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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Memory > Configuration PROMs for FPGAs

Microchip Technology AT17C256A-10JC

Name: AT17C256A-10JC
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: AT17C256A-10JC
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: AT17C256A-10JC

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Configuration PROMs for FPGAs

Package:: 20-LCC (J-Lead)

Datasheet:: AT17C256A-10JC.pdf

Description:: IC SER CONFIG PROM 256K 20PLCC

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Product details

Overview

AT17C256A-10JC from Atmel is a 256-kilobit serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory designed for Altera FLEX® devices, operating at 5V ±5% (commercial), featuring 20-pin PLCC packaging, programmable reset polarity, and cascading support via nCASC for multi-device configuration chains in embedded programmable logic systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT17C256A-10JC datasheet, AT17C256A-10JC pinout, AT17C256A-10JC application, or AT17C256A-10JC equivalent, this device serves as a dedicated, in-system programmable configurator with verified timing compatibility for EPF6K/8K/10K FPGAs, write-protection capability, and low-power standby mode (<75 µA at 5V).

Technical Context

The AT17C256A-10JC implements a synchronous serial interface driven by FPGA-generated DCLK, with nCS and OE jointly controlling address counter enablement and DATA output tri-state behavior. Its internal address counter auto-resets on power-up and OE low pulse, supporting deterministic bitstream delivery without external controller intervention.

Cascading is enabled through nCASC - an active-Low open-drain output that signals end-of-data and triggers the next device's nCS in daisy-chained configurations. The SER_EN pin isolates FPGA loading (SER_EN = High) from 2-wire programming mode (SER_EN = Low), ensuring functional separation between configuration and reprogramming operations.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Memory Size	256 kilobits (32 Kbytes) - stores full configuration bitstream for mid-density Altera FLEX FPGAs like EPF8K and EPF10K.
Supply Voltage	5V ±5% (Commercial) - compatible with standard 5V FPGA system rails; no level-shifting required for EPF6K/8K/10K interfaces.
Max Clock Frequency	12.5 MHz (standalone), 10 MHz (cascaded) - defines maximum configuration speed; supports sub-100ms FPGA boot times.
Standby Current	<75 µA at 5V - enables ultra-low quiescent power during FPGA idle or reset states.
Reset Polarity	Programmable (active-Low OE default) - allows alignment with FPGA nCONFIG timing requirements without hardware modification.
Write Protection	WP-enabled block protection - prevents accidental overwrite of critical configuration data during field updates or debug sessions.
Operating Temp	0°C to +70°C - certified for commercial-grade industrial control and communications equipment environments.

Pinout & Package

AT17C256A-10JC uses a 20-lead Plastic J-leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) package, pin-compatible across the AT17C/LVxxxA family and mechanically compatible with standard PLCC sockets and reflow profiles.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
2 – DATA	Bi-directional I/O	Open-collector output during FPGA configuration; bidirectional for 2-wire programming; connects directly to FPGA DATA0.
4 – DCLK	Input	FPGA-driven clock input that increments internal address/bit counter; determines configuration throughput rate.
8 – OE	Input	Active-High output enable / active-Low reset; polarity programmable to match FPGA nCONFIG assertion timing.
9 – nCS	Input	Active-Low chip select; enables address counter and DATA output when OE is active; controls standby entry when high.
10 – GND	Power	Ground reference; requires local 0.2 µF decoupling capacitor per datasheet layout guidance.
12 – nCASC	Output	Active-Low cascade signal; drives next device's nCS in daisy-chain; enables scalable configuration memory beyond 256 kb.
18 – SER_EN	Input	Serial programming mode enable; must be held high during FPGA boot to prevent interference with configuration sequence.
20 – VCC	Power	+5V supply pin; supports 5V ±5% operation; powers internal charge pump for EEPROM programming.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
In-system programmability	Enables field reconfiguration via 2-wire bus without removing device from PCB - critical for post-deployment FPGA firmware updates.
Cascadable architecture	Supports serial chaining of multiple AT17C256A-10JC units using nCASC/nCS handshake - extends total configuration capacity to >256 kb.
Programmable reset polarity	Allows OE pin behavior to be set during programming to match FPGA-specific nCONFIG timing (e.g., active-Low for EPF8K/10K).
Hardware write protection	WP pin disables writes to lowest memory block during programming - safeguards boot configuration against corruption.
Low-power standby mode	nCS-high state reduces current draw to <75 µA - preserves system-level power budget during FPGA sleep or reset cycles.

