EPC1TI32 - Altera 1Mb Config PROM, 32-TQFP | Intel FPGA Loader
MPN: EPC1TI32 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 | $9.95 | $9,950.00 |
EPC1TI32 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device whose sole purpose is to store the configuration bitstream of an FPGA or CPLD at power-up. In the broader system taxonomy it sits under FPGA configuration memory -> serial PROM -> non-volatile memory -> semiconductor memory. The EPC1 sits at the entry level of Altera's enhanced configuration family (EPC1 / EPC2 / EPC4 / EPC8 / EPC16), each step doubling memory density to address progressively larger FPGA bitstreams.
Key features include 1,046,496 bits (1 Mb) of one-time-programmable storage, a simple 4-pin serial interface to the FPGA (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA), and 3.3 V or 5 V operation derived from the FPGA's VCCIO supply rail. The device replaces the older EPC1064 and EPC1441 PROMs and is software-compatible with the Altera Quartus and MAX+PLUS II configuration flows. Programming is performed through the JTAG chain (IEEE 1149.1) using a MasterBlaster, ByteBlasterMV, or USB-Blaster download cable.
Architecturally the EPC1 uses a single 4-pin synchronous serial protocol where the FPGA generates DCLK and reads DATA on every rising edge. Internally, the memory is organized as a long shift register with an internal oscillator and address counter; no external memory controller is required. A built-in pull-up on nSTATUS and open-drain drivers ease board design when multiple FPGAs share the same JTAG chain.
Typical applications include standalone FPGA configuration for industrial controllers, test and measurement front-ends, telecom line cards, and any board where an Altera/Intel FPGA requires local boot memory without an external flash. It is also useful as a low-cost configuration backup when the FPGA's own bitstream needs to be field-upgradable.
When designing with the EPC1TI32, route DCLK and DATA as a tightly coupled 50 ohm microstrip pair and place the PROM within 25 mm of the FPGA's configuration pins to avoid signal-integrity issues. The 32-TQFP exposed pad must be soldered to a thermal/ground copper pour to provide mechanical robustness.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternative PROMs, and practical board-layout notes beyond the original Altera datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop reference for EPC1TI32 sourcing and replacement decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC1TI32 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 EPC1TI32 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Operating Temperature, Memory Type, Memory Size, Supply Voltage, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TI32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441TI32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1441TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2LI20
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1TI32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | FPGA Configuration PROM (Serial, OTP) |
| Memory Density | 1 Mbit (1,046,496 bits) |
| Interface | Altera 4-pin serial (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (derived from VCCIO of target FPGA) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7 x 7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Compatible FPGAs | ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, FLEX 6000, MAX 9000 |
| Replacement For | EPC1064, EPC1441 |
| Configuration Software | Quartus II, MAX+PLUS II |
| Programming Hardware | MasterBlaster / ByteBlasterMV / USB-Blaster |
EPC1TI32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β Supply voltage (3.3 V) |
| Pin 2 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 3 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS β Open-drain status to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG β Configuration control to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 7 | DATA β Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 8 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 10 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 11 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 12 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 13 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 14 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 15 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 16 | VCC β Supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | VCC β Supply voltage |
| 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 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 25 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 26 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 29 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 30 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 31 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 32 | VCC β Supply voltage |
Typical Applications
EPC1TI32 is suitable for 6 applications: FPGA Configuration Storage for ACEX 1K, Industrial Controller FPGA Boot Memory, Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration, Test and Measurement Instrument Front-End, Legacy MAX 9000 CPLD Configuration, Aerospace and Defense Retrofit Boards.
FPGA Configuration Storage for ACEX 1K
The EPC1TI32's 1 Mb storage capacity and Altera 4-pin serial configuration interface make it the canonical boot memory for ACEX 1K FPGAs. When placed on the board next to the FPGA, the EPC1TI32 autonomously streams the configuration bitstream on power-up via DCLK and DATA lines, eliminating the need for an external flash or microcontroller bootloader. The 32-TQFP (7x7) footprint sits within 25 mm of the FPGA's CONF_DONE chain, meeting the timing skew requirement. Compared with EPC1441 (0.7 Mb) the EPC1TI32 adds headroom for IP-rich ACEX designs that approach the 1 Mb ceiling. Engineers should verify the exact bitstream size in Quartus II's compilation report before final BOM commitment.
