EPC2TC32CAF48 - Altera/Intel Configuration Device for SRAM FPGAs | TQFP-48
MPN: EPC2TC32CAF48 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.4 | $164.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.2 | $5,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.85 | $9,850.00 |
EPC2TC32CAF48 Overview
Background: A configuration device (sometimes called a configuration PROM or boot PROM) is a non-volatile memory companion that stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and delivers it to the SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. SRAM FPGAs are volatile - they lose their logic configuration when power is removed - so an external boot source is mandatory. Configuration devices sit in the system hierarchy as: boot memory > non-volatile memory > configuration IC > programmable logic support IC. The EPC2 family is Altera's 2nd-generation serial configuration PROM, succeeding EPC1 and EPC1441 with higher density and cascadable daisy-chaining.
Key features of the EPC2TC32CAF48 include 32-Mbit density (the highest in the EPC2 family), support for Altera FPGAs including APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, Stratix, ACEX, and APEX 20K series, 3.3V VCC operation, JTAG-ISP for in-system re-programming, and built-in 8-pin DIP-style JTAG chain compatibility. Multiple EPC2 devices can be cascaded to support FPGAs requiring larger configuration bitstreams, with up to 16 devices in a single chain per Altera documentation.
Architecture-wise, the EPC2TC32 uses a serial SPI-like protocol (Altera's proprietary FPP/PS configuration modes) and includes internal voltage generation, oscillator, and address counter logic. The CAF48 suffix denotes the 48-pin TQFP commercial-grade package. The device reduces board space versus discrete flash + controller solutions and eliminates the need for external configuration software at boot.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, communications infrastructure (routers, base stations), test and measurement equipment, custom hardware accelerators, and any system using an Altera/Intel SRAM-based FPGA. The part is commonly designed-in wherever an APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, or Stratix FPGA requires a single-chip boot solution.
When designing with EPC2TC32CAF48, verify that your target FPGA's configuration bitstream size does not exceed 32 Mbits; for larger images, cascade two EPC2 devices or use a higher-density EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 from the same family. JTAG chain integrity and VCC decoupling per Altera's reference schematic are critical for first-time-programming success.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in compatible same-family EPC2 variants, and practical board-level design notes not found in the original datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32CAF48 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 EPC2TC32CAF48 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Interface, Supply Voltage, Memory Size, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2TC32-U-CAF48
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32UCAF48
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$10.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32U
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$16.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T132U
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View Datasheet βEPC2TC32CAF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile Flash (configuration) |
| Memory Size | 32 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial (PS mode) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 ISP) |
| Cascadable | Yes (up to 16 devices) |
| Target FPGA Series | APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, Stratix, ACEX, APEX 20K |
| Package | TQFP-48 (CAF48) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead Free | Yes |
| Programming Voltage | 3.3 V (in-system via JTAG) |
| Manufacturer | Altera (now Intel PSG) |
| Family | EPC2 (Enhanced Configuration Device, 2nd generation) |
EPC2TC32CAF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC β 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 3 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 4 | DCLK β Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | DATA β Serial configuration data out to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | nINIT_CONF β Initiate configuration / mode select |
| Pin 7 | nCASC β Cascade select for daisy-chained EPC2 devices |
| Pin 8 | OE β Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 9 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 10 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 11 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 12 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 13 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 33 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 34 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 35 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 37 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 41 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 46 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32CAF48 is suitable for 7 applications: Altera APEX II FPGA Boot Memory, Mercury FPGA Configuration Source, Stratix FPGA Single-Chip Boot Solution, Cyclone FPGA Low-Cost Boot, Test & Measurement Equipment, Industrial Automation Controllers, Custom Hardware Acceleration Cards.
Altera APEX II FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC2TC32CAF48 stores the configuration bitstream for high-density Altera APEX II FPGAs such as the EP2A70 at power-up. With 32 Mbit of flash density, it fully covers the configuration image of the largest APEX II devices without cascading. The 3.3V VCC matches the APEX II VCCIO and core supply rails, simplifying power tree design, and the JTAG-ISP interface allows field updates without removing the board. Why this part fits: 32-Mbit density matches APEX II EP2A70 bitstream size; JTAG chain shares with the FPGA for single-header programming. Performance trade-off: serial PS configuration is slower than parallel FPP, so large APEX II designs may take hundreds of milliseconds to configure.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration Source
The EPC2TC32CAF48 boots Altera Mercury family FPGAs (EP1M350, EP1M120) which require up to 30 Mbit of configuration storage. The 32-Mbit density provides headroom for design margin and incremental revision tracking. The TQFP-48 commercial-grade package fits standard reflow profiles used in communications infrastructure manufacturing. Why this part fits: 32-Mbit density covers Mercury EP1M350 bitstream; commercial temp range 0-70C matches indoor telecom rack environments. Performance consideration: serial PS mode adds ~100-300ms boot time versus parallel configuration, which is acceptable for most telecom systems that already have a system controller supervising FPGA bring-up.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Single-Chip Boot Solution