Applications

Industrial PLC Configuration	Telecom Baseband FPGA Boot
Use Scenario: Configuring Altera EPF10K FPGA in modular I/O backplane of programmable logic controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated configuration memory delivering deterministic bitstream on power-up; synchronized to FPGA DCLK and nCONFIG signals. Use Value: Eliminates need for external microcontroller-based configuration loader; reduces BOM count and boot latency by 40% vs. parallel PROM solutions.	Use Scenario: Storing baseband processing firmware for Altera EPF8K FPGA in wireless infrastructure radio unit. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configurator providing secure, repeatable FPGA initialization under temperature-varying RF subsystem conditions. Use Value: Enables hot-swap FPGA reconfiguration during maintenance windows without power cycling entire radio module.
Test Equipment FPGA Initialization	Medical Imaging Logic Subsystem
Use Scenario: Loading calibration and protocol-handling logic into Altera EPF6K FPGA inside automated test equipment (ATE) mainframe. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone configuration source with programmable OE polarity to align with ATE controller's reset sequencing. Use Value: Guarantees bit-accurate FPGA configuration across 10,000+ power cycles; WP pin prevents accidental overwrite during firmware validation.	Use Scenario: Booting image-processing pipeline FPGA in portable ultrasound scanner requiring zero-failure startup reliability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Certified commercial-temp EEPROM providing fail-safe configuration storage with automatic power-on reset recovery. Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class C software safety requirements via deterministic, non-volatile configuration delivery without runtime dependencies.

Industrial PLC Configuration

Telecom Baseband FPGA Boot

Use Scenario: Configuring Altera EPF10K FPGA in modular I/O backplane of programmable logic controller.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated configuration memory delivering deterministic bitstream on power-up; synchronized to FPGA DCLK and nCONFIG signals.

Use Value: Eliminates need for external microcontroller-based configuration loader; reduces BOM count and boot latency by 40% vs. parallel PROM solutions.

Use Scenario: Storing baseband processing firmware for Altera EPF8K FPGA in wireless infrastructure radio unit.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configurator providing secure, repeatable FPGA initialization under temperature-varying RF subsystem conditions.

Use Value: Enables hot-swap FPGA reconfiguration during maintenance windows without power cycling entire radio module.

Test Equipment FPGA Initialization

Medical Imaging Logic Subsystem

Use Scenario: Loading calibration and protocol-handling logic into Altera EPF6K FPGA inside automated test equipment (ATE) mainframe.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone configuration source with programmable OE polarity to align with ATE controller's reset sequencing.

Use Value: Guarantees bit-accurate FPGA configuration across 10,000+ power cycles; WP pin prevents accidental overwrite during firmware validation.

Use Scenario: Booting image-processing pipeline FPGA in portable ultrasound scanner requiring zero-failure startup reliability.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Certified commercial-temp EEPROM providing fail-safe configuration storage with automatic power-on reset recovery.

Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class C software safety requirements via deterministic, non-volatile configuration delivery without runtime dependencies.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
AT17LV256A-10JC	3.3V operation (3.0–3.6V), lower FMAX (10 MHz standalone), higher AC delays (e.g., TOE = 50 ns vs. 30 ns)	Targeted for 3.3V FPGA systems (e.g., newer Cyclone families); not drop-in compatible with 5V EPF8K/10K designs	Select only if host FPGA operates at 3.3V and timing margins accommodate slower access.
Altera EPC1213	Pin-compatible 256-kbit configuration device; proprietary interface; no SER_EN or WP pin; fixed reset polarity	Original Altera-branded solution for same FLEX devices; lacks in-system programmability and hardware write protection	Use only for legacy design continuity where Atmel migration is not approved; no field update capability.

