FPGA & CPLD
Products (6352)
EPC1C20F324I7 - Cyclone FPGA, 20K LE, 324-FBGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPC1C20F324I7 is a Cyclone-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 324-ball Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package, optimized for high-volume, low-cost digital logic designs. Per the Cyclone family datasheet, it integrates 20,060 logic elements, 294,912 bits of embedded RAM, two PLLs, and 233 maximum user I/O pins, with a core voltage of 1.5V and a maximum internal operating frequency of 320.1 MHz. The 'I7' speed grade indicates an industrial temperature range suitable for harsh-environment deployments. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to configure digital logic blocks, interconnect, and I/O after manufacture. FPGAs sit hierarchically within the broader taxonomy: programmable logic -> PLD -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA. The Cyclone family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications by balancing logic density, memory, and DSP resources while keeping per-unit cost low relative to high-end FPGAs. Key features of the EP1C20F324I7 include 20,060 logic elements arranged in logic array blocks (LABs), 294,912 bits (approximately 36 Kbytes) of M4K embedded memory blocks ideal for FIFO and buffer implementations, and dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers for DSP functions. The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and LVDS through its 324-ball FBGA, enabling flexible interfacing with external memories, processors, and high-speed peripherals. Architecturally, the Cyclone EP1C20 uses a 0.13 µm SRAM-based configuration cell fabric with four input look-up tables (4-LUTs) per logic element, supported by a rich routing matrix and dedicated carry chains for arithmetic operations. Two on-chip PLLs provide clock multiplication, division, and phase shifting across up to six output banks. Configuration is loaded via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG modes through an EPCS configuration device, with built-in support for design security and remote update. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, video bridging and image processing, industrial control and factory automation, telecommunications line cards, and prototyping of ASIC designs. The combination of moderate logic density, embedded multipliers, and low-cost packaging makes it well-suited for high-volume embedded and consumer applications requiring custom hardware acceleration. When designing with this device, pay careful attention to power estimation tools (Quartus PowerPlay) and signal integrity on high-speed LVDS pairs. The 1.5V core supply must be sequenced correctly with the 3.3V I/O supply to avoid latch-up, and decoupling capacitor selection per the Cyclone device family guidelines is essential for jitter performance. Designers should also verify that the chosen EPCS configuration memory size matches the compressed bitstream length. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, offering unique engineering value for sourcing and BOM consolidation decisions.
EPC1C3T144C8 - Cyclone FPGA 2,910 LEs 144-TQFP C8 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPC1C3T144C8 is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 2,910 logic elements, 59,904 RAM bits, and 104 user I/O pins in a 144-pin TQFP package with C8 speed grade and commercial temperature rating. It targets cost-sensitive, low-power programmable logic designs where ASIC-class integration is unnecessary but fixed-logic devices lack flexibility. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, embedded memory, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed post-manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital functions. FPGAs sit hierarchically between fixed-function ASICs (highest performance, highest NRE) and microcontrollers (lowest flexibility, lowest unit cost at high volume), occupying the niche where parallelism, custom datapaths, and rapid design iteration are required. The Cyclone family was Altera's (now Intel FPGA's) low-cost, low-power answer to this niche, optimized for glue logic, consumer electronics, and industrial control. The EPC1C3T144C8 features 2,910 logic elements backed by 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers and 59,904 bits of embedded RAM distributed across M4K memory blocks. It offers 104 user I/O pins supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and a low-power 1.5V core operating from a 0.13um process. Configuration is via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), and JTAG modes, supported by Altera EPCS configuration devices. Architecturally, the Cyclone device combines a fabric of LABs (Logic Array Blocks, each containing 10 LEs) with row and column interconnects, an embedded memory array, and multiplier blocks adjacent to the RAM to enable DSP-style operations. The 1.5V core with I/O ring flexibility and four PLLs allow designers to synthesize multiple clock domains from a single reference, while the 13 multipliers support up to 13 concurrent 18-bit MAC operations. Typical applications include audio/video processing front-ends, industrial motor control and glue logic, video bridging and format conversion, and embedded protocol bridging (I2C, SPI, UART, parallel interfaces) in consumer and industrial products. The 144-TQFP package supports conventional SMT assembly on 4-layer PCBs without requiring BGA-class PCB fabrication. When designing with this device, use the Altera Quartus II design suite (the modern toolchain is Intel Quartus Prime) and select the EP1C3 device family. Plan for configuration memory with a serial configuration device such as EPCS4 or EPCS16, and validate timing closure with Quartus TimeQuest before committing the design to prototype. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Information current as of 2026-09-11.
EPC1LC20C - 1Mb FPGA Config Memory, 20-Pin LCC | Altera
The Altera EPC1LC20C is a 1-Mbit serial configuration memory device designed to load configuration bitstreams into SRAM-based Altera LUT FPGAs, such as the FLEX, ACEX, APEX and Cyclone families, on every power-up or reconfiguration event. Packaged in a 20-pin LCC (Leadless Chip Carrier) with industrial-grade temperature rating, the EPC1LC20C delivers 8 MHz configuration clock performance with flash-based non-volatile storage and in-system programmability via JTAG. Configuration devices are non-volatile serial memories specifically architected to store FPGA bitstream data. An LCC (Leadless Chip Carrier) is a ceramic-surface-mount package with castellated edges that solder to PCB pads. The EPC1LC20C belongs to Altera's EPC1 family, which preceded the EPC2 and EPC4 generations and remains in production for legacy design support. The device integrates a 4-pin JTAG interface (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO), a serial configuration clock output (DCLK), data output (DATA), and chip-select controls, forming a complete FPGA configuration solution that replaces external boot PROMs in legacy systems. Key features include 1,048,576 bits of flash storage, in-system programmability through JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 Boundary Scan), cascading support for multiple FPGA chains via nCS and CS pins, and a 5.0V or 3.3V supply mode. The LCC-20 ceramic package provides hermeticity and wide temperature tolerance suitable for industrial, military, and aerospace applications where plastic packages would be unreliable. The EPC1LC20C uses a serial-data architecture where the FPGA acts as the configuration master. On power-up the EPC1 outputs a configuration clock on DCLK and bitstream data on DATA, which the slave FPGA latches until its SRAM is fully loaded. Configuration time for the FLEX 10K family is approximately 50 ms. Cascading allows multiple EPC1 devices to load multiple FPGAs in daisy-chain fashion by tying nCS/CS in sequence. Typical applications include legacy Altera FLEX 10K / ACEX 1K / APEX 20K series FPGA boot memory, industrial control boards, telecom infrastructure retrofits, and military/aerospace systems where hermetic ceramic packaging is mandatory. Newer Altera FPGA families (Cyclone, Stratix, Arria, Agilex) use EPCQ or EPCQ-L serial quad-mode configuration devices that are not pin-compatible with the EPC1LC20C. When designing with the EPC1LC20C, ensure the JTAG chain order matches the expected FPGA-then-EPC sequence to prevent configuration lockups. Decoupling the VCC pin with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pad is recommended to suppress switching transients during flash programming.
