EPC2-TI32 - 1.6Mb In-System Prog Config PROM | Altera | TQFP-32
MPN: EPC2-TI32 ✗ 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 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
EPC2-TI32 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device used to load the bitstream of an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM cells lose their configuration when power is removed, every SRAM-based FPGA requires an external boot memory. The EPC2 family occupies the configuration-memory tier of the FPGA ecosystem: configuration PROM -> boot memory -> non-volatile memory -> semiconductor. Compared with EPCS serial flash devices, EPC2 offers 5V-tolerant I/O and a wider feature set including in-system programmability via JTAG, multi-device daisy-chain support, and dedicated configuration control pins.
Key features include 1.6 Mbit density, in-system programmability through the JTAG interface, 5V tolerant I/O, and open-drain CONF_DONE / nSTATUS pins for multi-FPGA coordination. The device supports daisy-chaining of multiple EPC2 chips to configure larger FPGAs requiring wider bitstreams. The TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) package provides a low-profile surface-mount footprint compatible with standard SMT assembly processes.
The EPC2 architecture centers on a reprogrammable CMOS flash array with built-in JTAG controller and Altera-specific serial configuration engine. The internal state machine manages bitstream delivery, error checking, and reconfiguration requests without external intervention. The 5V tolerant I/O simplifies interfacing with mixed-voltage logic in legacy and industrial designs.
Typical applications include FPGA configuration for Altera Cyclone, Cyclone II, ACEX 1K, and APEX 20K reference designs, industrial control systems, prototyping platforms, and embedded vision pipelines. The wide FPGA compatibility makes EPC2-TI32 a flexible stock part for designers maintaining legacy Altera designs.
When designing with the EPC2-TI32, ensure the JTAG chain is correctly terminated and the nCONFIG / nSTATUS handshaking is properly observed to avoid configuration failure. Designers migrating to newer Altera/Intel FPGA families should evaluate EPCS or EPCQ serial flash devices for lower cost and smaller footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in TQFP-32 alternatives from the EPC1 and EPC1441 families, and practical design notes for legacy SRAM-based FPGA configuration that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2-TI32 — 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-TI32 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TI32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC144TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2-TI32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Interface | Serial configuration, 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| I/O Tolerance | 5 V tolerant |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II |
| Configuration Pins | nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE (open-drain) |
| Multi-Device Daisy-Chain Support | Yes |
EPC2-TI32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output (active low, open-drain) |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete output (open-drain) |
| Pin 6 | VCC — 3.3V supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 9 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 10 | TCK — JTAG test clock input |
| Pin 11 | TMS — JTAG test mode select input |
| Pin 12 | OE — Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 13 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 14 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 15 | VCC — 3.3V supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | RESERVED — Reserved pin (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | RESERVED — Reserved pin (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | RESERVED — Reserved pin (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | RESERVED — Reserved pin (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | A1 — Address line 1 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 22 | A2 — Address line 2 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 23 | A3 — Address line 3 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 24 | A4 — Address line 4 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 25 | A5 — Address line 5 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 26 | A6 — Address line 6 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 27 | A7 — Address line 7 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 28 | A8 — Address line 8 (for daisy-chain configuration) |
| Pin 29 | VCC — 3.3V supply voltage |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | RESERVED — Reserved pin (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | RESERVED — Reserved pin (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2-TI32 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K Reference Design Storage, ACEX 1K Industrial Controller Boot, Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration, Test and Measurement FPGA Platform, Legacy Avionics FPGA Configuration.
Legacy Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration
The EPC2-TI32 stores the configuration bitstream for Altera Cyclone (EP1C) and Cyclone II (EP2C) FPGAs in industrial embedded systems. With 1.6 Mbit density and a 10 MHz serial configuration interface, the EPC2-TI32 comfortably fits Cyclone EP1C12 and EP1C20 bitstreams while supporting the nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE handshaking sequence. The 5V tolerant I/O simplifies interfacing with mixed-voltage logic on legacy controller boards. Designers maintaining installed-base industrial automation systems rely on EPC2-TI32 as a drop-in boot memory, sourcing through distributors holding residual inventory since the part is now obsolete.
