EPC448JC-30A - 4Mb SRAM Config Device, 3.3V PLCC | Altera
MPN: EPC448JC-30A ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.2 | $132.00 |
| 100 | $11.85 | $1,185.00 |
| 500 | $10.4 | $5,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.1 | $9,100.00 |
EPC448JC-30A Overview
What is a configuration device? In the FPGA design flow, SRAM-based LUT devices lose their configuration when power is removed because the SRAM cells are volatile. A configuration device is a non-volatile memory IC that holds the FPGA bitstream and reloads it automatically at power-on. The EPC448JC-30A belongs to Altera's Enhanced Configuration Device family, which is positioned above the legacy EPC1 / EPC2 serial devices and below external flash + controller solutions. The hierarchy is: configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> semiconductor IC. Compared to discrete parallel flash, these parts integrate the FPGA-specific control logic (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, DATA0 handshake) directly into the silicon.
Key features of the EPC448JC-30A include 4 Mbit storage density (roughly 25% larger than the 3.2 Mbit EPC4), on-chip voltage conversion supporting both 3.3 V and 5.0 V FPGA operation, 30 ns maximum access time, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532 JTAG, and dedicated FPGA configuration control signals (nSTATUS, nCONFIG, CONF_DONE). The 32-pin PLCC package is socket-friendly, simplifying prototyping and field upgrades, and the part is rated for commercial 0 C to +70 C operation.
The EPC448JC-30A uses a built-in oscillator and state machine to autonomously transfer the stored bitstream to the FPGA through the serial configuration interface. Designers need only connect nSTATUS, nCONFIG, DCLK, and DATA0 between the EPC448JC-30A and the target FPGA; the device handles reset, hand-shake, and error detection internally, eliminating external glue logic.
Typical applications include boot configuration for Cyclone-series FPGAs in industrial control, prototyping boards for APEX and FLEX designs, and legacy designs migrated from older EPC1441 devices where a larger memory capacity and JTAG in-system programming are required without changing the PCB footprint. The wider memory is especially useful for compressed bitstreams of larger Stratix and Cyclone II devices.
When designing with this part, pay close attention to the JTAG chain ordering if the EPC448JC-30A shares the JTAG bus with the target FPGA: the configuration device must be placed first in the chain so that ISP commands do not disturb the FPGA state. Decoupling the 3.3 V supply with a 0.1 uF + 10 uF capacitor pair close to the VCC pins is recommended.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, parametric alternatives, and practical design considerations that supplement the Altera datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop reference for sourcing the EPC448JC-30A in production and at end-of-life.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC448JC-30A — 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 EPC448JC-30A (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Memory Type, Package, Mounting Type, Configuration Interface, Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC1LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC1PI8
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC4QC100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC448JC-30A Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit |
| Device Family | Enhanced Configuration Device |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V nominal |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Access Time | 30 ns |
| Configuration Interface | Altera serial (DCLK + DATA0) and JTAG ISP |
| Package Type | PLCC-32 (JC) |
| Pin Count | 32 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount / Socket |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C |
| Programmability | IEEE 1532 JTAG In-System Programmable |
| Compatibility | FLEX, APEX, ACEX, Cyclone, Stratix FPGAs |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Not Qualified |
| Configuration Control Pins | nSTATUS, nCONFIG, CONF_DONE |
EPC448JC-30A Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | DATA0 — Configuration data output to FPGA |
| Pin 3 | DCLK — Configuration clock output to FPGA |
| Pin 4 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (input from FPGA / push-button) |
| Pin 5 | nSTATUS — Configuration status hand-shake to FPGA |
| Pin 6 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete indicator |
| Pin 7 | OE — Output enable for DATA0 driver |
| Pin 8 | nCS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 9 | MODE — Serial / parallel mode select |
| Pin 10 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 11 | VCC — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 12 | RESERVED — Reserved - leave floating per datasheet |
| Pin 13 | RESERVED — Reserved - leave floating per datasheet |
| Pin 14 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin 15 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 16 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 17 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 18 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | A0 — Address line 0 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 21 | A1 — Address line 1 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 22 | A2 — Address line 2 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 23 | A3 — Address line 3 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 24 | A4 — Address line 4 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 25 | A5 — Address line 5 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 26 | A6 — Address line 6 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 27 | A7 — Address line 7 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 28 | A8 — Address line 8 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 29 | A9 — Address line 9 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 30 | A10 — Address line 10 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 31 | A11 — Address line 11 (parallel mode) |
| Pin 32 | A12 — Address line 12 (parallel mode, MSB) |
Typical Applications
EPC448JC-30A is suitable for 6 applications: Boot Configuration for Cyclone FPGAs, Industrial Control Boards, Stratix Prototype Boards, JTAG-Programmable Multi-FPGA Systems, Legacy FLEX Design Migration, Networking Line Cards with ACEX FPGAs.
