EPC2LC20-T - 1.6Mb FPGA Config PROM PLCC-20 | Altera
MPN: EPC2LC20-T ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.6 | $4,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.4 | $7,400.00 |
EPC2LC20-T Overview
A Configuration PROM is a serial non-volatile memory that loads bitstream data into an SRAM-based FPGA at every power-up, because SRAM configuration cells are volatile. EPC2-series PROMs sit between the system's flash storage or microcontroller and the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE pins, presenting the bitstream serially via Altera's FPP or PS configuration schemes. This category sits inside the broader hierarchy: non-volatile memory -> PROM -> configuration memory -> FPGA boot device -> semiconductor.
Key features of the EPC2LC20 include 1.6 Mb flash storage, in-system programmability through the JTAG IEEE Std 1149.1-1990 boundary-scan interface, and the ability to cascade multiple devices to support larger bitstreams. The device operates from a single 3.3 V supply and integrates a low-voltage detector that holds the FPGA in reset until VCC is stable, simplifying multi-rail power sequencing.
The EPC2 uses a 4-pin serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) compatible with Altera's PS configuration mode. Internally, a state machine manages configuration timing, CRC checking, and optional data compression. The JTAG port supports ISP (In-System Programming) so designers can update firmware in the field without removing the PROM.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, military and aerospace FPGA systems, telecommunications line cards, medical imaging hardware, and test-and-measurement equipment using Altera/Intel FPGAs. The wide JTAG support also makes the EPC2LC20-T well suited for remote firmware updates.
Design consideration: Because EPC2-series PROMs are pre-loaded via JTAG or the Altera Programming Unit, plan ISP access through the FPGA's JTAG chain or a dedicated header. When cascading multiple EPC2s, the nCASC pin propagates enable to the next device in the chain.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and engineering design notes that extend beyond the original Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2LC20-T — 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 EPC2LC20-T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Configuration Interface, Supported FPGA Families, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LC20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EPC2LC20-T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Configuration PROM (Flash) |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (PS mode), cascadable |
| Max Configuration Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (typical) |
| Programmability | In-System Programmable via JTAG |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE Std 1149.1-1990 compliant |
| Supported FPGA Families | ACEX, APEX, Cyclone, FLEX, MAX 7000A/B, MAX II, Mercury |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC pin) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 20-PLCC (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging Suffix | -T = Tape and Reel |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EPC2LC20-T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration start control (active low) |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status flag (active low) |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete flag |
| Pin 6 | nCASC — Cascade output to next EPC2 (active low) |
| Pin 7 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 8 | OE — Output enable for DATA (active low) |
| Pin 9 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 10 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 11 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 12 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 13 | VCC — +3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 14 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VCC — +3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2LC20-T is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Altera FPGA Boot Memory, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Telecommunications Line Cards, Military and Aerospace Avionics, Medical Imaging Hardware, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Legacy Altera FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC2LC20-T serves as the primary non-volatile configuration memory for legacy Altera FPGAs such as ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000/8000/10K, APEX 20K, Cyclone, MAX 7000A/B, MAX II, and Mercury families. With 1.6 Mb of flash storage and a 10 MHz serial configuration clock, it loads bitstreams via the PS (Passive Serial) mode at power-up. Designers route DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE directly between the PROM and the FPGA; the device's 3.3 V supply simplifies integration with both 3.3 V and 5 V-tolerant FPGA banks. For designs requiring larger bitstreams, multiple EPC2 devices cascade through the nCASC pin.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
