EPC2TC32UCF48 - 1.6Mb FPGA Config PROM | Intel / Altera | TQFP-48
MPN: EPC2TC32UCF48 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.25 | $162.50 |
| 100 | $14.1 | $1,410.00 |
| 500 | $12.5 | $6,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.85 | $10,850.00 |
EPC2TC32UCF48 Overview
A configuration PROM (also called a serial configuration device) is a non-volatile memory IC dedicated to storing FPGA bitstreams and orchestrating the FPGA's multi-mode configuration sequence. In the system hierarchy, the EPC2 sits between system flash and the FPGA, replacing the need for a microcontroller-driven flash boot. It is a member of the FPGA configuration support device family, alongside boot flash, JTAG programmers, and active serial configuration controllers. The EPC2 family replaced Altera's EPC1 and EPC16 predecessors with higher density and a true in-system programmable (ISP) interface, eliminating the need for a separate PROM programmer socket.
Key features include 1.6 Mbit (1.6 Mb) of storage, 3.3 V single-supply operation, in-system programmability via IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG, multi-mode configuration support including FPP and AS modes, daisy-chain support for cascading multiple devices to support larger FPGAs, and a small-footprint 48-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) plastic package. The interface runs on the dedicated Altera configuration protocol (DATA on each rising DCLK), and the device automatically enters configuration mode on power-up with the nCONFIG signal.
Typical applications include standalone configuration storage for APEX II, Cyclone, Stratix, Mercury, and ACEX 1K FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, military / aerospace systems, and any design requiring a single-chip, non-volatile, JTAG-reprogrammable boot source. The device is commonly designed-in where engineers need reliable configuration retention without a microprocessor-managed flash. The 48-pin TQFP package offers good thermal performance and ease of hand-soldering for prototype builds, while still being suitable for high-volume surface-mount assembly.
When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain is properly terminated (TCK pull-up, TMS pull-up, TDI pull-up, TDO tristate) and that the FPGA's MSEL pins are configured for the appropriate configuration mode (AS vs FPP). Daisy-chained designs must respect the maximum cascaded PROM memory across the chain, since the EPC2 only supports up to 16 Mbit total when chained. The EPC2's VCCIO must match the FPGA's configuration bank voltage or be tied to 3.3 V with a level shifter if a 1.5 V or 1.8 V bank is used.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, and Octopart, identifies pin-compatible configuration PROM alternatives that fit the same TQFP-48 footprint, and surfaces practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32UCF48 — 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 EPC2TC32UCF48 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Configuration Interface, Supply Voltage (VCC), Memory Size, Cascade Support.
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View Datasheet →EPC2TC32UCF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Non-volatile configuration PROM (CMOS Flash-based) |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit (1.6 Mb / 32 Mbit raw) |
| Memory Configuration | Serial configuration bitstream storage |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (bank-level) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE Std. 1149.1 JTAG (in-system programmable) |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial PROM interface (DCLK, DATA, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) |
| Supported Configuration Modes | FPP, AS, PS, JTAG (mode dependent on target FPGA MSEL pins) |
| Daisy Chain Support | Yes (multi-device cascade for >16 Mbit FPGAs) |
| Maximum Cascaded Capacity | Up to 16 Mbit total across chain |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC2TC32UCF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 2 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 3 | DATA — Serial configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DCLK — Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 5 | nCONFIG — Active-low configuration initiate from FPGA |
| Pin 6 | nSTATUS — Active-low status flag to FPGA |
| Pin 7 | CONF_DONE — Active-high configuration done flag |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | VCCIO — I/O bank supply reference (1.8/2.5/3.3 V) |
| Pin 10 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 11 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 13 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 14 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 33 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 34 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 35 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 37 | VCCIO — I/O bank supply reference |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | VCC — 3.3 V core supply |
| Pin 46 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32UCF48 is suitable for 8 applications: APEX II FPGA Configuration Boot, Cyclone FPGA Standalone Boot, ACEX 1K FPGA Boot ROM, Stratix FPGA Multi-Mode Configuration, Mercury FPGA Configuration Storage, Industrial Control Board Boot Source, Telecom Line Card FPGA Loader, Military / Aerospace Legacy Design Sustainment.
