EPC1TC32 - Altera 1Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 32-TQFP | Intel
MPN: EPC1TC32 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 | $11.5 | $5,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPC1TC32 Overview
What is a configuration PROM? A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device whose sole purpose is to hold the FPGA bitstream and deliver it to the FPGA on every power-up. Unlike generic SPI flash, an FPGA configuration PROM is pre-validated by the FPGA vendor for the exact bitstream format, timing, and density required, eliminating the need to generate JIC/JIC files or manually program third-party flash. Configuration PROMs sit in the boot memory hierarchy alongside boot ROMs and boot flash, ensuring deterministic FPGA initialization before user logic begins executing.
Key features include a 1 Mbit density, single-device configuration support for FLEX 10K and APEX families, and compatibility with Altera's proprietary serial configuration scheme. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply, supports in-system programming via the JTAG interface when used with an external controller, and uses Altera's standard 4-pin DATA/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS configuration bus. The TC suffix indicates commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) and the 32-pin TQFP package. EPC1 devices cannot be cascaded and do not support ISP through their JTAG pins without additional external logic, a limitation addressed in the subsequent EPC2, EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 enhanced devices.
The EPC1 architecture is a one-time-programmable EPROM-based design with a serial shift-register output stage. Programming is performed by Altera programming hardware (e.g., the ByteBlasterMV or MasterBlaster download cable) using a programming algorithm that biases the device into programming mode. Once programmed, the contents are permanent and the device is dedicated to a single FPGA configuration. Modern equivalent solutions have largely moved to EPCS1/EPCS4 serial flash for new designs, but EPC1TC32 remains in service for legacy FLEX 10K and APEX board support and repair stock.
Typical applications include legacy FLEX 10K configuration storage, APEX 20K configuration storage, ACEX 1K configuration storage, and Cyclone configuration on boards where original Altera PROMs are mandated. Industrial and military systems built around FLEX 10K FPGAs in the late 1990s continue to require EPC1-series PROMs for board-level rebuild and spare-part replacement. Modern Cyclone III/IV/V designs should use EPCS-series serial flash instead, which offers ISP and higher density.
When designing with EPC1TC32, verify the FPGA family compatibility matrix - EPC1 supports only the original FLEX 10K, APEX, Mercury, ACEX 1K and Cyclone (original) families; it cannot configure Stratix, Cyclone II, or any newer family. The configuration interface timing must be observed: DCLK maximum is in the low-MHz range, and the nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake must follow Altera's configuration sequence.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, EPC1-family drop-in alternatives, and practical sourcing notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers locate pin-compatible configuration memory for legacy Altera FPGA boards.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1TC32 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 EPC1TC32 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Interface, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesEPC1TC32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Configuration PROM (OTP EPROM) |
| Memory Size | 1 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Altera Serial Configuration (proprietary) |
| Supported FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, APEX, Mercury, ACEX 1K, Cyclone |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial grade) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| Programming Method | Altera ByteBlasterMV / MasterBlaster download cable |
| JTAG ISP Support | Not supported (EPC1 limitation) |
| Cascadable | No (single-device configuration only) |
| Configuration Pins | DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC1TC32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active-low) |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active-low) |
| Pin 5 | OE β Output enable |
| Pin 6 | VCC β Power supply 3.3V |
| Pin 7 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 8 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 9 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 10 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 11 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 12 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 13 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 15 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 17 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 20 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 21 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 22 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 23 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 24 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 25 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 26 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 29 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 30 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 31 | VCC β Power supply 3.3V |
| Pin 32 | VCC β Power supply 3.3V |
Typical Applications
EPC1TC32 is suitable for 8 applications: Legacy FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration Storage, APEX 20K Configuration PROM, ACEX 1K Configuration Storage, Industrial Control Legacy Board Repair, Military and Aerospace FPGA Sustainment, Cyclone FPGA Configuration (Original Generation Only), Mercury FPGA Configuration, Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment.
Legacy FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC1TC32 stores and serializes the configuration bitstream for legacy Altera FLEX 10K FPGAs (EPF10K10, EPF10K20, EPF10K30, EPF10K40, EPF10K50, EPF10K70, EPF10K100, EPF10K130, EPF10K250) during board power-up. The 1 Mbit density covers FLEX 10K bitstreams up to the EPF10K30/40 size class, and the Altera proprietary serial interface clocks configuration data through the DATA/DCLK pins at the device's specified DCLK frequency. The 32-pin TQFP footprint drops onto standard FLEX 10K reference design boards and eliminates the need for third-party SPI flash programming software. Designers should verify exact bitstream size using Altera Quartus II before committing to EPC1, since larger FLEX 10K parts exceed 1 Mbit.
