EPC2TC32U - 1.6Mb Altera Configuration Device, QFP-48 | Altera
MPN: EPC2TC32U ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.89 | $7.89 |
| 10 | $7.44 | $74.40 |
| 100 | $6.95 | $695.00 |
| 500 | $6.4 | $3,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.85 | $5,850.00 |
EPC2TC32U Overview
A configuration device is a dedicated serial Flash memory with an FPGA-specific control protocol that streams the bitstream to the LUT-based FPGA at power-on. In the system hierarchy it sits below the FPGA as a companion boot-memory IC; once the FPGA is configured, the configuration device is idle until the next power cycle or reconfiguration command. Compared to a generic SPI Flash, an EPC2 device reduces board complexity by eliminating the FPGA-side configuration logic and providing dedicated nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking, which simplifies PCB layout for production designs.
Key features of the EPC2TC32U include 1.6 Mbits of configuration memory (enough for most legacy Altera FPGAs in the 100K-LE class), a serial data interface optimized for Altera's passive-serial configuration scheme, programmable 3.3V or 5V operation, JTAG-compatible in-system programmability, and a 32-pin JEDEC-standard pinout. The 'U' suffix denotes a lead-free / RoHS-compliant package, while the 'TC' segment indicates the operating temperature range (industrial -40C to +85C) and the 32 pin count.
From an architectural standpoint, the EPC2 family uses an internal oscillator and state machine that handles the entire Altera configuration protocol, including the CONF_DONE and nSTATUS handshake signals. The device also supports JTAG boundary-scan for board-level testing, which is important for production test coverage.
Typical applications include legacy Altera FPGA configuration in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, prototyping platforms using Stratix/ Cyclone devices, and test/development boards where a stable, repeatable bitstream source is required. The EPC2TC32U remains a drop-in choice for designs that already include an Altera configuration socket.
When designing with this device, note that EPC2 configuration memories are not direct substitutes for modern SPI Flash - the protocol is Altera-specific. Ensure that CONF_DONE, nSTATUS, and nCONFIG pull-ups match the Altera reference schematic for the target FPGA family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family alternatives, and practical configuration-design notes not collected in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32U — 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 EPC2TC32U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Configuration Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32HAF48
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32CAF48
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32-U-CAF48
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | Serial Configuration Device for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Altera Passive Serial (DCLK / DATA0 / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE) |
| JTAG Support | Yes (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan, ISP) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V or 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | 32-pin QFP (CAF48, lead-free) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free / RoHS per distributor data) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Yes (U suffix) |
| Supported FPGA Families | Altera Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, ACEX, Mercury, Excalibur |
| Configuration Mode | Passive Serial (PS), JTAG |
EPC2TC32U Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — Power supply (3.3V or 5V) |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DATA0 — Serial configuration data output |
| Pin 4 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output (active low) |
| Pin 6 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done output |
| Pin 7 | VCCSEL — Voltage select (3.3V/5V) |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 10 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 11 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 12 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 13 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 14 | CE — Chip enable |
| Pin 15 | RESET — Reset input |
| 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 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 33 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 34 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 35 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 36 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 45 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 46 | VCC — Power supply (3.3V or 5V) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32U is suitable for 6 applications: Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage, Cyclone-Series FPGA Boot Memory, Industrial Controller Legacy Designs, Telecom Line Card Bitstream Storage, Prototyping and Development Boards, Legacy MIL/Aerospace Retrofit Designs.
Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration Storage
The EPC2TC32U stores the 1.6 Mbit bitstream that configures Altera Stratix-family FPGAs on every power-up. Its 1.6 Mbit capacity is well-matched to mid-range Stratix devices in the EP1S10 to EP1S25 range, and the passive-serial (PS) protocol streams the data directly to the FPGA's DCLK / DATA0 pins. The dual 3.3V/5V operation (programmed via VCCSEL) lets designers run the configuration memory from the same rail as the FPGA core, simplifying power architecture on Stratix-based telecom and DSP boards.
Recommended
Cyclone-Series FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC2TC32U provides the boot bitstream for Altera Cyclone EP1C3 / EP1C6 / EP1C12 devices, whose uncompressed bitstreams fit comfortably within 1.6 Mbit. Cyclone boards use the EPC2 family extensively in development kits because the JTAG ISP capability allows the configuration memory to be reprogrammed in-circuit via the Altera USB-Blaster or ByteBlaster, eliminating the need for an external programmer. The QFP-48 CAF48 footprint is straightforward to lay out on a 4-layer board with the Cyclone device.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Legacy Designs
Long-life industrial controllers built around Altera APEX / ACEX / Mercury FPGA families rely on the EPC2TC32U as a rugged, industrial-temperature (-40C to +85C) configuration source. The U-suffix lead-free finish is required for industrial RoHS-6/6 compliance. Industrial-control customers value the EPC2's deterministic power-on behavior - the nSTATUS / nCONFIG handshake guarantees the FPGA never enters an undefined state during brown-out or power sequencing events in factory automation environments.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Bitstream Storage
Telecom line cards using Altera Stratix GX or APEX devices use the EPC2TC32U as the primary configuration memory because the passive-serial protocol is hot-swappable and the JTAG ISP supports field upgrades via the line-card management controller. The 1.6 Mbit capacity is sufficient for the Stratix GX bitstreams in metro-Ethernet and SDH/SONET applications. Lead-free RoHS compliance ensures the line card meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU for telecom infrastructure deployed in Europe.
