Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AK93C75AV

Overview

AK93C75AV from Asahi Kasei is an 8Kbit (512 × 16) serial CMOS EEPROM with SPI-compatible 4-wire interface (CS, SK, DI, DO), operating from 1.8V to 5.5V, supporting READ/WRITE/EWEN/EWDS instructions, and delivering 100K write cycles with 10-year data retention - used for configuration storage in industrial controllers and embedded sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the AK93C75AV datasheet, AK93C75AV pinout, AK93C75AV application, or AK93C75AV equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSSOP-8 package, software-controlled write protection, Busy/Ready status signaling via DO, and compatibility with microcontrollers requiring low-voltage serial EEPROM with automatic address increment and self-timed programming.

Technical Context

The AK93C75AV implements a synchronous serial interface with chip-select–gated operation, where instruction execution (READ/WRITE/EWEN/EWDS) is initiated by a Start Bit (Logic "1") followed by Op Code and 9-bit address (A8–A0). It uses internal charge-pump circuitry for high-voltage generation during WRITE, eliminating need for external VPP.

During READ, a dummy bit precedes 16-bit output synchronized to SK rising edges; address auto-increments after each 16-bit word. During WRITE, CS falling edge triggers self-timed programming (8–10 ms), with DO asserting Busy (Logic "0") or Ready (Logic "1") while CS is high - enabling non-blocking host polling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AK93C75AV is housed in an 8-pin Plastic TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153), with NC on Pin 6 (not PE - PE is only present on AK93C55A/65A variants).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AK93C75AV, the 25LC080B lacks low-voltage support and status signaling, increasing firmware complexity; the CAT25080VI offers hardware WP but omits software-controlled enable/disable granularity - making AK93C75AV optimal for flexible, low-power, microcontroller-centric designs needing precise write control and minimal host intervention.

Availability

AK93C75AV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body control modules, smart energy meters, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for AK93C75AV 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 AKM) is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in analog, sensor, and memory ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The AK93CxxA family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable, low-voltage serial EEPROM with integrated charge-pump and robust software-controlled write security.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the AK93C75AV?

The AK93C75AV contains 8192 bits organized as 512 words × 16 bits. Each address location holds one 16-bit data word, and the READ instruction automatically increments the address counter after each word is shifted out - enabling efficient sequential access to configuration tables or calibration arrays without host-side address management in the AK93C75AV.

Does the AK93C75AV require an external VPP voltage for write operations?

No, the AK93C75AV integrates an on-chip charge-pump voltage generator that produces the high voltage needed for WRITE and ERASE operations using only the VCC supply (1.8V–5.5V). This eliminates the need for an external VPP pin or circuitry, simplifying design and reducing bill-of-materials - a key differentiator confirmed in the AK93C75AV datasheet Section 1 and Functional Description.

How does the Busy/Ready status signaling work on the AK93C75AV?

After initiating a WRITE instruction, the AK93C75AV asserts DO = Logic "0" (Busy) while programming. When CS is held high and ≥250 ns has elapsed since CS went high, DO transitions to Logic "1" (Ready) indicating completion. This signal is valid only while CS is active (high) and enables interrupt-driven or polled status checking - a core feature documented in AK93C75AV Functional Description and Timing Diagrams.

Is the AK93C75AV pin-compatible with other members of the AK93CxxA family?

No - the AK93C75AV uses NC on Pin 6, whereas AK93C55A and AK93C65A use Pin 6 as PE (Program Enable). This functional difference means direct PCB substitution between AK93C75AV and AK93C55A/AK93C65A is not possible without layout revision, even though all share the same TSSOP-8 package outline and pin numbering - a distinction explicitly noted in the AK93C75AV Pin Arrangement diagram.

What write protection mechanisms does the AK93C75AV support?

The AK93C75AV implements software-controlled write protection via EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) instructions. The device powers up in EWDS state; WRITE is only permitted after executing EWEN, and remains enabled until EWDS is issued or VCC is removed. This prevents unintended writes during power-up/down or firmware exceptions - a security feature fully specified in the AK93C75AV General Description and EWEN/EWDS section.