Microchip Technology AT17N010-10PI

Overview

AT17N010-10PI from Atmel is a 1-Mbit (1,048,576 × 1-bit) serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory operating at 3.3V ±10%, designed for Master Serial mode loading of Xilinx Spartan-II, Spartan-IIE, and Spartan XL FPGAs. It features pin compatibility with XC17SXXXA/L PROMs, low-power standby current (100 µA industrial), and 20-year data retention at 85°C.

For engineers reviewing the AT17N010-10PI datasheet, AT17N010-10PI pinout, AT17N010-10PI application, or AT17N010-10PI equivalent, this device serves as a drop-in replacement for legacy Xilinx-compatible configuration PROMs in industrial-grade FPGA boot systems requiring EEPROM nonvolatility, serial interface simplicity, and proven reliability across temperature cycling.

Technical Context

The AT17N010-10PI implements a serial address counter driven by FPGA-generated CCLK, with tri-state DATA output controlled jointly by RESET/OE (active-low reset, active-high OE) and CE (active-low chip enable). SER_EN must be tied to VCC during normal FPGA configuration but pulled low to enter Two-Wire ISP programming mode.

It supports direct connection to SRAM-based FPGAs without external logic: CLK accepts up to 15 MHz (industrial), DATA is open-collector bidirectional for programming, and DC pins are internally connected no-connects reserved for die bonding-requiring no external termination.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17N010-10PI is packaged in 20-lead SOIC (JEDEC 20S2), 0.300" wide body, with 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 identifier is marked via notch or dot; package meets JEDEC MS-012, Variation AA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT17N010-10PI, AT17LV010-10SI offers superior write endurance and voltage flexibility while maintaining pin and function compatibility, whereas XCF01SVO20C provides vendor-locked integration at the expense of programmability and long-term supply assurance.

Availability

AT17N010-10PI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, FPGA-based motor control, and legacy system maintenance requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for AT17N010-10PI 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 AT17N series was designed specifically as cost-effective, pin-compatible EEPROM alternatives to Xilinx's XC17S PROMs for Spartan-family FPGA configuration-targeting industrial and telecom infrastructure where reliability and long-lifecycle support were essential.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17N010-10PI in an FPGA system?

The AT17N010-10PI serves as a serial configuration memory that stores and delivers the bitstream to SRAM-based FPGAs-including Xilinx Spartan-II, Spartan-IIE, and Spartan XL-in Master Serial mode. It eliminates the need for external controllers by directly interfacing with FPGA control signals (CCLK, DIN, INIT_B), enabling automatic, self-contained FPGA initialization at power-up. The AT17N010-10PI performs this role using its 1-Mbit EEPROM array, serial address counter, and tri-state DATA output synchronized to the FPGA's clock.

Is the AT17N010-10PI pin-compatible with Xilinx XC17S PROMs?

Yes, the AT17N010-10PI is explicitly designed to be pin-compatible with Xilinx XC17SXXXA and XC17SXXXXL PROMs, as confirmed in the official Atmel datasheet. This compatibility extends to both physical pin layout (20-lead SOIC package) and functional signal mapping-including DATA, CLK, RESET/OE, CE, VCC, GND, and SER_EN pins-allowing direct substitution in existing Spartan-II/IIe PCB designs without layout changes.

Can the AT17N010-10PI be programmed in-system?

Yes, the AT17N010-10PI supports in-system programming (ISP) via its Two-Wire Serial interface. By pulling the VCC(SER_EN) pin low, the device enters ISP mode and accepts programming commands through the DATA and CLK pins. This capability allows field updates without removing the AT17N010-10PI from the board, using standard industry programmers or Atmel's ATDH2225 ISP Cable-eliminating the need for sockets or dedicated programming stations.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT17N010-10PI in industrial temperature range?

The AT17N010-10PI supports a maximum clock frequency of 15 MHz under industrial operating conditions (-40°C to +85°C), as specified in the AC Characteristics table of the datasheet. This timing aligns with the CCLK specifications of Spartan-II and Spartan-IIE FPGAs, ensuring reliable bitstream delivery without setup/hold violations. The 15 MHz limit applies specifically to the AT17N010 variant in industrial grade; lower-density versions like AT17N256 are rated for 10 MHz.

Does the AT17N010-10PI require external decoupling capacitors?

Yes, the AT17N010-10PI requires a 0.2 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor between VCC and GND, as explicitly stated in the Pin Description section of the datasheet. This capacitor mitigates high-frequency noise and transient current spikes during serial read operations and ensures stable power delivery to the EEPROM core-particularly critical during FPGA configuration bursts where DATA output transitions occur synchronously with CLK edges.