EPC2TC32U-CAF48 - Altera Enhanced Configuration 32Mb | Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC2TC32U-CAF48 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.5 | $22.50 |
| 10 | $19.8 | $198.00 |
| 100 | $17.25 | $1,725.00 |
| 500 | $14.95 | $7,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.8 | $12,800.00 |
EPC2TC32U-CAF48 Overview
What is a Configuration Device? A configuration device is a special non-volatile memory IC that loads the configuration bitstream into SRAM-based FPGAs at power-up. Because SRAM-based LUTs are volatile, they lose all configuration data when power is removed; the configuration device bridges this volatility gap by storing the FPGA's programming image and streaming it back into the FPGA through a serial or parallel configuration bus at every system boot. This hierarchy places the EPC2 between non-volatile flash memory and the FPGA device within the broader programmable-logic ecosystem.
Key features include in-system programmability (ISP) through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, support for FLEX 10K, APEX, Stratix, Cyclone, Mercury, and ACEX families, and a built-in decompression engine that uses the Quartus-derived compressed configuration bitstream to reduce storage and configuration time. The device is offered in the -U industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and ships in a 32-pin TQFP package.
The EPC2TC32U family delivers enhanced configuration capabilities including multi-device configuration via JTAG chaining, real-time ISP without interrupting system operation, and dedicated multiVolt I/O that interfaces directly to 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5.0V FPGA banks without external level shifters. The -CAF48 suffix denotes the industrial temperature screening and the 32-pin TQFP packaging.
Typical applications include prototyping platforms, factory-floor FPGA configuration in industrial control systems, military and aerospace systems requiring -40C to +85C industrial grade screening, and any design migrating from the legacy EPC1 or EPC1441 configuration devices to higher-density configuration storage.
When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain respects the configuration clock (DCLK) timing of the target FPGA family and that the EPC2's nINIT_CONF pin is correctly handled when chaining multiple FPGAs. Refer to the Altera Enhanced Configuration Devices datasheet for full timing parameters and JTAG chain topology.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives from the EPC2/EPC1 family, and design notes specific to EPC2TC32U-CAF48 applications not consolidated in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32U-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 EPC2TC32U-CAF48 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →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 →EPC2T32U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32U-CAF48
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32U-CAF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile configuration flash |
| Configuration Memory Density | 32 Mbit |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, Stratix, Cyclone, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 JTAG (ISP) |
| Operating Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3V nominal) |
| I/O Bank Voltage (multiVolt) | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial grade) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP |
| Configuration Mode | Serial (FPP / PS / AS via JTAG ISP) |
| Decompression Support | Yes (Quartus-derived compressed bitstream) |
| Multi-Device JTAG Chain | Yes (nINIT_CONF / nSTATUS chaining) |
| Replacement for | EPC1 and EPC1441 legacy configuration devices |
| RoHS Status | Compliant per distributor listings |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EPC2TC32U-CAF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DATA0 — Configuration data output bit 0 |
| Pin 5 | DATA1 — Configuration data output bit 1 |
| Pin 6 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 7 | nSTATUS — Status output to FPGA |
| Pin 8 | nINIT_CONF — Initiate configuration (active low) |
| Pin 9 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 10 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 11 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 13 | TRST — JTAG test reset (active low) |
| Pin 14 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 15 | VCCIO — I/O bank supply (multiVolt 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V/5.0V) |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | A0 — Address line 0 (programming only) |
| Pin 18 | A1 — Address line 1 (programming only) |
| Pin 19 | A2 — Address line 2 (programming only) |
| Pin 20 | A3 — Address line 3 (programming only) |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | VPP — Programming voltage supply |
| Pin 25 | PWD — Power-down (active high) |
| Pin 26 | CONFIG — Configuration mode select |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VCC — 3.3V core supply |
| Pin 29 | BYTE_EN — Byte enable (programming) |
| Pin 30 | RDY — Ready output |
| Pin 31 | ERR — Error output |
| Pin 32 | RST — Device reset (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32U-CAF48 is suitable for 7 applications: Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration, APEX 20K / APEX II Industrial Control, Cyclone FPGA Prototyping Platform, Military and Aerospace FPGA Systems, Legacy EPC1/EPC1441 Migration, Multi-FPGA JTAG Configuration Chains, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Altera Stratix FPGA Configuration
The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 stores the Stratix configuration bitstream and streams it to the FPGA through JTAG at system boot. The 32 Mb density supports the largest Stratix bitstreams when Quartus compression is enabled, and the multiVolt I/O bank connects directly to Stratix 1.5V/2.5V/3.3V configuration banks without external level shifters. The -40C to +85C industrial grade suits factory-floor deployments where Stratix designs replace ASICs in motor control and high-speed serial interfaces.
