EPC2TI32UCAF48 - 1.6Mb In-System Prog Config PROM | Altera
MPN: EPC2TI32UCAF48 β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.05 | $1,405.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.85 | $10,850.00 |
EPC2TI32UCAF48 Overview
What is a configuration PROM? In SRAM-based LUT FPGA architectures, the FPGA's configuration bitstream is volatile and must be reloaded every power-up cycle. A configuration PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a small, dedicated non-volatile serial flash device that stores the FPGA's bitstream and streams it back into the FPGA during the configuration phase. The EPC2 family occupies a specific niche in the configuration memory hierarchy: PROM -> configuration memory -> FPGA configuration flash -> non-volatile FPGA bitstream storage. The EPC2 is in-system programmable, allowing JTAG-based in-field reprogramming without removing the device from the board.
Key features include 1.6 Mbit user memory, a built-in JTAG IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface for in-system programming and verification, multi-voltage operation from 3.3 V to 5.0 V, and dedicated configuration control pins (nCS, OE, nCASC, nINIT_CONF) that daisy-chain to support multi-FPGA configuration. The 48-pin TQFP package supports industrial temperature grades.
The EPC2TI32 uses a simple shift-register based serial interface to the FPGA's passive serial (PS) configuration mode. Configuration data is clocked out by DCLK and presented on DATA(0). The nSTATUS and CONF_DONE handshakes ensure bitstream integrity before the FPGA enters user mode. The device supports multi-device daisy-chaining via nCASC, allowing a single PROM to configure multiple FPGAs in sequence - useful in complex multi-FPGA designs.
Typical applications include single-FPGA configuration memory for Cyclone series, multi-FPGA daisy-chain boot for Stratix designs, factory-floor industrial controllers using ACEX or FLEX FPGAs, JTAG-programmable logic modules, and legacy Altera FPGA development boards. It is also widely used in prototype and production FPGA designs that require in-system reprogramming without external programmers.
When designing with the EPC2TI32, ensure the JTAG chain includes 4-wire TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO connections and proper pull-ups on nSTATUS and CONF_DONE. The U-supply version supports both 3.3 V and 5.0 V rails, simplifying multi-voltage designs. Daisy-chain timing requires the tCO and tCF parameters from the datasheet to be respected.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet - including a curated 5-alternative comparison and a 48-pin TQFP footprint compatibility matrix.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2TI32UCAF48 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 EPC2TI32UCAF48 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Interface, Package, JTAG Interface, Memory Size, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2TC32UCAF48
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2T32UCAF48
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$10.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPC2TI32UCAF48 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | In-System Programmable Configuration PROM |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Organization | Serial configuration data stream |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V or 5.0 V (U-wide version) |
| Interface | Altera Passive Serial (PS) / 2-wire mode |
| Configuration Modes Supported | PS mode, multi-device daisy-chain |
| In-System Programming | Yes, via JTAG IEEE 1149.1 |
| JTAG Interface | Yes (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (CAF) |
| Compatible FPGA Series | Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, ACEX, FLEX |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Yes (nCASC pin) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EPC2TI32UCAF48 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | DATA β Serial data output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DCLK β Configuration clock input from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nCS β Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 5 | OE β Output enable (active low) |
| Pin 6 | nCASC β Cascade output for daisy-chain |
| Pin 7 | nINIT_CONF β Initiate configuration (active low) |
| Pin 8 | VCC β 3.3 V or 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 9 | TDI β JTAG test data input |
| Pin 10 | TDO β JTAG test data output |
| Pin 11 | TMS β JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 12 | TCK β JTAG test clock |
| Pin 13 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 33 | VCC β 3.3 V or 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 34 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 35 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 37 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 41 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 42 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 46 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | nSTATUS β Open-drain status flag (active low) |
Typical Applications
EPC2TI32UCAF48 is suitable for 6 applications: Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory, Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration, JTAG-Programmable Logic Module, Legacy APEX / ACEX / FLEX Design Support, FPGA Development Board Reference Design, Industrial Control Card with Stratum-3 NTP Timing.
Cyclone FPGA Boot Memory
The EPC2TI32UCAF48 stores and streams the 1.6 Mbit configuration bitstream to Altera Cyclone series FPGAs (EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, EP1C20) at power-up using passive-serial (PS) mode. Its 1.6 Mbit capacity closely matches mid-density Cyclone bitstreams, eliminating the need for larger Enhanced Configuration Devices. The 3.3 V / 5.0 V U-suffix supply simplifies integration into Cyclone development boards where 3.3 V I/O rails are common. JTAG-based in-system programming via the built-in IEEE 1149.1 interface allows field firmware updates without removing the board, while the nSTATUS and CONF_DONE handshakes ensure bitstream integrity before the Cyclone enters user mode.
Recommended
Multi-FPGA Daisy-Chain Configuration
In multi-FPGA designs (Stratix + Cyclone, or APEX 20K + ACEX 1K combinations), the EPC2TI32UCAF48 can daisy-chain configuration to multiple FPGAs via the nCASC pin, where the first FPGA's nCEO pin feeds the next device's nCONFIG input. This allows a single 1.6 Mbit PROM to boot several FPGAs sequentially without external glue logic. The tCO and tCF timing parameters from the datasheet must be respected to ensure proper handshaking. Compared to using separate PROMs per FPGA, this reduces board space and BOM cost by 40-60% in multi-FPGA systems.
Recommended
JTAG-Programmable Logic Module
The EPC2TI32UCAF48's built-in JTAG IEEE 1149.1 interface makes it ideal for logic-module products that must be field-reprogrammable without external hardware programmers. Combined with the Altera Quartus II software, end-users can update the FPGA bitstream via the module's JTAG header. This architecture is common in industrial PLC modules, telecom line cards, and military/aerospace systems where remote firmware updates are mission-critical. The wide 3.3 V / 5.0 V supply range (U-version) enables use in both legacy 5 V logic systems and modern 3.3 V designs.
