EPC2-TC32 - 1.6Mb ISP Configuration PROM | Altera | TQFP-32
MPN: EPC2-TC32 β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $21.75 | $2,175.00 |
| 500 | $18.4 | $9,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.9 | $15,900.00 |
EPC2-TC32 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory device that stores the FPGA bitstream and serially shifts it into the target FPGA at power-up through the DATA0/DATA pin, gated by the nCS and OE control signals. The EPC2 sits within the broader hierarchy of FPGA configuration devices, alongside the smaller EPC1 and EPC1441 (older parallel-LUT-era devices) and the larger EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 (enhanced multi-device configuration), as well as the EPCS1/EPCS4/EPCS16/EPCS64 serial flash family introduced for Stratix II and Cyclone families.
Key features include 1.6 Mb storage capacity (sufficient for all ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, and smaller Cyclone configurations), in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, an internal oscillator that generates the address counter clocks, and tri-state DATA output buffer controlled by OE and nCS. The device operates from a single 3.3 V supply and offers commercial-grade 0C to +70C temperature range.
The EPC2 architecture is built around an EPROM array with an internal address counter and serial output shift register. The internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external configuration clock source in simple single-FPGA designs, while multi-device daisy-chain configurations rely on the FPGA-supplied DCLK to cascade additional EPC2 devices for larger bitstreams.
Typical applications include single-FPGA boot configuration for industrial controllers, prototyping boards, and legacy Altera FPGA designs. The JTAG ISP capability allows in-field firmware updates without removing the device from the board, enabling efficient manufacturing flows and field-revision management for deployed systems.
When designing with the EPC2-TC32, ensure the JTAG chain shares TDI/TDO/TMS/TCK with the target FPGA so ISP updates do not require board-level rework. The DATA pin must be routed with characteristic impedance matching to the FPGA DATA0 input to prevent signal-integrity issues on the configuration clock edge.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, same-family and cross-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2-TC32 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 EPC2-TC32 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Memory Type, Package, Supported FPGA Families, Operating Temperature, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2-TI32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2-TI32N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$11.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2-TC32N
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC2LC20
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1TI32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2-TC32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | EPROM (OTP/UV-erasable configuration PROM) |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Interface Type | Serial |
| Organization | Serial bitstream output |
| Programmability | In-System Programmable (ISP) via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supported FPGA Families | Stratix I/II, Cyclone I/II, APEX 20K/II, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (FPP/MSD via FPGA master/slave) |
| Output Control | OE and nCS gating internal tri-state buffer |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (drives address counter) |
| MSL Level | MSL 3 (168 hours) |
EPC2-TC32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCS β Chip select (active-low) |
| Pin 4 | OE β Output enable (active-low) |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active-low, ties to FPGA nCONFIG) |
| Pin 6 | nINIT_CONF β Configuration initialization status |
| Pin 7 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 8 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 9 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 10 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 11 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 12 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| 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 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | VCC β 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 24 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 25 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| 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
EPC2-TC32 is suitable for 6 applications: Single-FPGA Boot Configuration for ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K, APEX 20K and APEX II Configuration Memory, Legacy Industrial Controller FPGA Boot, Stratix I and Stratix II Small-Device Configuration, Mercury FPGA Configuration (EP1M), Prototyping Board and JTAG-ISP Reprogramming.
Single-FPGA Boot Configuration for ACEX 1K and FLEX 10K
The EPC2-TC32's 1.6 Mb capacity comfortably covers the entire configuration bitstream for ACEX 1K (EP1K10/EP1K30/EP1K50/EP1K100) and most FLEX 10K (EPF10K10/10K30/10K50) designs, making it the standard boot device for these legacy Altera FPGA families. Placed at the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS chain, the EPC2-TC32 auto-clocks the bitstream into the SRAM-based LUT fabric on power-up using its internal address-counter oscillator. Unlike parallel flash or MCU-emulated bitloaders, the EPC2-TC32 requires no external microcontroller or boot firmware - reducing BOM cost and PCB area for industrial controllers and legacy retrofit designs that still rely on these FPGA families.
Recommended
APEX 20K and APEX II Configuration Memory
The Altera APEX 20K (EP20K100/200/400) and APEX II (EP2A15/25/40/70) families require configuration PROMs whose capacity matches the LUT-and-embedded-memory bitstream size, and the EPC2-TC32's 1.6 Mb density supports APEX 20K devices up to EP20K200 and the smaller APEX II EP2A15/EP2A25 devices. The EPC2-TC32's JTAG ISP interface lets design teams re-flash the boot PROM on the assembled board during prototyping, eliminating UV-erase windows and shortening development cycles for telecom and DSP applications. Designers targeting larger APEX devices (EP20K400, EP2A40, EP2A70) must migrate to the larger EPC4 or EPC8 enhanced configuration devices.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Controller FPGA Boot
Many deployed industrial automation controllers, CNC machines, and process-control systems use Cyclone I (EP1C3/EP1C6/EP1C12) and Cyclone II (EP2C5/EP2C8/EP2C20) FPGAs configured by EPC2-TC32 PROMs. The EPC2-TC32's commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade and surface-mount TQFP-32 package suit factory-floor equipment where the ambient is controlled. The JTAG ISP feature is especially valuable for field firmware updates - technicians can re-flash the EPC2-TC32 through the JTAG header on the controller board without desoldering the PROM, minimizing downtime. For wider-temperature factory environments, the industrial-grade EPC2-TI32 is the recommended drop-in variant.