APEX II FPGA Configuration Boot
The EPC2TC32UCF48 stores the APEX II EP2A15 / EP2A25 / EP2A40 / EP2A70 bitstream and streams it serially through the DCLK / DATA configuration interface at power-up. With 1.6 Mb of usable storage it covers mid-density APEX II bitstreams and supports daisy-chaining for larger parts. Placed adjacent to the FPGA on the same board, the EPC2 enables fully autonomous power-on configuration without microprocessor intervention, simplifying boot timing and eliminating external flash-controller firmware. Designers should validate that VCCIO matches the FPGA's configuration bank voltage and that nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE are properly pulled to avoid false-triggering during power sequencing.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Standalone Boot
For standalone Cyclone EP1C3 / EP1C6 / EP1C12 designs without a microcontroller, the EPC2TC32UCF48 provides automatic, power-on configuration through the Altera DCLK / DATA interface. Its 1.6 Mb capacity comfortably fits the smaller Cyclone bitstreams (EP1C3 ~0.3 Mb, EP1C6 ~0.6 Mb, EP1C12 ~1.2 Mb). The JTAG ISP allows in-field bitstream updates without removing the device, ideal for industrial controllers where remote firmware revision is critical. Unlike a generic SPI flash, the EPC2 implements the Altera configuration protocol natively, so no soft-core or boot logic is required on the FPGA.
Recommended
ACEX 1K FPGA Boot ROM
The EPC2TC32UCF48 is well matched as the configuration boot ROM for ACEX 1K EP1K10 / EP1K30 / EP1K50 / EP1K100 FPGAs in industrial control applications. Each ACEX 1K bitstream falls well under 1.6 Mb, so a single EPC2 covers the entire family. The 3.3 V VCC and commercial temperature range (0C to +70C) align with the ACEX 1K requirements. The dedicated nCONFIG / nSTATUS handshake ensures synchronized configuration start and clean CONF_DONE assertion, eliminating boot glitches in factory automation hardware.
Recommended
Stratix FPGA Multi-Mode Configuration
For Stratix EP1S10 / EP1S20 / EP1S30 designs that exceed 1.6 Mb, the EPC2TC32UCF48 can be used in the daisy-chain cascade to extend available configuration memory. Each device in the chain serially presents its segment to the FPGA through the same DATA / DCLK interface, allowing the chain to extend past 16 Mbit total. Engineers should populate the chain with homogeneous EPC2 family parts or with the higher-density EPC16 for the lead device, and verify that CONF_DONE is properly routed from the final stage back to the FPGA's CONF_DONE input.
Recommended
Mercury FPGA Configuration Storage
The Altera Mercury EP1M350 family can be configured at power-up from one or more EPC2TC32UCF48 devices in a daisy chain. Mercury's configuration bitstream exceeds 4 Mb, so a minimum of two EPC2 parts are required when using only this density. The advantage of an EPC2 chain over a flash-based AS controller is that the configuration timing is fully deterministic from the EPC2's internal oscillator and not dependent on FPGA soft-IP, simplifying boot-time analysis. For new designs Intel recommends the EPCQ family in AS mode, but the EPC2 chain remains valid for sustaining legacy Mercury builds.