Recommended
Legacy APEX / ACEX / FLEX Design Support
For maintaining and replicating legacy Altera designs based on APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, or FLEX 10K FPGAs, the EPC2TI32UCAF48 remains the canonical configuration PROM. These older FPGA families predate the serial-configuration (EPCS) family and require the EPC2's PS-mode interface for proper operation. Maintenance of legacy industrial controllers, test equipment, and military systems often demands EPC2 inventory because the original bitstream format and configuration timing are validated on these parts. Designers maintaining legacy boards should stock both EPC2TI32UCAF48 (industrial grade) and EPC2TC32UCAF48 (commercial grade) variants.
Recommended
FPGA Development Board Reference Design
Universities, research labs, and FPGA training programs rely on the EPC2TI32UCAF48 as the configuration PROM in Altera Cyclone and ACEX development boards, where JTAG-based in-system programming enables rapid iteration of student designs. The 48-pin TQFP (CAF) package is hand-solderable for lab prototypes and the datasheet provides clear timing diagrams suitable for teaching FPGA configuration fundamentals. The same development-board pattern is used in commercial evaluation kits for early-generation Altera FPGAs.
Recommended
Industrial Control Card with Stratum-3 NTP Timing
Industrial control cards using Altera APEX 20K or ACEX 1K FPGAs for high-speed GPIO and timing logic often pair the EPC2TI32UCAF48 with an Ethernet PHY for IEEE 1588 PTP or NTP timing applications. The 1.6 Mbit configuration PROM accommodates the FPGA bitstream plus any soft-core NIOS processor initialization data, and the industrial temperature range (-40 C to +85 C) suits factory-floor deployment. The wide 3.3 V / 5.0 V supply tolerance simplifies integration with mixed-voltage industrial backplanes (3.3 V logic + 5 V analog rails).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2TI32UCAF48 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2TC32UCAF48 | EPC2T32UCAF48 | EPC2TC32N | EPC2TI32N | EPC2TI32 | EPC16UC88 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 48-pin TQFP (CAF) | 48-pin TQFP (CAF) - same | 48-pin TQFP (CAF) - same | 32-pin TQFP - smaller | 32-pin TQFP - smaller | 32-pin TQFP - smaller | 88-pin UCSP - larger |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 16 Mbit (10x larger) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5.0 V (U) | 3.3 V / 5.0 V (U) | 5.0 V only | 3.3 V / 5.0 V (U) | 3.3 V / 5.0 V (U) | 3.3 V / 5.0 V (U) | 3.3 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 C to +85 C) |
| JTAG In-System Programming | 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) |
| Configuration Mode | Passive Serial (PS) + daisy-chain | PS + daisy-chain | PS + daisy-chain | PS + daisy-chain | PS + daisy-chain | PS + daisy-chain | PS + daisy-chain + 2-wire |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 3.3 V / 5.0 V supply (U-suffix) (vs EPC2T32UCAF48)
- Industrial temperature grade (vs EPC2TC32UCAF48)
- 10x larger memory capacity option exists (vs EPC16UC88)
Design Notes
Estimated: The 48-pin TQFP (CAF) package has a 0.5 mm pin pitch and 9 mm x 9 mm body. When laying out the PCB, allow at least 0.2 mm clearance between pin pads and use a 4-layer stack-up with continuous ground plane beneath the EPC2 to minimize noise coupling to the FPGA DATA and DCLK lines. Place the EPC2 within 25 mm of the target FPGA to keep passive-serial (PS) trace lengths matched and avoid reflection issues on the 100 MHz DCLK edges. Decoupling: 0.1 uF X7R ceramic + 10 uF tantalum bulk on each VCC pin, located within 5 mm of the package.
The EPC2 outputs configuration data on the DATA pin synchronous to the rising edge of DCLK, which the FPGA returns. For reliable configuration at maximum DCLK frequency, keep the DATA trace length below 50 mm and ensure the characteristic impedance matches the FPGA's DCLK input buffer (typically 50 ohm single-ended). Series termination of 33 ohm at the EPC2 DATA output is recommended when total trace length exceeds 30 mm. Do not route DATA adjacent to high-speed switching signals (SDRAM clocks, SERDES lanes) to avoid crosstalk into the configuration bitstream.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the EPC2TI32UCAF48: (1) Forgetting the nSTATUS pull-up - nSTATUS is open-drain and requires an external 10 kohm pull-up to VCC, otherwise the FPGA will not see the configuration-ready signal and will hold in reset indefinitely. (2) Daisy-chain timing violations - when cascading multiple FPGAs, the tCO parameter (clock-to-out delay) and tCF parameter must sum within the FPGA's tCD2CNF setup time window; calculate using datasheet worst-case values, not typical. (3) Mixing temperature grades - using a Commercial-grade EPC2TC32 in an industrial-temperature design will cause configuration failures below 0 C, even if all other specifications match.
The EPC2TI32UCAF48 draws approximately 50 mA active during configuration read-out and 10 uA standby when nCS is deasserted. Power sequencing: hold nCONFIG low until VCC stabilizes within datasheet tolerance, then release nCONFIG to begin configuration. The FPGA's nSTATUS line will go high when the EPC2 is ready to stream data. In multi-FPGA daisy-chains, VCC ramp time must be slower than 100 ms to allow all devices to see a stable power rail before the configuration handshake begins.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed per Altera product declaration. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in available datasheet excerpts - confirm with supplier documentation before EU-bound shipment.
