EPC2T32UCAF48 - Altera Configuration Device for FPGAs | QFP-48
MPN: EPC2T32UCAF48 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.4 | $164.00 |
| 100 | $14.2 | $1,420.00 |
| 500 | $12.1 | $6,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.05 | $10,050.00 |
EPC2T32UCAF48 Overview
A configuration PROM is a specialized non-volatile memory device used in FPGA-based systems to store the FPGA's bitstream and load it at power-up. The EPC2 family sits in the FPGA toolchain hierarchy as a companion device: FPGA -> SRAM-based LUT device -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor. The EPC2T32UCAF48 occupies the configuration/boot-loader role between the system's flash storage and the target FPGA, enabling fast, deterministic multi-FPGA configuration chains without requiring an external microcontroller.
Key features include 32 Mbits of storage capacity, JTAG-compliant in-system programmability, support for serial and parallel configuration data formats, low-power CMOS technology, 3.3V typical supply, and cascadable design enabling multiple EPC2 devices to chain together for FPGA bitstreams larger than 32 Mbits. The device uses a 4-pin JTAG interface (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) for ISP and a 4-wire serial configuration interface (DATA0, DCLK, nCONFIG, CONF_DONE) for FPGA loading.
The EPC2T32UCAF48 implements a simple state machine that streams its internal flash array contents to the target FPGA on power-up or when nCONFIG is asserted. The architecture uses a sector-erasable flash array with built-in error detection, and the parallel interface can be configured 8-bit or 16-bit wide to match the target FPGA's configuration bus width.
Typical applications include single-FPGA boot storage in industrial controllers, multi-FPGA configuration chains in DSP and telecom boards, prototype bring-up and field-reprogrammable FPGA systems, and replacement of legacy Altera EPC1/EPC1441 PROMs in long-lifecycle products. The wide operating range and QFP-48 footprint also make it suitable for through-hole-compatible sockets used in test fixtures.
When designing with this device, ensure that nCONFIG and CONF_DONE are correctly tied to the target FPGA's configuration pins per Altera's configuration handbook. For multi-device chains, daisy-chain the nCASC and nCS pins and verify timing margin against the slowest FPGA in the chain.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives (EPC2T32N family and EPC2LC20N series), and practical chain-design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2T32UCAF48 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 EPC2T32UCAF48 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Memory Type, Supply Voltage (VCC), Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2T32U
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$16.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32U-CAF48
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.6 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T132U
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet βEPC2T132N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$17.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.7 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2LC20N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32UCAF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Configuration PROM for SRAM-based FPGAs |
| Memory Capacity | 32 Mbit |
| Interface | Serial / Parallel configuration; JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) ISP |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Configuration Modes | Serial, Parallel (8/16-bit) |
| JTAG Interface | 4-wire (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC pin for multi-device chains) |
| Package | QFP-48 (CAF48) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Process Technology | CMOS non-volatile memory |
| Manufacturer | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Series | EPC2 (Enhanced Configuration Device) |
EPC2T32UCAF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 β Serial configuration data output / parallel bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | DATA1 β Parallel configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | DATA2 β Parallel configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | DATA3 β Parallel configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | DATA4 β Parallel configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | DATA5 β Parallel configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | DATA6 β Parallel configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | DATA7 β Parallel configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 10 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 11 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 12 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 13 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 14 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 15 | nCS β Chip Select (active low) |
| Pin 16 | nCASC β Cascade output (active low) |
| Pin 17 | nSTATUS β Configuration status to FPGA |
| Pin 18 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete signal |
| Pin 19 | nCONFIG β Configuration reset from FPGA |
| Pin 20 | DCLK β Configuration clock |
| Pin 21 | VCC β 3.3V supply |
| Pin 22 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 23 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 24 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 25 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 26 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 29 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 30 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 31 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 32 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 33 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 34 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 35 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 36 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 37 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 38 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 39 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 40 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 41 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 42 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 43 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 44 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 45 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 46 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 47 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 48 | GND β Ground |
Typical Applications
EPC2T32UCAF48 is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone FPGA Boot Storage, Stratix FPGA Configuration Chain, Multi-FPGA Industrial Control Board, Legacy APEX 20K Replacement PROM, Telecom DSP Board Boot Loader, Test & Measurement Instrumentation.
Cyclone FPGA Boot Storage
The EPC2T32UCAF48 stores the 32-Mbit-class configuration bitstream for Altera Cyclone series FPGAs in industrial controller boards. Placed between the system 3.3V rail and the FPGA's configuration pins, it streams the bitstream on power-up via the standard Altera DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/CONF_DONE interface. The 32-Mbit capacity matches mid-density Cyclone II/III/IV devices in single-PROM mode, eliminating the need for an external boot microcontroller. Compared with discrete parallel flash, the EPC2T32UCAF48 simplifies the BOM and supports JTAG in-system reprogramming via the 4-wire IEEE 1149.1 port for field firmware updates.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Configuration Chain
For larger Stratix FPGAs exceeding the EPC2T32UCAF48's single-device capacity, two or more EPC2 PROMs are cascaded using the nCASC pin to extend the bitstream storage beyond 32 Mbits. The first device in the chain holds the low-address range, and the second holds the high-address range, transparently streaming contiguous data to the Stratix's parallel configuration port. This application exploits the EPC2 family's standardized cascade protocol, allowing designers to scale boot storage linearly by adding identical parts to the chain rather than redesigning the boot logic.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Industrial Control Board
In multi-FPGA industrial control boards (such as PLC or motion-controller designs), the EPC2T32UCAF48 serves as the master boot source for multiple Altera FPGAs on the same board, each loaded sequentially through the chain. The 3.3V supply matches the FPGA VCCIO, eliminating level shifters, and the JTAG port allows the EPC2 and all chained FPGAs to be reprogrammed through a single 10-pin header. The QFP-48 footprint is large enough for hand-soldering during prototype rework, an advantage in small-batch industrial production runs.
