EPC2TC32V - 1.6Mb ISP Config PROM, 32-TQFP | Altera/Intel
MPN: EPC2TC32V ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.1 | $131.00 |
| 100 | $11.75 | $1,175.00 |
| 500 | $10.4 | $5,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.2 | $9,200.00 |
EPC2TC32V Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial-flash-class memory whose sole purpose is to store FPGA bitstream data and stream it into an FPGA at power-up. The EPC2 sits in the broader hierarchy: configuration memory -> programmable non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Compared to generic SPI flash, configuration PROMs pre-format the bitstream and add dedicated FPGA hand-shake pins (nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, nCONFIG, DCLK) that simplify the schematic and remove the need for a processor to load the FPGA.
Key features include 1.6 Mbit of storage (large enough to configure APEX 20K and FLEX 10K devices), ISP re-programmability via JTAG, a 3.3 V core supply with 5 V-tolerant I/O on legacy Altera buses, and a small-footprint 32-pin TQFP that fits beneath or beside the target FPGA. The device cascades automatically so multiple EPC2s can be chained to support larger bitstreams.
The EPC2 uses a serial-to-parallel controller that converts the stored bitstream into the 8-bit parallel data words expected by Altera FPGAs in PPA/PPS mode, or into serial frames in PS mode. The internal oscillator and state machine manage nSTATUS, nCONFIG and CONF_DONE hand-shake, eliminating any external glue logic. ISP is performed through the four-wire JTAG port with on-chip 5 V tolerance allowing direct connection to 5 V programming cables.
Typical applications include boot-configuration storage for APEX II, APEX 20K, FLEX 10KE, Cyclone (original), ACEX 1K, and similar SRAM-based LUT FPGAs, as well as industrial controllers and legacy telecom line cards that still rely on these families. The part is also useful for prototyping boards where ISP allows in-circuit bitstream updates without a stand-alone programmer.
When designing with the EPC2, route the JTAG signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) in a daisy chain with the target FPGA, and place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VCC pin. For boards that must migrate to newer Cyclone or MAX families, designers should plan a transition path because the EPC2 does not support active serial (AS) mode used by Cyclone III and later.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, exact 32-TQFP pin assignments, and a drop-in alternatives matrix not found in the original Altera datasheet, giving engineers a single source for sourcing and second-sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TC32V — 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 EPC2TC32V (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Size, Package, Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4TC32
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPC8QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32V Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Organization | x8 (configurable serial/parallel output) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V nominal) |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 5 V tolerant |
| Interface | Passive Serial (PS), Passive Parallel Async (PPA), Passive Parallel Sync (PPS), JTAG ISP |
| Programming Method | In-system via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| Cascadable | Yes (multiple EPC2s daisy-chain for larger bitstreams) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7 mm x 7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Compatible FPGA Families | APEX 20K, APEX II, FLEX 10K/10KE, ACEX 1K, Cyclone (original), Stratix (original) |
| Configuration Hand-shake Pins | nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EPC2TC32V Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA0 — Configuration data bit 0 / serial data out |
| Pin 2 | DATA1 — Configuration data bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | DATA2 — Configuration data bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | DATA3 — Configuration data bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 6 | DATA4 — Configuration data bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | DATA5 — Configuration data bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | DATA6 — Configuration data bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | DATA7 — Configuration data bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | DCLK — Configuration clock input to PROM |
| Pin 12 | nCASC — Cascade output to next EPC2 |
| Pin 13 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 14 | OE — Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 15 | nRESET — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 16 | nCONFIG — Configuration control to FPGA |
| Pin 17 | nSTATUS — Status from FPGA |
| Pin 18 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done from FPGA |
| Pin 19 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 20 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 21 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 22 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 23 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 24 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2TC32V is suitable for 6 applications: APEX 20K and FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration, Original Cyclone and ACEX 1K Boot Memory, Legacy Industrial Control Boards, Telecom Line-Card Bitstream Storage, Prototype and Development Board Configuration, Avionics and Defense Legacy FPGA Modules.
