EPC2TC32UCAF48 - Altera 1.6Mb Config PROM, 32-TQFP | Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC2TC32UCAF48 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24.5 | $24.50 |
| 10 | $21.8 | $218.00 |
| 100 | $18.95 | $1,895.00 |
| 500 | $16.4 | $8,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $14.2 | $14,200.00 |
EPC2TC32UCAF48 Overview
What is a configuration PROM? A configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory device used to store the configuration bitstream that programs an SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs (such as Altera/Intel Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, and ACEX families) lose their configuration when power is removed, they require an external boot memory. Configuration PROMs sit in the FPGA hierarchy as boot memory -> serial flash -> configuration memory -> FPGA support IC, and are read by the FPGA during its multi-stage configuration sequence using proprietary protocols such as Altera's passive serial (PS), passive parallel synchronous (PPS), passive parallel asynchronous (PPA), and JTAG modes.
Key features of the EPC2TC32UCAF48 include 1.6 Mb of user storage, 32-pin TQFP surface-mount packaging, in-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan), a 4-wire serial interface for FPGA configuration, and compatibility with multiple Altera FPGA families. The device supports cascading of multiple EPC2 PROMs for FPGAs requiring larger bitstreams than 1.6 Mb, and offers low-power CMOS operation suitable for industrial and commercial environments.
Technically, the EPC2 family is fabricated on an EEPROM-based CMOS process, providing non-volatility with ten-year data retention and field-reprogrammability. The 4-pin serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF) connects directly to Altera FPGAs without external glue logic. End-of-life status applies to new designs; current production is restricted to legacy and long-life industrial / military sustainment programs where the EPC2 PROM is still the qualified boot memory solution.
Typical applications include boot configuration for Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, APEX 20K, APEX II, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, and MAX 9000 Altera FPGA families, industrial control and factory automation hardware, military and aerospace line-replaceable units, test-and-measurement instruments, and long-life OEM products requiring drop-in compatible configuration memories.
Design consideration: when targeting new designs, verify EPC2 lifecycle status with the manufacturer. For new FPGA platforms (Cyclone V and later, Stratix 10, Agilex), the EPC2 PROM is not supported and modern Altera / Intel CFI-compatible serial flashes (e.g., EPCQ-A, EPCQ-L) replace it. Maintain JTAG chain integrity by including proper pull-ups on nCS and TCK lines per Altera application note AN116.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, parametric drop-in alternatives, and PCB design guidance drawn from the Altera Configuration Devices Handbook and reference schematics, offering practical engineering context not duplicated by manufacturer datasheets or distributor catalog pages.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32UCAF48 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 EPC2TC32UCAF48 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Interface, Memory Type, Supported FPGA Families, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32N
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$9.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2TC32UCAF
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View Datasheet βEPC2TC32UCAD48
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View Datasheet βEPC2T32UCAF48
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$10.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T132U
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View Datasheet βEPC2LC20N
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$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2LS20U
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$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC1TC32
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$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2TC32UCAF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb |
| Device Family | EPC2 (Enhanced Configuration Device) |
| Programmability | In-system programmable (ISP) via JTAG |
| Interface | 4-wire serial (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF) + JTAG |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V nominal |
| FPGA Compatibility | Altera SRAM-based LUT FPGAs (Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, FLEX, MAX 9000) |
| Cascading | Supported for bitstreams larger than 1.6 Mb |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (CAF48 designation per Altera ordering code) |
| Data Retention | 10 years typical (EEPROM-based) |
| Programming Cycles | 100 cycles minimum (EEPROM endurance) |
| Process Technology | CMOS EEPROM |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC2TC32UCAF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nCS β Chip Select (active low) - FPGA drives low to enable configuration read |
| Pin 2 | DCLK β Configuration Clock - clock input from FPGA during configuration load |
| Pin 3 | DATA β Configuration Data - serial bitstream output to FPGA DATA0 pin |
| Pin 4 | nINIT_CONF β Open-drain status indicating configuration state to FPGA nCONFIG |
