EPC2T32 - 1.6Mb FPGA Config PROM, 32-TQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC2T32 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.05 | $130.50 |
| 100 | $11.6 | $1,160.00 |
| 500 | $10.15 | $5,075.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.7 | $8,700.00 |
EPC2T32 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that holds the FPGA bitstream and serially shifts it into the SRAM-based logic array at power-up. The EPC2 family sits within the broader hierarchy of FPGA configuration memory: configuration PROM -> non-volatile boot memory -> FPGA configuration storage -> memory IC. Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, a configuration PROM such as the EPC2T32 is mandatory for standalone, power-on-load operation. The EPC2 family uses a serial data protocol with chainable cascaded devices for larger bitstreams, and supports JTAG-based in-system programming for field updates without removing the part.
Key features of the EPC2T32 include 1.6 Mb of configuration storage organized as a serial shift register, an industry-standard JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) ISP interface for re-programmability, a dedicated serial configuration clock up to 10 MHz, low-power CMOS operation, and 3.3 V or 5 V tolerant I/O. The device is offered in industrial temperature grade, suitable for both commercial and industrial FPGA platforms. The TQFP-32 (7x7 mm) package provides a familiar, easy-to-handle footprint that can be hand-soldered or placed by standard pick-and-place equipment.
From an architectural standpoint, the EPC2T32 uses Altera's enhanced-configuration-device architecture with built-in JTAG controller, voltage-sensing circuitry, and a serial shift register optimized for FPGA configuration data formats. The dedicated OE/nCS and DCLK pins drive Altera FPGAs in serial configuration mode, while nINIT_CONF and nSTATUS provide handshake signals back to the FPGA. Because the EPC2 family is not cascadable, system designers targeting larger bitstreams must select a higher-density member (EPC4, EPC8, or EPC16) or use the EPC2T32 alone for smaller designs.
Typical applications include boot configuration storage for APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, legacy military/aerospace systems, and test-and-measurement instrumentation. The EPC2T32 is also widely used as a baseline configuration source during board bring-up and as a reprogrammable bitstream repository in development kits.
When designing with the EPC2T32, ensure the serial configuration mode wiring (DCLK, DATA, nCS, ASDO) matches the target FPGA's serial configuration scheme. Because the EPC2 family cannot be cascaded, verify that 1.6 Mb is sufficient for the target FPGA bitstream; otherwise upgrade to a larger member of the EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 enhanced configuration family or migrate to a newer EPCQ-A device for Cyclone/Stratix support.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Altera family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet, giving engineers a single authoritative source for EPC2T32 selection.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2T32 — 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 EPC2T32 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage, Interface, Supported FPGA Families.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | FPGA Configuration PROM (non-volatile boot memory) |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Serial |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Programmability | In-System Programmable (ISP) via JTAG |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan + ISP) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (5 V tolerant I/O per datasheet) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Cascadable | No (single-device configuration only) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (DCLK/DATA/nCS) |
| Document Size (third-party) | 26 pages (per alldatasheet listing) |
EPC2T32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 2 | DATA — Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock output |
| Pin 4 | nINIT_CONF — Initiate configuration (open-drain) |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS — Status output (open-drain) |
| Pin 6 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 7 | VCC — Core supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 11 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 13 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 14 | ASDO — Active serial data out (programming) |
| Pin 15 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | VCC — Core supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 24 | VCC — Core supply voltage |
| Pin 25 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 31 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VCC — Core supply voltage |
Typical Applications
EPC2T32 is suitable for 7 applications: APEX II FPGA Boot Configuration, APEX 20K FPGA Configuration Storage, Mercury FPGA Board Bring-Up, ACEX 1K FPGA Industrial Controller, FLEX 10K Legacy System Configuration, Development Kit Bitstream Repository, Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration.
APEX II FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC2T32 is the canonical Altera configuration PROM for APEX II (EP2A) series FPGAs, providing 1.6 Mb of non-volatile storage that the FPGA loads serially on power-up via DCLK/DATA pins at up to 10 MHz. The 1.6 Mb capacity matches the typical APEX II configuration bitstream size for mid-density designs, eliminating the need for multiple configuration PROMs. Its 32-pin TQFP footprint simplifies board layout and allows hand rework during engineering bring-up. ISP via JTAG enables field upgrades of the boot image without removing the part.
