Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AK93C10AF

Overview

AK93C10AF from Asahi Kasei is a 64Kbit (4096 × 16) serial CMOS EEPROM with SPI-compatible 4-wire interface (CS, SK, DI, DO), operating from 1.8V to 5.5V, supporting 100K write cycles and 10-year data retention, used for non-volatile configuration storage in embedded microcontroller systems.

For engineers reviewing the AK93C10AF datasheet, AK93C10AF pinout, AK93C10AF application, or AK93C10AF equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated instruction set behavior, package-confirmed pin functions, and real-world use context for low-density data logging and system parameter storage.

Technical Context

The AK93C10AF implements a synchronous serial interface with chip-select–gated operation, using rising-edge clocking for both read and write data transfer. It supports four core instructions-READ, WRITE, EWEN, and EWDS-with address width of A11–A0 (4096 addresses) and 16-bit-wide data registers.

Write enable is software-controlled via EWEN/EWDS sequence; no hardware WP pin is present. Busy/Ready status is signaled on DO while CS is high, with DO=0 indicating active programming and DO=1 confirming completion-valid only during active CS and before next start bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AK93C10AF uses an 8-pin plastic SOP package (SOIC-8) with standard 150-mil body width and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin functions are electrically validated per DAM02E-01 Rev. 1999/10.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 24LC512-I/P and CAT24C64WI-GT3, the AK93C10AF provides deterministic write status signaling via DO pin, tighter 10 ms max programming time at 1.8V, and native SPI compatibility-reducing firmware overhead and enabling faster parameter updates in resource-constrained MCUs.

Availability

AK93C10AF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer remote control settings, and medical device configuration requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for AK93C10AF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (formerly Asahi Kasei Electronics) is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in analog, sensor, and memory ICs for industrial and consumer applications.

The AK93C series was designed specifically for low-density, high-reliability serial data storage in space-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and guaranteed write completion signaling are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by AK93C10AF?

The AK93C10AF supports SK clock frequencies up to 1 MHz at VCC ≥4.5V (tSKP1 = 1.0 µs), 500 kHz at 2.0V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, and 250 kHz at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.0V. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing for DI sampling and DO output stability. The AK93C10AF does not require external clock dividers when interfaced with standard MCU SPI peripherals operating within these ranges.

Does AK93C10AF support sequential read across address boundaries?

Yes, the AK93C10AF supports automatic address increment during READ operations: after outputting 16 bits from address $FFF, the internal counter rolls over to $000 and continues streaming data. This enables efficient bulk reads without issuing new READ instructions-critical for fast firmware parameter loading. The AK93C10AF implements this behavior per its documented address wraparound specification.

How is write protection implemented on AK93C10AF?

AK93C10AF uses software-controlled write protection: it powers up in ERASE/WRITE Disable state, and WRITE instructions are blocked until EWEN is executed. EWDS disables further writes until next power cycle or another EWEN. No hardware write-protect pin exists. This design eliminates external components while ensuring robust protection against spurious writes during power transitions-verified in AK93C10AF functional testing.

What is the function of the NC pin on AK93C10AF?

Pin 3 of the AK93C10AF is marked NC (No Connect) in the official pin arrangement diagram and must remain unconnected or tied to GND per Asahi Kasei's layout recommendations. It is internally unconnected and serves no electrical function. Routing traces to or placing vias under this pin may cause mechanical stress or contamination risk in SOP-8 assembly-consistent with AK93C10AF package documentation.

Can AK93C10AF be used with 1.8V-only microcontrollers?

Yes, AK93C10AF operates fully at VCC = 1.8V with validated DC and AC characteristics: ICC4 (read current) ≤ 0.1 mA, tSKP3 = 4.0 µs, and VOL2 ≤ 0.4 V at IOL = 0.1 mA. Its 1.8V–5.5V range allows direct connection to 1.8V logic families without level translation. All timing and voltage specs for AK93C10AF are confirmed down to 1.8V in the DAM02E-01 datasheet.