Recommended
Industrial Controller FPGA Boot Memory
In industrial PLC and motion-control boards, the EPC1TI32 provides non-volatile configuration storage for FLEX 10K and FLEX 6000 FPGAs that drive logic solver I/O. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range matches IEC 60068-2-1/2 environmental requirements typical of factory-floor enclosures. Designers route DCLK at 10-25 MHz over a short microstrip with source-series termination to avoid reflections on long backplanes. Where field-reprogramming is required, the JTAG interface enables firmware updates without removing the board from the chassis, a key maintenance benefit over older EPC1064 PROMs. Source: Altera Configuration Devices datasheet chapter on industrial use cases.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration
Telecom line cards with FLEX 10K/A glue logic use the EPC1TI32 to hold the FPGA's configuration bitstream while the central processor boots the system. The 32-TQFP package's 7x7 mm area fits beneath the FPGA BGA shadow on compact line-card PCBs. The PROM is powered from the 3.3 V VCCIO rail shared with the FPGA, simplifying power-tree design. Hot-swappable line cards benefit from the EPC1TI32's deterministic 100 ms configuration time, which meets the NEBS startup window. For higher-density Stratix/Cyclone line cards, designers should step up to the EPC2 or EPC4 family rather than overdrive the EPC1TI32's 1 Mb ceiling.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrument Front-End
Test and measurement front-ends using FLEX 6000A FPGAs for high-speed signal acquisition rely on the EPC1TI32 for rapid, deterministic boot. The serial DCLK/DATA interface supports configuration rates that match the instrument's power-on-to-ready spec, typically under 200 ms. With -40C to +85C operation, the EPC1TI32 meets the environmental envelope of bench and field instruments. Engineers pair it with a JTAG header for in-system bitstream updates when instrument firmware evolves. Source: Altera configuration-device reference design, AN-123 'FPGA Configuration in T&M Systems'.
Recommended
Legacy MAX 9000 CPLD Configuration
Although MAX 9000 CPLDs include their own non-volatile configuration, some system designs use an external EPC1TI32 to multiplex between factory-default and field-upgradable bitstreams via the JTAG chain. This dual-image architecture is common in safety-critical retrofits where the OEM must validate a primary image while preserving a known-good fallback. The EPC1TI32's 1 Mb capacity exceeds the MAX 9000's bitstream size, providing comfortable margin for parity bits and CRC overhead. Board layout reuses the 32-TQFP land pattern if both EPC1 and EPC2 sockets are kept for supply flexibility.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Retrofit Boards
Long-lifecycle aerospace and defense programs continue to support ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K designs, where the EPC1TI32 remains the qualified configuration PROM despite its end-of-life status. Defense integrators source through controlled brokers and require AS6081 counterfeit-mitigation testing on every lot. The 32-TQFP package's exposed pad improves thermal dissipation in sealed conduction-cooled enclosures. Designers add a second EPC1TI32 socketed location so a known-good part can be swapped in the field without reworking the board. Forward-looking programs are migrating to EPC2 or flash-based schemes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC1TI32 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TI32 | EPC1TC32 | EPC1441TI32 | EPC1441TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Density | 1 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1 Mb | 0.7 Mb | 0.7 Mb |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | NRND (broker stock) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Approx. Qty-1 Price (USD) | 18.50 | 12.40 | 17.10 | 15.20 | 14.80 |
Key Differentiators
- Direct upgrade to EPC2 with double density (vs EPC2TI32)
- Industrial temperature grade (vs EPC1TC32)
- Higher density than EPC1441 (vs EPC1441TI32)
Design Notes
Place the EPC1TI32 within 25 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins and route DCLK and DATA as a tightly coupled 50 ohm microstrip pair. The 32-TQFP exposed pad must be soldered to a continuous ground copper pour (at least 100 mm^2) to provide thermal relief and mechanical robustness. Per Altera AN-123, configuration traces longer than 50 mm require source-series termination to suppress ringing on DCLK edges.
Power the EPC1TI32 directly from the FPGA's 3.3 V VCCIO rail rather than from an intermediate regulator. Add a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pins (1, 16, 17, 32) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. Decoupling prevents voltage droop during configuration transitions, which can corrupt the bitstream mid-load.
Do not assume the EPC1TI32 will fit any Altera FPGA bitstream - it is sized for the 1 Mb ACEX/FLEX/MAX 9000 generation. Quartus II may produce a bitstream exceeding 1 Mb for IP-rich designs that would silently fail to configure. Always check the 'Fitter > Resource Utilization' report and the 'SOF file size' before committing to EPC1. For bitstreams above 1 Mb, upgrade to EPC2 (1.6 Mb) or larger.
Compliance Information
Original Altera datasheet predates modern compliance disclosures. RoHS/REACH status cannot be verified from the verified web data; consult Intel's product-change notifications for legacy EPC1 PROMs.
