EPC448PC-20 - Altera Enhanced Config Device, 4Mb | Intel FPGA
MPN: EPC448PC-20 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.4 | $164.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.8 | $5,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.25 | $10,250.00 |
EPC448PC-20 Overview
A configuration device is a non-volatile serial flash-memory companion chip that stores the FPGA bitstream and serially shifts it into the FPGA's configuration controller at power-up, removing the need for an external boot PROM or MCU bootloader. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, the EPC448 sits between simple serial PROMs (typically <1 Mbit) and large parallel configuration flash (multi-Mbit). Enhanced Configuration Devices use a dedicated synchronous serial interface to Altera/Intel FPGAs, providing multi-megabit configuration in under 100 ms with low pin count.
Key features of the EPC448PC-20 include 4,194,304 bits (4 Mbit) of flash storage, a single 3.3 V supply, ISP through the IEEE Std 1149.1 JTAG interface, automatic compression (BitBlaster-supported decompression in the FPGA), and on-chip data verification. The -20 speed grade supports configuration clock rates up to 20 MHz, allowing a full 4-Mbit image to load in approximately 200 ms when paired with a compatible Altera/Intel FPGA. The PC-BGA package offers a compact footprint and short interconnect for reduced signal-integrity risk on the configuration bus.
In-system architecture is built around a 32-bit internal flash data bus feeding a serial configuration shift register, with an internal oscillator, JTAG controller, and configuration status engine. Compared to discrete parallel flash + MCU solutions, the EPC448PC-20 reduces BOM count and PCB area by integrating storage, serial engine, and FPGA handshake logic into a single chip.
Typical applications include boot configuration for Altera Cyclone II/III, Stratix II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, and similar LUT-based FPGAs used in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, military/aerospace systems, and test & measurement instruments. Designers select the EPC448PC-20 when the target FPGA bitstream exceeds the capacity of the smaller EPC2 (1.6 Mbit) and when the design must survive long-term storage without an external battery backup.
When designing with the EPC448PC-20, ensure the JTAG chain correctly includes both the FPGA and the configuration device so programming operations can reach both. Decoupling of the 3.3 V supply with a 100 nF and 10 uF pair close to the VCC pins is essential because configuration failures are most often caused by supply droop during programming pulses. Designers should also verify pinout against the Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet because multiple package options (PLCC-20, PC-BGA) have different land patterns.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives within the EPC family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPC448PC-20 — 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 EPC448PC-20 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Configuration Interface, Memory Density, Mounting Type, Package, Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPC448JC-30A
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC40C100N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC40C100
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LI20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC2LC20
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EPC448PC-20 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | Enhanced Configuration Device (EPC) |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit (4,194,304 bits) |
| Speed Grade | -20 |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V |
| Configuration Clock (Max) | 20 MHz |
| Interface to FPGA | Dedicated Altera/Intel configuration serial (Active Serial) |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) ISP |
| Package | 20-ball PC-BGA |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Configuration Time (typical 4 Mbit) | Approx. 200 ms at 20 MHz |
| Supported FPGA Series | APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, Cyclone II/III, Stratix/Stratix II |
| Compression | Supported (1.5x to 2x depending on bitstream) |
EPC448PC-20 20-ball pc-bga Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPC448PC-20 (20-ball pc-bga package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPC448PC-20.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPC448PC-20 is suitable for 7 applications: APEX 20K / ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Configuration, Cyclone II / Cyclone III Configuration Memory, Stratix / Stratix II Mid-Density Configuration, Industrial Control & Factory Automation Boards, Telecom Line Card Configuration, Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Military / Aerospace Legacy Systems.
APEX 20K / ACEX 1K FPGA Boot Configuration
The EPC448PC-20 stores the configuration bitstream for Altera APEX 20K and ACEX 1K LUT-based FPGAs, replacing the older EPC1/EPC2 generation. Its 4 Mbit density comfortably fits the largest APEX 20K images that exceed the 1.6 Mbit EPC2 ceiling, while the 20 MHz DCLK (-20 speed grade) keeps total configuration time under 250 ms for a fully populated APEX 20K400. Placed on a dedicated configuration bus (DCLK, DATA, nSTATUS, nCONFIG, CONF_DONE) routed close to the FPGA, the EPC448PC-20 enables board designers to remove an external boot PROM and reduce BOM count by one IC.
Recommended
Cyclone II / Cyclone III Configuration Memory
The EPC448PC-20 was Altera's recommended configuration memory for mid-density Cyclone II (EP2C8/EP2C20/EP2C50) and early Cyclone III designs whose compressed bitstreams fit within 4 Mbit. Because Cyclone II/III use the same Active Serial (AS) configuration scheme as APEX 20K, the EPC448PC-20 drops onto the configuration port without changing the FPGA's configuration mode pin strapping. Designers using the -20 speed grade benefit from a 20 MHz DCLK that brings configuration time down to approximately 100-130 ms with the Cyclone II built-in 1.5-2x decompression.