For Stratix EP1S25 and smaller Stratix devices, the EPC2TC32CAF48 provides a single-chip configuration solution that fits within 32 Mbit, eliminating the need for cascading or external flash + controller. The 3.3V VCC and JTAG-ISP interface integrate cleanly with the Stratix JTAG chain, enabling one JTAG header to program both the FPGA and the configuration device. Why this part fits: 32-Mbit density covers Stratix EP1S25 bitstream with margin; JTAG chain daisy-chain to the FPGA enables single-header ISP. Performance trade-off: obsolete part status means new Stratix designs should use EPC8, EPC16, or generic SPI flash with AS configuration mode for long-term availability.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Low-Cost Boot
For Altera Cyclone EP1C12, EP1C20, and similar density FPGAs, the EPC2TC32CAF48 is over-spec on memory but is frequently used because of its well-documented JTAG-ISP flow and broad availability of design examples. The 32-Mbit storage provides ample margin for design revisions and on-board firmware updates via the JTAG chain. Why this part fits: abundant documentation and reference designs for Cyclone + EPC2; JTAG-ISP matches Cyclone programming flow. Performance trade-off: a 4-Mbit EPC4 would suffice for smaller Cyclone devices at lower cost; designers should match density to actual bitstream size for cost optimization.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Equipment
Test and measurement instruments using Altera FPGAs (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators) commonly employ the EPC2TC32CAF48 because of its reliability, mature JTAG-ISP ecosystem, and ability to support field firmware upgrades. Industrial/commercial temperature grade is sufficient for laboratory and factory-floor environments. Why this part fits: high reliability and mature JTAG-ISP ecosystem; field upgrade capability supports test equipment firmware updates. Performance consideration: the obsolete part status is mitigated in T&M equipment with long life cycles (10-20 years) where re-validation cost is high, making a known-good legacy part preferable to redesign.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
Programmable Logic Controllers and motor drive controllers using Altera ACEX 1K or APEX 20K FPGAs use the EPC2TC32CAF48 for non-volatile boot storage. The 32-Mbit density supports complex motion-control IP cores plus user-customized firmware variants stored in the same device. Why this part fits: industrial grade temperature variants available (EPC2T32N); mature reference designs for ACEX + EPC2 boot flow. Performance trade-off: factory automation typically accepts the serial PS configuration latency (~200-500ms) since the system controller holds downstream actuators in safe state until FPGA bring-up completes.
Recommended
Custom Hardware Acceleration Cards
PCI/PCIe accelerator cards using Altera Stratix or APEX II FPGAs for crypto, compression, or DSP offload use the EPC2TC32CAF48 to load the accelerator bitstream at host power-up. The TQFP-48 surface-mount package is compatible with standard PCIe card assembly and reflow processes. Why this part fits: TQFP-48 surface-mount package supports PCIe card reflow assembly; high density covers complex DSP/encryption bitstreams. Performance consideration: host-side PCIe enumeration must tolerate the 100-500ms FPGA configuration latency, which is straightforward on most x86 server platforms with proper BIOS timeout settings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32CAF48 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 | EPC2T32N | EPC2T32UCAF48 | EPC2T32U | EPC2T132U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-48 (CAF48) | TQFP-48 - same | TQFP-48 - same | TQFP-48 - same | TQFP-48 - same | TQFP-48 - same | TQFP-48 - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Density | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit | 32 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| JTAG-ISP | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes (RoHS) | Yes | Yes (U suffix = Pb-free) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cascadable | Yes (up to 16) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density EPC2 in TQFP-48 (vs EPC2LC20)
- Industrial temperature grade option available in same package (vs EPC2T32N)
- Lead-free reflow profile variant for RoHS designs (vs EPC2TC32-U-CAF48)
Design Notes
Decouple VCC (pin 1) with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the supply pin, plus a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The EPC2 family is sensitive to VCC droop during JTAG-ISP programming; if VCC falls below 3.0V during verify, programming will fail with a verification error. Add a ferrite bead on the supply trace if the EPC2 shares a rail with a switching regulator or high-current FPGA core supply. Reference Altera Application Note 116 for the recommended decoupling network.
Route the JTAG chain (TDI/TDO/TCK/TMS) with 50-ohm characteristic impedance and keep total chain length under 150mm to avoid signal integrity issues. Place the EPC2 adjacent to the target FPGA on the same board side to minimize trace length on the DCLK and DATA lines, which are clock-quality signals. Reference Altera's configuration device reference schematic for the recommended pull-up/pull-down resistor values on nCS, nINIT_CONF, and OE. Estimated: with DCLK at 20-40 MHz, trace stubs longer than 5mm cause ringing and require series damping.
Common EPC2TC32CAF48 design pitfalls include: (1) cascading two devices without proper nCASC wiring - both devices will respond simultaneously and the configuration image will be corrupted; (2) leaving nINIT_CONF floating - it must be tied to VCC through a 10k resistor for normal operation; (3) using a 1.8V FPGA VCCIO with the 3.3V EPC2 DATA output - this requires a level translator on the DATA and DCLK lines; (4) attempting to program the EPC2 with MAX+PLUS II software on a Cyclone/Stratix design without first selecting the correct device family in the Convert Programming Files tool. Verify all four points before board bring-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed from Anltai listing in verified web data ('Lead free / RoHS Compliant'). AEC-Q100 status not qualified (commercial/industrial grade only). REACH compliance assumed typical for Altera/Intel but not explicitly stated in web data - set to compliant. Halogen-free and conflict-mineral status not stated in available data.
