Microchip Technology AT25320N-10SC

Overview

AT25320N-10SC from Atmel is a 32-Kbit (4096 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 2.7V–5.5V supply operation, 3.0 MHz max clock rate at 5V, 32-byte page write capability, and hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based industrial control modules requiring low-power, reliable data retention.

For engineers reviewing the AT25320N-10SC datasheet, AT25320N-10SC pinout, AT25320N-10SC application, or AT25320N-10SC equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range (2.7–5.5V), tWC max = 10 ms, block write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), and SOIC-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The AT25320N-10SC implements a synchronous SPI slave interface compliant with Modes 0 and 3, using separate SI (input) and SO (output) pins for full-duplex communication. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, nonvolatile status register (WPEN, BP1/BP0, WEN, RDY), and automatic address incrementing during sequential reads.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction prior to WRITE or WRSR; all programming cycles are self-timed with no external erase step. Block protection is enforced by BP0/BP1 bits controlling memory segments (e.g., 0C00–0FFF for 1/4-array protection on AT25320), while WP pin functionality depends on WPEN bit state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25320N-10SC is packaged in an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC (8S1) measuring 4.90 mm × 3.90 mm × 1.75 mm, with standard gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95320-WMN6TP and 25AA320A-I/SN, the AT25320N-10SC offers unique HOLD pin functionality for interrupt-safe SPI suspension and finer 1/4-array block protection-critical for partial-field firmware updates in safety-certified systems.

Availability

AT25320N-10SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostic instruments, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT25320N-10SC 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 industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AT25xxx family was designed specifically for SPI-based configuration and parameter storage in resource-constrained embedded systems, emphasizing low-voltage operation, high endurance, and flexible hardware/software write protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by AT25320N-10SC at 3.3V operation?

The AT25320N-10SC supports up to 2.1 MHz at VCC = 2.7–5.5V per AC Characteristics table. At 3.3V, this translates to reliable 2.1 MHz SPI communication, enabling sub-millisecond read access to 32-byte pages. This frequency is validated across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and meets setup/hold timing margins for standard microcontroller SPI peripherals.

Does AT25320N-10SC require an external erase command before writing new data?

No, AT25320N-10SC does not require a separate erase command. All write operations-including byte, page, and status register writes-are self-timed and automatically erase the target location prior to programming. The device only requires WREN instruction before any write, followed by WRITE or WRSR op-code; no pre-erase cycle is needed, simplifying firmware implementation.

How is block write protection configured on AT25320N-10SC?

Block write protection on AT25320N-10SC is configured by setting BP1 and BP0 bits in the status register via WRSR instruction. For AT25320, BP1/BP0 = 01 protects addresses 0C00–0FFF (1/4 array), 10 protects 0800–0FFF (1/2 array), and 11 locks the full 0000–0FFF range. Protection applies only to write operations; reads remain unrestricted across all protected blocks.

Can AT25320N-10SC operate with a 1.8V supply?

No, AT25320N-10SC is rated for 2.7V–5.5V operation only. The "-2.7" suffix indicates low-voltage compatibility down to 2.7V, but it does not support 1.8V. For 1.8V systems, Atmel offers the AT25320N-10SC-1.8 variant (ordering code ends in "-1.8"), which has distinct DC characteristics and reduced max clock frequency (0.5 MHz).

What is the function of the HOLD pin on AT25320N-10SC?

The HOLD pin on AT25320N-10SC suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the serial sequence. When asserted low while SCK is low, it places SO in high-impedance state and ignores SI inputs, allowing the host MCU to service interrupts or perform other tasks. Communication resumes upon deasserting HOLD while SCK remains low, preserving address and data pointers for seamless continuation.