EPC2LC2QN - 2Mb SRAM-Based LUT FPGA Config Device | Altera
MPN: EPC2LC2QN ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.5 | $24.50 |
| 10 | $22.1 | $221.00 |
| 100 | $19.85 | $1,985.00 |
| 500 | $17.4 | $8,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $15.2 | $15,200.00 |
EPC2LC2QN Overview
A configuration device is a non-volatile serial Flash memory specifically engineered to store and stream FPGA configuration bitstreams to an SRAM-based LUT FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM-based LUT devices lose their configuration when power is removed (volatile technology), a companion configuration device such as the EPC2LC2QN is required to reload the bitstream on every POR (power-on reset) event. This category sits within the broader hierarchy of non-volatile memory ICs, parallel and serial boot Flash devices, and FPGA configuration memory, and is essential to any system that uses SRAM-based LUT FPGAs.
Key features include 2 Mb of configuration storage, a 4-wire serial interface to the host FPGA (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS), in-system programmability through the JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan interface, support for multi-device daisy-chain configuration of up to 8 FPGAs, and built-in decompression of Altera-compressed bitstreams. The 100-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) surface-mount package provides sufficient pin count for the configuration control signals and JTAG test access port, while maintaining a compact board footprint compared to older PLCC packages.
Technically, the EPC2LC2QN uses an internal oscillator to generate the configuration clock (DCLK) and supports both serial and parallel configuration modes. The device accepts compressed bitstreams from the Quartus II / Quartus Prime programmer and decompresses them on the fly before forwarding to the target FPGA, effectively doubling the usable storage. The 3.3V single-supply operation simplifies power-tree design in 3.3V-centric boards that pair with APEX II or first-generation Cyclone FPGAs.
Typical applications include Altera APEX II EP2A15/EP2A25/EP2A40 configuration, Cyclone EP1C3/EP1C4/EP1C6/EP1C12 boot, Stratix EP1S10/EP1S20/EP1S25 memory loading, JTAG-based field firmware update in industrial controllers, and multi-FPGA prototyping boards where daisy-chain configuration reduces board complexity. Designers also use the EPC2LC2QN in legacy migration designs that must remain pin-compatible with older Altera reference schematics.
When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain includes the configuration device's TMS, TCK, TDI, and TDO pins wired in series with the FPGA's JTAG port to allow boundary-scan programming. Verify the VCC ramp time meets the 100 µs minimum required by the EPC2 configuration controller to avoid POR ambiguity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Altera-family configuration alternatives, and practical design notes not collected in the standalone Altera datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2LC2QN — 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 EPC2LC2QN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Size, Programmable Type, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2LC20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LI20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1LC20N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC16QC100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LC2QN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | FPGA Configuration Device |
| Configuration Memory Size | 2 Mb |
| Target Device Family | SRAM-Based LUT FPGAs (APEX II, Cyclone, Stratix) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Interface | 4-wire Serial (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Bitstream Compression | Supported (Altera-compressed format) |
| Multi-Device Daisy-Chain Support | Yes (up to 8 FPGAs) |
| In-System Programmability | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EPC2LC2QN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Configuration data output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA DCLK pin |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA nCONFIG pin |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA nSTATUS pin |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done signal to FPGA CONF_DONE pin |
| Pin 6 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 9 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 10 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 11 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2LC2QN is suitable for 6 applications: Altera APEX II FPGA Boot Configuration, Cyclone FPGA Bitstream Storage, Stratix FPGA Multi-Device Configuration, JTAG-Based Field Firmware Update in Industrial Controllers, Legacy APEX II Migration Boards, Multi-FPGA Prototyping Boards.
Altera APEX II FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC2LC2QN is the canonical configuration memory for APEX II EP2A15/EP2A25/EP2A40 FPGAs, storing the LUT-based configuration bitstream that is reloaded at every POR. Its 2 Mb storage and bitstream-compression support comfortably hold the largest APEX II designs. Placed adjacent to the FPGA on the board with the 4-wire serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) wired per Altera reference designs, the EPC2LC2QN enables reliable 3.3V boot. The JTAG chain allows field firmware updates via the IEEE 1149.1 interface.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Bitstream Storage
The EPC2LC2QN stores the configuration bitstream for first-generation Cyclone FPGAs (EP1C3, EP1C4, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20), which are SRAM-based LUT devices that lose configuration on power-down. The 2 Mb capacity with bitstream compression supports even the largest Cyclone designs including the EP1C20 with embedded multipliers and M4K RAM blocks. The EPC2LC2QN handles the 3.3V-to-1.5V core-voltage generation via the FPGA's internal POR circuitry, while presenting a clean 3.3V interface to the configuration pins.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Multi-Device Configuration
The EPC2LC2QN supports Stratix EP1S10/EP1S20/EP1S25 SRAM-based LUT FPGAs with multi-device daisy-chain configuration of up to 8 devices on a single chain. By sharing one configuration memory across multiple FPGAs, designers reduce BOM cost and board space on high-density DSP or ASIC-prototyping boards. The EPC2LC2QN's JTAG interface allows in-system reprogramming of the chain without removing the board from the chassis. This is critical for telecom and military systems requiring field firmware updates.