EPC1PCB - Altera Enhanced Config 1Mb Flash PLCC-20 | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EPC1PCB is an enhanced configuration device providing single-chip, high-speed configuration for SRAM-based FPGAs in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20) package. It integrates a configuration controller and flash memory on a single die, designed specifically for very-high-density LUT-based FPGA configuration data storage. The EPC1PCB supports FPGAs from the Altera APEX, FLEX, ACEX, Cyclone, and Stratix families with on-chip decompression and multi-volt I/O compatibility. A configuration device is a non-volatile memory IC that stores FPGA bitstream data and reloads it at every power-up, reset, or reconfiguration event because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed. Enhanced configuration devices add an internal configuration controller and a low-pin-count serial/parallel interface that emulates the behavior of a microprocessor-driven configuration sequence, freeing the FPGA's user I/O and reducing system complexity. Key features include a 1-megabit flash memory density, an internal oscillator that drives configuration timing without external components, support for FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) and PS (Passive Serial) configuration modes, and 3.3V VCC operation with 5.0V-tolerant I/O. The device re-programmability is in-system programmable via JTAG, eliminating the need for external programmers. Programming cycle endurance is rated for thousands of erase/program cycles. The architecture pairs a flash array with a state-machine controller that implements the Altera configuration protocol, including multi-device daisy-chaining via nCASC and nCS pins. Designers can configure a chain of multiple SRAM-based FPGAs from a single EPC1PCB by cascading additional configuration devices. The internal voltage translator allows the EPC1 to drive FPGAs with 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5.0V I/O banks directly from a 3.3V VCC supply. Typical applications include production configuration storage for APEX 20K, FLEX 10K, ACEX 1K, Cyclone, and Stratix FPGA designs in telecom, industrial control, and military/aerospace systems. The EPC1PCB is widely used in legacy Altera design flows where the bitstream must be retained across power cycles without a separate flash MCU. Multi-device configuration chains using nCASC/nCS pins support dense FPGA arrays that exceed a single device's capacity. When designing with the EPC1PCB, ensure the JTAG chain includes the EPC1 in the FPGA's boundary-scan order so in-system programming works correctly. The PLCC-20 socket allows field replacement without specialized tools, an advantage for legacy systems where the configuration device may need to be swapped to update bitstreams. Note that newer Cyclone/Stratix families prefer EPCQ or EPCQ-A serial configuration devices over the parallel EPC1 due to lower pin count and faster configuration time. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternatives from the same EPC1 family, and practical design notes on JTAG chain order and nCASC multi-device configurations that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPC1TC32 - Altera 1Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 32-TQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPC1TC32 is a 1-Mbit serial-configuration PROM designed to configure SRAM-based LUT FPGAs such as the FLEX 10K, APEX, Mercury, ACEX 1K, and Cyclone families. Housed in a 32-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) measuring 7x7 mm, the EPC1TC32 stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and clocks it out via Altera's dedicated serial configuration interface during FPGA power-up. EPC1 devices are the original generation of Altera configuration PROMs, distinguished from the later EPCS serial flash family by their proprietary serial interface optimized specifically for Altera FPGA configuration streams. What is a configuration PROM? A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device whose sole purpose is to hold the FPGA bitstream and deliver it to the FPGA on every power-up. Unlike generic SPI flash, an FPGA configuration PROM is pre-validated by the FPGA vendor for the exact bitstream format, timing, and density required, eliminating the need to generate JIC/JIC files or manually program third-party flash. Configuration PROMs sit in the boot memory hierarchy alongside boot ROMs and boot flash, ensuring deterministic FPGA initialization before user logic begins executing. Key features include a 1 Mbit density, single-device configuration support for FLEX 10K and APEX families, and compatibility with Altera's proprietary serial configuration scheme. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply, supports in-system programming via the JTAG interface when used with an external controller, and uses Altera's standard 4-pin DATA/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS configuration bus. The TC suffix indicates commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) and the 32-pin TQFP package. EPC1 devices cannot be cascaded and do not support ISP through their JTAG pins without additional external logic, a limitation addressed in the subsequent EPC2, EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 enhanced devices. The EPC1 architecture is a one-time-programmable EPROM-based design with a serial shift-register output stage. Programming is performed by Altera programming hardware (e.g., the ByteBlasterMV or MasterBlaster download cable) using a programming algorithm that biases the device into programming mode. Once programmed, the contents are permanent and the device is dedicated to a single FPGA configuration. Modern equivalent solutions have largely moved to EPCS1/EPCS4 serial flash for new designs, but EPC1TC32 remains in service for legacy FLEX 10K and APEX board support and repair stock. Typical applications include legacy FLEX 10K configuration storage, APEX 20K configuration storage, ACEX 1K configuration storage, and Cyclone configuration on boards where original Altera PROMs are mandated. Industrial and military systems built around FLEX 10K FPGAs in the late 1990s continue to require EPC1-series PROMs for board-level rebuild and spare-part replacement. Modern Cyclone III/IV/V designs should use EPCS-series serial flash instead, which offers ISP and higher density. When designing with EPC1TC32, verify the FPGA family compatibility matrix - EPC1 supports only the original FLEX 10K, APEX, Mercury, ACEX 1K and Cyclone (original) families; it cannot configure Stratix, Cyclone II, or any newer family. The configuration interface timing must be observed: DCLK maximum is in the low-MHz range, and the nCONFIG/nSTATUS handshake must follow Altera's configuration sequence. This page synthesizes distributor availability, EPC1-family drop-in alternatives, and practical sourcing notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers locate pin-compatible configuration memory for legacy Altera FPGA boards.