APEX 20K and FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration
The EPC2TC32V is the canonical boot configuration memory for legacy Altera APEX 20K, APEX II, and FLEX 10K/10KE SRAM-based LUT FPGAs. Its 1.6 Mbit capacity exactly matches the largest single-device bitstream of the APEX 20K family, while the 3.3 V supply with 5 V-tolerant I/O eliminates level shifters on legacy 5 V FPGA banks. Designers wire DATA[7:0], DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS and CONF_DONE directly between the EPC2 and the FPGA - no external state machine is required because the EPC2's internal oscillator and hand-shake logic manage the entire configuration sequence. Compared to using a discrete SPI flash with a microcontroller loader, the EPC2TC32V reduces BOM cost and frees the MCU for application tasks, while JTAG-based ISP allows in-field bitstream updates without removing the board.
Recommended
Original Cyclone and ACEX 1K Boot Memory
The EPC2TC32V configures first-generation Altera Cyclone (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12) and ACEX 1K (EP1K10, EP1K30, EP1K50) FPGAs in passive-serial or passive-parallel mode. At 1.6 Mbit it holds the entire bitstream for these devices without external cascading, and the 32-TQFP footprint fits directly beneath or beside the target FPGA, saving board area. The EPC2's 3.3 V core and 5 V-tolerant JTAG interface are well matched to the Cyclone's mixed-voltage I/O banks, allowing a single 3.3 V rail to power both the FPGA configuration bank and the PROM. For designs migrating to Cyclone II/III/IV, the EPC2TC32V is NOT compatible because those families use the active-serial (AS) protocol and require EPCS or EPCQ configuration devices.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Boards
Many long-life industrial controllers, motor drives and SCADA systems designed in the 2000s rely on APEX 20K or FLEX 10K FPGAs configured by the EPC2TC32V. The part's commercial 0 C to +70 C temperature range and surface-mount TQFP package are well suited to factory-floor enclosures, and its non-volatile storage preserves the bitstream through power cycles and brown-outs. The JTAG ISP interface allows field service technicians to update firmware without opening the enclosure or swapping the PROM, an important benefit for installed-base equipment. The EPC2's cascadable architecture also supports large APEX 20K1000E / FLEX 10K250A bitstreams by chaining two or three EPC2s, which is common in legacy industrial designs.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Bitstream Storage
Legacy telecom line cards based on APEX II and FLEX 10KE FPGAs use the EPC2TC32V as the non-volatile boot memory on the controller daughter-card. Its 1.6 Mbit capacity, 3.3 V supply, and 5 V-tolerant I/O align with telecom -48 V bias-supply-derived 3.3 V rails, and the small 32-TQFP footprint leaves room for downstream line-interface transceivers. The EPC2 supports in-system programming via JTAG, which is essential for telecom OEM line-card upgrades performed by the manufacturer or service provider. The part is supplied in tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly, and its Pb-free plating (V suffix) is compliant with telecom RoHS requirements.
Recommended
Prototype and Development Board Configuration
The EPC2TC32V is widely used on Altera reference design boards, university teaching kits, and engineering prototype platforms that target the APEX, FLEX and original Cyclone families. Its JTAG ISP interface lets students and engineers re-program the PROM in-circuit from a USB-Blaster or ByteBlaster cable without removing the chip, dramatically accelerating bring-up and debug. The 32-TQFP package is breadboard-friendly through TQFP-to-DIP adapter boards, and the 3.3 V single-supply operation simplifies lab power rails. The EPC2's passive-serial mode is also the simplest Altera configuration mode, making it a frequent choice for teaching FPGA boot fundamentals before moving to more complex AS or JTAG-only modes.