Recommended
JTAG-Based Field Firmware Update in Industrial Controllers
Industrial PLCs and process controllers based on Altera SRAM-based LUT FPGAs use the EPC2LC2QN's JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface to enable on-site bitstream updates without removing the board. The in-system programmability allows technicians to load a new bitstream over the JTAG chain during commissioning or maintenance windows. The EPC2LC2QN's 100-pin PQFP package supports the 4-wire JTAG signals (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) plus configuration control, all accessible through a single header for ISP cable connectivity.
Recommended
Legacy APEX II Migration Boards
Designers maintaining legacy Altera APEX II designs in production use the EPC2LC2QN for pin-compatible configuration memory that matches the original Altera reference schematics. Boards designed around APEX II 3.3V I/O architectures can drop in the EPC2LC2QN without PCB rework, preserving the original layout and BOM. The 100-pin PQFP footprint matches the original 100-pin PQFP pads, and the 4-wire serial interface is bit-compatible with the APEX II configuration controller. This enables long-lifecycle aerospace and defense programs to maintain production.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Prototyping Boards
Multi-FPGA ASIC prototyping platforms based on APEX II or Stratix use the EPC2LC2QN in daisy-chain configuration to load bitstreams into 2-8 FPGAs from a single configuration memory device. This reduces BOM cost and board complexity on high-density prototyping boards with dozens of LUT-based FPGAs. The EPC2LC2QN's compression support approximately doubles the usable storage, accommodating large multi-FPGA bitstreams that partition a single ASIC design across multiple FPGAs. The JTAG chain allows individual FPGA bitstream updates during prototyping iterations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2LC2QN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2LC20N | EPC2LI20N | EPC1LC20N | EPC4QC100N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 100-pin PQFP | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same | 100-pin PQFP - same |
| Configuration Memory Size | 2 Mb | 2 Mb | 2 Mb | 1 Mb (-50%) | 4 Mb (+100%) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 1.8 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C |
| Bitstream Compression | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| JTAG Programming | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Up to 8 FPGAs | Up to 8 FPGAs | Up to 8 FPGAs | Up to 8 FPGAs | Up to 8 FPGAs |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Bitstream compression doubles usable memory (vs EPC1LC20N)
- Higher memory density for larger FPGAs (vs EPC1LC20N)
- Commercial temperature variant (cost-optimized) (vs EPC2LI20N)
Design Notes
The EPC2LC2QN requires a stable 3.3V VCC rail with a 100 µs maximum ramp time per the Altera datasheet. Add a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor close to each VCC pin (typically 8 VCC pins on the 100-pin PQFP) plus a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. The device draws approximately 50 mA during active configuration and drops to µA-level standby when the host FPGA CONF_DONE signal goes high. Estimated: 50 mA × 3.3V = 165 mW peak configuration power dissipation.
Place the EPC2LC2QN within 50 mm of the target FPGA to keep the DATA and DCLK traces short and matched. Route the 4-wire serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) on the same signal layer with no vias where possible, and keep the trace length mismatch below 5 mm to prevent timing violations on the configuration clock. According to Altera AN-370 reference designs, the JTAG chain (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) should also be short, with TCK series-termination of 22-33 Ω to prevent ringing.
A common design pitfall is omitting the pull-up resistor on nCONFIG, which causes unreliable configuration initiation because nCONFIG is active-low and must be pulled high to VCC via a 1-10 kΩ resistor. Another pitfall is mis-wiring the JTAG chain order: the EPC2LC2QN's TDI and TDO must be placed adjacent to the target FPGA's JTAG port so that the boundary-scan chain flows FPGA → EPC2 → connector. Reversing this order will cause the Quartus programmer to fail to detect the configuration device. Also verify that the VCC ramp time meets the 100 µs minimum specified in the datasheet, or POR ambiguity can occur.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Altera (Intel FPGA) product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable as this is a configuration memory device, not an automotive-grade IC. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in distributor data - mark as unknown. Conflict-minerals compliance status not verified from provided data.