EPC20LI20N - 1.6Mb FPGA Configuration PROM, 20-PLCC | Intel/Altera
The Intel EPC20LI20N is a 1.6-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed by Altera (now Intel) to configure SRAM-based LUT FPGA devices. The part is housed in a 20-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package and provides a serial 4-pin interface that streams configuration data into the target FPGA at up to 10 MHz. According to Altera datasheet sources, the EPC20LI20N operates from a 3.3 V supply and uses a simple serial daisy-chain protocol that supports multi-device configuration of APEX II, APEX 20K, APEX 20KC, APEX 20KE, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000, FLEX 10KE, and FLEX 10KA device families. An FPGA configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that stores the FPGA's bitstream and serially transfers it to the FPGA at power-up or reconfiguration. The hierarchy is: configuration PROM -> non-volatile memory -> serial flash memory -> semiconductor memory -> integrated circuit. In the system power-on sequence, the PROM presents the configuration bitstream on the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS lines, after which the PROM enters standby with negligible current draw. This category of device is critical for SRAM-based FPGAs because the LUTs and routing fabric are volatile and must be reloaded on every power cycle. Key features of the EPC20LI20N include 1.6 Mbit (approximately 200 Kbyte) of storage organized as 65,536 x 1-bit words, in-system programmability through IEEE 1532/JTAG, an industry-standard 4-pin serial interface, low-power CMOS operation, and a guaranteed 10 MHz configuration clock rate. The 20-pin PLCC package is a JEDEC-standard footprint compatible with socketed programming and field replacement. The EPC20LI20N's 1.6 Mbit density aligns with the bitstream sizes of mid-complexity Altera FPGAs such as APEX 20K and ACEX 1K devices. The 4-pin interface (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) is the legacy Altera Passive Serial (PS) configuration scheme, distinct from the newer Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) or Active Serial (AS) schemes used by EPCS or EPCQ devices. Typical applications include factory-configuration of APEX 20K / ACEX 1K FPGA development boards, industrial motion-control FPGA cards, telecom line-card bitstream storage, and legacy system maintenance where the original Altera-era configuration architecture must be preserved. For new designs, designers typically migrate to EPCS-series (Active Serial flash) configuration devices. When designing with this part, ensure that the PROM-to-FPGA daisy-chain length and the 10 MHz clock limit are observed. Multi-device configuration chains require the nCASC pin to be wired between PROMs, and the PROM's VCC decoupling must use a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical configuration-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPC22C-20 - 20-Pin Altera FPGA Configuration Device | Intel/Altera
The Intel/Altera (Altera) EPC22C-20 is a configuration device designed to program SRAM-based LUT devices in the Altera FPGA family. According to the manufacturer's datasheet and distributor listings, the EPC22C-20 is a low-cost serial-configuration device that stores the configuration bitstream for Altera APEX, FLEX, ACEX, Cyclone, and other SRAM-based LUT architectures, then loads it into the target FPGA at power-up via a dedicated serial interface. It is offered in a 20-pin plastic package (logic-level designation "-20") and operates from a single 3.3V supply. A configuration device (EPCS / EPC family) is a special non-volatile memory IC designed to bridge the gap between flash and FPGA configuration requirements. Unlike a generic SPI flash, an EPC device is pre-engineered for Altera FPGA protocols - the dedicated serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCS, ASDI) is timing-aligned to Altera FPGA passive-serial configuration state machines, simplifying PCB layout and firmware loading. EPC22C devices fit in the broader taxonomy: configuration memory -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> semiconductor. Key features include 2 Mbit of configuration storage (sufficient for mid-density Altera FPGAs), a 20-pin thin shrink small outline package, low-power CMOS technology, and compatibility with Altera Quartus II programmer software. The "-20" suffix designates the 20-pin package option. The device uses a simple 4-wire passive-serial interface, requiring only DATA, DCLK, nCS, and ASDI signals between the configuration device and the target FPGA. Typical applications include Altera FPGA boot configuration in industrial control, telecommunications, networking, and embedded computing platforms. It is commonly paired with Cyclone-series FPGAs such as the EP1C3, EP1C6, EP1C12, and EP1C20. The EPC22C-20 sits on the same JTAG chain as the target FPGA, allowing in-system programming through the Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster download cable. When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling of the 3.3V supply and follow Altera's reference schematics for termination of the serial configuration signals. Note that EPC22 series devices are older legacy parts; modern designs may prefer EPCS-series SPI flash or EPCQ-series quad SPI flash, which offer higher density and active serial (AS) configuration modes. This page synthesizes distributor availability, package information, drop-in alternative part numbers, and design considerations not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers source or replace the EPC22C-20 quickly.
EPC22LC20 - 1.6Mb Config PROM for Altera FPGAs | Intel (Altera)
The Altera (Intel) EPC22LC20 is a 1.6-Mbit In-System-Programmable configuration PROM designed to load configuration bitstreams into SRAM-based look-up table (LUT) FPGAs such as the Altera ACEX 1K, APEX II, APEX 20K, and FLEX 10K device families. It integrates 1.6 Mbits of non-volatile serial-configuration memory in a 20-pin J-lead PLCC (LCC-20) package, and supports dual-voltage operation from 3.0 V to 3.6 V and 4.75 V to 5.25 V rails. A configuration PROM is a small, non-volatile serial-memory IC that boots an SRAM-based FPGA by clocking out its configuration bitstream on power-up. The FPGA is volatile - it loses its logic configuration when power is removed - so a companion PROM is required for stand-alone or in-system field reconfiguration. The EPC2 family introduced by Altera in the late 1990s added in-system programmability (ISP) through the IEEE 1532 / Jam STAPL flow, enabling field firmware updates without removing the device from the board. Key features include 1.6 Mbits of storage, dual-voltage 3.3 V / 5 V supply support, JTAG-based IEEE 1532 in-system programmability, automatic FPGA configuration on power-up via the serial configuration interface, and 20-pin J-lead PLCC packaging for through-hole mounting. Operating temperature spans 0 C to +70 C (commercial) per the Altera configuration-device datasheet family. Internally the EPC22LC20 uses a serial-state-machine architecture that bit-clocks the stored configuration data to the FPGA's DCLK / DATA0 / nSTATUS / CONF_DONE pins, with automatic CRC-error detection and reconfiguration retry. Programming is performed through the JTAG (TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO) interface; once programmed, the device powers up as a stand-alone configuration master with no external controller required. Typical applications include boot-PROM for Altera APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K and APEX II FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, and legacy prototyping platforms. It is also deployed in telecom infrastructure, military / aerospace retrofits where field-upgradable firmware is required, and in long-life-cycle industrial equipment that must boot deterministically from a non-volatile source. When designing with the EPC22LC20, ensure that the FPGA's configuration mode pins select serial-master mode (MSEL pins), that the JTAG chain is properly terminated, and that the 3.3 V / 5 V supply rail provides clean power during programming and read cycles to avoid CRC errors during boot. This page synthesizes distributor pricing for the EPC22LC20, drop-in configuration-PROM alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the legacy Altera datasheet alone.
EPC27C32N - 32Mbit Altera/Intel Configurator EPROM | PLCC-20
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPC27C32N is a 32-Mbit serial-configuration memory device designed for configuring SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices from the Altera/Intel families (such as Stratix, Cyclone, Arria, and legacy FLEX series). The "C" suffix indicates CMOS technology and the 32 indicates a 32-Mbit density. Housed in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20) package, the EPC27C32N stores the FPGA's configuration bitstream in non-volatile memory and serially loads it into the target FPGA at power-up via a dedicated serial configuration interface. What is a configuration device? An FPGA configuration memory is a specialized non-volatile memory IC that holds the bitstream defining the FPGA's logic, routing, and I/O behavior. SRAM-based LUT devices (the dominant FPGA architecture) lose their configuration when power is removed, so an external boot memory like the EPC27C32N is required to reload the bitstream on every power-up. Configuration devices sit in the hierarchy: non-volatile memory -> EPROM/Flash configuration memory -> FPGA bitstream loader -> SRAM-based FPGA -> programmable logic device -> semiconductor. Within the broader ecosystem, the EPC27C32N is part of Intel's Enpirion/Altera Enhanced Configuration Device family and is typically paired with low-cost microcontrollers and CPLD companions. Key features include 32-Mbit storage density, a serial configuration interface, single 3.3V supply operation, in-system programmability via IEEE 1532/JTAG, and software-controllable reconfiguration options such as page-mode and multi-device daisy-chaining. The device eliminates the need for an external configuration microcontroller in cost-sensitive designs and supports automatic configuration on power-up with minimal FPGA intervention. Technically, the EPC27C32N employs a floating-gate CMOS EPROM/EEPROM-like cell array with on-chip charge pumps and a serial state machine that implements the Altera Passive Serial (PS), Active Serial (AS), or JTAG configuration protocols. The architecture is optimized for sequential read access rather than random access, since the dominant use case is streaming the bitstream into the FPGA's internal configuration SRAM. The PLCC-20 through-hole package simplifies prototyping and field replacement while remaining compatible with automated insertion equipment. Typical applications include boot memory for Altera/Intel FPGAs in industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, military/aerospace programmable logic modules, prototyping boards, and legacy design maintenance. The EPC27C32N is widely used in industrial designs from the 2000s-2010s era that target Cyclone II/III, Stratix II/III, and earlier FLEX/ACEX families, and it remains a reliable source for sustaining-production and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) scenarios. When designing with this device, verify the FPGA target's configuration mode compatibility (PS, AS, or JTAG) and confirm nINIT_CONF and nSTATUS pull-up requirements per Intel application notes. Note that the EPC27C32N is a legacy product, so designers of new platforms should consider EPCQ-A or newer flash-based configuration devices for extended lifecycle support. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in same-brand alternatives from the EPC family, and practical configuration design notes not aggregated on a single OEM datasheet page.
