EPC2TC32UCAD48 - 1.6Mb FPGA Config PROM 32-TQFP | Altera
MPN: EPC2TC32UCAD48 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.8 | $1,380.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
EPC2TC32UCAD48 Overview
What is a configuration PROM? An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory that stores the FPGA's bitstream and loads it into the SRAM-based logic fabric at power-up. In the broader system hierarchy: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that lose configuration on power-down, configuration PROMs hold the bitstream in flash and stream it serially (or in parallel) to the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins during boot. The EPC2 family is specifically designed for Altera (now Intel) Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, and Mercury FPGAs using FPP, PS, or AS configuration schemes.
Key features of the EPC2TC32UCAD48 include 1.6 Mbit Flash storage (sufficient for most mid-density Altera FPGAs), a 10 MHz configuration clock rate, in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and 3.3V single-supply operation. The device also supports 8-bit or 16-bit parallel configuration for fast FPGA boot, cascading for multi-FPGA systems, and a dedicated JTAG chain that allows re-programming without removing the device from the board. Compared to the older EPC1 (170 ns byte-wide), the EPC2 family adds JTAG-ISP and a smaller, denser Flash cell.
The EPC2 architecture is built on a standard Flash cell array with a serial/parallel configuration controller state machine. Altera's proprietary multi-boot and remote system upgrade features are supported, enabling fail-safe firmware updates in field-deployed equipment. The 32-TQFP package provides a compact footprint (7x7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) suitable for space-constrained designs while offering enough thermal mass for industrial operating temperatures.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, telecom base-station FPGA boot memory, test-and-measurement chassis with Altera FPGAs, and aerospace-grade mission computers where in-system re-programmability is mission-critical. The wide industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) also makes it suitable for outdoor PoS terminals, factory floor PLCs, and automotive telematics controllers.
When designing with this device, ensure the FPGA configuration mode (AS, PS, or FPP) matches the EPC2 wiring diagram in the datasheet. JTAG chain integrity must be validated with Altera's Quartus Programmer before board bring-up, and unused JTAG nCEO/nCE pins must be properly tied per multi-device cascade rules.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand Altera alternatives, drop-in pin-compatible replacements, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop reference for evaluating the EPC2TC32UCAD48 against modern Intel/Altera configuration memory solutions.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32UCAD48 — 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 EPC2TC32UCAD48 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Memory Type, Supported FPGA Families, RoHS Status, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32U
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32U-CAF48
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$12.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32CAF48
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32U
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$16.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPCS64SI16N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC2TC32UCAD48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM (Flash) |
| Density | 1.6 Mbit |
| Configuration Clock | 10 MHz max |
| Interface | Serial (AS) / Parallel (FPP, PS) / JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (typical) |
| Programmability | In-system via JTAG (ISP), 100,000 erase/write cycles |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, U-suffix) |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch) |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| Cascade Support | Yes (multi-device daisy-chain) |
| Multi-Boot Support | Yes (Altera remote system upgrade) |
| Compatible FPGAs | Altera Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, Mercury families |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
EPC2TC32UCAD48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock output |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control input from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 8 | nCS — Chip select (active low) for cascade |
| Pin 9 | nCASC — Cascade output (active low) |
| Pin 10 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 11 | nRESET — Reset input |
| Pin 12 | TDI — JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 13 | TDO — JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 14 | TMS — JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 15 | TCK — JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 16 | VCC — 3.3V supply |
| Pin 17 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 18 | A0 — Address line 0 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 19 | A1 — Address line 1 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 20 | A2 — Address line 2 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 21 | A3 — Address line 3 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 22 | A4 — Address line 4 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 23 | A5 — Address line 5 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 24 | A6 — Address line 6 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 25 | A7 — Address line 7 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 26 | A8 — Address line 8 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 27 | A9 — Address line 9 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 28 | A10 — Address line 10 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 29 | A11 — Address line 11 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 30 | BYTE_EN — Byte enable for parallel mode |
| Pin 31 | RDY/nBSY — Ready / busy status output |
| Pin 32 | MODE — Configuration mode select |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32UCAD48 is suitable for 7 applications: Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory, APEX 20K and ACEX 1K Configuration, Multi-FPGA Cascade Boot, Test and Measurement Chassis, Remote System Upgrade / Field Firmware Update, Aerospace and Defense Mission Computers, Industrial Automation PLCs.
Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC2TC32UCAD48 is the canonical boot memory for Altera Cyclone (original, Cyclone II) FPGAs whose bitstreams fit within 1.6 Mbit. Connected in Active Serial (AS) mode to the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS pins, the EPC2 streams the bitstream at up to 10 MHz, completing configuration in roughly 200 ms for a fully-utilized Cyclone EP1C6 design. The 1.6 Mbit density comfortably holds the largest Cyclone bitstream. Compared with EPCS64, the EPC2 family offers in-system JTAG re-programming, which is critical during board bring-up and field firmware updates.
