Microchip Technology AT17C256-10JI
- Part No.:
- AT17C256-10JI
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Configuration PROMs for FPGAs
- Package:
- 20-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
AT17C256-10JI.pdf
- Description:
- IC SER CONFIG PROM 256K 20PLCC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,055
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Product details
Overview
AT17C256-10JI from Atmel is a 256K-bit (262,144 × 1) serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory operating at 5V ± 10% over –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, featuring programmable reset polarity, cascading CEO output, and in-system programmability via 2-wire bus for Xilinx XC4000/SPARTAN®, Altera FLEX®, and Atmel AT40K/AT6000 FPGAs.
For engineers reviewing the AT17C256-10JI datasheet, AT17C256-10JI pinout, AT17C256-10JI application, or AT17C256-10JI equivalent, key selection criteria include cascade support for multi-FPGA systems, 12.5 MHz max clock frequency in non-cascade mode, 10 MHz in cascade mode, CE-driven standby current <150 µA, and PLCC-20 package compatibility across the AT17C/LV family.
Technical Context
The AT17C256-10JI implements a serial-access configuration memory architecture with master FPGA-controlled CLK-driven address incrementing and DATA output synchronized to CCLK. Its CEO output enables daisy-chain cascading only for 128K/256K variants, supporting larger FPGA configurations without external logic.
It uses low-power CMOS EEPROM process with programmable RESET/OE polarity and write-protection via WP input during 2-wire programming mode (SER_EN = Low). Standby mode is entered when CE = High, reducing ICCS to ≤150 µA at 5V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 262,144 × 1-bit (256K-bit), sufficient to configure Xilinx XC4000 or SPARTAN FPGAs |
| Supply Voltage | 5V ± 10% - supports industrial-grade operation from –40°C to +85°C |
| Max Clock Frequency | 12.5 MHz (non-cascade), 10 MHz (cascade) - defines maximum FPGA configuration speed |
| Standby Current | ≤150 µA at 5V - enables low-power system suspend states |
| Reset Polarity | Programmable active-High or active-Low - eliminates need for external inverters |
| Cascade Support | CEO output enabled - allows chaining of multiple AT17C128/256 devices for >256K-bit capacity |
| Programming Interface | 2-wire serial bus (SER_EN-controlled) - enables in-system reprogramming without socket removal |
Pinout & Package
AT17C256-10JI is packaged in a 20-lead Plastic J-Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), pin-compatible across the AT17C/LV family and suitable for surface-mount assembly with standard PLCC footprints.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DATA | Three-state bidirectional I/O; drives FPGA DIN during configuration; open-collector in programming mode |
| 2 | CLK | Input clock from FPGA CCLK; increments internal address/bit counter on rising edge |
| 3 | (WP) RESET/OE | Programmable polarity input; resets address counters when active; also serves as write-protect in SER_EN = Low mode |
| 4 | CE | Chip Enable; disables address counters and enters standby mode when High; selects device during read |
| 5 | GND | Ground reference; requires 0.2 µF decoupling capacitor to VCC |
| 6 | CEO (A2) | Chip Enable Output / Device Select; goes Low after last bit read to enable next cascaded EEPROM |
| 7 | SER_EN | Serial Enable; must be High during FPGA configuration; Low enables 2-wire programming mode |
| 8 | VCC | +5V power supply; supports 5V ± 10% tolerance for industrial operation |
| 9–10, 12–13, 15–16, 18–19 | NC | No-connect pins; must remain unconnected per design specification |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| In-system programmability | Enables field updates of FPGA configuration without removing AT17C256-10JI from PCB via 2-wire interface |
| Cascadable CEO output | Allows up to two AT17C256-10JI devices in series to support 512K-bit FPGA configurations |
| Programmable reset polarity | Eliminates external inverter components by allowing active-High or active-Low RESET/OE behavior |
| Low-power standby mode | Reduces system quiescent current to ≤150 µA when CE = High, critical for battery-backed or energy-sensitive designs |
| Emulation of AT24CXXX EEPROMs | Permits reuse of existing AT24CXXX firmware infrastructure for configuration memory access |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration | Xilinx SPARTAN FPGA Boot |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Reconfigurable logic modules in factory automation controllers require reliable, field-upgradable configuration storage across thermal cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AT17C256-10JI provides master-serial boot memory, driven by FPGA CCLK and synchronized to DIN input. Use Value: Industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C) and 150 µA standby current ensure stable operation in uncontrolled cabinet environments. |
Use Scenario: SPARTAN-series FPGAs in embedded vision systems load configuration at power-on to initialize image processing pipelines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AT17C256-10JI acts as dedicated serial configuration EEPROM, interfacing directly to SPARTAN DIN/CCLK/INIT pins. Use Value: 12.5 MHz max clock frequency enables sub-100 ms configuration time for fast system startup. |
| Altera FLEX® Multi-FPGA System | Atmel AT40K-Based Telecom Module |
|
Use Scenario: Telecom line cards use multiple Altera FLEX devices sharing a common configuration source with expansion capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AT17C256-10JI serves as first-stage configurator with CEO output enabling second-stage AT17C128-10JI in daisy chain. Use Value: Cascading support allows seamless upgrade from single to dual FPGA without board redesign. |