Recommended
APEX 20K FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC2T32 stores the configuration bitstream for APEX 20K (EP20K) series FPGAs, the predecessor to APEX II widely deployed in industrial control and telecom applications. With 1.6 Mb capacity and serial configuration at 10 MHz, the EPC2T32 reliably loads APEX 20K bitstreams within the FPGA's configuration time budget. The JTAG ISP interface allows production-line programming of unique bitstreams per board, useful for serialized MAC addresses or calibration constants. Drop-in compatible with EPC2TC32 variants.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Board Bring-Up
The EPC2T32 supports Mercury series FPGAs (EP1M) used in high-speed signal-processing applications, providing the 1.6 Mb boot image required for power-on configuration. Mercury's emphasis on I/O performance makes reliable, low-jitter configuration timing critical, and the EPC2T32's 10 MHz serial clock meets the FPGA's specification without overshoot or under-runs. The 32-pin TQFP package allows the EPC2T32 to be socketed during development, easing PROM swap-out as bitstream revisions are validated.
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Industrial Controller
The EPC2T32 configures ACEX 1K (EP1K) series FPGAs commonly used in cost-sensitive industrial control designs. The EPC2T32's 1.6 Mb memory aligns with ACEX 1K bitstreams for moderate logic densities (EP1K30, EP1K50, EP1K100), making it the go-to boot PROM for these devices. Industrial temperature grade support (-40C to +85C) ensures operation in factory floor environments. ISP via JTAG enables remote firmware updates via the FPGA's JTAG chain.
Recommended
FLEX 10K Legacy System Configuration
The EPC2T32 stores configuration bitstreams for FLEX 10K (EPF10K) FPGAs, the predecessor to ACEX 1K widely used in legacy telecommunications, test-and-measurement, and industrial systems. With 1.6 Mb storage and a 10 MHz serial clock, the EPC2T32 configures FLEX 10K devices within their power-on timing budgets. The device's mature qualification and broad second-source availability make it suitable for long-lifecycle programs requiring decade-plus field support.
Recommended
Development Kit Bitstream Repository
Altera/Intel development kits for APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and FLEX 10K FPGAs historically shipped with the EPC2T32 as the reference boot PROM. The 32-pin TQFP package is easy to swap, allowing engineers to test alternate configuration images or migrate to higher-density variants during bring-up. The EPC2T32's JTAG ISP enables on-bench reprogramming via ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster download cables without removing the part from the socket.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration
In legacy telecom line card designs, the EPC2T32 configures APEX 20K or ACEX 1K FPGAs that handle framing, switching, or signal conditioning. The device's industrial temperature grade and 5 V tolerant I/O simplify integration with telecom backplane voltage rails. Its NRND status requires careful last-time-buy planning for new deployments, while existing systems can continue using the EPC2T32 with confidence given its mature qualification and broad second-source availability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2T32 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TI32 | EPC2T32N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| JTAG ISP Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Cascadable | No | No | No | No |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- ISP-capable via JTAG for field upgrades (vs EPC1PC8 (predecessor OTP device))
- Identical pinout and footprint to EPC2TC32 and EPC2TI32 (vs EPC4QI100 (larger 4 Mb configuration device))
- Optimized for legacy APEX/ACEX/FLEX FPGA families (vs EPCQ-A configuration devices)
Design Notes
Place the EPC2T32 as close as practical to the target FPGA's serial configuration pins (DCLK, DATA, nCS) to minimize trace capacitance and avoid configuration timing violations. Keep the EPC2T32's JTAG chain (TDI/TDO/TMS/TCK) in the same JTAG scan chain as the FPGA for in-system programming via ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster cables. Decouple VCC and VCCIO pins with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each supply pin, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the device for low-frequency supply noise rejection.
Do not attempt to cascade multiple EPC2T32 devices - the EPC2 family is non-cascadable. For larger bitstreams, migrate to EPC4, EPC8, or EPC16 enhanced configuration devices. Verify that the target FPGA bitstream fits in 1.6 Mb before committing to EPC2T32; APEX II and ACEX 1K devices below EP20K400/EP1K100 are typically within budget, while higher-density parts require larger EPC2 family members. Confirm nSTATUS and nINIT_CONF open-drain wiring includes external pull-up resistors as specified in the datasheet.
Series-terminate the DCLK and DATA traces with 33 ohm resistors near the EPC2T32 to dampen ringing on long PCB traces to the FPGA. The 10 MHz configuration clock contains harmonics up to 50-100 MHz that can radiate EMI if traces are not impedance-controlled; route DCLK over a continuous ground plane and avoid crossing clock traces with other high-speed signals. Place the JTAG TDI/TMS/TCK signals on a separate bus with their own ground-return path to prevent configuration corruption during ISP.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per distributor environmental disclosures. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration PROM, not an automotive-grade part. Lead-free TQFP-32 package confirmed via DigiKey listing. Halogen-free status not explicitly disclosed by manufacturer.