Recommended
APEX 20K and ACEX 1K Configuration
APEX 20K and ACEX 1K FPGAs rely on external configuration PROMs because their internal SRAM-based LUT fabric must be loaded at power-up. The EPC2TC32UCAD48 with 1.6 Mbit density directly supports APEX 20K100, 20K200, and ACEX 1K30 / 1K50 devices in Passive Serial (PS) or Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) mode. The dedicated nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake ensures deterministic boot. Industrial -40C to +85C operation makes it suitable for APEX-based telecom line cards and factory controllers deployed in unconditioned enclosures.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Cascade Boot
For multi-FPGA boards where several Altera devices must boot from a single configuration chain, the EPC2TC32UCAD48 supports daisy-chain cascading via nCASC/nCS pins. Quartus software generates the merged bitstream and assigns each FPGA a unique address within the chain. The 1.6 Mbit per device can be allocated across multiple FPGAs in the chain, and engineers can mix EPC2TC32 with higher-density EPC4 (4 Mbit) or EPC8 (8 Mbit) parts to balance cost. Industrial temperature grade is essential for outdoor telecom and aerospace applications.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Chassis
Test-and-measurement chassis use Altera FPGAs for high-speed data acquisition, and the EPC2TC32UCAD48 provides reliable boot memory for these instruments. In-system JTAG programming allows test engineers to update the FPGA bitstream on the production line or in the field without opening the chassis. The 10 MHz configuration clock completes boot in under a second, minimizing instrument power-on-to-ready time. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature supports instruments deployed in automotive, aerospace, and outdoor industrial test cells where lab-climate is not maintained.
Recommended
Remote System Upgrade / Field Firmware Update
Altera's Remote System Upgrade feature, supported by the EPC2TC32UCAD48, enables fail-safe field firmware updates for deployed FPGA systems. Two configuration pages are maintained: a factory image and a user-upgradeable image. On failed boot, the EPC2 automatically rolls back to the factory image, preventing bricking of remote systems. This is critical for telecom base stations, industrial controllers, and outdoor signage that cannot be physically accessed for re-programming. JTAG ISP via the EPC2's TAP controller supports 100,000 erase/write cycles.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Mission Computers
Aerospace mission computers and avionics systems benefit from the EPC2TC32UCAD48's industrial temperature range, in-system JTAG re-programmability, and Altera's proven configuration protocol. Mission computers often require bitstream updates between flights for new mission profiles, and JTAG-ISP allows updates without removing the unit from the aircraft. The 32-TQFP package is compatible with conformal coating and ruggedized PCB assemblies. While the EPC2 family is NRND for new commercial designs, the legacy aerospace community continues to use these parts on existing airframes with established reliability history.
Recommended
Industrial Automation PLCs
Factory floor PLCs using Altera Cyclone or APEX FPGAs rely on the EPC2TC32UCAD48 for deterministic boot in electrically noisy environments. The 10 MHz configuration clock, combined with robust 3.3V signaling, completes FPGA boot in well under 250 ms, ensuring PLCs come online quickly after power cycling. Industrial -40C to +85C operation covers unconditioned control cabinets, and JTAG ISP allows production-line firmware programming and field updates by maintenance technicians using a USB-Blaster. The 32-TQFP package supports conformal coating for humidity and contamination resistance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32UCAD48 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32N | EPC2TC32U | EPC2TC32U-CAF48 | EPC2TC32CAF48 | EPC2T32U | EPCS64SI16N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP - same | 32-TQFP - same | 32-TQFP - same | 32-TQFP - same | 32-TQFP - same | SOIC-16 - different |
| Density | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 64 Mbit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Configuration Clock | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz (faster) |
| In-System Programmability | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 | JTAG IEEE 1149.1 (AS mode only) |
| Cascade Support | Yes (nCASC/nCS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (EPCS cascade) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active (preferred for new designs) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature range (vs EPC2TC32N)
- In-system JTAG programmability with 100,000 cycle endurance (vs EPCS64SI16N (modern family))
- 1.6 Mbit density optimized for mid-range Altera FPGAs (vs EPC2LC20N (0.7 Mbit))
Design Notes
The EPC2TC32UCAD48 operates from a single 3.3V supply. Decouple VCC (pins 5 and 16) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VCC pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor on the main 3.3V rail. During active configuration, peak current can reach 30-40 mA; the bulk capacitor must be sized to maintain >3.0V rail during FPGA power-on transients. Estimated: at 10 MHz DCLK, average configuration current is approximately 15 mA based on the datasheet typical characteristics curve.
Place the EPC2TC32UCAD48 within 50 mm of the target FPGA to keep DCLK/DATA trace lengths short and matched (within 5 mm skew). Route the JTAG chain (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) as a daisy-chain through all devices with no stubs, and add 10 kohm pull-ups on TMS and TDI to VCC. Terminate nCONFIG and nSTATUS with 10 kohm pull-ups. Keep configuration traces away from switching power inductors and high-speed SERDES traces to avoid coupling noise into the bitstream.
Three common pitfalls: (1) Failing to tie nCEO/nCE correctly in cascade mode causes the second EPC2 to never release from standby; check the datasheet cascade diagram carefully. (2) Using a USB-Blaster that does not support the EPC2 JTAG IDCODE (0x015) results in Quartus Programmer silently skipping the device; verify the JTAG chain with the JTAG Chain Debugger tool before programming. (3) Storing the EPC2 bitstream in a non-Altera format (raw binary instead of .pof) causes configuration failure; always export via File > Convert Programming Files in Quartus.
Estimated: at 3.3V supply and 10 MHz configuration clock, the EPC2TC32UCAD48 dissipates approximately 50 mW during active configuration and 5 mW in standby. The 32-TQFP package has a typical theta_JA of 75 C/W (still air, JEDEC EIA/JESD51-2 2S2P board), yielding a temperature rise of less than 4 C above ambient at full active configuration power. No heatsink is required for industrial temperature operation, but the device must not be mounted directly above high-power components (>1W) without thermal isolation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Altera product declaration. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a configuration memory, not an automotive-grade IC. MSL-3 moisture sensitivity per JEDEC J-STD-020.
