Microchip Technology AT28C16E-15SI

Overview

AT28C16E-15SI from Atmel is a 16 Kbit (2,048 × 8) parallel EEPROM with JEDEC-standard byte-wide pinout, 150 ns read access time, 200 µs fast byte write, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates on 5V ±10%, supports DATA POLLING for write completion detection, and delivers 100 µA CMOS standby current - used in firmware storage and configuration retention for embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the AT28C16E-15SI datasheet, AT28C16E-15SI pinout, AT28C16E-15SI application, or AT28C16E-15SI equivalent, key selection criteria include verified 200 µs write cycle, 10⁵ endurance rating, self-timed internal clear-before-write, and compatibility with microprocessor bus timing without external latches.

Technical Context

The AT28C16E-15SI implements a nonvolatile CMOS memory array with integrated address/data latching and an internal control timer that autonomously manages byte write cycles - eliminating need for external timing logic. Its dual-line chip enable (CE) and output enable (OE) control enables flexible bus contention avoidance during mixed read/write operations.

Write protection relies on three hardware mechanisms: VCC sense (inhibits writes below 3.8 V), 5 ms power-on delay, and active-level gating (WE low + CE low + OE high required). Chip Clear and Device Identification modes use elevated A9/CE voltage (12 V ±0.5 V) to access special functions without altering main memory addressing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT28C16E-15SI is available in 24-lead SOIC (24S) package per JEDEC MS-013, with 0.300" body width and gull-wing leads. Pinout follows JEDEC-approved byte-wide configuration for drop-in compatibility with SRAM-based designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ST M28C16-150K1 and Microchip 28C16-15/P, the AT28C16E-15SI uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, 200 µs write, 10⁵ endurance, and hardware-supported DATA POLLING - making it the only option for robust, software-efficient field updates in harsh environments.

Availability

AT28C16E-15SI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive ECUs, medical infusion pumps, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT28C16E-15SI 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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and secure authentication ICs for embedded systems.

The AT28C16E-15SI belongs to Atmel's parallel EEPROM product line, designed specifically for microprocessor-based systems needing simple, reliable, and pin-compatible nonvolatile storage without external timing or voltage programming circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum write cycle time for AT28C16E-15SI?

The AT28C16E-15SI has a maximum byte write cycle time of 200 µs - confirmed in the AC Write Characteristics table. This is a key differentiator from the standard AT28C16-15SI (1 ms), enabled by the "E" endurance option. The 200 µs specification applies across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and is fully characterized, not just tested at typical conditions. AT28C16E-15SI achieves this performance through optimized internal charge pump and erase algorithms.

Does AT28C16E-15SI require an external VPP programming voltage?

No, AT28C16E-15SI operates from a single 5V ±10% supply for all read and standard write operations - no external VPP is required. Only specialized functions (Chip Clear and Device Identification) need 12 V ±0.5 V applied to OE or A9, respectively. These high-voltage modes are isolated from normal operation and do not affect routine firmware or configuration updates. AT28C16E-15SI thus simplifies system design by eliminating dedicated programming power supplies.

How does DATA POLLING work on AT28C16E-15SI?

During a byte write, AT28C16E-15SI toggles I/O7 to the complement of the written data; once the write completes, I/O7 returns to the true data value. Software polls I/O7 after initiating a write - when successive reads return identical values, the write is complete. This eliminates fixed delays and external busy signals. AT28C16E-15SI supports this on any address, and the feature is fully functional across its industrial temperature range.

What is the endurance rating of AT28C16E-15SI?

The AT28C16E-15SI is rated for 100,000 write/erase cycles - explicitly defined in the Features section and Ordering Information table as the "E" (High Endurance) option. This exceeds the base AT28C16's 10,000-cycle rating and is validated across the full industrial temperature range. Endurance testing follows JEDEC standards, and the 10⁵ figure reflects guaranteed minimums, not typical values.

Is AT28C16E-15SI pin-compatible with standard SRAM devices?

Yes, AT28C16E-15SI uses JEDEC-approved byte-wide pinout matching 24-pin SRAMs like the HM6116 and IS61C256, including identical A0–A10, I/O0–I/O7, CE, OE, and WE assignments. No PCB layout changes are needed when replacing SRAM with AT28C16E-15SI for nonvolatile storage - though firmware must handle write timing and DATA POLLING. This compatibility is explicitly stated in the Pin Configurations section and supported by Atmel's application guidance.