Microchip Technology AT29C020-90PC
- Part No.:
- AT29C020-90PC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 32-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm)
- Datasheet:
-
AT29C020-90PC.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 2MBIT PARALLEL 32DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
AT29C020-90PC from Atmel is a 2-megabit (256K × 8) 5-volt-only Flash memory IC used for nonvolatile program storage in embedded systems, supporting sector-based reprogramming with 1024 × 256-byte sectors, 70 ns read access (for -70 variant), and 90 ns read access (for -90 variant), with hardware/software data protection and boot block lockout - deployed in industrial controllers and firmware update modules.
For engineers reviewing the AT29C020-90PC datasheet, AT29C020-90PC pinout, AT29C020-90PC application, or AT29C020-90PC equivalent, key selection considerations include 5V-only operation, sector erase/program timing (10 ms), DATA polling/Toggle Bit status detection, CMOS/TTL compatibility, and industrial temperature support (-40°C to +85°C).
Technical Context
The AT29C020-90PC implements a sector-programmable Flash architecture with internal address/data latches for 256-byte loads, automatic erase-and-program sequencing per sector, and dual-line chip enable (CE)/output enable (OE) control to prevent bus contention during read cycles. It uses standard 5V logic levels without high-voltage programming signals.
Its software data protection relies on a three-byte command sequence (AAh/55h/A0h) written to specific addresses (5555h/2AAAh/5555h), while hardware protection includes VCC sense (<3.8V inhibit), 5 ms power-on delay, and noise filtering on WE/CE inputs (rejecting <15 ns pulses).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 2 Mbit (262,144 × 8-bit), organized as 256K bytes - supports firmware image storage up to ~256 KB. |
| Read Access Time | 90 ns max (AT29C020-90 variant) - determines minimum CPU wait-state requirement for zero-wait-state reads at ≤11 MHz. |
| Sector Size | 256 bytes per sector (1024 total sectors) - enables fine-grained firmware updates without full-chip erasure. |
| Program Cycle Time | 10 ms per sector - defines minimum time between successive sector writes in field-upgrade sequences. |
| Endurance | >10,000 write/erase cycles per sector - qualifies for infrequent but mission-critical firmware revision use over 10+ years. |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V ±10% - eliminates need for dedicated programming voltage rails; compatible with legacy 5V system buses. |
| Standby Current | 100 µA (CMOS, commercial) / 300 µA (industrial) - enables low-power retention in battery-backed systems. |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C (industrial grade) - validated for deployment in motor drives, PLCs, and outdoor telecom equipment. |
Pinout & Package
AT29C020-90PC is packaged in a 32-pin Plastic Dual Inline Package (PDIP), 0.600" wide (package code 32P6), with through-hole mounting and industry-standard footprint compatible with legacy EPROM sockets.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A17 | Address Inputs | 18-bit address bus (A0–A17) selects one of 262,144 bytes; A8–A17 define sector address during programming. |
| CE | Chip Enable | Active-low global enable; when high, device enters standby mode (≤300 µA) and outputs go high-Z. |
| OE | Output Enable | Active-low read control; used with CE to gate output drivers and avoid bus contention during shared-memory access. |
| WE | Write Enable | Active-low signal initiating byte load or sector program; must be pulsed within 150 µs of prior pulse during sector loading. |
| I/O0–I/O7 | Bidirectional Data Bus | 8-bit CMOS/TTL-compatible data path; carries loaded sector data during programming and read data during access. |
| VCC | Power Supply | +5 V ±10% supply; powers core logic and I/O buffers; VCC sense circuitry disables programming if voltage drops below ~3.8 V. |
| GND | Ground Reference | Signal and power ground reference for all I/O and internal circuitry; requires low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
| NC | No Connect | Pin 1 (DIP top view) is unconnected; must remain floating - no external tie or pull-up/down required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 5V-only sector programming | Eliminates need for 12V programming supplies or charge pumps - simplifies board-level power design and reduces BOM cost. |
| Hardware data protection | VCC sense, 5 ms power-on delay, and noise filtering prevent accidental writes during power-up, brown-out, or EMI events. |
| Boot block lockout | Two independent 8 KB blocks (first/last) can be permanently locked to protect bootloader code from corruption during field updates. |
| DATA polling & Toggle Bit | I/O7 complement and I/O6 toggling provide real-time, bus-compatible status feedback without requiring external timers or interrupts. |
| Software data protection | User-configurable 3-byte unlock sequence (AAh/55h/A0h) adds firmware-level security against unintended writes via host software stack. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Firmware Storage | Legacy Embedded Bootloader Memory |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing ladder logic programs and configuration data in programmable logic controllers operating in factory-floor environments with wide temperature swings and electrical noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile storage for executable firmware and persistent variables; accessed via parallel bus during cold start and runtime parameter reads. Use Value: 10,000-cycle endurance and -40°C to +85°C rating ensure reliable operation over 15-year equipment lifecycles without field replacement. | Use Scenario: Holding boot code for microcontrollers in medical diagnostic devices where firmware integrity must be guaranteed across power cycles and updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary boot ROM mapped at reset vector; first 8 KB protected via boot block lockout to prevent overwrite during application firmware upgrades. Use Value: Hardware-enforced lockout prevents corruption of critical startup routines - eliminating risk of bricking devices during remote firmware patches. |
| Telecom Base Station Configuration | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