Compared with AT17LV256A-10JC and Altera EPC1213, the AT17C256A-10JC offers optimal timing margin for 5V FLEX FPGAs, field-programmable reset polarity, and hardware write protection - making it the preferred choice for new commercial-grade industrial and telecom designs requiring robust, serviceable configuration storage.

Availability

AT17C256A-10JC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, telecom baseband units, and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed commercial-temperature performance.

Supply support for AT17C256A-10JC 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 AT17C256A-10JC belongs to Atmel's low-density FPGA Configuration EEPROM family, engineered specifically to replace parallel PROMs and simplify boot architecture for Altera FLEX-series FPGAs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17C256A-10JC in an FPGA system?

The AT17C256A-10JC serves as a dedicated serial configuration memory for Altera FLEX® FPGAs, storing and delivering the full bitstream required to initialize devices like EPF6K, EPF8K, and EPF10K. It operates synchronously with FPGA control signals (DCLK, nCS, OE) and requires no external processor - enabling autonomous, repeatable boot sequences. The AT17C256A-10JC eliminates complex configuration controllers while maintaining full compatibility with industry-standard programming tools.

Can the AT17C256A-10JC be used with 3.3V FPGAs?

No - the AT17C256A-10JC is a 5V-only device (4.75–5.25V commercial range) and is not electrically compatible with 3.3V FPGA I/O rails. For 3.3V systems, use the pin-compatible AT17LV256A-10JC variant instead. Interfacing AT17C256A-10JC directly with 3.3V FPGAs risks overvoltage damage to FPGA inputs and violates absolute maximum ratings. The AT17C256A-10JC must be paired exclusively with 5V-tolerant or native 5V FLEX devices.

How does cascading work with multiple AT17C256A-10JC devices?

Cascading uses the nCASC output of one AT17C256A-10JC connected to the nCS input of the next device in the chain. When the first device completes its 256-kbit stream, it asserts nCASC low, enabling the second device to begin transmission. This daisy-chain method scales total configuration capacity linearly (e.g., two AT17C256A-10JC units provide 512 kb). The AT17C256A-10JC supports cascading only in 128K/256K variants - confirmed in its datasheet Features section and AC timing tables.

Is the AT17C256A-10JC pin-compatible with Altera EPC1213?

Yes - the AT17C256A-10JC is a direct functional replacement for Altera EPC1213, sharing identical 20-pin PLCC (20J) packaging, pinout, and FPGA interface signals (nCS, OE, DCLK, DATA, nCASC). However, unlike EPC1213, the AT17C256A-10JC adds SER_EN, WP, and programmable reset polarity - features that enhance field serviceability without altering PCB layout. No redesign is needed when migrating from EPC1213 to AT17C256A-10JC.

What programming tools support the AT17C256A-10JC?

The AT17C256A-10JC is programmable using industry-standard EEPROM programmers compliant with Atmel's 2-wire serial protocol, as well as Atmel's ATDH2200E Programming Kit. Programming occurs in SER_EN = Low mode, with VCC = 5V supplying all internal voltage generation - no external high-voltage sources required. Configuration data can be written pre-production or in-system, and the AT17C256A-10JC retains data for >10 years with >100,000 write cycles.

AT17C256A-10JC 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:: 4.75V ~ 5.25V

Operating Temperature:: 0°C ~ 70°C

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 20-PLCC (9x9)

AT17C256A-10JC FAQ

1.How can I place an order for AT17C256A-10JC through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT17C256A-10JC 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 AT17C256A-10JC reliable?

The price and inventory of AT17C256A-10JC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT17C256A-10JC is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for AT17C256A-10JC?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT17C256A-10JC transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for AT17C256A-10JC?

AT17C256A-10JC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your AT17C256A-10JC 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 AT17C256A-10JC?

For technical support, including AT17C256A-10JC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT17C256A-10JC requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that AT17C256A-10JC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All AT17C256A-10JC 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 AT17C256A-10JC meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT17C256A-10JC?

All AT17C256A-10JC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT17C256A-10JC, 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 AT17C256A-10JC part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for AT17C256A-10JC:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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