Recommended
Industrial Control Board Boot Source
In industrial PLC, motor controller, and SCADA boards where reliability and non-volatile configuration are paramount, the EPC2TC32UCF48 acts as the dedicated boot source for the main FPGA. The device is specified for 0C to +70C operation and tolerates the 3.3 V industrial power rail. Its JTAG ISP interface allows field updates from a test port, and the small 7x7 mm TQFP-48 footprint eases PCB layout in dense backplanes. Compared to a generic SPI flash, the EPC2 adds no boot-firmware burden on the FPGA because it implements the configuration protocol natively.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Loader
Telecom line cards often rely on Altera Stratix or APEX II FPGAs with deterministic configuration times. The EPC2TC32UCF48 streams the bitstream through the DCLK / DATA interface at power-on without any FPGA soft-core involvement, producing a deterministic boot latency suitable for telecom hot-swap and synchronization. The 48-pin TQFP package is suitable for high-density backplane layouts. Designers should include JTAG access headers on the front panel to enable remote bitstream updates via IEEE 1149.1.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Legacy Design Sustainment
For mature military and aerospace platforms that were designed around the EPC2 configuration PROM family, the EPC2TC32UCF48 supports sustainment and obsolescence management. Its commercial temperature range suits avionics and ground-station applications, and the JTAG ISP enables depot-level firmware refresh. For new aerospace designs the part is generally not recommended (Intel suggests EPCQ migration), but for the existing fleet it remains a well-characterized configuration source with a known Altera datasheet and broad distributor stock.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32UCF48 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32UCAF48 | EPC2TC32UCAF | EPC2TC32U | EPC2TC32HAF48 | EPC2T32UCAF48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera |
| Package | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) | TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| JTAG ISP | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +125C (automotive) | -40C to +125C (automotive) | 0C to +70C | Industrial / extended | -40C to +125C (automotive) |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) | Altera serial PROM (DCLK/DATA) |
Key Differentiators
- Matched-density 1.6 Mb boot ROM for mid-range Altera FPGAs (vs EPC2PC8 (8 Mbit))
- JTAG ISP without removing the device from the board (vs Legacy EPC1 (one-time programmable))
- TQFP-48 (7x7 mm) footprint for easy hand-soldering vs. BGA configuration PROMs (vs EPCQ16A / EPCQ32A (SOIC-8 / SOIC-16))
Design Notes
Decouple the EPC2TC32UCF48 with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply trace. The 3.3 V rail must ramp monotonically; if the FPGA's nCONFIG is held low until the EPC2's VCC reaches the 2.7 V (minimum) threshold, the device will not enter configuration mode prematurely. For boards with multiple voltage rails, sequence the EPC2 VCC on before the FPGA's VCCINT to ensure the PROM is ready when the FPGA starts configuration. Estimated: the 0.1 uF / 10 uF pair provides 70 dB of supply noise rejection up to 10 MHz, sufficient for JTAG ISP noise immunity.
Route the DCLK and DATA traces between the EPC2TC32UCF48 and the target FPGA with matched length (within 100 mils) to avoid configuration timing violations. Keep the JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) clear of the DCLK trace to prevent JTAG clock contention. Place pull-up resistors (10 kohm) on nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE as recommended in the Altera configuration interface specification; without these, the handshake can fail intermittently and the FPGA will report a configuration error at startup.
Do not assume cross-brand replacement is possible - the Altera serial configuration interface (DCLK / DATA / nCONFIG / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE) is proprietary and not compatible with Xilinx CC_FPGA / Lattice devices. When sourcing second-source, stay within the Intel / Altera EPC2 family (EPC2TC32, EPC2TC32U, EPC2TC32UCAF48, etc.) or migrate to the EPCQ family (EPCQ16A / EPCQ32A). Mixing EPC2 with EPCQ on the same chain is not supported. Also, verify the daisy-chain direction (master / slave) when cascading - the lead PROM must be the highest-density device in the chain, otherwise the chain will not enumerate correctly.
Keep the TQFP-48 EPC2TC32UCF48 within 25 mm of the target FPGA's configuration bank pins to minimize signal degradation on DCLK / DATA. Use a continuous ground plane under the device for thermal dissipation; although the EPC2's power consumption is low (<200 mW during configuration), the 48-pin TQFP benefits from a thermal pad connection when used at high temperature. Avoid placing switching DC-DC converters near the EPC2 / FPGA pair, as radiated EMI can corrupt the JTAG ISP stream during in-field updates.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH compliance not confirmed in the available distributor data fetched on 2026-09-11. Lot-level marking must be inspected to verify Pb-free and RoHS status before assuming compliance. The -CAF48 suffix variants are AEC-Q100 automotive qualified.
