EPC2T132U - Altera FPGA Config Device, 132-Pin UQFP | Intel
MPN: EPC2T132U β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
EPC2T132U Overview
What is a configuration device? A configuration device (also called a configuration PROM or boot PROM) is a dedicated non-volatile memory IC that holds the bitstream for an SRAM-based FPGA. SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed because the logic cells are volatile; therefore, every time the system powers up, the FPGA must be reloaded from an external source. A configuration device automates this process by storing the bitstream and clocking it into the FPGA through a standard JTAG-like or proprietary serial interface, freeing the host CPU from boot-loader duties. Configuration devices sit in the hierarchy of: boot memory -> configuration PROM -> SRAM-based FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital IC.
Key features of the EPC2T132U include a single 3.3 V supply, in-system programmability (ISP) via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, support for multiple configuration schemes (Passive Serial, Passive Parallel Synchronous, Passive Parallel Asynchronous, and JTAG), and built-in compression that allows the EPC2 to store up to twice the data of competing PROMs. The device is housed in a 132-pin UQFP (Ultra-thin Quad Flat Pack) package suitable for surface-mount assembly on production boards.
Architecturally, the EPC2T132U integrates a flash memory array, an internal oscillator, a serial interface controller, and JTAG TAP logic on a single die. The flash array retains configuration data indefinitely and supports at least program/erase cycles. The internal oscillator generates configuration clocks without requiring an external crystal, simplifying BOM and layout. The flash-based design provides instant-on configuration at any operating temperature, unlike EEPROM or EPROM PROMs that require slow serial programming.
Typical applications include standalone boot of Altera Cyclone, Stratix, and APEX II FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, video broadcast equipment, and military/aerospace systems where JTAG-based in-system reprogrammability enables field firmware updates without physical access to the PCB. The wide -40C to +85C industrial operating range supports outdoor and harsh-environment deployments.
When designing with the EPC2T132U, observe the datasheet recommendations on decoupling (at least one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor close to each VCC pin) and on JTAG chain order if multiple devices share the same scan path. The UQFP-132 package has fine-pitch leads; use solder paste stencil apertures sized per IPC-7525 and reflow profile per J-STD-020 to avoid tombstoning and head-in-pillow defects.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement - but do not replace - the official Altera/Intel datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2T132U 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 EPC2T132U (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Interface, Memory Type, Supply Voltage, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2T132N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2LC20N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T132U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Product Type | FPGA Configuration Device (Boot PROM) |
| Target FPGAs | Altera APEX II, Cyclone, Stratix, and other SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Interface | Serial (Passive Serial), JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), Passive Parallel |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (via JTAG) |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 compliant TAP) |
| Configuration Clock | Internal oscillator (no external crystal required) |
| Data Compression | Yes (up to 2x compression vs competing PROMs) |
| Package | 132-pin UQFP (Ultra-thin Quad Flat Pack) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (per Altera/Intel product discontinuance) |
EPC2T132U 132-pin uqfp (ultra-thin quad flat pack) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC2T132U (132-pin uqfp (ultra-thin quad flat pack) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPC2T132U.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC2T132U is suitable for 7 applications: Standalone Boot of Altera Cyclone FPGAs, Telecom Line Card Configuration, Industrial PLC and Motor Controller, Video Broadcast Equipment, Military and Aerospace Avionics, Medical Imaging and Diagnostics, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Standalone Boot of Altera Cyclone FPGAs
The EPC2T132U stores the Cyclone FPGA bitstream in flash and streams it via Passive Serial on power-up, eliminating any host CPU or boot loader. The EPC2's internal oscillator generates the configuration clock, removing the need for an external crystal and reducing BOM count. At 3.3 V single-supply, it integrates cleanly into Cyclone-based industrial control boards where a 3.3 V rail already exists. Compared to parallel boot PROMs, the serial interface saves PCB routing area.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards typically use Altera Stratix or APEX II FPGAs that need rapid, reliable power-up configuration to meet carrier-grade boot times. The EPC2T132U's serial interface and internal oscillator enable sub-second FPGA configuration from a 3.3 V rail. Built-in data compression lets a smaller EPC2 hold larger Stratix bitstreams, lowering BOM cost. JTAG-based in-system programming supports field firmware updates without card removal, essential for live network maintenance.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Motor Controller
FPGA-based PLCs and motor controllers need deterministic, hands-off power-up so that field equipment comes up correctly after a power cycle. The EPC2T132U's 3.3 V single supply and industrial temperature rating suit factory-floor enclosures. In-system JTAG programming allows plant engineers to push updated control logic without opening cabinets, reducing downtime. The UQFP-132 surface-mount package supports automated pick-and-place assembly on high-volume production lines.