Use Scenario: Storing calibration tables, RF tuning parameters, and fail-safe configurations in outdoor wireless infrastructure equipment exposed to humidity and thermal cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parallel-interface Flash memory storing static configuration data; read during initialization and updated only during maintenance windows. Use Value: 90 ns read access enables direct execution from memory (XIP) at moderate clock speeds, reducing MCU RAM usage and boot latency. | Use Scenario: Retaining vehicle-specific settings (door lock logic, lighting profiles, seat position memory) in automotive BCMs subject to ISO 16750-2 electrical transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter store interfaced to 8-bit microcontroller via standard parallel bus; accessed during ignition-on initialization. Use Value: CMOS standby current ≤300 µA minimizes battery drain during vehicle sleep mode, extending parasitic draw compliance beyond 30 days. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Flash memory applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM29LV020B-90EC | 3.0 V–3.6 V supply only; 90 ns read; 100,000-cycle endurance; no boot block lockout. | Requires 3.3 V system rail; lacks hardware-protected boot sectors; higher endurance suits frequent logging. | Select when migrating to 3.3 V platforms and endurance >10k cycles is mandatory; verify absence of boot lockout aligns with security requirements. |
| MX29LV200CTTI-90G | 3.0 V–3.6 V supply; 90 ns read; 100,000-cycle endurance; top/bottom boot block architecture (same 8 KB size). | 3.3 V only; boot block layout matches AT29C020 but lacks software data protection algorithm. | Choose for drop-in replacement in 3.3 V designs needing identical boot block structure; confirm software protection not required in target application. |
Compared with AM29LV020B-90EC and MX29LV200CTTI-90G, the AT29C020-90PC uniquely supports 5V-only operation, integrated software/hardware data protection, and industrial-grade 10k-cycle endurance - making it optimal for legacy 5V systems where firmware integrity and voltage simplicity outweigh raw endurance needs.
Availability
AT29C020-90PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and proven field reliability in harsh environments.
Supply support for AT29C020-90PC 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, Flash memory, and secure authentication ICs, with deep expertise in nonvolatile memory process technology.
The AT29C020 belongs to Atmel's legacy parallel-interface Flash memory product line, designed specifically for 5V embedded systems requiring in-system reprogrammability, robust data retention, and hardware-assisted firmware protection.
FAQ
What is the maximum read access time specified for the AT29C020-90PC?
The AT29C020-90PC has a maximum read access time of 90 ns, as confirmed by its ordering code suffix "-90". This value applies across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and defines the worst-case delay from address valid to valid data on I/O0–I/O7 when CE and OE are asserted. The AT29C020-90PC achieves this timing under VCC = 5.0 V ±10% and CL = 5 pF load conditions.
Does the AT29C020-90PC require high-voltage programming signals?
No, the AT29C020-90PC does not require high-voltage programming signals. It operates with 5-volt-only reprogramming using standard logic-level WE, CE, and OE controls. Programming is initiated via sector-based command sequences applied to the address/data bus - no external 12 V or VPP supply is needed. This simplifies system design and eliminates charge pump circuitry typically found in older EPROM or EEPROM devices.
How many sectors does the AT29C020-90PC have, and what is the size of each sector?
The AT29C020-90PC contains 1024 sectors, each sized at 256 bytes. This sector organization allows partial erasure and reprogramming without affecting other memory regions. During a sector program cycle, all 256 bytes of the targeted sector must be loaded before internal erase-and-program execution begins - any unloaded bytes in that sector become indeterminate after programming completes.
What methods does the AT29C020-90PC provide to detect the end of a program cycle?
The AT29C020-90PC provides two hardware-supported methods: DATA polling (monitoring complement state of I/O7) and Toggle Bit detection (observing toggling behavior on I/O6). Both methods operate synchronously with the internal program timer and require no external clocks or delays. DATA polling returns true data on I/O7 once complete; Toggle Bit stops toggling when programming finishes - enabling deterministic, interrupt-free status checking in resource-constrained firmware.
Can the boot blocks of the AT29C020-90PC be unlocked after programming lockout is enabled?
Yes, the boot block programming lockout feature of the AT29C020-90PC is reversible. A dedicated 7-step software algorithm (using AAh/55h/80h/AAh/55h/40h followed by writes to 00000h and 3FFFFh) disables lockout for either or both 8 KB boot blocks. Once disabled, normal sector programming resumes in those regions. However, if chip erase is attempted while either boot block is locked, the command is ignored - reinforcing the protective intent of the feature.
AT29C020-90PC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- FLASH
- Technology:
- FLASH
- Memory Size:
- 2Mbit
- Memory Organization:
- 256K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Parallel
- Clock Frequency:
- -
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 10ms
- Access Time:
- 90 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TC)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-PDIP
AT29C020-90PC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT29C020-90PC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT29C020-90PC on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AT29C020-90PC reliable?
The price and inventory of AT29C020-90PC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT29C020-90PC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT29C020-90PC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT29C020-90PC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT29C020-90PC?
AT29C020-90PC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT29C020-90PC order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AT29C020-90PC?
For technical support, including AT29C020-90PC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT29C020-90PC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT29C020-90PC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT29C020-90PC products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AT29C020-90PC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT29C020-90PC?
All AT29C020-90PC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT29C020-90PC, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AT29C020-90PC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT29C020-90PC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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