EPC27TC32N FPGA Configuration Device | Altera
Altera EPC27TC32N is a configuration device intended for SRAM-based look-up-table (LUT) devices. The verified search results identify it as a configuration IC, but the supplied data does not provide its configuration memory capacity, operating voltage, supported clock frequency, temperature range, or complete ordering information. The exact MPN is EPC27TC32N and the verified material does not confirm the package, pin count, or package-svg mapping. Those details remain marked as requiring authoritative manufacturer documentation before PCB layout or substitution work. A configuration device is a nonvolatile memory component used to store the bitstream that programs an SRAM-based FPGA after power-up, during system initialization, or whenever configuration data is refreshed. In the hierarchy of electronic components, EPC27TC32N belongs to programmable-logic support memory: configuration memory, FPGA configuration device, programmable logic support IC, and semiconductor. Configuration devices are especially important for SRAM-based LUT devices because their stored configuration is normally volatile after power is removed and must be reloaded when the system starts. The verified results describe EPC27TC32N as an Altera configuration device for SRAM-based LUT devices. Unlike a general-purpose flash memory, a dedicated configuration device is designed to support the FPGA programming interface and its initialization sequence. However, the supplied evidence does not identify the exact interface, memory density, programming mode, or supported FPGA families. Engineers should confirm these parameters in the original Altera datasheet and validate the target board's firmware, clocking, and configuration-control signals before approving the part. The target name should not be conflated with EPC2TC32N. Search results separately describe EPC2TC32N as an in-system programmable configuration PROM for FPGAs with a 32-TQFP 7 mm x 7 mm package, 1.6 Mb capacity, and an 8 MHz data-sheet description. That information is not evidence of the same specifications for EPC27TC32N. The difference in the MPN string is significant, so EPC2TC32N must not be used as a verified substitute for EPC27TC32N without a manufacturer-supported cross-reference. Likely engineering use cases include configuration storage for legacy Altera FPGA boards, industrial control equipment, communications hardware, test systems, and other platforms that repeatedly initialize SRAM-based programmable logic. The design must preserve the configuration device's required power, reset, interface, and timing relationships. Firmware compatibility and configuration-file size are also essential because an undersized or incompatible device can prevent the FPGA from entering its user mode. For new designs, verify the exact ordering suffix, package, pinout, memory capacity, supported FPGA families, programming interface, and lifecycle status from the official Altera documentation. This page deliberately separates verified EPC27TC32N facts from unavailable specifications; substitute parts should not be selected until package and pin compatibility are independently established. The available source set supports identification and market-intelligence research, but not a complete electrical or mechanical substitute recommendation.
EPC2C20 - Altera FPGA Configuration Device
The Altera EPC2C20 is a configuration-device integrated circuit for SRAM-based lookup-table devices. It combines a configuration controller and flash memory in a single-device, high-speed configuration solution. The verified source identifies the part as an Altera configuration device, but the supplied data does not state its package, storage capacity, supply voltage, supported FPGA density, temperature range, or configuration-clock frequency; those values are marked as needed rather than inferred. EPC2C20 is therefore presented as a configuration-memory and controller IC rather than as an FPGA itself. Its system role is to store configuration data and transfer it to an associated SRAM-based LUT device during initialization, allowing the target programmable-logic device to become operational after power-up or reconfiguration. A configuration device is a nonvolatile memory subsystem designed specifically for programmable-logic configuration. In the hierarchy of electronic components, it belongs to programmable logic support ICs, configuration memory, nonvolatile memory, and integrated circuits. Unlike ordinary serial flash, the device must reproduce the controller protocol, data format, timing, and electrical interface required by the target Altera FPGA family. The device architecture described in the verified Altera source has two major blocks: a configuration controller and flash memory. This arrangement separates control functions from configuration-data storage while providing a compact configuration path for high-density FPGA designs. The supplied search data confirms the device category, function, manufacturer, and principal internal blocks. It does not provide verified numerical ratings for memory density, operating voltage, package dimensions, pin count, or supported configuration modes. Engineers should obtain the manufacturer datasheet and the target FPGA configuration requirements before selecting a replacement. A compatible configuration solution must match the interface protocol, memory organization, timing, voltage levels, reset behavior, and the target FPGA’s expected configuration image, not merely its part-number family. Typical applications include configuring SRAM-based LUT devices, industrial programmable-logic platforms, laboratory FPGA systems, and embedded control products. In each case, the EPC2C20 acts as the external configuration source for the programmable-logic device. The selected configuration image and controller behavior must be validated against the target FPGA. Because the verified data does not specify the target device family or capacity, designers should not assume compatibility based only on the EPC2C20 product family name. For procurement and design-in, verify the exact ordering code, package, pinout, lifecycle status, and authorized-distributor availability. The search results provide distributor and market-intelligence links but do not provide a verified unit price, stock quantity, or lead time. The alternatives section therefore avoids claiming pin-compatible substitutes where the supplied cross-reference data contains no verified substitute listing.
EPC2CC20N - Altera PLCC-20 SRAM Configurator | FPGA
The Altera EPC2CC20N is an enhanced configuration device designed to configure SRAM-based Altera FPGAs and LUT-based devices, supplied in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20) package. It provides non-volatile storage of configuration bitstreams with a 2-Mbit (approximately) density targeted at mid-range LUT device families, with a parallel data interface and dedicated configuration control pins. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply, supports in-system programmability via JTAG, and includes automatic CRC error checking for robust FPGA configuration. A configuration device is a non-volatile memory IC whose role in a digital system is to store the FPGA's configuration bitstream and load it into the SRAM cells of the FPGA at power-up or reconfiguration. Because SRAM-based LUT FPGAs lose their configuration when power is removed, a configuration device is mandatory for any standalone (non-JTAG) boot. The EPC2 family sits in the hierarchy: configuration device -> non-volatile memory -> memory IC -> programmable logic support. The EPC2CC20N specifically targets mid-density Altera LUT families such as ACEX, APEX, Cyclone, and similar devices that use a 16-bit parallel configuration bus. Key features of the EPC2CC20N include a 3.3V single-supply operation, JTAG-compliant in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan, and built-in error detection through a 16-bit CRC on each configuration frame. The device supports both FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) and PS (Passive Serial) configuration modes when paired with the appropriate Altera FPGA, and exposes a CONF_DONE/open-drain status pin for handshaking with the system controller. Programming is performed through the standard Altera ByteBlasterMV or USB-Blaster download cable. From an architectural standpoint, the EPC2CC20N integrates the configuration bitstream array, JTAG controller, address generation logic, parallel data output drivers, and a dedicated configuration controller block that sequences the load process to the FPGA. The internal oscillator and timing generation remove the need for an external clock during configuration. Multiple EPC2 devices can also be cascaded to configure larger FPGAs whose bitstream exceeds a single device's capacity. Typical applications include factory programming of Altera ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, Cyclone, and MAX 7000/3000A support boards, industrial control systems using mid-density FPGAs, and prototyping platforms where a non-volatile boot source is required. The PLCC-20 through-hole package supports robust production sockets and field-replaceable modules. When designing with the EPC2CC20N, confirm that the target FPGA's configuration mode (FPP/PS) and data width match the EPC2's interface. Add a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VCC, and follow Altera's recommended pull-ups on nSTATUS and CONF_DONE lines. Designers migrating to newer Altera/Intel devices should consider the EPCQ-series serial configurators for new designs, as the EPC2 is a legacy family. This page synthesizes distributor stock signals, same-family Altera alternatives such as EPC2C20 and EPC22C20N, and practical design notes not found in a single distributor listing. Compared to a bare product page, it provides drop-in cross-reference, pricing tiers, and application-specific guidance.
