EPC2XXA - Altera Configuration Device for FPGAs | Intel
MPN: EPC2XXA ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.9 | $89.00 |
| 100 | $7.75 | $775.00 |
| 500 | $6.5 | $3,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
EPC2XXA Overview
A configuration device, also called a configuration PROM or boot PROM, is a non-volatile memory companion to an SRAM-based FPGA. Because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, an external configuration device is required at every power-up to reload the bitstream through a dedicated configuration bus (typically JTAG, PS, or AS). The EPC2XXA belongs to the Altera/Intel configuration-memory hierarchy (EPC1 -> EPC2 -> EPC4 -> EPC8 -> EPC16 -> EPCS64/EPCQ64...) where each generation multiplies capacity while maintaining pin compatibility with prior members within the same footprint option.
Key features of the EPC2XXA include a 33 MHz maximum configuration clock, in-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 Boundary-Scan), 1.6 Mbit storage sufficient for mid-density Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, MAX II, and MAX V devices, plus a built-in 3.3V voltage regulator that allows single-rail operation from 3.0V to 3.6V or 5.0V tolerant I/O on the FPGA side. The device supports cascading for higher bitstream sizes by daisy-chaining additional EPC2XXA units.
Architecturally, the EPC2XXA uses a 4-wire serial interface (nCS, DCLK, DATA, AS_DATA) plus JTAG (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO). An internal oscillator drives the configuration readback path. Reliability is enhanced through built-in cyclic-redundancy-check verification against the configuration bitstream.
Typical applications include boot storage for Cyclone series FPGAs in industrial controllers, factory automation, motor drives, test-and-measurement instruments, point-of-sale terminals, and any board where a discrete boot PROM is preferred over a separate SPI flash. When using the EPC2XXA with Quartus II Programmer or the modern Quartus Prime Programmer, the device appears as an in-system programmable target, enabling field firmware updates.
Designers should note that the EPC2XXA is now NRND/EOL on Intel's lifecycle - newer designs should consider EPCS/EPCQ serial configuration devices (EPCS4, EPCQ16, EPCQ64) or a generic SPI flash mapped into the active-serial scheme. The 20-pin SOIC footprint is hand-solderable and friendly to prototype rework.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, package dimensions, and a drop-in compatible parts matrix not found in the standalone datasheet, giving procurement and FPGA design engineers a single authoritative reference.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC2XXA — 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 EPC2XXA (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Configuration Interface, JTAG Support, Supported FPGA Families.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC2LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LS20U
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LC20N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2XXA Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Type | Configuration Flash (PROM) |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit |
| Configuration Interface | Passive Serial (PS) / Active Serial (AS) |
| Maximum Configuration Clock | 33 MHz |
| JTAG Support | IEEE 1149.1 Boundary-Scan (ISP) |
| Operating Voltage (VCC) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Voltage (VCCJ) | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO-20) 12.8 mm x 7.5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Cascadable | Yes (daisy-chain multiple devices) |
| Programmer | Quartus II / Quartus Prime Programmer |
| Compatible FPGA Families | Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, MAX II, MAX V, Stratix (selected) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
EPC2XXA Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | nSTATUS — Status output to FPGA; driven low during configuration |
| Pin 2 | OE / RESET — Output enable / reset input from FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock from FPGA |
| Pin 4 | DATA0 — Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 5 | nCS — Chip select input from FPGA |
| Pin 6 | AS_DATA — Active-serial data I/O (for AS mode) |
| Pin 7 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 8 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 9 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 10 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | VCC — Core supply voltage (3.0V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 15 | VCCJ — Configuration I/O supply (1.8V/2.5V/3.3V) |
| Pin 16 | DATA1 — Configuration data output (cascade) |
| Pin 17 | DATA2 — Configuration data output (cascade) |
| Pin 18 | DATA3 — Configuration data output (cascade) |
| Pin 19 | nCASC — Cascade output (low when more data follows) |
| Pin 20 | nINIT_CONF — Open-collector initialization/configure status |
Typical Applications
EPC2XXA is suitable for 7 applications: Cyclone / Cyclone II FPGA Boot PROM, MAX II / MAX V CPLD Boot Storage, Industrial Motor Drive Controller, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Point-of-Sale Terminal FPGA Boot, Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration, Aerospace Avionics Display Controller.
Cyclone / Cyclone II FPGA Boot PROM
The EPC2XXA is the canonical 20-pin SOIC boot PROM for Altera Cyclone and Cyclone II FPGAs using the passive-serial (PS) configuration scheme. Its 1.6 Mbit density covers bitstreams up to EP2C35 density comfortably and its 33 MHz configuration clock meets the maximum DCLK rate of Cyclone II nCONFIG handshaking. In a typical board, the EPC2XXA sits adjacent to the FPGA with nSTATUS, DCLK, DATA0, and CONF_DONE wired point-to-point. The 3.0-3.6 V single-rail operation eliminates the need for an external regulator, simplifying the bill-of-materials for industrial controllers.
