Microchip Technology AT17C002A-10JI

Overview

AT17C002A-10JI from Atmel is a 2-Mbit serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory designed for Altera FLEX devices, operating at 5V ±10% over -40°C to +85°C industrial range, featuring programmable reset polarity, in-system programmability via 2-wire interface, and cascading support for multi-device configuration chains.

For engineers reviewing the AT17C002A-10JI datasheet, AT17C002A-10JI pinout, AT17C002A-10JI application, or AT17C002A-10JI equivalent, key selection considerations include industrial temperature operation, PLCC-20 packaging, OE/nCS/DCLK control interface compatibility with EPF10K/EPF6K FPGAs, and READY pin integration for power-up sequencing.

Technical Context

The AT17C002A-10JI implements a self-clocked serial configuration architecture with internal oscillator, enabling it to act as system master during FPGA boot-driving DCLK and coordinating data flow without external controller intervention. Its address counter resets on OE low and enables DATA output only when nCS is low and OE is high.

Cascading is managed through nCASC (active-low cascade select output) and nCS handshaking: when one device completes transmission, nCASC goes low to activate the next device's nCS, enabling daisy-chained configuration of multiple FPGAs or higher-density arrays. The READY pin provides open-collector power-on reset status indication, tri-stated after reset completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17C002A-10JI is packaged in a 20-lead Plastic J-leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20), JEDEC MS-018 AA compliant, with 9.00 mm × 9.00 mm body and 1.20 mm max height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA configuration memory applications.

Compared with AT17C002A-10JI, AT17LV002A-10JI offers lower voltage operation but reduced speed and incompatible supply rails, while AT17C002A-10QC delivers identical functionality in a modern TQFP package-enabling layout flexibility without compromising industrial temperature performance or configuration reliability.

Availability

AT17C002A-10JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, FPGA-based motor drives, and legacy Altera system upgrades requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17C002A-10JI 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

Atmel Corporation was a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and programmable logic solutions before its acquisition by Microchip Technology in 2016.

The AT17A Series-including AT17C002A-10JI-was developed specifically to provide robust, self-timed configuration memory for Altera FLEX-family FPGAs, emphasizing industrial reliability, in-system programmability, and seamless integration into existing FPGA development workflows.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17C002A-10JI in an FPGA system?

The AT17C002A-10JI serves as a dedicated configuration memory that stores and serially loads the bitstream into Altera FLEX-series FPGAs during power-up. It operates autonomously using its internal oscillator to generate DCLK, eliminating the need for external clock sources or microcontroller supervision. The AT17C002A-10JI directly interfaces with FPGA control pins (nCONFIG, DATA0, DCLK) and supports both single-device and cascaded multi-device configurations.

Does the AT17C002A-10JI support in-system programming, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17C002A-10JI supports in-system programming via a 2-wire serial interface. Programming mode is activated by driving the SER_EN pin low while maintaining VCC at 5V ±10%. During programming, the DATA pin becomes bi-directional and open-collector, allowing bitstream updates without device removal. The AT17C002A-10JI generates internal programming voltages-no external high-voltage supply is required-and retains full functionality after reprogramming.

How does the READY pin on the AT17C002A-10JI improve system reliability during power-up?

The READY pin on the AT17C002A-10JI is an open-collector output that remains low during the device's internal power-on reset cycle and transitions to high-impedance (tri-stated) once reset completes. This signal can be used to hold the FPGA in reset until the AT17C002A-10JI is fully initialized, preventing premature configuration attempts. While READY does not delay configuration beyond its own reset duration, it provides deterministic hardware-level coordination between power stabilization and FPGA boot sequencing.

Can the AT17C002A-10JI be used in cascaded configurations, and what pins enable this?

Yes, the AT17C002A-10JI supports cascaded configuration chains using the nCASC (pin 14) and nCS (pin 11) pins. When the first AT17C002A-10JI completes data transmission, its nCASC pin drives low, which activates the nCS input of the next device in the chain. This handshaking mechanism allows multiple AT17C002A-10JI units to sequentially load configuration data into a single FPGA or distribute bitstreams across multiple FPGAs-enabling scalable, modular system design without additional control logic.

What is the significance of programmable reset polarity on the AT17C002A-10JI, and how is it set?

The AT17C002A-10JI allows the OE pin's function to be programmed as either active-High output enable (OE) or active-Low reset (RESET), ensuring compatibility with different FPGA families' timing requirements. This setting is stored in internal EEPROM bytes and must be configured during initial programming using Atmel's ATDH2200E kit or compatible programmers. For Altera FLEX devices, the specification mandates active-Low reset polarity (OE = RESET), and the AT17C002A-10JI must be programmed accordingly to meet FPGA nCONFIG timing constraints.