| Pin 5 | VCC β 3.3V supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | nCASC β Cascade enable - low when this EPC2 is the last in a cascade chain |
| Pin 8 | nRESET β Reset (active low) - initializes configuration state machine |
| Pin 9 | OE β Output Enable - controls DATA output driver |
| Pin 10 | A0 β Address line A0 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 11 | A1 β Address line A1 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 12 | A2 β Address line A2 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 13 | A3 β Address line A3 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 14 | A4 β Address line A4 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 15 | A5 β Address line A5 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 16 | A6 β Address line A6 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 17 | A7 β Address line A7 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 18 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | A8 β Address line A8 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 20 | A9 β Address line A9 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 21 | A10 β Address line A10 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 22 | A11 β Address line A11 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 23 | A12 β Address line A12 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 24 | A13 β Address line A13 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 25 | A14 β Address line A14 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 26 | A15 β Address line A15 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 27 | A16 β Address line A16 for parallel configuration modes |
| Pin 28 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 29 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 30 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 31 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Pin 32 | VCC β 3.3V supply voltage |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32UCAF48 is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone / Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration, Industrial PLC and Factory Automation, Military / Aerospace Line-Replaceable Units, Test-and-Measurement Instrumentation, Communications Infrastructure (Legacy), Long-Life OEM and Replacement Market.
Cyclone / Stratix FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC2TC32UCAF48 serves as the primary non-volatile boot memory for Altera Cyclone, Cyclone II, Stratix, Stratix GX, APEX 20K, APEX II, and ACEX 1K FPGAs, delivering the 1.6 Mb configuration bitstream at power-up through the 4-wire passive-serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF). The 1.6 Mb capacity covers most Cyclone I/II and early Stratix bitstreams without needing cascade mode, simplifying the BOM. The JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) in-system programming eliminates socketed PROM handling during factory rework and field firmware updates. Designers should connect nINIT_CONF to the FPGA nCONFIG pin per Altera AN116 to ensure clean configuration hand-off.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Factory Automation
In factory-automation controllers and PLC platforms, the EPC2TC32UCAF48 reliably stores the FPGA configuration bitstream over a 10-year retention window, supporting long-life industrial sustainment programs that may run in production for 15+ years. The TQFP-32 (CAF48) commercial-grade package withstands typical factory-floor thermal environments and is rated for surface-mount assembly on standard FR-4 PCBs. JTAG-based in-system programming allows firmware updates without removing modules from the chassis, a key requirement for production line maintenance. Pair the EPC2TC32UCAF48 with industrial Cyclone (EP1C20F400) or ACEX 1K (EP1K100) FPGAs for deterministic real-time control with 3.3 V logic.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Line-Replaceable Units
Long-life military and aerospace line-replaceable units (LRUs) continue to use the EPC2TC32UCAF48 because of its mature reliability data, established supplier base, and qualified FPGA compatibility. The 10-year EEPROM data retention exceeds typical maintenance intervals, and 100-cycle erase/program endurance supports field firmware updates without retention concerns. For mission-critical airborne and shipboard applications, the industrial-temperature variant EPC2T32UCAF48 (-40C to +85C) is preferred. The TQFP-32 footprint supports conformal coating and is compatible with standard aerospace PCB assembly processes. The EPC2 family has decades of in-service history, qualifying it for LRU sustainment programs that cannot migrate to newer serial-flash parts without recertification.
Recommended
Test-and-Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top and modular test-and-measurement instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers) use the EPC2TC32UCAF48 to boot FPGA-based DSP and acquisition engines, since 1.6 Mb is sufficient for one to four channels of high-speed acquisition logic on Cyclone II or Stratix FPGAs. JTAG in-system programmability allows the manufacturer to push feature upgrades without re-opening the enclosure, supporting extended product support windows. The low-power CMOS EEPROM operation does not contribute measurable noise to sensitive analog front-ends, and the 3.3 V supply integrates directly with the FPGA auxiliary rail. Cascade mode (multiple EPC2 devices) supports larger Stratix bitstreams for higher-channel-count instruments.