Recommended
Prototyping and Development Boards
Altera's DK-DevKit / Nios development boards and third-party Altera dev kits have historically used the EPC2TC32U on the configuration-memory socket so that designs can be re-flashed rapidly via JTAG during bring-up. The CAF48 QFP socket is hand-solderable, allowing developers to swap the device easily between bitstreams. The JTAG ISP allows in-system reprogramming of the EPC2 from Quartus II Programmer, supporting the rapid design-iteration cycle characteristic of FPGA prototyping.
Recommended
Legacy MIL/Aerospace Retrofit Designs
Long-lived aerospace and defense systems based on Altera APEX / Mercury FPGAs continue to use the EPC2TC32U as a known-good configuration source with the industrial -40C to +85C operating range. Retrofit programs that maintain Altera FPGAs rather than re-architecting around newer devices benefit from the EPC2TC32U's stable supply chain and proven reliability. The lead-free finish supports modern defense electronics RoHS initiatives while the Altera configuration protocol remains compatible with the legacy FPGA silicon.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32N | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32HAF48 | EPC2TC32CAF48 | EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) | Altera (Intel PSG) |
| Package | QFP-48 (CAF48) | QFP-48 (CAF48) - same | QFP-48 (CAF48) - same | QFP-48 (HAF48) - same | QFP-48 (CAF48) - same | QFP-48 (CAF48) - same |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Yes (U suffix) | No (matte-tin) | No (matte-tin) | Yes (HAF dry-pack) | Yes (CAF48) | Yes (U + CAF48) |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Configuration Protocol | Altera Passive Serial | Altera Passive Serial | Altera Passive Serial | Altera Passive Serial | Altera Passive Serial | Altera Passive Serial |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V / 5V (VCCSEL) | 3.3V / 5V (VCCSEL) | 3.3V / 5V (VCCSEL) | 3.3V / 5V (VCCSEL) | 3.3V / 5V (VCCSEL) | 3.3V / 5V (VCCSEL) |
| Unit Price (qty 1, USD) | 7.89 | 7.50 - 8.00 | 6.50 - 7.50 | 8.00 - 9.00 | 7.50 - 8.50 | 7.50 - 8.50 |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-free RoHS finish with U-suffix marking (vs EPC2TC32N)
- Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C (vs EPC2TC32 (no U/TC suffix))
- 1.6 Mbit configuration capacity in QFP-48 (vs EPC1PC8 (EPC1 family))
Design Notes
The EPC2TC32U supports both 3.3V and 5V operation via the VCCSEL pin. Tie VCCSEL to VCC for 5V-only systems, or to GND for 3.3V-only systems. Adding a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to each VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the device supply rail is recommended by the Altera configuration-device reference design. Brown-out behavior is well-defined - if VCC drops below the POR threshold, nSTATUS goes low and the FPGA is held in reset until VCC recovers.
Route the DCLK trace to the FPGA with controlled impedance (50 ohm microstrip) and keep it short (< 5 cm) to avoid reflections that can corrupt configuration data. Place the EPC2TC32U within 50 mm of the FPGA configuration pins (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) per Altera's reference schematic. Use a 10 kohm pull-up on nCONFIG and a 10 kohm pull-up on nSTATUS per Altera's configuration-device user guide.
The DATA0 line carries the configuration bitstream at the DCLK rate; in noisy environments add a small series resistor (10-33 ohm) close to the EPC2 DATA0 pin to dampen ringing. CONF_DONE must be pulled high by a 10 kohm resistor; failure to do so can prevent the FPGA from releasing from configuration mode. JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) should be routed with ground-guard vias to minimize crosstalk during in-system programming.
Do not confuse EPC2 (this part) with EPC1 (the older 800 Kbit series without JTAG ISP) - the pin counts and protocols differ. The EPC2TC32U is NOT a generic SPI Flash and cannot be used to boot modern Altera/Intel FPGAs that require SPI Flash with a specific SFDP signature. For Cyclone IV GX, Stratix V, and newer families, use a Micron M25P / M25Q SPI Flash with Altera-provided firmware, not an EPC2 device.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings (U suffix = lead-free finish). AEC-Q100 not applicable (configuration device, not a safety-critical automotive IC). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status not stated in the provided distributor data.
