EPC2LC02N - 1.6Mb Altera Enhanced Configuration Device PLCC-20
MPN: EPC2LC02N β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.45 | $54.50 |
| 100 | $4.6 | $460.00 |
| 500 | $3.95 | $1,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.4 | $3,400.00 |
EPC2LC02N Overview
What is a configuration device? A configuration device (also called a configuration PROM) is a non-volatile memory IC whose sole purpose is to store the bitstream that loads an SRAM-based FPGA on power-up. The hierarchy runs: configuration device -> boot PROM -> FPGA configuration memory -> programmable logic. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration on every power-down, the configuration device is mandatory in standalone systems without an external processor to load the bitstream.
The EPC2 enhanced architecture adds several key features beyond the legacy EPC1 family: in-system programmability through the JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface, 3.3V single-supply operation (VCC = 3.0 V to 3.6 V), support for multi-device configuration chains, and a dedicated nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE handshake that simplifies FPGA handshaking. The 1.6 Mb density supports mid-range Altera FPGA bitstreams such as APEX II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, Mercury, and Stratix-class devices when only partial configuration is required, or smaller FPGAs in full mode.
The internal flash array is split into a controller block and a memory block, with the controller handling the serial/parallel configuration sequence, JTAG state machine, and error detection. The flash memory is organized as 8-bit bytes and accessed via a multiplexed address/data interface to the host FPGA during configuration.
Typical applications include APEX 20K and ACEX 1K boot configuration, FLEX 10K series standalone boot, multi-FPGA configuration chains on DSP and ASIC prototyping boards, and industrial control modules that need field-reprogrammable FPGA bitstreams. The in-system programmability makes the EPC2LC02N well suited for production lines and field-serviceable designs where JTAG is the only available update interface.
When designing with the EPC2LC02N, ensure the JTAG chain includes the EPC2 device plus all downstream FPGAs to enable in-system updates of both the boot PROM contents and the FPGA logic. A 100 nF decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin is required to suppress flash write glitches; PLCC packages also benefit from a socketed footprint in prototyping environments where the device may need to be swapped for a higher-density variant (EPC2LC20N at 4 Mb).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the EPC1/EPC2 family, and practical design notes not consolidated in a single location in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2LC02N 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 EPC2LC02N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Supported FPGA Families.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2L20N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC01256
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC2LC02N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Enhanced Configuration Device (Configuration PROM) |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Interface | Serial or Parallel FPGA configuration, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) ISP |
| Programmability | In-System Programmable (ISP) via JTAG |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, Mercury, Stratix (partial) |
| Configuration Mode | Serial / Parallel / Multi-device daisy-chain |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Package Code | L (PLCC-20, leaded) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount / Socket |
| JTAG Compliance | IEEE 1149.1 (TAP controller with 4-wire interface) |
| DC Input Voltage (absolute max) | -0.3 V to +7.0 V (transients to -2.0 V / +7.0 V for <20 ns) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead finish version dependent (Pb-free and SnPb variants exist) |
| Programming Cycles | 100 typical (flash endurance, per datasheet) |
EPC2LC02N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 3 | DATA0 β Serial data output (or D0 in parallel mode) |
| Pin 4 | DATA1 β D1 parallel data output |
| Pin 5 | DATA2 β D2 parallel data output |
| Pin 6 | DATA3 β D3 parallel data output |
| Pin 7 | DATA4 β D4 parallel data output |
| Pin 8 | DATA5 β D5 parallel data output |
| Pin 9 | DATA6 β D6 parallel data output |
| Pin 10 | DATA7 β D7 parallel data output |
| Pin 11 | nCS β Chip select / enable (active low) |
| Pin 12 | nCASC β Cascade output for daisy-chaining (active low) |
| Pin 13 | nSTATUS β Status output to FPGA (active low) |
| Pin 14 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 15 | CONF_DONE β Configuration-done handshake (active high, open-drain) |
| Pin 16 | TCK β JTAG test clock (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 17 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 18 | TDI β JTAG test data in |
| Pin 19 | TDO β JTAG test data out |
| Pin 20 | OE β Output enable for DATA bus (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC2LC02N is suitable for 6 applications: APEX 20K FPGA Boot Configuration, ACEX 1K Standalone Configuration, FLEX 10K Series Boot PROM Replacement, Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration, Industrial Control Module Boot, Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment.
