Microchip Technology AT25010-10PC

Overview

AT25010-10PC from Atmel (now Microchip) is a 1-Kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 128 × 8-bit memory, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, supporting 2.1 MHz clock rate at 5V, with 8-byte page write and hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register. It serves in microcontroller-based systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the AT25010-10PC datasheet, AT25010-10PC pinout, AT25010-10PC application, or AT25010-10PC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.7–5.5V supply range, 10 ms max self-timed write cycle, 1 million endurance cycles, block write protection granularity, and compatibility with SPI Modes 0 and 3 in commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C).

Technical Context

The AT25010-10PC implements a synchronous 3-wire SPI slave interface with dedicated SI (input), SO (output), SCK (clock), and CS (chip select) pins, requiring MSB-first transmission and supporting op-code–driven read/write/status operations. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register and nonvolatile status register with BP0/BP1 bits controlling 1/4, 1/2, or full-array write protection.

It features dual-layer data protection: hardware-level inhibition via the active-low WP pin and software-level control through WREN/WRDI instructions and programmable status register bits. The HOLD pin enables pause/resume of ongoing serial transfers without resetting sequence state, and all write cycles are fully self-timed with no external erase step required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25010-10PC is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (package code 8P3, 0.300" wide) with standard DIP footprint compatible with through-hole prototyping and legacy PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with AT25010-10PC, M95010-WMN6TP offers broader temperature tolerance but removes HOLD capability, while 25AA010A-I/P delivers 5× faster clock support and stronger ESD protection-both retain pin compatibility but demand firmware review for status register and timing behavior.

Availability

AT25010-10PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer appliance configuration, medical audit logging, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for AT25010-10PC 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 secure authentication ICs for embedded systems.

The AT25010-10PC belongs to Atmel's SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained microcontroller applications.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT25010-10PC support?

The AT25010-10PC supports a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both modern low-voltage microcontrollers and legacy 5V systems. This dual-range capability eliminates the need for external level shifters in mixed-voltage designs and ensures stable operation across varying power rail conditions encountered in industrial and automotive environments. The AT25010-10PC maintains full AC and DC specifications across this entire range.

Does the AT25010-10PC require an external erase command before writing?

No, the AT25010-10PC does not require a separate erase command. All write operations are self-timed and internally managed; the device automatically handles any necessary erase-before-write sequencing. A Write Enable (WREN) instruction must precede each write or status register update, and the internal write cycle completes within 10 ms maximum. The AT25010-10PC returns to standby mode automatically upon completion.

How does the WRITE PROTECT (WP) pin function on the AT25010-10PC?

The WP pin on the AT25010-10PC is an active-low hardware lock that inhibits all write operations-including WREN, WRITE, and WRSR-regardless of the status register setting or software enable state. When WP is pulled low, the device remains in read-only mode even if the Write Enable Latch is set. The AT25010-10PC resumes normal write capability only after WP is returned high and a new WREN instruction is issued.

Can the AT25010-10PC be used with SPI Mode 1 or Mode 2?

No, the AT25010-10PC explicitly supports only SPI Modes 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1), as confirmed in its official documentation. Attempting to use Mode 1 or Mode 2 will result in incorrect data sampling due to mismatched clock polarity and phase timing. The AT25010-10PC relies on these two modes for reliable op-code recognition and address/data transfer alignment.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the AT25010-10PC?

The HOLD pin on the AT25010-10PC suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address counter or command state. When asserted low while SCK is low, it places SO in high-impedance and ignores SI inputs, allowing the host MCU to service interrupts or perform other tasks. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This feature preserves transaction integrity in real-time systems, and the AT25010-10PC guarantees seamless resumption without data loss.