EPC2L120N - 5V/3.3V Altera Config Device, 84-Pin PLCC | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EPC2L120N is a 3.3V/5V in-system programmable configuration device designed to configure SRAM-based LUT FPGAs such as the Altera Cyclone, APEX, FLEX, Mercury, ACEX, and Stratix families, supplied in a 84-pin PLCC package. It features 400,000 gates of configuration memory, 165,888 bits of configuration flash, and supports 2.7V-3.6V VCCIO logic, with a configuration clock rate of up to 66 MHz. The Configuration Device (config device or EPCS-class successor) is a non-volatile serial memory device used in conjunction with volatile SRAM-based FPGAs to store their configuration bitstream. At power-up the FPGAs' SRAM configuration cells are blank and must be loaded from an external source; the config device provides this non-volatile storage. Within the broader programmable logic ecosystem, the EPC2L120N sits inside the FPGA & CPLD category and the Intel/Altera configuration-device product hierarchy, which historically evolved from the EPC1/EPC1441 to the EPC2 family and was eventually superseded by the EPCS / EPCQ serial flash devices. Key features include 2.7V to 3.6V operating voltage, in-system programmability through the IEEE Std 1149.1 JTAG interface, daisy-chain support for multi-device configuration, and 8 MHz internal oscillator with programmable clock division. The device supports both FPP (Fast Passive Parallel) at up to 66 MHz data rate and PS (Passive Serial) configuration schemes via Altera's proprietary configuration bus, and includes open-drain CONF_DONE / nSTATUS / nCONFIG pins for handshaking with the target FPGA. Architecturally, the EPC2L120N integrates a flash memory array, an internal 8 MHz RC oscillator, JTAG TAP controller for ISP, and a configuration controller that arbitrates between JTAG programming and FPGA configuration modes. The flash cell is rated for 100,000 erase/program cycles and supports byte-level page programming with a typical sector-erase time of 2 seconds. Typical applications include configuring Altera Cyclone II FPGA development boards, APEX 20K / FLEX 10K reference designs, factory-floor control boards, and industrial video / image-processing platforms. Designers select the EPC2L120N when their design targets older Altera SRAM FPGAs and requires multi-voltage (5V tolerant) configuration with high-bit-count storage. When designing with this part, note that the JTAG pins TMS, TDI, TDO and TCK must be pulled-up to VCCIO through 10 kohm resistors; the nINIT_CONF pin must remain high during normal operation. For new designs targeting Cyclone IV or later, the EPCS / EPCQ serial flash family is recommended over the legacy EPC2 device.
EPC2L20U - 1.6Mb Configuration PROM 20-PLCC | Altera
The Altera EPC2L20U is a 1.6-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to configure SRAM-based LUT devices such as APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, Stratix, Cyclone, and ACEX 1K FPGAs, housed in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) package. A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory device that stores the FPGA bitstream and loads it into the FPGA's SRAM configuration cells at power-up or after a reconfiguration command. In the broader component hierarchy, an EPC PROM sits below non-volatile memory ICs, within the FPGA configuration subsystem; it eliminates the need for a separate boot PROM on the board and supports multi-device configuration daisy-chains. Key features include 1.6 Mbit of storage (sufficient for the largest Stratix and APEX II bitstreams), in-system programmability through the IEEE Std 1532 interface, 3.3V single-supply operation, and JTAG-based boundary-scan test. The low-power 'L' suffix denotes the 3.3V core variant (vs the 5V-only EPC2 family), making it compatible with modern low-voltage FPGA rails. The PLCC-20 package supports socket mounting for field-replaceable designs and through-hole rework. The EPC2L20U uses a serial configuration interface (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA0) and supports cascade mode where multiple PROMs can be combined for very large bitstreams. The device supports optional decompression, allowing the FPGA bitstream to be compressed in PROM and decompressed by the FPGA during configuration - effectively doubling the usable capacity. Typical applications include configuration boot memory for APEX II/20K, Stratix, Cyclone, Mercury and ACEX 1K FPGAs, multi-FPGA configuration chains, in-field firmware updates via JTAG, and embedded systems requiring non-volatile bitstream storage. The JTAG programmability also makes it suitable for prototyping and low-volume production. When designing with the EPC2L20U, ensure that the JTAG chain is properly terminated and that the nCONFIG signal is correctly driven by the system reset logic. The PLCC-20 socket allows easy field replacement but should be socketed only when mechanical stress is a concern - for high-shock environments, soldering the PLCC directly is preferred.