Recommended
Avionics and Defense Legacy FPGA Modules
Long-life avionics, radar and defense subsystems that qualified on APEX II or FLEX 10KE FPGAs in the early 2000s often retain the EPC2TC32V as their configuration memory for certification and lifecycle reasons. Once a module is DO-254 or MIL-STD-882 qualified, the configuration chain is frozen, and re-qualifying against a newer Cyclone/Stratix family is prohibitively expensive. The EPC2TC32V's 0 C to +70 C commercial temperature range, 3.3 V supply, and 5 V-tolerant JTAG interface match the original avionics design constraints, and the part is sourced through defense distributors for sustainment programs. For new avionics designs, EPC2 is not recommended because newer Arria or Stratix devices with EPCS/EPCQ boot memory offer better radiation tolerance and longer-term supply.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TC32V — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32N | EPC1TC32 | EPC4TC32 | EPC1441TC32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 0.7 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 1.0 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V | 5 V |
| In-System Programmable | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | Yes (JTAG) | No (EPROM one-time) |
| Cascadable | Yes (nCASC pin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Configuration Modes | PS, PPA, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPA, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPA, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPA, PPS, JTAG | PS, PPA, PPS, JTAG | PS only |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes (V suffix) | No (tin-lead) | Yes | Varies by suffix | Varies by suffix | Varies by suffix |
Key Differentiators
- In-system programmable vs EPROM one-time (vs EPC1441TC32)
- 2.3x higher density than EPC1 (vs EPC1TC32)
- Single 3.3 V supply vs dual 3.3/5 V on EPC1 (vs EPC1TC32)
- Lead-free V suffix plating vs tin-lead on EPC2TC32 (vs EPC2TC32)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VCC pin (pins 5, 22, 30) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor on the 3.3 V rail near the device. The EPC2 draws up to 50 mA during configuration read and only 5 mA in standby, so the bulk capacitor must recharge quickly when the FPGA exits power-on reset. According to the Altera datasheet, the supply tolerance is 3.0 V to 3.6 V; using a 3.3 V LDO such as a LT1117 or LM317L provides clean rails without overshoot that could corrupt the configuration memory.
Route the JTAG signals (TCK pin 21, TMS pin 20, TDI pin 19, TDO pin 23) as a daisy chain with the target FPGA, keeping each segment under 6 inches and adding 22 ohm series termination on TCK to dampen ringing. The DCLK signal (pin 11) carries the configuration clock from the FPGA back to the PROM; route it as a short length-matched trace and keep it away from switching power lines. According to the Altera datasheet, nSTATUS (pin 17) and nCONFIG (pin 16) are open-drain and require external 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VCC.
Do not confuse EPC2 with EPCS - EPC2 is for legacy PS/PPA/PPS modes (APEX, FLEX, original Cyclone), while EPCS is for the active-serial (AS) mode used by Cyclone III/IV/V, MAX II/MAX V. A common mistake is to substitute an EPCS16 in an EPC2 footprint, but the pinouts and configuration hand-shake pins are different and the design will not boot. According to the Altera datasheet, when migrating from a Cyclone I/FLEX/APEX design to a newer FPGA, redesign the configuration interface to AS mode and select an EPCS4/EPCS16/EPCQ device rather than treating the EPC2 as a drop-in replacement.
The DATA[7:0] bus (pins 1-4, 6-9) toggles at the FPGA's DCLK rate (typically 10-40 MHz in PS mode or up to 100 MHz in PPS mode). Per the Altera datasheet, place a 33 ohm series resistor in each DATA line near the EPC2 to dampen reflections, and route the bus with matched lengths so skew stays under 0.5 ns. Avoid routing the DATA bus parallel to high-speed SERDES traces to prevent crosstalk into the configuration data, which can cause CRC errors and configuration failures.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per V suffix in part number. AEC-Q100 not applicable (configuration PROM is not an automotive-grade product line). Halogen-free status not stated in the Altera datasheet.
