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Microchip Technology AT29C020-90TC
- Part No.:
- AT29C020-90TC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 32-TFSOP (0.724", 18.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AT29C020-90TC.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 2MBIT PARALLEL 32TSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,575
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Product details
Overview
AT29C020-90TC from Atmel is a 2-megabit (256K × 8) 5-volt-only Flash memory IC organized as 262,144 bytes, featuring 70 ns read access time, 10 ms sector program cycle time, 10,000 write/erase endurance, and dual 8K-byte boot blocks with independent programming lockout - used in embedded system firmware storage and BIOS code retention.
For engineers reviewing the AT29C020-90TC datasheet, AT29C020-90TC pinout, AT29C020-90TC application, or AT29C020-90TC equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSOP-32 package, 90 ns max tACC timing grade, sector-based reprogramming without high-voltage support, hardware/software data protection, and boot block lockout for secure boot code preservation.
Technical Context
The AT29C020-90TC implements sector-erase-and-program architecture with 1024 × 256-byte sectors, internal address/data latches for full-sector buffering, and automatic erase-before-write sequencing controlled by an on-chip timer. It supports DATA polling (I/O7 complement detection) and TOGGLE BIT (I/O6 toggling) for program completion monitoring.
Its dual-line chip enable (CE) and output enable (OE) control enables bus contention avoidance during mixed read/write operations, while hardware protection includes VCC sense (<3.8 V inhibit), 5 ms power-on delay, and noise filtering (<15 ns pulse rejection) on WE/CE inputs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 2 Mbit (262,144 × 8), sufficient for full BIOS or bootloader images in legacy x86 and microcontroller systems |
| Read Access Time (tACC) | 90 ns max - defines maximum latency between address valid and stable data output under commercial temperature range |
| Sector Program Time | 10 ms typical - time required to erase and program one 256-byte sector, enabling field-upgradable firmware patches |
| Endurance | >10,000 write/erase cycles per sector - supports long-term field firmware updates without premature wear-out |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ±10% - eliminates need for dedicated programming voltage rails; compatible with standard TTL/CMOS logic interfaces |
| Standby Current | 100 µA (CMOS mode) - enables low-power retention in battery-backed or always-on embedded controllers |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +70°C - qualified for commercial-grade industrial control panels and PC peripheral firmware storage |
Pinout & Package
AT29C020-90TC is packaged in a 32-lead Thin Small Outline Package (TSOP, Type I, 8 mm × 20 mm), compliant with JEDEC MO-142 BD, with gull-wing leads and pin 1 identifier marked on top surface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A17 | Address Inputs | 18-bit address bus supporting full 262,144-byte addressing; A8–A17 select sector, A0–A7 select byte within sector |
| I/O0–I/O7 | Bidirectional Data Bus | 8-bit parallel interface for read data output or program data input; supports DATA polling on I/O7 and TOGGLE BIT on I/O6 |
| CE | Chip Enable | Active-low global enable; when high, places outputs in high-impedance state and inhibits all internal operations including programming |
| OE | Output Enable | Active-low read control; used with CE to gate output drivers and prevent bus contention during partial decode |
| WE | Write Enable | Active-low control for byte load and sector program initiation; must be high during read operations |
| VCC | Power Supply | +5 V ±10% supply; powers core logic and array; internal VCC sense disables programming if below 3.8 V |
| GND | Ground Reference | Signal and power ground reference for all inputs, outputs, and internal circuitry |
| NC | No Connect | Unbonded pin; must remain unconnected per datasheet - no internal connection or function |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single 5V Reprogramming | Eliminates need for +12 V programming supplies - simplifies board-level power design and enables in-system firmware updates via standard logic-level signals |
| Hardware Data Protection | VCC sense, 5 ms power-on delay, and noise filtering prevent accidental writes during power-up, brownout, or EMI events |
| Software Data Protection | Three-byte unlock sequence (5555h/2AAAh/ A0h) required before each sector program - prevents unintended writes from runaway code or debugger errors |
| Boot Block Lockout | Two independent 8K-byte blocks (0x00000–0x01FFF and 0x3E000–0x3FFFF) can be permanently locked against programming - secures boot code integrity |
| DATA Polling & Toggle Bit | Dual asynchronous status reporting: I/O7 complement indicates program completion; I/O6 toggling provides real-time progress feedback without requiring external timers |
Applications
| PC BIOS Storage | Industrial PLC Firmware |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing boot firmware and POST routines in desktop and server motherboards requiring nonvolatile, field-upgradable code storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary boot memory mapped at reset vector; accessed as ROM during CPU initialization with 90 ns tACC meeting legacy chipset timing budgets. Use Value: Dual boot blocks allow safe firmware updates: lower block holds active BIOS while upper block receives new image, then reset switches mapping. | Use Scenario: Retaining ladder logic programs and configuration parameters in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile program store interfaced to microcontroller's external memory bus; sector erase enables incremental logic updates without full reflash downtime. Use Value: 10,000-cycle endurance and hardware/software write protection ensure reliable operation over 10+ years of scheduled maintenance cycles. |