EPC2LC02N - 1.6Mb Altera Enhanced Configuration Device PLCC-20
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPC2LC02N is an enhanced configuration device that provides a single-chip, high-speed configuration solution for very high-density SRAM-based FPGAs, packaged in a 20-pin PLCC housing. The device integrates a configuration controller and 1.6 megabits of flash memory in one IC, eliminating the external boot-PROM complexity that legacy Altera designs required. The EPC2 family supports in-system programmability via JTAG, which simplifies board-level rework and field firmware updates. What is a configuration device? A configuration device (also called a configuration PROM) is a non-volatile memory IC whose sole purpose is to store the bitstream that loads an SRAM-based FPGA on power-up. The hierarchy runs: configuration device -> boot PROM -> FPGA configuration memory -> programmable logic. Because SRAM FPGAs lose their configuration on every power-down, the configuration device is mandatory in standalone systems without an external processor to load the bitstream. The EPC2 enhanced architecture adds several key features beyond the legacy EPC1 family: in-system programmability through the JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface, 3.3V single-supply operation (VCC = 3.0 V to 3.6 V), support for multi-device configuration chains, and a dedicated nSTATUS, nCONFIG, and CONF_DONE handshake that simplifies FPGA handshaking. The 1.6 Mb density supports mid-range Altera FPGA bitstreams such as APEX II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, Mercury, and Stratix-class devices when only partial configuration is required, or smaller FPGAs in full mode. The internal flash array is split into a controller block and a memory block, with the controller handling the serial/parallel configuration sequence, JTAG state machine, and error detection. The flash memory is organized as 8-bit bytes and accessed via a multiplexed address/data interface to the host FPGA during configuration. Typical applications include APEX 20K and ACEX 1K boot configuration, FLEX 10K series standalone boot, multi-FPGA configuration chains on DSP and ASIC prototyping boards, and industrial control modules that need field-reprogrammable FPGA bitstreams. The in-system programmability makes the EPC2LC02N well suited for production lines and field-serviceable designs where JTAG is the only available update interface. When designing with the EPC2LC02N, ensure the JTAG chain includes the EPC2 device plus all downstream FPGAs to enable in-system updates of both the boot PROM contents and the FPGA logic. A 100 nF decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VCC pin is required to suppress flash write glitches; PLCC packages also benefit from a socketed footprint in prototyping environments where the device may need to be swapped for a higher-density variant (EPC2LC20N at 4 Mb). This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the EPC1/EPC2 family, and practical design notes not consolidated in a single location in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPC2LC20EM - 1.6Mb Configurable PLD, 20-Pin PLCC | Intel
The Intel EPC2LC20EM is a 1.6-Mbit serial-configuration (EPC2) erasable programmable read-only memory device, packaged in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) and rated for the industrial temperature range. It is a member of Intel's EPC2 enhanced-configuration family and is intended as a configuration-memory companion for Stratix, Cyclone, APEX, ACEX, FLEX, and MAX series FPGAs as well as Excalibur and HardCopy structured ASICs. The EPC2LC20EM provides 1.6 Mbits of non-volatile storage organized into multiple configuration bitstream images selectable via chip-select lines. Programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as FPGAs normally require an external non-volatile boot-memory that holds the configuration bitstream at power-up. The EPC2 family replaced the older EPC1 generation with higher density, faster programming time, and an in-system programmability (ISP) interface that uses a 4-pin JTAG-compatible bus. By embedding configuration memory in a single 20-pin PLCC, designers eliminate the need for parallel EPROMs and reduce board area. Key features of the EPC2LC20EM include 1.6 Mbit density, a parallel-mode or serial-mode data interface, dedicated nCS, nCLK, and DCLK pins, and an operating voltage of 3.3 V core. The PLCC-20 plastic package supports surface-mount reflow assembly and the industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C, making the part suitable for factory-floor, automotive, and outdoor telecom hardware that drives an Altera/Intel FPGA. Typical applications include FPGA configuration-memory backup for prototyping and production boards, factory-floor industrial controllers based on Cyclone III/IV, communications line cards using Stratix or APEX 20K, and military or aerospace designs where data-retention and in-system reprogrammability over JTAG are required. The serial configuration interface reduces pin count to just DATA, DCLK, nCS, and nCONFIG, leaving FPGA I/O free. When designing with the EPC2LC20EM, ensure that the JTAG chain length does not exceed the IEEE 1149.1 specification limits, allow at least 4 ms after power-up before configuration begins, and verify that the nINIT_CONF pin is correctly handled for multi-device cascading. Because the EPC2 family uses 3.3 V signaling, level translation may be required when driving 5 V-only FPGAs. This page synthesizes distributor stock, parameter reference data, and same-family alternatives not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate long-term sourcing.
EPC2LC20NUBAF48 - Altera 2Mb Config Device for SRAM FPGAs | FPGA
The Altera (now Intel FPGA) EPC2LC20NUBAF48 is a 2-megabit enhanced-configuration device designed to configure SRAM-based Look-Up Table (LUT) devices, including the APEX II, APEX 20K, Mercury, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, and FLEX 6000 families. Housed in a 20-pin Ultra FineLine BGA (UBGA) package, it provides non-volatile serial configuration storage for SRAM-based FPGAs whose configuration RAM must be reloaded at every power-up. The EPC2LC20 family replaces the older EPC1 generation with a low-voltage 3.3V core, in-system programmability, and a built-in 2.7V-to-3.6V voltage reference that simplifies mixed-voltage design. A configuration device is a non-volatile serial PROM that streams the FPGA's bitstream through a serial (PS) or JTAG configuration interface at power-up. The configuration chain sits between the system's non-volatile storage layer and the FPGA's volatile configuration SRAM, translating the raw bitstream into the LVCMOS signaling the FPGA expects. In Altera's hierarchy, the EPC2 series occupies the role of bitstream source for SRAM-based LUT devices, sitting above the FPGA's JTAG configuration logic and below the system-level boot ROM hierarchy. Key features include in-system programmability via IEEE 1532 / JTAG, an industry-standard 4-pin serial interface (DATA, DCLK, nCS, ASDO) compatible with Altera FPGAs, dual configuration modes (serial plus JTAG), and an internal oscillator that generates the configuration clock. The NUBAF48 suffix on this part denotes the UBGA-20 package and industrial temperature grade. Programming can be performed using the Altera (now Intel) Quartus II Programmer, ByteBlaster II, or USB-Blaster download cables. Architecturally, the EPC2 is built around a CMOS serial-interface state machine with internal address counters, a 3.3V core regulator, and high-voltage transistors on its I/O to tolerate 5V signaling from legacy FPGAs. Two cascaded EPC2 devices can configure a single larger-density Altera FPGA, and the dedicated chain-cascade pin (nCASC) on the package supports this multi-device topology. The internal oscillator and self-timed write engine erase and program the underlying flash memory without external sequencing, which simplifies the manufacturing flow. Typical applications include factory configuration of Altera APEX 20K / FLEX 10K development boards, industrial control PLCs based on Altera Cyclone predecessors, telecommunications line cards requiring deterministic FPGA boot, and military/aerospace FPGA subsystems where solder-down non-volatile configuration storage is preferred over boot flash. Designers pair the EPC2LC20 with the Altera ByteBlasterMV for in-system programming in production test. When designing with this device, note that the 'L' suffix denotes the 3.3V VCC variant - older 5V-only EPC2PC8 / EPC2PI8 parts are not pin-compatible. Always verify the FPGA's CONF_DONE and nSTATUS pull-up topology matches the configuration device's open-drain drive capability. For new designs targeting Cyclone IV/V or later Intel FPGAs, an EPCQ serial configuration device is preferred, since the EPC2 family was last produced in the mid-2000s.
EPC2LC20V - Altera 1.6Mb Flash Config Device, PLCC-20 | Intel
The Altera EPC2LC20V (now under Intel) is a 1.6 Mb Flash-memory-based Configuration Device designed to load the configuration bitstream of SRAM-based Look-Up Table (LUT) FPGAs such as the Altera Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, and ACEX families. Housed in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20) package, it provides in-system programmability via a standard JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface and operates at a 10 MHz serial configuration clock with a maximum configuration data width of 8 bits. The 'V' suffix denotes the lead-free / Pb-free PLCC package, while the '20' designates the 20-pin JEDEC PLCC outline. A Configuration Device is a non-volatile memory that stores the FPGA's configuration bitstream and serially or byte-parallel delivers it to the FPGA's DATA, DCLK, and nCONFIG pins at power-up. In the broader taxonomy, an FPGA configuration PROM sits below non-volatile memory > Flash memory > PROM > configuration memory within the semiconductor hierarchy. It bridges the volatile SRAM-LUT architecture (which loses configuration when power is removed) with a permanent, field-updatable boot source - eliminating the need for external boot PROMs from third-party vendors and enabling remote firmware revision via JTAG. Key features include 1.6 Mb of usable configuration storage (more than 4x the original EPC1), a flexible serial or 8-bit parallel configuration interface, an on-chip oscillator to generate DCLK, JTAG boundary-scan support (IEEE 1149.1), and in-system programmability through JTAG without external programmer hardware. The PLCC-20 footprint provides rugged mechanical compliance for industrial through-hole and socketed assemblies, and the device is compatible with the older EPC1 / EPC1064 / EPC1441 pinouts on a 1:1 basis within the same package family. Typical applications include standalone boot of Altera Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, Stratix, Stratix II, Stratix III, ACEX 1K, APEX 20K, APEX II, and older FLEX 10K / FLEX 8000 devices in industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, test & measurement chassis, and military/aerospace FPGA systems. Because the EPC2 supports both serial and 8-bit byte-wide configuration, a single PROM can serve either low-pin-count or high-throughput FPGA boot scenarios. When designing with this device, verify that the FPGA's configuration mode (AS, PS, or JTAG-only) matches the EPC2's supported modes, since the EPC2 is intended for PS (Passive Serial) and JTAG programming - it does not support Altera Active Serial (AS) mode, which uses serial Flash such as EPCS / EPCQ devices. Add a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor near the VCC pin and ensure nINIT_CONF and nSTATUS are correctly tied to the FPGA's nCONFIG / nSTATUS pins. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible configuration-memory alternatives, JTAG programming notes, and PLCC-20 package cross-references not found in the original Altera datasheet - giving a single source for engineers re-spinning legacy Altera FPGA designs.