Recommended
Stratix I and Stratix II Small-Device Configuration
For the smallest Stratix I (EP1S10/EP1S20) and Stratix II (EP2S15/EP2S30) FPGAs, the EPC2-TC32's 1.6 Mb density provides adequate configuration storage using the legacy Passive Serial (PS) mode clocked by DCLK. Although Intel recommends EPCS4/EPCS16/EPCS64 for new Stratix designs, the EPC2-TC32 remains a valid solution for maintaining field-deployed Stratix I/II boards where a drop-in PROM replacement is required and FPGA reconfiguration to the new serial port is not feasible. The EPC2-TC32's tri-state DATA output, controlled by OE and nCS, supports multi-device daisy-chain configuration for designs using two or three Stratix FPGAs in a single chassis.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration (EP1M)
The Altera Mercury (EP1M120/EP1M350) family of high-speed DSP-oriented FPGAs pairs naturally with the EPC2-TC32 PROM for single-device boot configuration. Mercury's PS configuration mode uses the same DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG protocol that the EPC2-TC32 supports, and the 1.6 Mb density covers the bitstream for the smaller EP1M120 device. Mercury designs in radar signal processing, software-defined radio front-ends, and high-speed serial interfacing rely on the EPC2-TC32's deterministic power-on configuration timing. Designers should add proper decoupling (0.1 uF + 10 uF bulk) close to the EPC2-TC32's VCC pin to prevent configuration errors during inrush.
Recommended
Prototyping Board and JTAG-ISP Reprogramming
The EPC2-TC32's IEEE 1149.1 JTAG in-system programmability makes it a standard fixture on Altera reference design boards and university FPGA teaching labs where the same PROM is re-flashed hundreds of times with student bitstreams. Programming is performed via Altera Quartus II or the standalone Quartus Programmer through the JTAG chain, with the EPC2-TC32 and target FPGA appearing as separate devices on TDI->TDO. The 32-pin TQFP package is breadboard-friendly for adapter-PCB designs and the 3.3 V single supply simplifies lab power rails. The internal oscillator eliminates the need for external clock injection during programming verification, accelerating the design-iterate-compile-test loop.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2-TC32 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2-TI32 | EPC2-TI32N | EPC2-TC32N | EPC2LC20 | EPC1TI32 | EPC1TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same | TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) - same |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 0.7 Mbit (-56%) | 0.7 Mbit (-56%) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +70C |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy (2026-09-11) | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy |
Key Differentiators
- 1.6 Mb density supports APEX 20K and small Stratix I/II (vs EPC1441-TC32)
- JTAG IEEE 1149.1 ISP for on-board re-flashing (vs EPC1-TC8 (older PLCC-20 EPC1 variant))
- TQFP-32 surface-mount package (vs EPC2-PI8 (PDIP-8 form factor))
- Last-time-buy status with verified drop-in same-package alternatives (vs EPCS4 (4 Mb serial flash))
Design Notes
Decouple the EPC2-TC32 VCC pin (TQFP-32 pin 10/23) with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package, plus a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on the same 3.3 V rail. In-rush during configuration can pull significant transient current; without local decoupling the EPC2-TC32 may glitch mid-configuration and corrupt the FPGA bitstream, requiring a power cycle to recover.
Route the EPC2-TC32 DATA output as a 50 ohm controlled-impedance microstrip or stripline matched to the FPGA DATA0 input. Place the EPC2-TC32 within 25 mm of the target FPGA to minimize ringing on the rising DCLK edge. Keep DATA away from fast-switching signals such as clock generators or switching regulators - the EPC2's internal oscillator is sensitive to coupled noise that can manifest as intermittent configuration failures in EMI-noisy environments.
Do not cascade EPC2-TC32 PROMs in series beyond the bitstream capacity the FPGA's address counter expects - for APEX 20K400 or larger, use the EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 enhanced configuration devices which support multi-device daisy-chaining natively. Also ensure the JTAG chain (TDI-TDO-TMS-TCK) is shared correctly with the target FPGA so ISP programming does not conflict with the FPGA's own JTAG - mis-ordered chains cause ISP to fail silently. Always verify the chain order with Quartus Programmer's JTAG chain debugger before flashing.
The DCLK signal from the FPGA back to the EPC2-TC32 is bidirectional in some configurations - if the FPGA fails to drive DCLK at power-up, the EPC2-TC32 relies on its internal oscillator which runs at a lower fixed frequency and may not meet the FPGA's maximum configuration-clock spec. For Stratix II and Cyclone III+ designs, prefer the newer EPCS/EPCQ serial flash over EPC2-TC32 because the FPGA provides the configuration clock directly without relying on the PROM's internal oscillator.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status were not extractable from the retrieved datasheet snippet. The EPC2 family pre-dates RoHS widespread adoption; the -N suffix variants (EPC2-TI32N, EPC2-TC32N) typically indicate Pb-free finish per Altera naming convention. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for a configuration PROM used with industrial/commercial FPGAs. Always confirm compliance with the manufacturer's official datasheet or via distributor product page before use in regulated designs.
