Microchip Technology AT25010B-XHL-T

Overview

AT25010B-XHL-T from Microchip Technology is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM IC designed for nonvolatile data storage in microcontroller-based systems. It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports 20 MHz clock rate at 5V, features hardware/software write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers 1,000,000 write cycles with 100-year data retention - deployed in industrial sensor calibration and embedded configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the AT25010B-XHL-T datasheet, AT25010B-XHL-T pinout, AT25010B-XHL-T application, or AT25010B-XHL-T equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-lead SOIC package, SPI Mode 0/3 compatibility, 5 ms max self-timed write cycle, block-level write protection (1/4, 1/2, or full array), and HOLD pin support for serial communication suspension without reset.

Technical Context

The AT25010B-XHL-T implements a synchronous SPI slave interface with fixed MSB-first data framing, rising-edge input sampling on SI, and falling-edge output shifting on SO. Its internal architecture includes a high-voltage generation circuit for EEPROM programming, a STATUS register with BP1/BP0 bits for nonvolatile block protection control, and a Power-on Reset (POR) circuit ensuring stable initialization before instruction acceptance.

It supports dual SPI modes (0 and 3) with identical timing behavior - differing only in SCK idle polarity - and integrates both hardware (WP pin) and software (WRSR command) write enable/disable mechanisms. The HOLD pin enables pause/resume of ongoing serial transfers while preserving internal state, independent of CS deassertion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25010B-XHL-T is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint (5.3 mm × 4.4 mm, 1.27 mm pitch). Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot; leads are gull-wing shaped and RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95010-WMN6TP and BR25G010FJ-WE2, the AT25010B-XHL-T provides superior timing headroom (20 MHz), integrated HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe access, and dual hardware/software write protection - making it optimal for real-time embedded systems requiring deterministic SPI interaction and robust data integrity.

Availability

AT25010B-XHL-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AT25010B-XHL-T 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

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing and global distribution.

The AT25010B-XHL-T belongs to Microchip's AT25xxx family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, engineered for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications where extended data retention and robust SPI interoperability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the AT25010B-XHL-T?

The AT25010B-XHL-T supports up to 20 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. At 2.5–5.5 V, the maximum is 10 MHz, and at 1.8–5.5 V, it drops to 5 MHz. These limits are defined in the AC Characteristics table of the DS20006251A datasheet and reflect guaranteed timing margins across voltage and temperature ranges. Always validate timing with tSU, tH, and tWH/tWL parameters for your specific VCC and ambient conditions.

Does the AT25010B-XHL-T require external pull-up resistors on its control pins?

Yes - the AT25010B-XHL-T requires a pull-up resistor (≤10 kΩ) on the CS pin to ensure proper power-up behavior, as specified in Section 2.1 of the datasheet. While WP and HOLD can be actively driven, leaving them unconnected risks undefined states; Microchip recommends tying WP high (for normal operation) and HOLD high (to disable suspend) unless actively used. No pull-ups are needed on SO, SI, or SCK, as these are actively driven or clocked.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active write cycle in the AT25010B-XHL-T?

The HOLD pin has no effect on an active internal write cycle in the AT25010B-XHL-T. As stated in Section 5.3, "the Hold mode does not have an effect on the internal write cycle." If a WRITE command has already triggered the self-timed 5 ms programming sequence, asserting HOLD will pause only serial communication - not the EEPROM cell programming. The device continues writing and sets the RDY/BSY bit to '1' until completion, after which SO resumes normal operation upon HOLD deassertion.

Can the AT25010B-XHL-T be used in a 1.8 V system without level translation?

Yes - the AT25010B-XHL-T is fully specified for 1.8 V operation, including DC characteristics (VIL/VIH thresholds), AC timing (5 MHz max clock), and functional behavior. Its input thresholds scale with VCC (e.g., VIH ≥ 0.7×VCC), and output drive strength meets VOL/VOH specs at 1.8 V (VOL2 ≤ 0.2 V, VOH2 ≥ VCC − 0.2 V). No level translation is required when interfacing with 1.8 V MCUs, provided PCB layout minimizes noise on VCC and GND.

What happens to the STATUS register after power cycling the AT25010B-XHL-T?

After power cycling, the AT25010B-XHL-T retains the nonvolatile bits of the STATUS register - specifically BP1 and BP0 (block protection settings) - unchanged, as confirmed in Section 4.6.5. However, volatile bits reset: WEL (Write Enable Latch) returns to '0', and RDY/BSY returns to '0' (ready state). The device powers up in Standby mode; a CS low transition is required before any instruction, and WREN must be issued before write operations.