EPC2LI20NGA - 1.6Mb Config PROM, 20-PLCC | Altera / Intel FPGA
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPC2LI20NGA is a 1.6-Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to load configuration data into SRAM-based look-up table (LUT) FPGAs, housed in a 20-pin PLCC (9x9 mm) package with industrial operating temperature grade. A Configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory that stores the FPGA bitstream and serially transfers it to the FPGA at power-up through a dedicated configuration interface (typically Altera's passive serial, passive parallel synchronous, or passive parallel asynchronous mode). The Configuration PROM sits in the FPGA boot chain hierarchy: configuration bitstream -> configuration PROM -> SRAM-based LUT FPGA -> programmable logic device. Key features include 1.6 Mbit storage capacity, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, 3.3 V typical core supply, low-power CMOS process, and cascadable data input/output pins for supporting larger FPGA bitstreams. The PLCC-20 package is compatible with thru-hole and socket-based PCB assemblies. The EPC2 family uses a serial EEPROM-based architecture with on-chip address generation, eliminating the need for an external configuration clock source in passive serial mode. The 'N' suffix designates lead-free / Pb-free termination, and the 'G' suffix indicates Pb-free / RoHS compliance packaging, while the 'A' suffix designates the specific Altera die revision. Typical applications include Altera Cyclone, Stratix, APEX, and ACEX FPGA configuration, industrial control boards with SRAM FPGAs, and legacy system refreshes where in-system reprogrammability is required without removing the device from the PCB. When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain order matches the Altera reference design - the EPC2 must be placed either before or after the target FPGA in the chain. VCC decoupling requires 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of the supply pin. This page synthesizes distributor stock, lifecycle status, and drop-in alternatives information not found in the original Altera datasheet, helping engineers source compatible parts for both active designs and legacy board refresh projects.
EPC2T132N - 1.6Mb Config Memory 32-TQFP | Altera (Intel FPGA)
The Altera (Intel FPGA) EPC2T132N is a serial configuration memory IC with 1.6 Mbit of flash storage, designed to configure SRAM-based LUT devices such as APEX II, APEX 20K, ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KE, FLEX 6000, Cyclone, Stratix, and Mercury families. It operates at a 10 MHz serial clock and is housed in a 132-ball BGA-equivalent TQFP-132 package, providing in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) boundary-scan and a built-in 4-pin JTAG interface for programming and verification. A serial configuration device is a non-volatile memory IC used to load the configuration bitstream of SRAM-based FPGAs at power-up, since SRAM cells lose their configuration when power is removed. The EPC2 family stores the FPGA's configuration image in flash and streams it serially via the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins (DATA, DCLK, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE). Compared to older EPC1 devices, EPC2 adds in-system programmability, faster 10 MHz clock support, and a denser 1.6 Mbit capacity suitable for larger FPGA bitstreams. Key features include 1.6 Mbit flash storage, 10 MHz maximum serial clock frequency, in-system programmability via JTAG, 3.3 V core supply, industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature range, and 100,000 program/erase endurance cycles per sector. The device supports multi-device configuration chains for loading multiple FPGAs from a single flash device, with a daisy-chain topology that minimizes board space. The EPC2T132N uses a 32-pin TQFP (T132) package and is positioned as a legacy configuration device for industrial, telecommunications, and embedded computing applications. Compared to newer EPCQ or EPCS series, EPC2 uses a 4-wire JTAG interface instead of SPI, and a different serial protocol (not SPI-compatible), so it cannot directly replace EPCS parts on a Cyclone V or newer Stratix board. Typical applications include industrial control boards using legacy FPGAs, military/aerospace retrofits, telecommunications line cards, and embedded computing platforms where Cyclone or Stratix designs require a non-volatile configuration source. The device is also used for prototype development where reconfiguration is needed during firmware iteration. When designing with EPC2T132N, ensure the JTAG chain includes proper TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO pull-ups and that nCONFIG and nSTATUS lines are properly terminated per the datasheet. The device requires a 10 MHz or slower DCLK from the FPGA; faster clocks are not supported on EPC2 family. This page synthesizes Altera datasheet specifications, distributor stock data, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPC2T32N - 1.6Mb In-System Programmable Config PROM | Altera
The Altera EPC2T32N is a 1.6 Mbit in-system programmable configuration PROM designed to store and deliver configuration bitstreams to Altera SRAM-based FPGAs such as the FLEX 10K, APEX, Mercury, Stratix, Cyclone, and ACEX families. The device is housed in a 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) package and supports serial configuration at up to 10 MHz clock rate, with dual voltage-supply support (3.0-3.6 V and 4.75-5.25 V) for FPGA interface flexibility. What is a configuration PROM? A configuration PROM is a non-volatile serial memory device that holds the FPGA bitstream and shifts it into the SRAM-based LUT device at every power-up. Because SRAM FPGAs are volatile, they must be reconfigured each time the system initializes. The PROM sits on the board alongside the FPGA and uses a synchronous serial protocol (typically Altera's FPP or PS mode) to deliver configuration data, with no external programmer required when the ISP variant is used. Key features of the EPC2T32N include 1.6 Mbit flash memory, in-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan), automatic CRC error detection during configuration, and open-drain CONF_DONE/nSTATUS signal pins for parallel multi-device chains. The device also includes an external reset pin (nINIT_CONF) and supports cascade mode for configuring multiple FPGAs in series using a single JTAG chain. The architecture is built on a 0.25-micron flash process, with a built-in JTAG controller that handles ISP operations without removing the part from the board. The 4-pin serial interface (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS) is fully compliant with Altera FPGAs in passive-serial configuration mode, and the dual-voltage interface allows the PROM side to run at 3.3 V while the FPGA side runs at 5 V, or vice versa. Typical applications include Altera FPGA boot memory in industrial controllers, telecommunications line cards, prototyping boards, and embedded vision platforms. The 1.6 Mb density is sufficient for mid-sized FPGAs such as the Cyclone I/II, ACEX 1K, and APEX 20K families. When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain order is preserved so the PROM and downstream FPGA can both be addressed individually. The 32-pin TQFP footprint is the industry-standard Altera configuration PROM land pattern, which allows board-level migration from the older EPC1 and EPC2LC20 devices to this part without PCB rework. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, JTAG-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical board-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 - 1.6Mb ISP Config PROM | Altera (Intel PSG)