Recommended
APEX 20K / APEX II Industrial Control
The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 is the standard configuration storage device for APEX 20K and APEX II designs in industrial automation equipment. The 32 Mb density comfortably fits APEX II bitstreams with Quartus-derived compression, and the JTAG ISP interface allows on-board reprogramming during field service without removing the configuration device. Industrial temperature screening (-40C to +85C) covers the ambient range of factory automation enclosures and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Prototyping Platform
The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 supports Cyclone FPGA prototypes where engineers reuse the EPC2 across multiple design iterations. The device's ISP capability via JTAG allows rapid configuration image updates during bench bring-up without hot-swapping the configuration PROM. The 32-pin TQFP package is breadboard-friendly and is compatible with the standard Altera EPC2 reference design footprint, enabling drop-in replacement between Cyclone, Stratix, and APEX prototypes.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace FPGA Systems
The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 is qualified for -40C to +85C industrial temperature operation, making it suitable for military and aerospace FPGA systems where commercial-temperature configuration devices fail during cold-soak or high-altitude flight profiles. The EPC2 family has a long history of deployment in avionics LRUs and ground-vehicle electronics, where deterministic FPGA boot from non-volatile storage is mission-critical. The Altera datasheet documents the full environmental envelope for this family.
Recommended
Legacy EPC1/EPC1441 Migration
Designers upgrading from legacy EPC1PC8 or EPC1441PC8 configuration devices to a higher-density storage solution choose the EPC2TC32U-CAF48 because it preserves the JTAG chain topology while quadrupling memory capacity. The EPC2 adds Quartus-derived compression and in-system programmability, eliminating the parallel-port programmer required by EPC1. The 32-pin TQFP footprint is mechanically compatible with legacy boards that have a 32-pin EPC footprint, simplifying field retrofits.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA JTAG Configuration Chains
The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 supports daisy-chained configuration of multiple SRAM-based FPGAs through the nINIT_CONF and nSTATUS pins. In multi-FPGA designs the EPC2 programs each FPGA in sequence, supporting Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, and ACEX devices on the same JTAG chain. The 32 Mb density holds bitstreams for two or three mid-density FPGAs when Quartus compression is enabled, reducing BOM cost versus using one configuration device per FPGA.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test and measurement equipment based on Altera FPGAs uses the EPC2TC32U-CAF48 for reliable boot-time configuration across production units. The deterministic boot time and JTAG ISP interface simplify factory calibration workflows - firmware updates are pushed through the JTAG chain without opening the chassis. The industrial temperature grade covers laboratory and field-deployed T&M environments, and the 32-pin TQFP is compatible with high-density test fixture PCBs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32U-CAF48 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32U | EPC2TC32N | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32HAF48 | EPC2TC32CAF48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-pin TQFP | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Memory Density | 32 Mb | 32 Mb | 32 Mb | 32 Mb | 32 Mb | 32 Mb |
| Supported FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K, Stratix, Cyclone, ACEX 1K, Mercury | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP | JTAG ISP |
| JTAG Chaining Support | Yes (multi-FPGA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| multiVolt I/O | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V / 5.0V | Same | Same | Same | Same | Same |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with -CAF48 qualification (vs EPC2TC32N)
- 32 Mb density supports largest Stratix and APEX II bitstreams (vs EPC2LC20N)
- In-system programmability via JTAG ISP (vs EPC1PC8)
Design Notes
The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 draws VCC core current during FPGA configuration; during configuration bursts the device may draw up to 60 mA on VCC and lower in standby. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to the VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. For multiVolt I/O banks, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on VCCIO as well. The device must be reset (RST low) on power-up before configuration begins to ensure deterministic boot of the downstream FPGA.
Route the DCLK trace as a 50 ohm microstrip and keep it short (<5 cm) to minimize skew to the FPGA configuration clock input. Place the EPC2TC32U-CAF48 within 25 mm of the FPGA's configuration data and clock pins to preserve signal integrity on DCLK and DATA0/DATA1. Use a continuous ground plane under the device to reduce return-path impedance. JTAG signals TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK should be routed together with no stubs and pulled up per the IEEE 1149.1 specification.
Do not confuse the EPC2TC32U-CAF48 (industrial) with the EPC2TC32N (commercial) - the commercial variant does not meet -40C operation and will fail in cold-soak environments. When migrating from EPC1PC8, remember the EPC2 family uses JTAG ISP instead of the legacy parallel programming algorithm - update your design tools and programming fixture. Finally, because the part is NRND, plan for a last-time-buy at end-of-life or qualify an EPC2 successor device.
For multi-FPGA JTAG chains, buffer the TCK signal if the total trace length exceeds 100 mm or the load exceeds 4 devices. The EPC2TC32U-CAF48 drives DATA0/DATA1 as open-drain on legacy configuration interfaces; add a 4.7 kohm pull-up to VCCIO if the FPGA does not include internal pull-ups. Verify nSTATUS and nINIT_CONF timing against the FPGA configuration controller's specification - the EPC2 datasheet provides the timing diagrams for both single-FPGA and multi-FPGA topologies.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per distributor listings; AEC-Q100 not applicable as this is a non-automotive configuration device; REACH and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data and marked unknown.
