EPC2TI32 - 1.6Mb In-System Prog Config PROM | Altera (Intel)
MPN: EPC2TI32 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.6 | $4,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.4 | $7,400.00 |
EPC2TI32 Overview
A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory that holds the FPGA's configuration bitstream. When the system powers up or when a reconfiguration is requested, the FPGA's controller reads the bitstream serially from the PROM through dedicated configuration pins (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE). The hypernym hierarchy for EPC2TI32 is: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Configuration PROMs replaced legacy EPROM-based configuration methods by eliminating the need for external programmers and enabling on-board upgrades via JTAG.
Key features of the EPC2TI32 include 1.6 Mbit (2 Mbit logical, 1.6 Mbit usable) of flash-based configuration storage, in-system programmability through JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), cascading support for multiple devices to configure larger FPGAs, and a built-in data decompression engine compatible with Altera's compressed bitstream format. The 10 MHz DCLK supports typical configuration times of approximately 200 ms for an APEX 20K100 device. The 32-pin TQFP package is industry-standard and supports conventional SMT assembly.
Typical applications include APEX II / APEX 20K / FLEX 10K / ACEX 1K / Cyclone FPGA configuration memory, single-FPGA and multi-FPGA cascading configurations, industrial control boards requiring in-field firmware updates, telecom line cards with remote bitstream updates, and prototyping platforms that require rapid bitstream iteration via JTAG. The wide operating voltage range (3.0 V to 5.5 V) makes the EPC2TI32 suitable for legacy 5 V systems as well as modern 3.3 V designs.
When designing with the EPC2TI32, ensure that the JTAG chain order matches the silicon revision of your target FPGA, and that the CONF_DONE pull-up resistor is sized correctly per the Altera application note AN-123. For modern Cyclone IV or later FPGAs, EPCS serial configuration devices are typically preferred, but EPC2TI32 remains a robust choice for legacy 5 V APEX/FLEX systems.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TI32 — 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 EPC2TI32 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage, Supported FPGA Families, Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TI32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TC32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2-TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2-TI32N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1441TI32
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2TI32 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit |
| Memory Type | Flash (in-system programmable) |
| Configuration Interface | Serial (Altera FPGA configuration protocol) |
| Configuration Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan (ISP + JTAG) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Package | 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Compatible FPGA Families | APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone |
| Cascading Support | Yes (multiple devices for larger bitstreams) |
| Data Compression | Altera compressed bitstream compatible |
EPC2TI32 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DATA — Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 2 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 3 | nCONFIG — Configuration control from FPGA/system |
| Pin 4 | nSTATUS — Status output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete indicator |
| Pin 6 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 7 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 8 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 9 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 10 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 11 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 14 | OE — Output enable |
| Pin 15 | CE — Chip enable |
| Pin 16 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 17 | nINIT_CONF — Initiate configuration |
| Pin 18 | RESET — Device reset |
| Pin 19 | VPP — Programming voltage (factory use) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 27 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 28 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 31 | VCC — Power supply |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
EPC2TI32 is suitable for 6 applications: APEX 20K Series FPGA Configuration, FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration Memory, Cyclone FPGA Configuration (Original Series), Industrial Control Boards with Field Updates, Telecom Line Cards with Remote Bitstream Updates, Prototyping Platforms and Development Kits.
APEX 20K Series FPGA Configuration
The EPC2TI32 stores the configuration bitstream for Altera APEX 20K series FPGAs (APEX 20K100, 20K200, 20K400). The 1.6 Mbit density is sufficient for APEX 20K100 bitstreams; for larger APEX 20K devices, multiple EPC2TI32s can be cascaded. The 10 MHz DCLK delivers typical configuration times of about 200 ms, and the 5 V supply range matches APEX 20K's core voltage requirement.
Recommended
FLEX 10K FPGA Configuration Memory
The EPC2TI32 is designed as the configuration PROM for Altera FLEX 10K series FPGAs (FLEX 10K10, 10K30, 10K50, 10K100, 10K130). Its 1.6 Mbit density is well-matched to FLEX 10K30 / 10K50 bitstreams, and the JTAG ISP interface enables field firmware updates without removing the board. The 3.3 V or 5 V supply supports both legacy and modern FLEX 10K designs.
Recommended
Cyclone FPGA Configuration (Original Series)
The EPC2TI32 configures the original Altera Cyclone (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) FPGAs. The 1.6 Mbit density is sufficient for EP1C3 / EP1C6 bitstreams, and the serial configuration protocol at 10 MHz matches Cyclone's CONFIG_MODE serial interface. Note: Cyclone II and later require EPCS configuration devices, not EPC2.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards with Field Updates
The EPC2TI32's JTAG ISP interface enables in-field configuration updates via standard JTAG probe tools (ByteBlasterMV, USB-Blaster). Industrial control systems with deployed PLC or motion-controller FPGAs benefit from this field-programmability for bug fixes and feature updates. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range supports factory floor environments.
Recommended
Telecom Line Cards with Remote Bitstream Updates
The EPC2TI32's JTAG ISP and 1.6 Mbit density make it suitable for telecom line cards built on Altera FPGAs. Combined with a JTAG-over-Ethernet controller, the bitstream can be updated remotely for protocol changes, security patches, or feature rollouts. The 32-TQFP package supports standard SMT assembly on telecom-grade PCBs.
Recommended
Prototyping Platforms and Development Kits
The EPC2TI32's JTAG ISP and Altera protocol support make it a workhorse on APEX/FLEX/ACEX development boards. Engineers can iterate bitstreams in seconds via JTAG without removing the PROM. The 32-TQFP package is breadboard-compatible and integrates cleanly with standard FPGA development kits.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TI32 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TI32N | EPC2TC32 | EPC2TC32N | EPC2-TI32 | EPC1441TI32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) | 32-TQFP (7x7) |
| Memory Density | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| DCLK Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature range support (vs EPC2TC32)
- Higher density option for larger FPGAs (vs EPC1441TI32)
- Lead-free drop-in replacement availability (vs EPC2TI32N)
Design Notes
The EPC2TI32 operates from a single 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply. Decouple VCC pins (1, 10, 11, 26, 27, 30, 31) with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each pin group, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main supply rail. During in-system programming, peak current can momentarily increase; ensure the regulator has at least 50 mA of headroom above the steady-state active current.
A common pitfall is attempting to use the EPC2TI32 with Cyclone II or newer FPGAs. Cyclone II and later devices require EPCS (EPCS1, EPCS4, EPCS16, EPCS64) configuration devices because they use the enhanced serial configuration protocol. The EPC2TI32 is limited to APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, and original Cyclone families. Using an EPC2 with a Cyclone II will result in configuration failure.
Place the EPC2TI32 close to the target FPGA to minimize trace length on the serial DATA and DCLK lines. Keep DCLK trace length below 50 mm and route it away from switching power lines to avoid coupling noise into the configuration data stream. For JTAG chains, the EPC2TI32 should be placed in series with the FPGA in the JTAG chain, with TCK/TMS buffered if chain length exceeds 150 mm.
Compliance Information
Original Altera datasheet (published 2010 per findic.us) does not specify RoHS or REACH compliance status in the verified data; for RoHS-compliant needs, use the EPC2TI32N variant per distributor listings.