Recommended
Stratix / Stratix II Mid-Density Configuration
For Stratix EP1S10/EP1S25 and Stratix II EP2S15/EP2S30 designs, the EPC448PC-20 supplies the 2-4 Mbit of non-volatile storage required for the configuration bitstream in Active Serial mode. The dedicated Altera AS protocol eliminates the need for an external microcontroller bootloader, and the JTAG ISP interface allows field reconfiguration of both the EPC448 and the Stratix FPGA through a single JTAG chain - useful for field firmware updates. Designers must include both devices in the JTAG chain so programming tools can address the configuration memory.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Factory Automation Boards
Factory automation controllers built on Altera Cyclone or APEX FPGAs use the EPC448PC-20 to retain the deterministic FPGA configuration across power cycles without battery backup. The 3.3 V single-supply operation matches the typical FPGA auxiliary rail and the JTAG ISP allows on-line reconfiguration during commissioning. The compact PC-BGA footprint fits inside sealed industrial enclosures with limited PCB area, and the non-volatile flash storage supports long-term deployment (10+ years) without battery maintenance.
Recommended
Telecom Line Card Configuration
Telecom line cards based on Altera APEX 20K or Stratix FPGAs rely on the EPC448PC-20 to load the bitstream at hot-plug events, where rapid and reliable configuration is critical. The 20 MHz DCLK and ~100 ms effective load time (with compression) meets telecom boot timing requirements, while the 20-ball PC-BGA allows tight placement near the FPGA to minimize DCLK trace length and reduce EMI on the backplane. The JTAG ISP interface supports firmware updates over the maintenance backplane without removing the line card.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instrumentation
Test instruments built around Altera Cyclone II or Stratix FPGAs use the EPC448PC-20 to store multiple bitstreams that correspond to different measurement personalities (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer). Engineers can swap personalities by re-programming the EPC448 via JTAG without touching the FPGA, enabling rapid product configuration changes during development and production. The non-volatile storage and 20 MHz configuration speed support fast field reconfiguration during instrument calibration cycles.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Legacy Systems
Long-lifecycle military and aerospace programs continue to use Altera APEX 20K and ACEX 1K FPGAs configured by the EPC448PC-20 because the part is qualified, the JTAG ISP supports field updates, and the non-volatile storage survives the storage temperature profile without battery backup. The PC-BGA package provides mechanical robustness required for vibration and shock environments. Because the part is obsolete/NRND, defense integrators maintain lifetime buy contracts for the EPC448PC-20 to support multi-decade platform sustainment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPC448PC-20 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPC448JC-30A | EPC40C100N | EPC40C100 | EPC2LI20 | EPC2LC20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 20-ball PC-BGA | 20-ball PC-BGA - same | 20-ball PC-BGA - same | 20-ball PC-BGA - same | 20-ball PC-BGA - same | 20-ball PC-BGA - same |
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 4 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit | 1.6 Mbit |
| Speed Grade (DCLK max) | -20 (20 MHz) | -30 (10 MHz) | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Configuration Interface | Active Serial (Altera/Intel) | Active Serial (Altera/Intel) | Active Serial (Altera/Intel) | Active Serial (Altera/Intel) | Active Serial (Altera/Intel) | Active Serial (Altera/Intel) |
| JTAG ISP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest original Enhanced Configuration Device density (vs EPC2LI20)
- Faster configuration clock than -30 grade (vs EPC448JC-30A)
- Single-supply 3.3 V operation matches Altera FPGA rails (vs EPC2LC20)
Design Notes
Decouple the 3.3 V VCC supply with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the EPC448PC-20 VCC balls, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same rail. Configuration failures are most often caused by VCC droop during ISP programming pulses; an undersized bulk cap will trigger an apparent programming failure even though the bitstream is correct. The EPC448PC-20 supply may be tied to the FPGA's VCCAUX or VCCIO configuration rail so they ramp together.
Route the configuration signals (DCLK, DATA, nSTATUS, nCONFIG, CONF_DONE) as a tight group with matched lengths (within 2 mm) and a series 33 ohm damping resistor on DCLK close to the EPC448PC-20. Keep total DCLK trace length under 50 mm to preserve signal integrity at the 20 MHz configuration clock. Use a continuous ground reference plane under the entire configuration bus; do not route over plane splits because return-path discontinuities cause configuration failures at high DCLK rates.
Include the EPC448PC-20 in the JTAG chain together with the target FPGA so the Altera/Intel Quartus programmer can address both devices. Order matters: place the EPC448PC-20 first in the chain (TDI->EPC->FPGA->TDO) so it can be re-programmed without disturbing the FPGA's boundary-scan integrity. Add a JTAG header on the board with TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, and GND pins brought out to a 2x5 0.1-inch header for the Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster download cable.
Do NOT substitute a 20-pin PLCC footprint for the 20-ball PC-BGA footprint - the ball map differs from the PLCC pinout despite both being '20-pin' packages, and mis-mapping will prevent configuration. Verify the Altera Enhanced Configuration Device datasheet's package option tables before laying out the PCB. Also avoid leaving the nCONFIG pin floating; it must be tied to VCC through a 4.7 kohm resistor and to a switch/FPGA logic for clean reset behavior.
Compliance Information
Compliance information for the obsolete EPC448PC-20 is not explicitly stated in current distributor listings. Original Altera Enhanced Configuration Devices were generally lead-free and RoHS-compliant per Altera's product-transition policy, but this should be verified against the lot date code before use in RoHS-restricted designs.
