the EU.