Recommended
APEX 20K Configuration PROM
The EPC1TC32 configures Altera APEX 20K and APEX II FPGAs (EP20K100, EP20K200, EP20K400, EP2C5-style APEX II devices) by streaming the bitstream serially through Altera's dedicated configuration interface. While APEX 20K bitstreams often exceed 1 Mbit, the EPC1 is still deployed in cost-optimized APEX 20K boards using bitstream compression or partial-configuration flows. The 3.3V single-supply operation aligns with APEX 20K's core voltage rail, and the commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade matches APEX 20K industrial/consumer board thermal envelopes. Engineers should confirm EPC1 compatibility through Altera Quartus II's device support list.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Configuration Storage
The EPC1TC32 is sized appropriately for the Altera ACEX 1K FPGA family (EP1K10, EP1K30, EP1K50, EP1K100) where configuration bitstreams are typically below 1 Mbit. ACEX 1K is a low-cost 2.5V FPGA family commonly used in legacy telecom, industrial control, and military systems, and EPC1TC32 provides the non-volatile storage required for deterministic power-on initialization. The Altera serial configuration interface delivers the bitstream to ACEX 1K's dedicated configuration controller without requiring a separate boot ROM or microcontroller bootloader. This combination was a standard reference design in late-1990s Altera ACEX 1K development kits.
Recommended
Industrial Control Legacy Board Repair
The EPC1TC32 supports repair and refurbishment of legacy industrial control boards originally designed around FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, and ACEX 1K FPGAs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many factory automation, SCADA, and process control systems still operate with these FPGAs and require EPC1 configuration PROMs when the original PROM fails. The 32-pin TQFP package is compatible with the standard Altera configuration footprint on these legacy boards, and obsolete-component distributors maintain stock specifically for industrial repair and long-life-cycle programs.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace FPGA Sustainment
The EPC1TC32 is used in military and aerospace sustainment programs where FLEX 10K and APEX FPGA-based boards must be maintained for 20-30 year operational lifecycles. Obsolete-component distributors including FPGAkey and authorized brokers maintain EPC1TC32 inventory specifically for these long-life avionics, radar, and secure-communications platforms. The commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) is acceptable for indoor military electronics bays; extended-temperature grades are not available in the EPC1 family.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Configuration (Original Generation Only)
The EPC1TC32 configures the original Altera Cyclone FPGA family (EP1C3, EP1C4, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) where bitstream sizes are within 1 Mbit. Note that EPC1 is ONLY compatible with the original Cyclone generation - Cyclone II/III/IV/V require EPCS serial flash or EPCQ configuration memory. Designers using EPC1TC32 with Cyclone should verify the bitstream size using Altera Quartus II and ensure the EPC1 device's serial configuration interface matches the Cyclone configuration controller expectations.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration
The EPC1TC32 supports configuration of the Altera Mercury FPGA family (EP1M120, EP1M350) where 1 Mbit density is sufficient for smaller Mercury designs. Mercury FPGAs were used in high-speed signal processing and digital communications applications in the early 2000s, and EPC1TC32 provided the standard Altera configuration solution for these boards. As with other Altera families in this era, modern Mercury board repair relies on obsolete-component sourcing of EPC1TC32.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment
The EPC1TC32 configures FLEX 10K, APEX, and ACEX 1K FPGAs in legacy test and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators from major manufacturers in the late 1990s and 2000s. When these instruments require FPGA configuration PROM replacement after 20+ years of service, EPC1TC32 is the original part specified by the equipment manufacturer. The Altera proprietary configuration interface ensures bitstream authenticity without requiring third-party programming verification.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1TC32 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1LC20 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) | 20-pin LCC - DIFFERENT |
| Programming Method | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| In-System Programming | Not supported | Not supported |
| Supported FPGA Families | FLEX 10K, APEX, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, Mercury | FLEX 10K, APEX, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, Mercury |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Original Altera 1 Mbit configuration PROM (vs EPC2TC32)
- Pin-compatible with EPC2TC32 in 32-pin TQFP (vs EPC2TC32)
- 1 Mbit density appropriate for ACEX 1K and small FLEX 10K (vs EPC1441TC32)
Design Notes
EPC1TC32 is one-time programmable EPROM and cannot be reprogrammed once configured. Engineers attempting field updates must physically replace the EPC1TC32 with a freshly programmed part, or migrate to EPC2TC32/EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 enhanced devices which support in-system programming through JTAG. Plan for OTP limitations at board design stage.
EPC1TC32 supports only FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and original Cyclone FPGA families. It cannot configure Stratix, Stratix II/III/IV/V, Cyclone II/III/IV/V, or any newer Intel/Altera FPGA. Using EPC1TC32 with incompatible FPGA families will result in configuration failure. Verify the FPGA family against the EPC1 compatibility list in the Altera Configuration Devices datasheet.
Place the EPC1TC32 within 6 inches of the target FPGA DATA/DCLK pins to maintain signal integrity on the configuration bus. The TQFP-32 package has good thermal characteristics for commercial temperature operation, but ensure the VCC/GND pins (multiple power/ground pins on the TQFP) are all connected to a low-impedance plane. Add 0.1uF decoupling capacitors adjacent to each VCC pin.
EPC1TC32 is obsolete and not recommended for new designs. New designs should use EPCS1, EPCS4, EPCS16, EPCS64, or EPCQ configuration flash which support ISP, higher density, and broader FPGA family compatibility. Reserve EPC1TC32 for legacy FLEX 10K/APEX/ACEX 1K board repair and long-life-cycle military/industrial sustainment programs where redesign is not feasible.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not available in the verified web data for this obsolete Altera part. EPC1TC32 is a legacy configuration PROM from the late 1990s Altera product family. For modern RoHS/REACH-compliant designs, choose EPCS1 or EPCS4 serial flash instead.
