EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 - 1.6Mb ISP Config PROM | Altera (Intel PSG)
MPN: EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.95 | $9,950.00 |
EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that retains the FPGA's configuration bitstream and serially transfers it to the target FPGA at power-up. In the Altera architecture hierarchy, the EPC2 family sits below the enhanced configuration devices (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16) in density but is fully ISP-capable through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. Configuration PROMs are essential building blocks in the broader programmable logic ecosystem, enabling rapid board bring-up, in-field firmware updates, and design security via bitstream encryption. The EPC2TC32 supports single-device configuration for Altera FPGAs including ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, Mercury, Cyclone, and Stratix series.
Key features include 1.6 Mb of configuration memory, in-system programmability via JTAG, cascadable data output for higher-density configurations, and a 3.3 V core supply. The serial configuration clock is generated internally so no external oscillator is required, simplifying board layout. The 32-pin TQFP package provides a generous thermal envelope for industrial temperature operation.
Typical applications include factory-floor FPGA configuration storage, telecom line-card bitstream retention, military and aerospace secure-boot loads, and industrial control boards where field updates via JTAG avoid mechanical PROM swaps. The cascadable DATA output also makes the EPC2TC32 suitable for high-density Stratix II configuration where multiple PROMs must chain together.
When designing with this device, treat the JTAG chain as a four-wire TAP (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) and include a 4.7 kohm pull-up on nCE per Altera application guidance. Keep the nCONFIG and CONF_DONE traces impedance-controlled to avoid bitstream corruption during configuration. For multi-PROM chains, observe the daisy-chain timing budget and add series damping near the FPGA.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the EPC2 and EPC1 families, and practical configuration-chain design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 — 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 EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Memory Size, Memory Type, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32U-CAF48
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb |
| Function | In-system programmable configuration PROM |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Interface | Serial synchronous (Altera FPGA configuration) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG |
| Control Pins | OE, nCS, DCLK |
| Cascadable | Yes (DATA output supports daisy-chain) |
| Storage Technology | EPROM |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, per data sheet) |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| DC Input Min | -0.3 V |
| DC Input Overshoot | 7.0 V for <100 mA, <20 ns |
| DC Input Undershoot | -2.0 V for <100 mA, <20 ns |
EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA DATA0 |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock (internal oscillator output to FPGA) |
| Pin 3 | OE — Output enable (active high, enables DATA driver) |
| Pin 4 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 5 | nCE — Chip enable (active low, with internal pull-up) |
| Pin 6 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 9 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 10 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 11 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 27 | nINIT_CONF — Configuration initialization (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | VPP — Programming voltage supply |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration Storage, APEX 20K and Mercury FPGA Boot PROM, Telecom Line-Card Bitstream Retention, Industrial Control Board Firmware Updates, Military and Aerospace Secure-Boot Loads, Multi-PROM Cascaded Configuration Chains.
Altera Cyclone FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 is sized to hold the complete bitstream of Altera Cyclone series FPGAs (Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III) in single-device configuration mode. Its 1.6 Mb density matches the typical Cyclone EP1C6/EP1C12 configuration image, eliminating the need to cascade multiple PROMs. The JTAG ISP interface lets board firmware be updated in factory without removing the PROM, shortening production rework cycles.
Recommended
APEX 20K and Mercury FPGA Boot PROM
Mid-density Altera FPGAs in the APEX 20K and Mercury families fit comfortably inside the 1.6 Mb EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 window, making this PROM the canonical single-chip solution for these legacy devices. The cascadable DATA output also allows two EPC2 PROMs to chain together if the design later moves to a larger APEX 20KE device. Designers benefit from JTAG ISP for board-level firmware rollouts in OEM equipment.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Bitstream Retention
In telecom line cards, the EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 stores the configuration image for FLEX 10K and ACEX 1K FPGAs that drive glue logic and PHY interfaces. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range (per the data sheet) supports outdoor cabinet deployment. JTAG ISP enables remote firmware rollouts via card-edge JTAG headers, a critical capability for carrier-grade equipment that must be reconfigured without service interruption.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Firmware Updates
Industrial PLCs and motion-control boards use the EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 as the boot source for FLEX 10K or ACEX 1K glue-logic FPGAs that manage I/O scanning and fieldbus interfaces. The JTAG ISP capability lets service technicians load new FPGA revisions through the same JTAG header used during factory test, avoiding PROM socket mechanical wear. The 32-TQFP package tolerates the conformal coating and reflow profiles typical of industrial assembly.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Secure-Boot Loads
Defense and avionics programs leverage the EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 as a non-volatile configuration source for Stratix and APEX 20K FPGAs implementing secure boot paths. Because the PROM is one-time programmable per bitstream image, it provides physical tamper resistance against bitstream extraction. The cascadable DATA output allows dual-PROM redundancy schemes for mission-critical boards, with JTAG ISP reserved for factory-only programming under controlled access.
Recommended
Multi-PROM Cascaded Configuration Chains
When the target FPGA bitstream exceeds 1.6 Mb, multiple EPC2 PROMs can be cascaded by connecting the DATA output of PROM N to the DATA input of PROM N+1. The EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 is typically used as the head PROM in such chains, with EPC4TC32, EPC8, or EPC16 devices following. The internal oscillator of each EPC2 frees the FPGA from generating the configuration clock, simplifying the FPGA bitstream and reducing software complexity.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32 | EPC1TC32 | EPC2T32U-CAF48 | EPC1TI32 | EPC1441TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 0.8 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 0.8 Mb | 0.44 Mb |
| JTAG In-System Programming | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Cascadable DATA Output | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Programming Type | ISP (JTAG) + EPROM array | ISP (JTAG) + EPROM array | EPROM array (no ISP) | ISP (JTAG) + EPROM array | EPROM array (no ISP) | One-time programmable EPROM |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Target FPGA Families | Cyclone, APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, Mercury, Stratix | Same as EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 | ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, smaller Cyclone | Same as EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 | ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, smaller Cyclone (industrial) | FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K (legacy) |
Key Differentiators
- 1.6 Mb density with JTAG ISP in 32-TQFP (vs EPC1441TC32)
- Cascadable DATA output for multi-PROM chains (vs EPC1TC32)
- Identical die across CAF48 ordering variants (vs EPC2TC32)
Design Notes
Place the EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 within 50 mm of the target FPGA's DATA0, DCLK, and nCONFIG pins. Keep the configuration clock trace impedance-controlled (50 ohm microstrip) and avoid routing it near switching power converter edges. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on nCE per Altera application guidance to prevent spurious chip-disable during power-up ramp.
Estimated: at the maximum DCLK rate of ~33 MHz (per Altera FLEX 10K configuration timing), the DATA line should be treated as a 50 ohm controlled-impedance trace. Add a 33 ohm series damping resistor at the FPGA end if the cable/connector length exceeds 25 mm, and keep stubs below 5 mm to suppress reflections.
Do not confuse the EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 (1.6 Mb, JTAG ISP) with the EPC1441TC32 (0.44 Mb, OTP). Both share the 32-TQFP footprint but the latter cannot hold a Cyclone bitstream and lacks in-system programmability. Also avoid leaving nCS floating; tie it high through 10 kohm unless the FPGA actively controls it during multi-PROM cascade.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not present in the verified web data and are flagged as unknown. AEC-Q100 is not applicable as this is a configuration storage PROM, not a safety-critical analog/digital IC.