Recommended
Legacy APEX 20K Replacement PROM
The EPC2T32UCAF48 replaces legacy Altera EPC1, EPC1441, and APEX boot PROMs in long-lifecycle products, providing a JTAG-programmable, higher-density 32-Mbit alternative. Designers can drop the EPC2T32UCAF48 into the same JTAG chain and configuration bus as the legacy part, provided the FPGA's configuration interface is standard Altera DATA0/DCLK. This simplifies field upgrades for medical, aerospace, and industrial systems where the FPGA is mature but a higher-capacity boot device is needed to support new firmware features.
Recommended
Telecom DSP Board Boot Loader
In telecom DSP boards based on Stratix or Cyclone FPGAs, the EPC2T32UCAF48 acts as a deterministic boot source that ensures the FPGA enters a known state within milliseconds of power-up - critical for carrier-grade reliability and hot-swap recovery. Unlike discrete flash, the EPC2's configuration timing is matched to the FPGA's requirements, eliminating hand-tuned wait-state logic. The serial-mode operation reduces FPGA pin consumption, freeing GPIO for signal-processing interfaces.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The EPC2T32UCAF48 supports JTAG-based bitstream updates in test and measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, data-acquisition boards), enabling end-of-line calibration data and firmware revisions without opening the enclosure. The QFP-48 package is well-suited for socketed programming during factory test, allowing the EPC2 to be pre-loaded with customer-specific configuration before final assembly. The 32-Mbit capacity supports instrument-grade FPGA bitstreams that include calibration tables and IP cores.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2T32UCAF48 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2T32U | EPC2T32U-CAF48 | EPC2T132U | EPC2T132N | EPC2T32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | QFP-48 (CAF48) | QFP-48 (CAF48) | QFP-48 (CAF48) | QFP-48 (CAF48) | QFP-48 (CAF48) | QFP-48 (CAF48) |
| Memory Capacity | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | Higher-density family member | Higher-density family member | 32 Mbit base |
| Interface | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG | Serial / Parallel / JTAG |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0V to 3.6V | 3.0V to 3.6V | 3.0V to 3.6V | 3.0V to 3.6V | 3.0V to 3.6V | 3.0V to 3.6V |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Function | Configuration PROM | Configuration PROM | Configuration PROM | Configuration PROM (higher density) | Configuration PROM (higher density) | Configuration PROM |
Key Differentiators
- 32-Mbit capacity within standard QFP-48 footprint (vs EPC2LC20N (lower-density EPC2 sibling))
- Higher-density upgrade path within same family (vs EPC2T32U base variant)
- JTAG ISP support with single-header programming (vs Older EPC1-series PROMs)
- Native cascade chain for >32 Mbit bitstreams (vs Discrete flash boot solutions)
Design Notes
Do not connect nCONFIG to the FPGA's nCONFIG pin with a pull-up that conflicts with the EPC2's drive strength; Altera configuration handbooks require nCONFIG to be driven by the system controller or left unasserted during EPC2 power-up. Adding a 1 kohm pull-up to nCONFIG is acceptable to define the state during power ramp, but verify timing in the configuration handbook. Incorrect nCONFIG handling is the #1 cause of failed FPGA boot from EPC2 PROMs.
Keep the DCLK trace between the EPC2 and the target FPGA short (< 50 mm on FR-4) and route it away from switching power converter nodes. The EPC2 drives DCLK at frequencies up to 100 MHz in parallel mode; excessive trace length causes clock skew that violates the FPGA's DCLK setup/hold time and results in intermittent configuration errors. Series-terminate DCLK with a 33 ohm resistor near the EPC2 if the trace exceeds 25 mm.
Place the EPC2T32UCAF48 within 25 mm of the target FPGA's configuration pins to minimize bus loading. Decouple VCC with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. Decoupling the JTAG supply (TDI/TDO) is optional but recommended if the JTAG chain is long; use a ferrite bead to isolate JTAG noise from the configuration supply.
Power-up sequencing is not critical for the EPC2T32UCAF48 itself, but the target FPGA requires nSTATUS to be sampled after VCC is stable. According to Altera configuration handbook, hold the target FPGA in reset (nCONFIG low) for at least 100 us after EPC2 VCC reaches 3.0V to ensure proper initialization. Failure to observe this timing can cause the FPGA to enter an undefined configuration state.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance status not explicitly listed in the verified distributor data; consult Intel/Altera material declaration for the specific manufacturing lot. Configuration PROMs are not AEC-Q100 qualified as they target commercial/industrial FPGA platforms, not automotive ECU applications.
