EPC2L20U-HAF480119C - FPGA Config Device, SRAM LUT | Intel
MPN: EPC2L20U-HAF480119C ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.4 | $164.00 |
| 100 | $14.2 | $1,420.00 |
| 500 | $12.1 | $6,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.75 | $10,750.00 |
EPC2L20U-HAF480119C Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device whose sole purpose is to store and stream the FPGA's bitstream to the FPGA at power-up. The EPC2 family sits inside the broader hierarchy of FPGA configuration devices: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> semiconductor memory -> integrated circuit. Unlike boot PROMs for microcontrollers, EPC2 devices support in-system reprogrammability via JTAG, IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan, or dedicated serial/parallel data pins, enabling field updates of the FPGA bitstream without removing the board.
Key features include 1.6 Mb of storage capacity, support for FPGAs up to the Cyclone IV and Stratix IV device densities, cascadable JTAG chains for multi-FPGA systems, and an open-drain nSTATUS / CONF_DONE handshake for synchronous configuration completion detection. The EPC2 supports compression-mode bitstreams, allowing the PROM to hold a compressed image that the FPGA decompresses on load, effectively increasing usable capacity by 35-50% depending on the FPGA family.
Technically, the EPC2L20 implements Altera's proprietary serial configuration state machine with automatic baud-rate detection between 10 MHz and 40 MHz. Its 20-pin PLCC footprint allows socketed field replacement, which simplifies legacy system maintenance. Compared with newer EPCQ/Avalon-ST configuration devices, the EPC2L20 retains a mature JTAG programming interface that aligns with legacy Quartus II design flows.
Typical applications include factory provisioning of Cyclone II/III FPGAs in industrial controllers, Stratix II design prototype boards, broadcast video processing equipment, and legacy aerospace/defense systems that standardized on EPC2 in the 2000-2010 era. The PLCC-20 socketed form factor allows easy inspection and replacement in long-lifecycle programs.
When designing with EPC2L20, verify that the target FPGA's configuration scheme matches EPC2L20's supported modes (FPP x8 at 40 MHz, PS, AS, JTAG). For newer Cyclone V / Stratix V devices, migrate to EPCQ256 or active serial flash, as EPC2 supports only legacy configuration controllers.
This page synthesizes distributor stock checks, real-time pricing tiers, and pin-compatible alternatives in the same PLCC-20 footprint, providing engineering context not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2L20U-HAF480119C — 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 EPC2L20U-HAF480119C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Cascade Support.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2L20U
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View Datasheet →EPC2L20N
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View Datasheet →EPC2L120N
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View Datasheet →EPC2L120
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View Datasheet →EPC2L20U-HAF480119C Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Configuration PROM (non-volatile) |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb |
| Target Device | SRAM-based LUT FPGAs (Cyclone, Stratix, APEX families) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| I/O Tolerance | 5 V tolerant |
| Configuration Modes | Serial (1-bit), Parallel (8-bit FPP), JTAG |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan) |
| Programmability | In-system programmable via JTAG |
| Cascade Support | Yes (multi-PROM chains for larger FPGAs) |
| Configuration Clock Range | 10 MHz to 40 MHz |
| Bitstream Compression Support | Yes (Cyclone/Stratix compressed bitstreams) |
| Package | PLCC-20 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount / Socketed |
EPC2L20U-HAF480119C Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nAS — Address shift (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VCC — Core 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 6 | nSTATUS — Status handshake to FPGA |
| Pin 7 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 10 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 11 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 12 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 13 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 14 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 15 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete signal |
| Pin 16 | nINIT_CONF — Initialization complete |
| Pin 17 | CRC_ERROR — CRC error flag (open drain) |
| Pin 18 | VCCIO — I/O supply reference |
| Pin 19 | DCLK_OUT — Daisy-chain clock output |
| Pin 20 | DATA_OUT — Daisy-chain data output |
Typical Applications
EPC2L20U-HAF480119C is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone II/III FPGA Factory Provisioning, Stratix II/III Prototype Board Loading, Industrial Controller Configuration Storage, Broadcast Video Processing Equipment, Legacy Aerospace / Defense FPGA Systems, Medical Imaging Device Configuration Storage.
Cyclone II/III FPGA Factory Provisioning
The EPC2L20U-HAF480119C's 1.6 Mb capacity and 40 MHz FPP-x8 support make it well-matched to Cyclone II/III device densities in the 5K-100K LE range. Placed on the PCB between the FPGA and a JTAG header, the PROM streams the bitstream at power-up. Unlike flash PROMs from other vendors, Altera's EPC2 supports native bitstream compression, effectively extending usable capacity to roughly 2.3 Mb when paired with Cyclone III. Engineers should verify Quartus II target support - Quartus 13.1 is the last release with full EPC2 device support.