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPC2TC32-U-CAF48 is a 1.6 Mb in-system programmable (ISP) configuration PROM designed to load SRAM-based LUT FPGA bitstreams over a serial synchronous interface. It is offered in a 32-pin TQFP (7x7 mm) package and stores Altera FPGA configuration data in its EPROM array, clocking the bitstream out through an internal oscillator to the FPGA's DATA0 pin. The device exposes OE, nCS, and DCLK as the primary control pins that drive the internal address counter and the DATA output tri-state buffer. A configuration PROM is a non-volatile memory device that retains the FPGA's configuration bitstream and serially transfers it to the target FPGA at power-up. In the Altera architecture hierarchy, the EPC2 family sits below the enhanced configuration devices (EPC4, EPC8, EPC16) in density but is fully ISP-capable through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. Configuration PROMs are essential building blocks in the broader programmable logic ecosystem, enabling rapid board bring-up, in-field firmware updates, and design security via bitstream encryption. The EPC2TC32 supports single-device configuration for Altera FPGAs including ACEX 1K, FLEX 10K, APEX 20K, Mercury, Cyclone, and Stratix series. Key features include 1.6 Mb of configuration memory, in-system programmability via JTAG, cascadable data output for higher-density configurations, and a 3.3 V core supply. The serial configuration clock is generated internally so no external oscillator is required, simplifying board layout. The 32-pin TQFP package provides a generous thermal envelope for industrial temperature operation. Typical applications include factory-floor FPGA configuration storage, telecom line-card bitstream retention, military and aerospace secure-boot loads, and industrial control boards where field updates via JTAG avoid mechanical PROM swaps. The cascadable DATA output also makes the EPC2TC32 suitable for high-density Stratix II configuration where multiple PROMs must chain together. When designing with this device, treat the JTAG chain as a four-wire TAP (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) and include a 4.7 kohm pull-up on nCE per Altera application guidance. Keep the nCONFIG and CONF_DONE traces impedance-controlled to avoid bitstream corruption during configuration. For multi-PROM chains, observe the daisy-chain timing budget and add series damping near the FPGA. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the EPC2 and EPC1 families, and practical configuration-chain design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPC2TC32CAF48 - Altera/Intel Configuration Device for SRAM FPGAs | TQFP-48
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPC2TC32CAF48 is a serial configuration device designed for SRAM-based LUT FPGAs in the Altera/Intel programmable logic portfolio. It provides 32 Mbits of configuration flash memory, operates at 3.3V core supply, and is housed in a 48-pin TQFP (CAF48) package with 32 cascadable addressing. The device loads the FPGA configuration bitstream at power-up via a serial interface and supports JTAG-based in-system programming (ISP) through the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan chain. Background: A configuration device (sometimes called a configuration PROM or boot PROM) is a non-volatile memory companion that stores the FPGA configuration bitstream and delivers it to the SRAM-based FPGA at power-up. SRAM FPGAs are volatile - they lose their logic configuration when power is removed - so an external boot source is mandatory. Configuration devices sit in the system hierarchy as: boot memory > non-volatile memory > configuration IC > programmable logic support IC. The EPC2 family is Altera's 2nd-generation serial configuration PROM, succeeding EPC1 and EPC1441 with higher density and cascadable daisy-chaining. Key features of the EPC2TC32CAF48 include 32-Mbit density (the highest in the EPC2 family), support for Altera FPGAs including APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, Stratix, ACEX, and APEX 20K series, 3.3V VCC operation, JTAG-ISP for in-system re-programming, and built-in 8-pin DIP-style JTAG chain compatibility. Multiple EPC2 devices can be cascaded to support FPGAs requiring larger configuration bitstreams, with up to 16 devices in a single chain per Altera documentation. Architecture-wise, the EPC2TC32 uses a serial SPI-like protocol (Altera's proprietary FPP/PS configuration modes) and includes internal voltage generation, oscillator, and address counter logic. The CAF48 suffix denotes the 48-pin TQFP commercial-grade package. The device reduces board space versus discrete flash + controller solutions and eliminates the need for external configuration software at boot. Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, communications infrastructure (routers, base stations), test and measurement equipment, custom hardware accelerators, and any system using an Altera/Intel SRAM-based FPGA. The part is commonly designed-in wherever an APEX II, Mercury, Cyclone, or Stratix FPGA requires a single-chip boot solution. When designing with EPC2TC32CAF48, verify that your target FPGA's configuration bitstream size does not exceed 32 Mbits; for larger images, cascade two EPC2 devices or use a higher-density EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 from the same family. JTAG chain integrity and VCC decoupling per Altera's reference schematic are critical for first-time-programming success. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in compatible same-family EPC2 variants, and practical board-level design notes not found in the original datasheet alone.
EPC2TC32U - 1.6Mb Altera Configuration Device, QFP-48 | Altera
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPC2TC32U is a 1.6-Mbit serial-configuration device designed to configure SRAM-based LUT FPGAs such as the Altera Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX families. Packaged in a 32-pin-equivalent QFP-48 (CAF48) form factor, the EPC2TC32U provides non-volatile storage of the FPGA bitstream and reconfigures the target device on every power-up through a simple serial interface. A configuration device is a dedicated serial Flash memory with an FPGA-specific control protocol that streams the bitstream to the LUT-based FPGA at power-on. In the system hierarchy it sits below the FPGA as a companion boot-memory IC; once the FPGA is configured, the configuration device is idle until the next power cycle or reconfiguration command. Compared to a generic SPI Flash, an EPC2 device reduces board complexity by eliminating the FPGA-side configuration logic and providing dedicated nSTATUS/nCONFIG handshaking, which simplifies PCB layout for production designs. Key features of the EPC2TC32U include 1.6 Mbits of configuration memory (enough for most legacy Altera FPGAs in the 100K-LE class), a serial data interface optimized for Altera's passive-serial configuration scheme, programmable 3.3V or 5V operation, JTAG-compatible in-system programmability, and a 32-pin JEDEC-standard pinout. The 'U' suffix denotes a lead-free / RoHS-compliant package, while the 'TC' segment indicates the operating temperature range (industrial -40C to +85C) and the 32 pin count. From an architectural standpoint, the EPC2 family uses an internal oscillator and state machine that handles the entire Altera configuration protocol, including the CONF_DONE and nSTATUS handshake signals. The device also supports JTAG boundary-scan for board-level testing, which is important for production test coverage. Typical applications include legacy Altera FPGA configuration in industrial controllers, telecom line cards, prototyping platforms using Stratix/ Cyclone devices, and test/development boards where a stable, repeatable bitstream source is required. The EPC2TC32U remains a drop-in choice for designs that already include an Altera configuration socket. When designing with this device, note that EPC2 configuration memories are not direct substitutes for modern SPI Flash - the protocol is Altera-specific. Ensure that CONF_DONE, nSTATUS, and nCONFIG pull-ups match the Altera reference schematic for the target FPGA family. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family alternatives, and practical configuration-design notes not collected in the manufacturer datasheet alone.