In factory-automation PLCs, motion controllers, and process-control boards, the EPC2LC20-T holds FPGA firmware that controls deterministic I/O loops. Its industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) suits unconditioned cabinet environments, and the JTAG ISP interface lets field engineers update logic without removing the PROM from the board. The 1.6 Mb density is sufficient for typical Cyclone-class controller bitstreams implementing PID loops, EtherCAT slaves, and high-speed encoder counters.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
Telecommunications line cards use the EPC2LC20-T to configure SRAM-based FPGAs that implement SERDES, framers, and packet processors. The PROM's low-voltage detection holds the FPGA in reset until VCC is stable, which is essential for carrier-grade reliability where power glitches cause field failures. Cascaded EPC2 devices allow telecom OEMs to support evolving FPGAs without PCB redesign, and JTAG ISP enables remote firmware upgrades across the network.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Avionics
Avionics and military systems rely on the EPC2LC20-T for ruggedized SRAM-FPGA configuration storage where the bitstream must survive thermal cycling, vibration, and long mission durations. The PLCC-20 package with surface-mount assembly handles shock profiles in flight hardware, and the 1.6 Mb density supports medium-complexity FPGAs used in radar, electronic warfare, and flight-control subsystems. JTAG ISP allows depot-level firmware refresh.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Hardware
Medical imaging platforms - ultrasound beamformers, CT reconstruction boards, MRI gradient controllers - use the EPC2LC20-T to boot SRAM-based FPGAs that perform real-time signal processing. The PROM's deterministic serial loading and predictable boot time simplify IEC 62304 and FDA validation by ensuring repeatable FPGA startup. The 1.6 Mb density covers ultrasound-channel DSP bitstreams and CT back-projection engines.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test-and-measurement instruments - oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, protocol testers - leverage the EPC2LC20-T to configure FPGAs that handle high-speed ADC sampling and DSP pipelines. JTAG ISP allows R&D engineers to iterate on signal-processing algorithms without swapping PROMs. The PROM's 10 MHz configuration clock enables fast bench-to-test transitions, and the PLCC-20 socket footprint simplifies prototype rework.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2LC20-T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2LC20 | EPC2LI20 | EPC2LC20N | EPC1LC20 | EPC1441LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-PLCC (9x9) | 20-PLCC (9x9) - same | 20-PLCC (9x9) - same | 20-PLCC (9x9) - same | 20-PLCC (9x9) - same | 20-PLCC (9x9) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1 Mb (-37%) | 144 Kb (-91%) |
| Max Configuration Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Programmability | In-system programmable (Flash) | In-system programmable (Flash) | In-system programmable (Flash) | In-system programmable (Flash) | In-system programmable (Flash) | One-time programmable (OTP) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube |
| Cascade Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs EPC2LC20)
- Industrial temperature range option available (vs EPC2LI20)
- 1.6 Mb density supports modern Cyclone bitstreams (vs EPC1LC20)
- Re-programmable flash vs OTP (vs EPC1441LC20)
Design Notes
The EPC2LC20-T operates from a single 3.3 V supply. Decouple VCC with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pins 13 and 16, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum capacitor at the board power entry. The device's internal low-voltage detector holds nSTATUS low until VCC exceeds the POR threshold, preventing the FPGA from entering an indeterminate configuration state during power-up ramps.
Route the serial configuration signals (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) as a controlled-impedance group with matched lengths. Keep total trace length under 100 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues at the 10 MHz configuration clock. Place the EPC2LC20-T within 50 mm of the FPGA's configuration pins to minimize loading.
JTAG signals (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) must be pulled up to VCC through 10 kohm resistors per the IEEE 1149.1 specification. Chain the JTAG bus so the EPC2LC20-T appears before or after the FPGA in the scan chain. Provide a JTAG header on the board for ISP access during development and field updates.
Do not confuse the EPC2LC20-T with the EPC2LC20N - although both are 20-pin PLCC parts, the LC20N is the RoHS-compliant variant with subtle timing differences. Verify the exact ordering code before placing into production. Also note that JTAG boundary-scan testing cannot be performed during active configuration; test either before power-up or after CONF_DONE goes high.
When cascading multiple EPC2 devices, the nCASC pin propagation delay adds to the total configuration time. For a 2-device chain supporting a 3.2 Mb bitstream, expect configuration times of approximately 320 ms at 10 MHz. Ensure the FPGA's configuration clock tolerance accommodates the cascade startup latency.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Altera/Intel product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety-critical applications.
