EPC144TI32 - 32-Pin TQFP Altera Configuration Device | Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC144TI32 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.4 | $4,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.1 | $7,100.00 |
EPC144TI32 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device purpose-built for storing FPGA configuration bitstreams. In the Altera configuration hierarchy, the EPC family sits below SRAM-based LUTs (which must be re-loaded at every power-up) and above the host processor or JTAG chain. The PROM bitstream is shifted into the target FPGA's configuration RAM through a serial daisy-chain, with the FPGA's nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, and DCLK signals orchestrating the handshake.
Key features of the EPC144TI32 include 441,000 configuration-bit density (sufficient for mid-density FPGAs), a TQFP-32 surface-mount footprint, single-supply operation (typically 3.3 V VCC), in-system programmability through the JTAG-compatible interface, and industrial operating temperature range. It is pin-to-pin compatible with other EPC144 TQFP-32 variants, allowing design reuse across the EPC144 family and between industrial- and commercial-grade versions of the same density. Designers also benefit from drop-in compatibility with higher-density EPC devices (EPC1, EPC2, EPC4) in many reference designs, easing migration as design complexity grows.
From an architectural standpoint, the EPC144TI32 uses a memory cell optimized for fast serial output rather than random-access read performance. Programming is performed in-system through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG chain shared with the target FPGA. Device endurance is rated for one-time-programmable (OTP) operation; for in-application reconfigurability Altera recommends the EPCS-series (Serial Configuration) devices instead.
Typical applications include FPGA configuration memory for industrial controllers, factory automation, telecommunications line cards, and test-and-measurement instruments that require reliable, compact, one-time-programmed FPGA boot storage. The TQFP-32 industrial-grade part also supports -40C to +85C ambient operation, suiting outdoor and uncontrolled-environment deployments.
When designing with this device, ensure that the JTAG chain routing keeps the PROM-to-FPGA DCLK trace short and well-terminated to avoid configuration errors. VCC decoupling requires a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin. For designs that may require future bitstream updates, consider the EPCS-series instead.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and practical design notes not found in the original EPC144 datasheet, giving engineers a single source for evaluating the EPC144TI32 against modern configuration PROM options.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC144TI32 — 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 EPC144TI32 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Programming Interface, Supported FPGA Families.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC144TC32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TI32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TC32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144TI32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Configuration Memory Density | 441000 bit |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (Altera FPGA configuration) |
| Programmability | One-Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG (in-system) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial grade) |
| Package | TQFP-32 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| Lead-Free (Pb-Free) | Yes (per part suffix marking) |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, MAX series |
| Configuration Mode Support | Serial daisy-chain with Altera FPGAs |
| Endurance | OTP (single-program cycle) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free marked) |
EPC144TI32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — Supply voltage (3.3 V typical) |
| Pin 2 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete indicator |
| Pin 5 | DCLK — Configuration clock from FPGA |
| Pin 6 | DATA — Serial configuration data output |
| Pin 7 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 8 | nCS — Chip select |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 11 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 12 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 13 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 14 | VCC — Supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | VCC — Supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC144TI32 is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone FPGA Configuration Memory, Legacy ACEX/MAX Industrial Controller, Telecommunications Line Card Configuration, Test and Measurement Instrument, Military and Aerospace Subsystem, Compact Embedded Imaging System.
Cyclone FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC144TI32's 441,000-bit density and Altera serial daisy-chain interface make it a direct fit for first-generation Cyclone (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) devices requiring 0.3-1.6 Mbit configuration bitstreams. Connecting the EPC144TI32 to the FPGA's DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, and nSTATUS pins and a single 3.3 V VCC rail allows autonomous boot on power-up without an external processor. Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) supports factory-floor Cyclone designs in PLCs and machine controllers.