APEX 20K FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC2LC02N provides the non-volatile storage required to boot APEX 20K series FPGAs on power-up. Its 1.6 Mb density is sufficient for most APEX 20KE and APEX 20KC configurations in compressed mode, eliminating the need for an external processor. Connected to the FPGA's DATA0/DATA[7:0] pins and the standard nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE handshake, the device loads the bitstream at 3.3 V and supports JTAG in-system updates of both the boot image and the FPGA logic through a single USB-Blaster chain.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Standalone Configuration
The EPC2LC02N is a perfect match for ACEX 1K (EP1K) FPGAs in standalone industrial boards where no host processor is available. The 1.6 Mb capacity fits the entire ACEX 1K family bitstream in FLEX-mode serial configuration, and the 3.3 V single-supply operation shares the rail with the ACEX 1K core. JTAG ISP enables field updates of both the configuration PROM and the ACEX logic through the same JTAG cable, simplifying factory and field re-programming workflows.
Recommended
FLEX 10K Series Boot PROM Replacement
Legacy FLEX 10K and FLEX 10KA designs using older 5 V boot PROMs such as EPC1LC20 can be modernized by migrating to the EPC2LC02N. The EPC2 lower-voltage 3.3 V operation reduces in-rush current on the boot rail, while in-system programming via JTAG eliminates the need for an external PROM programmer in production. The same PLCC-20 footprint and pin-compatible configuration timing minimize PCB rework - only the VCC rail needs verification (3.3 V vs 5 V).
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration
Multiple EPC2LC02N devices can be daisy-chained to boot large or multi-FPGA systems, supporting APEX II, Mercury, or larger Stratix bitstreams in distributed configuration. Each EPC2 in the chain holds a portion of the bitstream and passes control to the next via the nCASC handshake pin. This topology is common in DSP prototyping boards and ASIC emulation systems where several FPGAs must boot in lockstep from independent non-volatile stores with coordinated timing.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module Boot
The EPC2LC02N's industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and in-system programmability make it suitable for industrial PLC, motor drive, and SCADA control modules. On these boards the EPC2 stores the FPGA firmware and is field-updated over JTAG from a service laptop, avoiding mechanical access to a separate boot-PROM socket. The PLCC-20 package can be socketed for easy swap during board prototyping or factory rework.
Recommended
Legacy Board Repair and Sustainment
Many legacy Altera FPGA designs in aerospace, defense, and industrial automation continue to operate in the field and need replacement boot PROMs. The EPC2LC02N remains a recognized authorized source for repairing APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K boards where the original EPC1 boot PROM has failed. Obsolete status means shrinking stock, but authorized franchised distributors still carry inventory for sustainment programs requiring form-fit-function replacement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2LC02N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2L20N | EPC1LC20 | EPC2TC32N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | PLCC-20 | PLCC-20 - same | PLCC-20 - same | PLCC-32 - different |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mb | 4 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 4 Mb |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | No | Yes (JTAG) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Altera FPGA Compatibility | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, Mercury | Stratix, APEX II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K | Stratix, APEX II |
| Single-Unit Price (USD, est.) | $6.20 | $7.50 | $5.80 | $8.20 |
Key Differentiators
- In-system programmability with on-chip controller (vs EPC1LC20)
- 3.3 V single-supply operation (vs EPC1LC20)
- Mid-range density optimized for APEX 20K and ACEX 1K (vs EPC2L20N)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the EPC2LC02N VCC pin (pin 1) to suppress flash-programming glitches. During JTAG in-system programming the VCC rail must remain monotonic and within 3.0 V to 3.6 V - drops below 3.0 V abort the flash write and may corrupt the configuration image. Estimated: at 3.3 V typical operation, VCC current during read is approximately 25 mA and during ISP write approximately 50 mA peak.
Keep JTAG trace lengths below 100 mm to preserve signal integrity at TCK frequencies up to 10 MHz; add 10 kohm pull-ups on TMS and TDI lines per IEEE 1149.1. Route the nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE signals as point-to-point between the EPC2LC02N and the target FPGA - avoid stubs or branch points that would create reflections on the configuration handshake. Place a 1 kohm pull-up on CONF_DONE since the output is open-drain.
Do not connect both DATA0 (serial) and DATA[7:0] (parallel) to the FPGA simultaneously - the EPC2LC02N auto-senses mode based on which DATA pins are wired. Mismatched configuration mode selection between the EPC2 and the FPGA causes the FPGA to hang at 'configuration not started' state. When migrating from EPC1LC20 to EPC2LC02N, verify the VCC net was 5 V - the EPC2 will be damaged if connected to a 5 V rail. Re-spin the power rail or use a level translator.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status depend on date-code. Pb-free N-suffix variants compliant; legacy SnPb variants non-compliant. No AEC-Q100 qualification - this is a commercial/industrial configuration PROM not intended for automotive safety-critical applications.