Recommended
APEX 20K Reference Design Storage
The EPC2-TI32 serves as the boot memory for APEX 20K, APEX 20KC, and APEX 20KE FPGAs in prototyping and reference designs, providing 1.6 Mbit of storage and JTAG-based in-system programmability. The dedicated configuration engine inside EPC2-TI32 manages bitstream delivery, error checking, and multi-device daisy-chaining for APEX designs exceeding 1.6 Mbit. Engineers value the 5V tolerant I/O when interfacing with APEX 20K multi-voltage I/O banks. Replacement planning should consider EPC2TI32N for lead-free compliance or migration to EPCS4 serial flash for new APEX-compatible designs.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Industrial Controller Boot
The EPC2-TI32 configures ACEX 1K (EP1K) FPGAs in industrial controllers where 5V tolerant I/O is required to interface with legacy bus transceivers. The 1.6 Mbit density covers ACEX 1K30 and ACEX 1K50 device bitstreams, while the JTAG interface allows field reprogramming of the boot PROM without removing the device from the board. The TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) package provides a low-profile SMT footprint compatible with standard reflow profiles. For new ACEX-compatible designs, EPCS1 serial flash is recommended, but EPC2-TI32 remains the preferred choice for installed-base field replacement.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration
The EPC2-TI32 supports daisy-chaining of multiple configuration PROMs through the serial DATA/DCLK interface, enabling storage and delivery of bitstreams exceeding 1.6 Mbit for larger FPGAs. Multiple EPC2-TI32 devices can be cascaded to configure Arria GX and high-density APEX II devices by assigning one device as master and additional devices as slaves. The open-drain CONF_DONE and nSTATUS pins allow wired-AND coordination across multiple FPGAs and PROMs in the chain. This daisy-chain capability is a key advantage over EPCS serial flash, which uses a single-device configuration model.
Recommended
Test and Measurement FPGA Platform
The EPC2-TI32 functions as the boot memory for FPGA-based test and measurement platforms built on Cyclone or APEX 20K devices, providing reliable in-system reprogrammability via JTAG during firmware development. The 10 MHz serial interface enables fast configuration times during board bring-up, while the dedicated configuration control pins simplify integration with bench-top test fixtures. Engineers can swap bitstreams between EPC2-TI32 devices to test multiple firmware revisions without re-soldering. The obsolete lifecycle status requires distributors or brokers as the supply channel for ongoing test platform maintenance.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics FPGA Configuration
The EPC2-TI32 is qualified for use in legacy avionics systems where Altera ACEX 1K or APEX 20K FPGAs drive avionics bus interfaces and signal conditioning. The industrial temperature grade and 5V tolerant I/O meet the environmental and electrical requirements of cockpit instrumentation. The JTAG interface supports in-system firmware updates mandated by aviation maintenance procedures. Supply chain managers should qualify EPC2TI32N as the lead-free variant and pre-order inventory to mitigate the obsolete lifecycle risk for long-term avionics support contracts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2-TI32 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TI32N | EPC144TI32 | EPC1441TI32 | EPC1441TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.4 Mbit (-12.5%) | 1.4 Mbit (-12.5%) | 1.4 Mbit (-12.5%) |
| Interface | Serial, 10 MHz | Serial, 10 MHz | Serial, 10 MHz | Serial, 10 MHz | Serial, 10 MHz | Serial, 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| I/O Tolerance | 5V tolerant | 5V tolerant | 5V tolerant | 5V tolerant | 5V tolerant | 5V tolerant |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| In-System Programming | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Higher density (1.6 Mbit) in same TQFP-32 footprint vs EPC1441 family (vs EPC1441TC32)
- Industrial temperature grade availability vs commercial EPC2TC32 (vs EPC2TC32)
- Lead-free / RoHS-compliant drop-in variant available (vs EPC2TI32N)
Design Notes
Estimated: configuration failure modes for the EPC2-TI32 typically trace to JTAG chain termination, nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshaking timing, or insufficient VCC decoupling. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VCC pin (pins 6, 15, 29) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum capacitor near the supply entry point. Verify the JTAG chain with a boundary-scan tester before attempting ISP programming to avoid locking the device into an unrecoverable state.
Route the DATA and DCLK signals as short, impedance-controlled traces (target 50 ohm characteristic impedance) directly between the EPC2-TI32 and the target FPGA. Keep JTAG signals (TDI/TDO/TCK/TMS) away from switching power and clock signals to prevent programming errors. The TQFP-32 package provides adequate thermal dissipation for the low-power CMOS design; however, place a ground pour under the device to reduce EMI coupling into the serial configuration lines.
When designing daisy-chained configurations with multiple EPC2-TI32 devices, assign unique addresses using the A1-A8 pins to ensure the master EPC2 selects the correct slave during bitstream delivery. Mismatched addresses will result in configuration failure or partial bitstream loading. Estimated: the open-drain CONF_DONE and nSTATUS lines require external 10 kohm pull-up resistors to VCC for proper wired-AND operation across multiple FPGAs and PROMs in the chain.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data; the EPC2TI32N variant carries the 'N' suffix which conventionally denotes lead-free compliance. All compliance values marked [DATA_NEEDED] in the specs array pending datasheet verification.
