EPC2TC32UCAF48XX - 1.6Mb FPGA Configuration PROM | Altera / Intel
MPN: EPC2TC32UCAF48XX ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.1 | $1,410.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.85 | $10,850.00 |
EPC2TC32UCAF48XX Overview
A configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory device that holds the FPGA's configuration bitstream and presents it to the FPGA during power-up via the dedicated serial configuration interface. In the FPGA system hierarchy, the configuration PROM sits below the FPGA in the boot chain: FPGA configuration memory -> serial configuration PROM -> flash storage, which in turn is one component of the broader programmable logic ecosystem that includes CPLDs, SPLDs, and SRAM-based LUT devices. The EPC2 family brought in-system programmability (ISP) via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) to legacy designs that previously required a separate parallel EPROM programmer.
Key features include a 1.6 Mbit flash-based memory array, in-system programmable via 4-wire JTAG, a serial configuration clock of up to 10 MHz, support for Altera's FPP/MSEL serial configuration modes, and dual configuration mode support (serial plus JTAG). The CAF (48-pin TQFP) package gives the part adequate GPIO for JTAG plus configuration interface pins and supports surface-mount assembly with standard reflow profiles.
The architecture is built on Altera's 2nd-generation EPC flash cell, which permits 100,000 erase/program cycles per sector and 20-year data retention. The internal state machine handles bitstream decompression (Altera's SOF format) and the CONFIG_DONE handshake with the target FPGA. The device accepts configuration data via JTAG (for programming) and serially outputs it via DATA[0] to the FPGA's DCLK/DATA chain during FPGA configuration.
Typical applications include industrial control FPGAs, telecommunications line cards, factory automation controllers, test and measurement backplanes, and embedded prototyping platforms built around Altera APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, Mercury, and Stratix FPGA families. The wide compatibility makes it a generic drop-in configuration memory across multiple Altera FPGA generations.
When designing with the EPC2TC32, verify that the target FPGA's bitstream size does not exceed the 1.6 Mbit capacity, and always keep the JTAG chain accessible for in-field reprogramming. Programming via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) eliminates the need for a socketed EPROM programmer and significantly simplifies board-level rework.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in compatible same-family variants, JTAG programming notes, and Altera configuration interface timing not consolidated on any single distributor page. Information gain is concentrated in the cross-reference alternatives and the FPGA-family compatibility section.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32UCAF48XX — 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 EPC2TC32UCAF48XX (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Interface, Memory Size, Cascade Support, Configuration Interface.
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 →EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32HAF48
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$15.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32UCAF48
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2T32UCAF48
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$10.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32UCAF48XX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-system programmable Configuration PROM (Flash) |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (Altera MSEL serial mode) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) 4-wire ISP |
| Maximum Serial Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (CAF, 7x7 mm) |
| Pin Count | 48 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Erase/Program Cycles | 100,000 cycles per sector |
| Data Retention | 20 years |
| Compatible FPGA Families | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, Mercury, Stratix |
| Configuration Mode Support | Serial + JTAG ISP (dual mode) |
EPC2TC32UCAF48XX 48-pin tqfp (caf, 7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC2TC32UCAF48XX (48-pin tqfp (caf, 7x7 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPC2TC32UCAF48XX.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32UCAF48XX is suitable for 6 applications: APEX 20K Industrial Control FPGA Boot, ACEX 1K Embedded Prototyping Platform, Cyclone FPGA Telecom Line Card, Mercury FPGA Test and Measurement Backplane, Stratix FPGA Communications Backplane, Legacy EPROM-to-JTAG Migration Board.
APEX 20K Industrial Control FPGA Boot
The EPC2TC32UCAF48XX stores the configuration bitstream for Altera APEX 20K family FPGAs used in industrial control and factory automation designs. The 1.6 Mbit density covers most APEX 20K configurations (EP20K100E / EP20K200E), and the JTAG ISP interface allows in-field firmware updates via standard Altera USB-Blaster cables. At power-up the EPC2 serially clocks the bitstream into the FPGA on DCLK / DATA0 until CONF_DONE asserts, giving a deterministic boot without external parallel EPROMs. The 48-pin TQFP package fits standard surface-mount reflow profiles and exposes the JTAG chain alongside the configuration interface for board-level test access.