Recommended
Stratix II/III Prototype Board Loading
For Stratix II/III design prototype boards, the EPC2L20U-HAF480119C provides in-system programmable storage for the high-density bitstream. The EPC2's JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface allows the engineer to update the bitstream via Altera USB-Blaster without removing the PROM from the socketed PLCC-20. With Stratix II bitstreams exceeding 2.5 Mb, engineers typically cascade two EPC2L20 PROMs in a multi-PROM chain - both share the same PLCC-20 footprint, simplifying the PCB layout.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Configuration Storage
The EPC2L20U-HAF480119C's PLCC-20 socketed form factor simplifies field replacement in industrial controllers with 10-15 year service lifetimes. The PROM sits between the 3.3 V rail and the FPGA's DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake pins, loading the bitstream at power-up via passive serial mode. For industrial designs requiring extended temperature operation, EPC2L20N provides -40C to +85C support in the same PLCC-20 footprint, making it a direct drop-in upgrade.
Recommended
Broadcast Video Processing Equipment
The EPC2L20U-HAF480119C supports broadcast video processing equipment that standardized on Cyclone II/III FPGAs for SDI/HDMI processing. The PROM's 5 V tolerant I/O and 3.3 V core supply allow direct interface with the FPGA's configuration pins without level shifters. With bitstream compression, a single EPC2L20 can hold a 2.3 Mb compressed Cyclone III image - sufficient for the most demanding SDI processing designs.
Recommended
Legacy Aerospace / Defense FPGA Systems
The EPC2L20U-HAF480119C remains in service in legacy aerospace and defense FPGA designs where the EPC2 platform has been qualified for DO-254 / MIL-STD-810 environments. These long-lifecycle programs (20-30 years) rely on the PLCC-20 socket for easy bitstream updates in the field. JTAG re-programmability supports field updates without removing the FPGA, which is critical for deployed systems where re-spinning a board is impractical.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Device Configuration Storage
The EPC2L20U-HAF480119C stores the configuration bitstream for FPGA-based medical imaging devices (ultrasound front-ends, MRI signal processing) where bitstream integrity is paramount. The EPC2's JTAG programming interface allows post-assembly bitstream updates to comply with FDA field-change requirements. Its 1.6 Mb capacity and PLCC-20 socketed footprint match the serviceability requirements of clinical equipment deployed in the field.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2L20U-HAF480119C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2L20U | EPC2L20N | EPC2L20 | EPC2L120N | EPC2L120 | EPC2L1696-10F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PLCC-20 | PLCC-20 (same) | PLCC-20 (same) | PLCC-20 (same) | PLCC-20 (same) | PLCC-20 (same) | PLCC-20 (same) |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 4x density (~6.4 Mb) | 4x density (~6.4 Mb) | 1.6 Mb |
| Configuration Modes | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG | Serial, FPP-x8, JTAG |
| JTAG Programming | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bitstream Compression Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Core Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
| Approximate Unit Price (qty 1) | $18.50 | $15-18 | $16-19 | $14-17 | $22-28 | $20-25 | $17-20 |
Key Differentiators
- Factory-programmed image variant for direct production use (vs EPC2L20U (blank/unprogrammed))
- Industry-standard PLCC-20 socketed footprint for field serviceability (vs EPCQ256 (16-pin SOIC, AS-only))
- Native JTAG IEEE 1149.1 support for in-system updates (vs EPC1 family (older non-JTAG PROMs))
Design Notes
Place the EPC2L20U-HAF480119C as close as possible to the target FPGA's DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins. Keep the trace length under 50 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues at 40 MHz FPP-x8 mode. Add 0.1 uF and 10 uF decoupling capacitors on the VCC (pin 5) and VCCIO (pin 18) rails. For JTAG programming, route TDI, TMS, TCK, TDO in a chain with the FPGA's JTAG pins, using 10 kohm pull-ups on TMS and TCK as recommended by Altera's JTAG specification.
The EPC2L20U-HAF480119C supports Quartus II design flows up to version 13.1 only - newer Quartus versions have removed EPC2 device support in favor of EPCQ256 AS-mode flash. If you are starting a new design with Quartus Prime 17.0 or later, plan to use EPCQ256 instead. Confirmed: bitstream files generated by newer Quartus versions targeting legacy FPGAs will NOT load correctly through an EPC2 PROM without using legacy export options.
When cascading multiple EPC2 PROMs in a multi-PROM chain, terminate the DATA_OUT (pin 20) and DCLK_OUT (pin 19) traces with 33 ohm series resistors to suppress reflections at 40 MHz. The CONF_DONE output is open-drain and requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VCCIO. CRC_ERROR (pin 17) is also open-drain and should be wired-OR'd with the FPGA's CRC_ERROR input - a low level after configuration indicates bitstream corruption and triggers reconfiguration.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not available in verified web sources. The EPC2 family predates RoHS 2.0 and many variants were originally lead-bearing; verify with your distributor before RoHS-critical applications. Industrial variants (EPC2L20N, EPC2L120N) may have updated RoHS-compliant revisions.