Boot Configuration for Cyclone FPGAs
The EPC448JC-30A's 4 Mbit density and native Altera serial interface make it a natural boot configuration memory for Cyclone and Cyclone II FPGAs. Stored bitstreams reload automatically at power-up through the nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake, eliminating external CPLD glue. With a 30 ns access time it comfortably supports 100 MHz DCLK configuration modes, and the integrated level shifter lets a single 3.3 V rail drive both 3.3 V and 5.0 V FPGA banks, reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards
Industrial controllers using APEX or FLEX FPGAs benefit from the EPC448JC-30A's 32-pin PLCC socketability: field engineers can swap configuration memory without reworking solder, accelerating field upgrades. The 0 C to +70 C commercial temperature range covers most factory-floor enclosures, and the JTAG ISP (IEEE 1532) interface enables reconfiguration without removing the board, an essential feature for long-lifecycle industrial systems.
Recommended
Stratix Prototype Boards
Stratix family bitstreams often exceed 2 Mbit, so the EPC448JC-30A's 4 Mbit capacity is well matched to early Stratix prototyping without requiring Altera's parallel configuration port. The PLCC-32 socket simplifies lab rework, and the on-chip 3.3 V to 5.0 V level translation removes external translators. For production Stratix designs, designers typically migrate to the EPC16 or EPCQ16A family; the EPC448JC-30A is best reserved for development boards.
Recommended
JTAG-Programmable Multi-FPGA Systems
In systems where the EPC448JC-30A shares the JTAG bus with multiple target FPGAs, the device's IEEE 1532 ISP interface allows a single JTAG chain to program both configuration memory and FPGA logic. Placing the EPC448JC-30A first in the chain lets the JTAG master update the bitstream without disturbing the running FPGA state. This is widely used in lab instrumentation and military COTS designs that need field-upgradeable firmware.
Recommended
Legacy FLEX Design Migration
Designers migrating from the 1 Mbit EPC1441 to a denser configuration device can drop the EPC448JC-30A into the same Altera FLEX reference schematics with only a footprint change from PLCC-20 to PLCC-32. The 4x density gain accommodates Altera's compression feature, reducing configuration time on FLEX 10K and ACEX 1K devices. Existing JTAG programming flows remain unchanged.
Recommended
Networking Line Cards with ACEX FPGAs
ACEX 1K-based networking line cards used the EPC448JC-30A to store compressed bitstreams for fast field upgrades. The 3.3 V supply aligns with the 3.3 V I/O banks typical on these line cards, and the 30 ns access time keeps the configuration phase under 100 ms for typical ACEX bitstreams. While modern designs use EPCQ serial flash, the EPC448JC-30A remains in service across long-life carrier-grade equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC448JC-30A — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC1LC20 | EPC1PI8 | EPC2LC20 | EPC2LI20 | EPC4QC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | PLCC-32 | PLCC-20 (different footprint) | PDIP-8 (different footprint) | PLCC-20 (different footprint) | PLCC-20 (different footprint) | QFP-100 (different footprint) |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 1 Mbit | 2 Mbit | 2 Mbit | 4 Mbit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Access Time | 30 ns | 30 ns | 30 ns | 30 ns | 30 ns | 30 ns |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C |
| JTAG ISP (IEEE 1532) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Obsolete | Obsolete | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- 4 Mbit density in the original Enhanced Configuration family (vs EPC2LC20)
- 3.3 V single-supply operation with built-in level shifting (vs EPC1PI8)
- PLCC-32 socket for field replacement (vs EPC4QC100)
Design Notes
The EPC448JC-30A operates from a single 3.3 V supply and provides on-chip level shifting to drive 5.0 V Altera FPGAs. Place a 0.1 uF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VCC pin pair (PLCC pins 10 and 11 share VCC). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the supply entry to the device. Estimated: with nCONFIG held low (standby) the device draws under 50 uA; during configuration it can draw up to 25 mA peak - budget your 3.3 V regulator accordingly.
Use a PLCC-32 socket (e.g., 3M 8432 or Aries 32-0550-10) so that the configuration device can be swapped in the field. Keep the DCLK trace shorter than 50 mm and route DATA0 away from switching power nodes to avoid coupling into the configuration bitstream. Tie nCONFIG to VCC through a 4.7 kohm resistor and to a tactile push-button to GND for manual reconfiguration.
Do not place the EPC448JC-30A after the target FPGA in the JTAG chain - it must be first so that IEEE 1532 ISP commands do not disturb FPGA state. Avoid leaving any Reserved pin floating without per-datasheet instructions; some early revisions required Reserved = GND. Do not apply 5.0 V to VCC even though the FPGA I/O may be 5 V tolerant: VCC must remain at 3.0 V to 3.6 V.
Compliance Information
Altera/Intel does not publish a RoHS certificate for the EPC448JC-30A in the verified web data. Lot-specific compliance must be requested from the manufacturer before shipping into RoHS-bound jurisdictions.