Recommended
Legacy ACEX/MAX Industrial Controller
The EPC144TI32 historically paired with Altera ACEX 1K (EP1K10, EP1K30, EP1K50) and MAX 7000AE devices in industrial controllers where bitstream density requirements fall below 500 Kbit. The TQFP-32 industrial-grade package simplifies mounting on standard SMT assembly lines while maintaining -40C to +85C operation. In ACEX systems, the EPC144TI32 loads the LUT and routing configuration across the serial interface in 100-400 ms, enabling deterministic cold-start timing for safety-critical machinery.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards historically used the EPC144TI32 to boot APEX 20K and early Stratix FPGAs handling high-speed serial interfaces. The OTP configuration memory eliminates bitstream tampering risk in deployed equipment and provides a deterministic 3.3 V single-supply load sequence. In telecom designs, the EPC144TI32 supports JTAG in-system programming during board bring-up and burn-in testing, after which the OTP cells permanently retain the validated bitstream for the equipment's service life.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrument
Test and measurement platforms benefit from the EPC144TI32's compact TQFP-32 form factor and industrial-grade -40C to +85C operating range, enabling portable benchtop instruments and ruggedized field units. The 441 Kbit density accommodates configuration bitstreams for mid-complexity logic analyzers, oscilloscope front-ends, and protocol analyzers. Programming through the JTAG interface simplifies firmware updates during calibration cycles, while OTP retention ensures the instrument always boots from a known-good image.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Subsystem
Although obsolete, the EPC144TI32 still supports long-life military and aerospace programs where bill-of-material lock-down prevents migration to newer configuration devices. The industrial-grade -40C to +85C temperature range, lead-free construction, and Altera FPGA protocol compliance make it suitable for avionics subsystems, ground-vehicle electronics, and shipboard control systems. Engineers typically pair it with Cyclone or ACEX FPGAs running DO-254 or MIL-STD-882 verified logic, where OTP retention guarantees no configuration drift in the field.
Recommended
Compact Embedded Imaging System
Image processing subsystems in industrial cameras, machine vision systems, and embedded scanners deploy the EPC144TI32 to load configuration into Cyclone or ACEX FPGAs handling pixel pipelines. The TQFP-32 surface-mount footprint (7x7 mm) fits within camera head enclosures, while the OTP storage ensures the same validated bitstream is loaded every power cycle - critical for camera calibration consistency. Industrial temperature operation supports outdoor deployment of surveillance and machine vision systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC144TI32 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC144TC32N | EPC144TC32 | EPC1441TI32N | EPC1441TI32 | EPC1441TC32N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-32 | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same | TQFP-32 - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Density | 441000 bit | 441000 bit | 441000 bit | 441000 bit (EPC1441 family) | 441000 bit (EPC1441 family) | 441000 bit (EPC1441 family) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Lead-Free | Yes | Yes | No (Pb-finish) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Programmability | OTP (one-time) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete (EPC1441 family) | Obsolete (EPC1441 family) | Obsolete (EPC1441 family) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade vs commercial variants (vs EPC144TC32N)
- Newer silicon revision with same interface (vs EPC1441TI32N)
- Standard Altera FPGA configuration protocol (vs EPCS16SI16N)
Design Notes
Route the DCLK trace between the EPC144TI32 and the target FPGA as short as possible (under 50 mm) and keep it well away from switching power supply traces. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VCC pin, and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same VCC rail. For multi-board configurations, add a 33 ohm series resistor on the DCLK line to dampen ringing when driving long backplane traces.
Do not assume the EPC144TI32 supports ISP updates - it is OTP. For designs requiring firmware revisions, migrate to the EPCS-series (EPCS4/EPCS16/EPCS64). Also avoid tying OE and nCS to arbitrary logic levels; OE must be pulled low during configuration and nCS must be tied to GND or driven by the FPGA during chained configurations. Mis-wiring nCONFIG to a non-FPGA control source typically causes configuration aborts.
Keep JTAG signals (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) routed as a daisy chain to allow boundary-scan testing through the EPC144TI32 plus the FPGA. Maintain 50 ohm characteristic impedance on JTAG traces and avoid stubs. When placing the PROM adjacent to the FPGA, allow at least 5 mm clearance to the FPGA's heatsink to avoid thermal soak during board-level burn-in.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed via part suffix marking per Altera/Intel convention. AEC-Q100 not applicable as this is a configuration PROM, not an automotive-grade silicon. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data; set to unknown.
