Microchip Technology AT17C010-10CC

Overview

AT17C010-10CC from Atmel is a 1-Mbit serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory with 5V ±5% operation, in-system programmable via 2-wire bus, featuring programmable reset polarity, READY pin for power-up sequencing, and cascading support for multi-FPGA systems. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage for Xilinx XC4000/XC5200/Spartan/Virtex, Altera FLEX/APEX, Lucent ORCA, and Atmel AT40K/AT94K FPGAs.

For engineers reviewing the AT17C010-10CC datasheet, AT17C010-10CC pinout, AT17C010-10CC application, or AT17C010-10CC equivalent, key selection considerations include 5V supply compatibility, 8-lead LAP (6×6 mm) package footprint, cascading CEO output capability, system-friendly READY signal timing, and in-system programming via SER_EN-controlled 2-wire interface.

Technical Context

The AT17C010-10CC implements a serial-access EEPROM architecture optimized for FPGA master serial mode configuration, using CLK-driven internal address/bit counters and tri-state DATA output synchronized to CE and RESET/OE control logic. Its CEO output enables daisy-chain cascading by asserting low upon end-of-memory to enable the next device's CE input.

It supports dual-mode operation: FPGA loading mode (SER_EN = High) with RESET/OE active-Low reset and OE-active-High data enable, and ISP mode (SER_EN = Low) for 2-wire serial programming. The programmable reset polarity is stored in four EEPROM bytes and persists across power cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17C010-10CC is housed in an 8-lead Leadless Array Package (LAP), 6 mm × 6 mm × 1 mm body, with 1.27 mm pitch, pin-compatible with standard 8-lead SOIC and VOIC packages. This compact surface-mount package supports high-density PCB layouts while maintaining legacy board compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT17LV010-10CC, the AT17C010-10CC delivers higher speed (15 MHz vs. 10 MHz) and 5V compatibility but consumes more standby current; versus XCF100XSV0G, it offers broader FPGA vendor support, cascading capability, and field-programmability - making it superior for multi-vendor, upgradeable, or space-constrained designs.

Availability

AT17C010-10CC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA configuration, industrial control system bootloading, and avionics data acquisition requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17C010-10CC 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 (now part of Microchip Technology) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and programmable logic solutions.

The AT17 Series - including AT17C010-10CC - was designed specifically as cost-effective, easy-to-integrate configuration memory for SRAM-based FPGAs from Xilinx, Altera, Lucent, and Atmel's own FPGA families.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17C010-10CC in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17C010-10CC serves as a dedicated nonvolatile configuration memory that stores and loads the bitstream required to initialize SRAM-based FPGAs such as Xilinx Spartan and Virtex, Altera FLEX, and Atmel AT40K devices. During power-up, it serially delivers configuration data under FPGA control via CLK and CE signals, enabling autonomous, repeatable FPGA startup without external processors. Its design ensures reliable, pin-compatible replacement for legacy PROMs while adding features like READY signaling and cascading support.

Does the AT17C010-10CC support in-system programming, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17C010-10CC supports in-system programming (ISP) via a 2-wire serial interface. Programming is enabled by driving the SER_EN pin Low, which places the device into ISP mode - allowing field updates of the configuration bitstream without removal from the PCB. In this mode, standard industry programmers or Atmel's ATDH2225 ISP Cable can write new data using only CLK and DATA lines. SER_EN must be tied to VCC during normal FPGA configuration operation.

What does the READY pin on the AT17C010-10CC do, and how should it be used?

The READY pin on the AT17C010-10CC is an open-collector output driven Low during power-on reset and released (tri-stated) once internal voltage regulation stabilizes - typically within 100 ms. It provides a hardware handshake signal to synchronize FPGA initialization, ensuring the FPGA waits for stable VCC before asserting its INIT or PROGRAM pin. A 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistor is recommended on READY to generate a clean logic-High when released, preventing spurious resets during power ramp-up.

Can multiple AT17C010-10CC devices be connected together, and if so, how?

Yes, AT17C010-10CC devices support daisy-chain cascading using the CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin. When the first device reaches its final memory address, CEO goes Low, enabling the CE input of the next AT17C010-10CC in the chain. This allows continuous bitstream delivery across multiple devices - essential for configuring large FPGAs or multi-FPGA systems. All devices share the same CLK and DATA lines, with CEO-to-CE interconnection forming the cascade path; RESET/OE must be asserted simultaneously to reset all address counters post-configuration.

What are the key differences between the AT17C010-10CC and the AT17LV010-10CC?

The AT17C010-10CC operates at 5V ±5% with 15 MHz max clock speed and 0.5 mA standby current, while the AT17LV010-10CC is a 3.3V ±10% variant with 10 MHz cascaded speed and only 100 µA standby draw. Both offer identical 1-Mbit capacity and pinout in the 8-lead LAP package, but voltage incompatibility prevents direct substitution. The AT17C010-10CC is suited for legacy 5V FPGA systems, whereas AT17LV010-10CC targets modern low-voltage designs where power efficiency outweighs speed requirements.