Recommended
Communications Infrastructure (Legacy)
Legacy telecom and networking infrastructure (SONET/SDH mux, T1/E1 cross-connect, central-office switching) was built around Stratix and APEX 20K FPGAs booted by the EPC2 family, and many operators run long-life programs requiring drop-in compatible configuration PROMs. The EPC2TC32UCAF48 ensures bitstream integrity over decades of continuous operation and supports JTAG-based factory upgrades when new protocol revisions ship. For maintenance refresh, the EPC2T32UCAF48 industrial variant extends the operating-temperature range to telecom outdoor enclosures. Modern greenfield network equipment has migrated to Cyclone V / Stratix 10 with EPCQ-L serial flash, but brownfield sustainment remains EPC2 territory.
Recommended
Long-Life OEM and Replacement Market
Long-life OEM products (industrial printers, programmable logic controllers, scientific instruments, medical imaging peripherals) and the aftermarket replacement market continue to source the EPC2TC32UCAF48 for legacy product repair and overhaul. Since the part is obsolete but mechanically and electrically standard, distributor stock from Win Source, Lisleapex, and Nantian supports multi-year service commitments. Engineers designing with the EPC2 family should verify date codes and lot traceability to mitigate counterfeit risk, and should plan migration to EPCQ-A or EPCQ-L CFI-compatible serial flash for next-generation designs. Same-package compatibility within the EPC2 family (e.g., EPC2TC32N, EPC2T32UCAF48) enables last-time-buy and retrofit programs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32UCAF48 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32N | EPC2TC32UCAF | EPC2TC32UCAD48 | EPC2T32UCAF48 | EPC1TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (CAF48) | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same | 32-pin TQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel | Altera / Intel |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 1.6 Mb | 0.7 Mb |
| JTAG Programming | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial 0C to +70C | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 5 V/3.3 V |
| Cascading Support | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Identical CAF48 ordering-code family members available for last-time-buy (vs EPC2TC32N)
- Industrial temperature variant within same package (vs EPC2T32UCAF48)
- Highest density among EPC2 same-package variants (vs EPC1TC32)
- Long-life distributor stock for sustainment programs (vs EPC2LC20N)
Design Notes
Place the EPC2TC32UCAF48 within 50 mm of the target FPGA to minimize series inductance and reflections on the 4-wire serial configuration bus (nCS, DCLK, DATA, nINIT_CONF). Keep DCLK traces short and length-matched to the FPGA DCLK pin to avoid double-clocking; route DATA on the same layer as DCLK without vias to prevent skew. Add 4.7 kOhm pull-up resistors on nCS, nINIT_CONF, and the JTAG signals (TDI, TMS, TCK, TDO) per Altera Configuration Devices Handbook recommendations, with TCK pull-up guarding against accidental JTAG entry during power-up glitches.
Estimated: at 3.3 V VCC and 30 mA continuous configuration-load current, the EPC2TC32UCAF48 dissipates approximately 100 mW during active configuration, with idle EEPROM retention current below 1 mA. Place a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor close to each VCC pin (pins 5 and 32), and a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor within 25 mm of the package to support configuration-load inrush. The TQFP-32 thermal pad is not present; a copper flood beneath the package reduces ground impedance and aids EMC performance.
Critical: the EPC2TC32UCAF48 supports only Altera/Intel SRAM-based LUT FPGAs (Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, ACEX, FLEX, MAX 9000 families). It will not configure Cyclone III/IV/V, Stratix IV/V/10, or Agilex families; for these newer platforms use EPCQ-A or EPCQ-L CFI-compatible serial flash instead. Verify the FPGA configuration mode (PS, PPS, PPA) before assigning EPC2 address lines A0-A16, since parallel modes require those pins whereas serial mode leaves them unconnected. Obsolete lifecycle status as of 2026-09-11 means counterfeit screening via decapsulation or X-ray inspection is advised for high-reliability procurement.
Compliance Information
Detailed compliance status not disclosed in verified web data; older CAF48 TQFP lots may be non-RoHS while later date codes may be RoHS-compliant. Engineers should request lot-specific compliance documentation from distributors for high-reliability applications.