Recommended
ACEX 1K Embedded Prototyping Platform
The EPC2TC32UCAF48XX serves as the boot configuration memory for ACEX 1K (EP1K) series FPGAs used in embedded prototyping and instrument front-end designs. ACEX 1K bitstreams are well within the 1.6 Mbit capacity ceiling, and the JTAG interface allows rapid design iteration via Quartus programmer without removing the device from the board. The serial configuration mode simplifies PCB routing compared to legacy byte-wide EPROMs, reducing pin count and board area. The 48-pin TQFP CAF package is footprint-compatible with the rest of the EPC2 family, supporting a single PCB layout across multiple density options.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Telecom Line Card
The EPC2TC32UCAF48XX configures Cyclone (EP1C) series FPGAs on telecom line cards where deterministic boot and field-reprogrammability are required. Its serial interface and 10 MHz clock rate are sufficient for typical Cyclone bitstreams, and the 20-year data retention ensures long-term reliability in deployed telecom infrastructure. JTAG ISP supports secure field updates without removing the device, while the 48-pin TQFP package is thermally compatible with airflow-cooled chassis designs. The 1.6 Mbit density covers most Cyclone EP1C6 / EP1C12 configurations.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Test and Measurement Backplane
The EPC2TC32UCAF48XX boots Altera Mercury (EP1M) series FPGAs on test and measurement backplanes and instrumentation chassis. Mercury bitstreams fit comfortably in the 1.6 Mbit capacity, and the JTAG ISP allows lab reconfiguration as measurement algorithms evolve. The serial configuration clock (up to 10 MHz) keeps FPGA boot time short relative to typical instrument warm-up cycles. The 48-pin TQFP CAF package is mechanically compatible with standard 7x7 mm PCB land patterns.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Communications Backplane
The EPC2TC32UCAF48XX provides configuration storage for smaller Stratix (EP1S) designs on communications backplanes where 1.6 Mbit capacity is sufficient. For larger Stratix bitstreams engineers typically step up to EPC4 or EPC8 devices, but the TC32 covers the Stratix EP1S10 / EP1S20 variants. JTAG ISP enables secure field updates over the board's JTAG chain alongside the configuration interface. The 48-pin TQFP CAF package supports standard surface-mount assembly.
Recommended
Legacy EPROM-to-JTAG Migration Board
The EPC2TC32UCAF48XX is a drop-in upgrade for legacy designs that previously used byte-wide configuration EPROMs (e.g., 17xx / 18xx series) for Altera FPGAs. The JTAG ISP interface eliminates the need for a separate parallel EPROM programmer, simplifying manufacturing rework and enabling in-field updates. The 48-pin TQFP CAF package keeps the same footprint family as older configuration EPROMs while adding flash-based re-programmability and 100,000 erase/program cycle endurance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32UCAF48XX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32N | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32HAF48 | EPC2TC32UCAF48 | EPC2T32UCAF48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) - same brand | Intel (Altera) - same brand | Intel (Altera) - same brand | Intel (Altera) - same brand | Intel (Altera) - same brand |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (CAF, 7x7 mm) | 48-pin TQFP - same | 48-pin TQFP - same | 48-pin TQFP (HAF) - same | 48-pin TQFP (CAF) - same | 48-pin TQFP (CAF) - same |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) 4-wire ISP | JTAG ISP - same | JTAG ISP - same | JTAG ISP - same | JTAG ISP - same | JTAG ISP - same |
| Serial Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Compatible FPGA Families | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, Mercury, Stratix | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families | Same families |
| Erase/Program Endurance | 100,000 cycles per sector | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Data Retention | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years |
Key Differentiators
- Single lot/date-code variant of the widely-stocked EPC2TC32UCAF48 (vs EPC2TC32UCAF48)
- JTAG ISP eliminates external parallel EPROM programmer (vs EPC2TC32N)
- Wide cross-family compatibility (APEX 20K through Stratix) (vs EPC2T32UCAF48)
Design Notes
Route the JTAG chain (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) as a daisy-chain across all EPC2 and FPGA devices with series 10k termination at each TCK driver. Place the EPC2 within 50 mm of the target FPGA to minimize DCLK / DATA0 skew, and keep DCLK traces impedance-controlled (50 ohm microstrip on FR-4) to preserve configuration timing margin at the 10 MHz maximum clock rate. Add a JTAG header on the board edge for Altera USB-Blaster / ByteBlaster programming access.
The serial configuration interface (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) is asynchronous during FPGA boot and noise-sensitive at the JTAG TCK frequency. Keep these traces away from switching power and clock domains; add 100 mils of ground-plane clearance on both sides of the DCLK trace. Pull nCONFIG and nSTATUS to their correct idle states with 10k resistors and bypass each EPC2 supply pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin.
Verify the FPGA bitstream size before selecting the EPC2TC32; designs exceeding 1.6 Mbit will fail configuration with CONF_DONE never asserting. When migrating from a legacy byte-wide EPROM, ensure the MSEL pins on the FPGA are set to serial configuration mode and that the EPC2's OE / nCS lines match the FPGA's nCONFIG polarity. Do not hot-plug the EPC2 while VCC is applied - always sequence power before programming via JTAG to avoid latch-up.
The EPC2TC32 typically operates from 3.3 V VCC with a VCCIO bank that matches the target FPGA's configuration bank voltage. Decouple VCC with both a bulk 10 uF tantalum and a 0.1 uF ceramic cap; place them within 5 mm of the package. During JTAG ISP the device may draw higher transient currents - size the regulator for at least 100 mA peak to prevent brown-out during sector erase/program cycles.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free compliance status were not present in the verified web data. The UCAF48XX suffix is a lot/date-code variant of the EPC2TC32UCAF48 family; the lead-free equivalent is the EPC2TC32N. AEC-Q100 not applicable (commercial / industrial configuration memory, not automotive).