Recommended
MAX II / MAX V CPLD Boot Storage
Although MAX II CPLDs integrate on-chip configuration memory, designs that require a factory-default image alongside the user image commonly route the EPC2XXA into the JTAG chain for ISP and field updates. The 20-pin SOIC and 1.6 Mbit storage accommodate multiple MAX II image revisions for industrial remote firmware updates. The EPC2XXA's JTAG IEEE 1149.1 ISP allows joint programming of the MAX II and the EPC2XXA in one Quartus II Programmer pass.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Drive Controller
Factory automation and motor-drive controllers embed a Cyclone or Cyclone II FPGA for PWM and encoder processing, and the EPC2XXA delivers the deterministic cold-boot image at 3.3 V across the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range. The 33 MHz passive-serial clock allows a Cyclone II EP2C8Q208 to load in under 20 ms, well within typical PLC cycle requirements. Cascading multiple EPC2XXA units supports larger Cyclone II variants like the EP2C35 without re-architecting the boot path.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators built around Cyclone II FPGAs use the EPC2XXA as the cold-boot PROM because of its deterministic, in-system programmable interface. The JTAG path lets manufacturers push firmware updates through the rear-panel USB-Blaster port without opening the chassis, accelerating ISO-17025 calibration cycles. The 20-pin SOIC package is hand-solderable for prototype rework in low-volume production runs.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal FPGA Boot
POS terminals typically use a low-power Cyclone II FPGA for display, encryption, and printer control. The EPC2XXA at 3.3 V single-rail is a low-cost boot storage solution that fits the cost-down BOM targets of the POS market. Its JTAG ISP enables secure factory provisioning of encryption keys and firmware images, supporting PCI-PTS 4.x certification requirements.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card FPGA Configuration
Legacy telecom line cards using Cyclone II or Cyclone III FPGAs for TDM/E1 processing frequently rely on the EPC2XXA as the primary boot PROM. Its cascadable interface lets engineers daisy-chain two devices for bitstreams up to 3.2 Mbit, supporting Cyclone III EP3C5/EP3C10 designs. The 3.3 V VCC and 1.8-3.3 V VCCJ are compatible with mixed-voltage logic on the same line card.
Recommended
Aerospace Avionics Display Controller
Avionics display controllers built around legacy Altera Cyclone II FPGAs use the EPC2XXA for cold-boot configuration. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range is qualified for avionics bay environments, and the 20-pin SOIC footprint is convenient for through-hole-and-SMT mixed boards. JTAG ISP supports field-loadable firmware updates under FAA DO-178C configuration management. Newer DO-254 programs should migrate to EPCQ64 or MAX 10 integrated flash.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC2XXA — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC2LC20 | EPC2LI20 | EPC2LS20U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO-20) | 20-pin SOIC (SO-20) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO-20) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO-20) - same |
| Memory Size | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit |
| Interface | PS / AS / JTAG | PS / AS / JTAG | PS / AS / JTAG | PS / AS / JTAG |
| VCC Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Max DCLK | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| JTAG ISP | Yes (IEEE 1149.1) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Single-rail 3.3 V operation simplifies the BOM (vs EPCS4)
- Compatible with both PS and AS configuration modes (vs EPCS4)
- 1.6 Mbit density sized for Cyclone II bitstreams (vs EPC1441PC8)
Design Notes
The EPC2XXA operates from a single 3.0 V to 3.6 V rail on VCC; no auxiliary regulator is required because the configuration I/O ring (VCCJ) has its own 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V supply pin. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pin 14 (VCC) and a bulk 4.7 uF tantalum on the same net. The nINIT_CONF pin (pin 20) is open-collector and requires an external 10 kohm pull-up to VCC.
Route the four configuration signals (nSTATUS, OE/RESET, DCLK, DATA0) as a matched-length group of approximately 50 mm, keeping the trace impedance at 50 ohms single-ended. The JTAG pins (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) should be brought to a 2x5 0.1-inch header for a USB-Blaster cable. Keep the EPC2XXA within 50 mm of the FPGA's configuration bank to minimize DCLK skew.
Do not confuse EPC2XXA with EPCS4: EPC2XXA uses the legacy PS or AS interface and is JTAG-ISP-only, while EPCS4 uses only AS and requires Quartus II 7.1 or later. Older programming files (.pof) targeting EPC2 must not be loaded onto EPCS4. Verify the MSEL0/MSEL1 pins on the FPGA are configured for the correct interface - PS for EPC2XXA, AS for EPCS4 - before generating the programming file.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Altera/Intel product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose an automotive-grade configuration device or external SPI flash for AEC-Q100 designs. Lifecycle is NRND as of 2026-09-11 per Intel/Altera product lifecycle notices.