Use Scenario: Legacy AT40K-based baseband processors require long-lifecycle, drop-in-replaceable configuration memory with proven reliability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AT17C256-10JI replaces older AT17C128 variants in AT40K master-serial boot circuits using identical PLCC-20 footprint. Use Value: Pin-compatibility and identical AC timing (TCE = 45 ns, TCAC = 50 ns) ensure zero hardware changes during migration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA configuration memory applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT17C256-10PI | Same 256K-bit capacity, 5V operation, and PLCC-20 package; differs only in temperature grade (industrial –40°C to +85°C vs. AT17C256-10JI's same range) and marking suffix | Identical functional behavior; used interchangeably where JEDEC-standard PLCC-20 mechanical fit is required | Select AT17C256-10PI if sourcing from distributors listing that variant; electrically and mechanically identical to AT17C256-10JI |
| AT17LV256-10JI | 3.3V ± 10% supply (vs. 5V), lower max clock (10 MHz), higher propagation delays (e.g., TCAC = 75–80 ns), same PLCC-20 package and pinout | Requires level-shifting when interfacing with 5V FPGAs; suited for new 3.3V-only designs targeting lower power | Choose AT17LV256-10JI only for 3.3V systems; not a direct replacement in 5V environments due to voltage incompatibility |
Compared with AT17C256-10JI, AT17C256-10PI offers identical electrical and mechanical specs with alternate ordering code, while AT17LV256-10JI trades 5V compatibility for 3.3V operation and reduced speed - making the former a true form-fit-function match and the latter a voltage-domain alternative requiring system-level validation.
Availability
AT17C256-10JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, Xilinx SPARTAN-based embedded vision systems, and Altera FLEX® multi-FPGA telecom modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AT17C256-10JI 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, now part of Microchip Technology, is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and FPGA configuration solutions.
The AT17 Series was designed specifically to provide cost-effective, serial-access configuration memory for SRAM-based FPGAs including Xilinx, Altera, and Atmel's own families, emphasizing ease of integration and in-system programmability.
FAQ
What is the operating voltage range for AT17C256-10JI?
The AT17C256-10JI operates at 5V ± 10%, supporting 4.5V to 5.5V supply across its industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. This ensures compatibility with legacy 5V FPGA systems and robust performance under varying rail conditions without external regulation.
Does AT17C256-10JI support cascading with other configuration EEPROMs?
Yes, AT17C256-10JI supports cascading via its CEO output pin, enabling daisy-chain connections with other AT17C128/256 or AT17LV128/256 devices. This allows combined configuration memory up to 512K-bit for high-density FPGA arrays without additional control logic.
Can AT17C256-10JI be programmed in-circuit?
Yes, AT17C256-10JI supports in-system programming via its 2-wire serial interface when SER_EN is pulled Low. This allows field updates of FPGA configuration data without removing the device from the PCB, using standard industry programmers or Atmel's ATDH2200E kit.
What package type is used for AT17C256-10JI?
AT17C256-10JI uses a 20-lead Plastic J-Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) package, with JEDEC MS-018 AA compliance. Its pinout and footprint are identical across the AT17C/LV family, enabling flexible sourcing and design reuse.
How does the programmable reset polarity work on AT17C256-10JI?
The AT17C256-10JI allows programming of RESET/OE polarity as either active-High or active-Low using an industry-standard programmer algorithm. This eliminates external inverters and adapts to FPGA reset signal conventions without hardware modification.
AT17C256-10JI Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-LCC (J-Lead)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Programmable Type:
- Serial EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 256Kb
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PLCC (9x9)
AT17C256-10JI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT17C256-10JI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT17C256-10JI on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AT17C256-10JI reliable?
The price and inventory of AT17C256-10JI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT17C256-10JI is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT17C256-10JI?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT17C256-10JI transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT17C256-10JI?
AT17C256-10JI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT17C256-10JI order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AT17C256-10JI?
For technical support, including AT17C256-10JI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT17C256-10JI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT17C256-10JI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT17C256-10JI products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AT17C256-10JI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT17C256-10JI?
All AT17C256-10JI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT17C256-10JI, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AT17C256-10JI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT17C256-10JI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
AT17C256-10JI Tags

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EPCQ4ASI8N
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EPCQ64ASI16N
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EPCQ128ASI16N
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