Recommended
Video Broadcast Equipment
Video broadcast routers and processing frames use Altera FPGAs for SDI/HDMI/ethernet switching, and these FPGAs must boot quickly when the chassis is hot-swapped. The EPC2T132U's flash-based storage provides instant configuration without the warm-up delay of EPROM-based PROMs. Its JTAG support permits remote firmware updates over the broadcast network's own management channel, avoiding truck rolls to remote transmitter sites. The 3.3 V supply matches typical broadcast board rails.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Avionics
Avionics subsystems require rugged, deterministic FPGA boot across wide temperature swings and after power interruptions. The EPC2T132U's industrial temperature grade and flash-based storage suit DO-254 and MIL-STD-810 qualified designs. JTAG in-system programming allows depot-level firmware updates on flight hardware without desoldering. Legacy Altera FPGAs (Stratix, APEX II) remain common in long-lifecycle aerospace platforms, keeping the EPC2T132U in active service.
Recommended
Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
MRI, CT, and ultrasound systems use Altera FPGAs for high-speed image preprocessing. The EPC2T132U's flash storage ensures deterministic, repeatable power-up for medical safety certification. JTAG in-system programming enables OEM service updates to imaging firmware without breaking the system's regulatory chain. Its 3.3 V single supply and small-form-factor UQFP-132 package fit densely-populated medical board layouts where PCB area is at a premium.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol testers use Altera FPGAs for high-speed signal capture and DSP. The EPC2T132U enables hands-free, instant power-up so that lab equipment is immediately ready after power-on. JTAG in-system programming allows the manufacturer to push calibration firmware and new protocol decoders without shipping physical EPROM updates. The EPC2's compression reduces the required memory density, lowering BOM cost.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2T132U β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2T132N | EPC2LC20N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | UQFP-132 | UQFP-132 - same | UQFP equivalent (verify exact pinout) |
| Product Type | FPGA Configuration Device | FPGA Configuration Device | FPGA Configuration Device |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Configuration Scheme | Passive Serial, Passive Parallel, JTAG | Passive Serial, Passive Parallel, JTAG | Passive Serial, Passive Parallel, JTAG |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) |
| In-System Programmability | Yes (via JTAG) | Yes (via JTAG) | Yes (via JTAG) |
| Data Compression | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Availability | Limited (independent distributors) | Limited (independent distributors) | Limited (independent distributors) |
Key Differentiators
- Internal oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs EPC1PC8 (older EPC1 family))
- Built-in data compression (vs EPC1PC8 (older EPC1 family))
- 3.3 V single supply (vs EPC1PC8 (5 V supply))
Design Notes
Place at least one 0.1 uF decoupling ceramic capacitor close to each VCC pin of the EPC2T132U. The 132-pin UQFP has many supply pins; using a separate cap per pin minimizes switching noise coupling into the configuration clock. Use a solid ground plane directly under the package to provide a low-impedance return path for the high-speed serial configuration signal. Trace the DCLK and DATA lines as a matched-length differential pair from the EPC2 to the FPGA to avoid setup/hold violations during configuration.
Verify that the FPGA's MSEL pins are set for the correct configuration mode (Passive Serial, Passive Parallel, or JTAG) before power-up. Mixing up MSEL settings will cause the FPGA to ignore the EPC2 entirely and fail to configure. For multi-FPGA chains, ensure all devices' configuration clocks are aligned and that nSTATUS and CONF_DONE are correctly wired for handshaking. Do not assume JTAG chain order - explicitly assign EPC2T132U and FPGA positions in the Quartus Programmer JTAG chain file.
Route JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a daisy chain with stub length minimized at each TAP. Keep JTAG traces away from switching power supply nodes to avoid coupling noise into the JTAG TAP state machine. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on TCK and TMS per IEEE 1149.1 recommendations. Include a JTAG header on the production PCB even if programming is performed only at factory - field firmware updates via JTAG are essential for legacy Altera designs.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not available from verified sources. Original Altera configuration devices typically shipped as RoHS-compliant and lead-free, but since the part is obsolete, confirm with the distributor's lot paperwork before claiming compliance.