| Embedded Network Router Bootloader | Legacy Medical Device Configuration |
Use Scenario: Hosting primary bootloader code that initializes Ethernet PHY, loads Linux kernel from flash or network, and validates firmware signatures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Memory-mapped instruction store executed directly by ARM7 or MIPS core; TSOP-32 footprint supports compact PCB layout in space-constrained networking modules. Use Value: Boot block lockout prevents corruption of critical startup code during remote firmware upgrades over HTTP or TFTP. | Use Scenario: Preserving calibration tables, safety-critical device settings, and regulatory compliance logs in FDA-cleared diagnostic equipment with long product lifecycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parameter EEPROM replacement providing higher density and faster write times than serial EEPROMs; accessed via parallel bus for deterministic read latency. Use Value: CMOS standby current of 100 µA supports battery-backed retention during extended power-off periods without significant drain. |
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 V core / 5 V I/O, 90 ns tACC, 2 Mbit, PLCC-32; requires VPP = 12 V for sector erase | Not 5 V–only; incompatible with pure 5 V systems lacking VPP generation | Select only if board already supports 12 V programming rail and migration from older AMD devices is required |
| MX29LV020-90P | 3 V core / 5 V I/O, 90 ns tACC, 2 Mbit, PDIP-32; software command set differs (5555h/2AAAh/10h for chip erase) | Lacks boot block lockout; no hardware VCC-sense protection; uses different sector protection algorithm | Prefer for cost-sensitive through-hole designs where boot security is not required and 3 V core compatibility is acceptable |
Compared with AM29LV020B-90EC and MX29LV020-90P, the AT29C020-90TC uniquely delivers true 5 V–only operation, integrated boot block lockout, and hardware VCC-sense protection - making it the only choice for legacy 5 V systems requiring robust, zero-external-voltage firmware storage with secure boot partitioning.
Availability
AT29C020-90TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PC motherboard BIOS storage, industrial PLC firmware retention, and embedded network router bootloader applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for AT29C020-90TC 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.
The AT29C020-90TC belongs to Atmel's legacy parallel Flash memory product line, designed specifically for 5 V embedded systems requiring in-system reprogrammability, secure boot code isolation, and long-term firmware reliability without high-voltage programming infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature range for the AT29C020-90TC?
The AT29C020-90TC is rated for commercial temperature operation from 0°C to +70°C. Its datasheet specifies this range explicitly for the -90TC suffix variant, and it does not support industrial (-40°C to +85°C) operation - that capability is reserved for the -90TI and -90JI variants with identical timing but broader thermal qualification.
Does the AT29C020-90TC require external high-voltage programming signals?
No, the AT29C020-90TC does not require external high-voltage programming signals. It is a 5-volt-only Flash memory: all sector erase and program operations are initiated using standard 5 V logic levels applied to CE, OE, and WE pins, with no VPP or 12 V requirement - a defining feature distinguishing it from earlier EPROM or UV-erasable devices.
How many sectors does the AT29C020-90TC contain, and what is the size of each sector?
The AT29C020-90TC contains 1024 sectors, each sized at 256 bytes. This sector structure is fixed and documented in the device's datasheet; sector addressing uses A8–A17, while A0–A7 selects the byte offset within the loaded sector during programming, enabling granular firmware patching without full chip erasure.
Can the boot blocks of the AT29C020-90TC be unlocked after programming lockout is enabled?
Yes, the boot block programming lockout on the AT29C020-90TC can be reversed only by performing a full chip erase - but only if neither boot block is locked. Once either boot block is locked, chip erase is disabled per datasheet specification. There is no command to individually unlock a locked boot block; the lockout is irreversible without physical device replacement.
What package type is used for the AT29C020-90TC, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?
The AT29C020-90TC uses a 32-lead Thin Small Outline Package (TSOP, Type I) with body dimensions of 8 mm × 20 mm (D = 20.00 mm nominal, E = 8.00 mm nominal) and gull-wing lead pitch of 0.50 mm. It complies with JEDEC MO-142 BD and features a pin-1 identifier notch on the top surface for automated optical alignment during SMT assembly.
AT29C020-90TC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-TFSOP (0.724", 18.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-TSOP
AT29C020-90TC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT29C020-90TC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT29C020-90TC 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 AT29C020-90TC reliable?
The price and inventory of AT29C020-90TC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT29C020-90TC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT29C020-90TC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT29C020-90TC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT29C020-90TC?
AT29C020-90TC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT29C020-90TC 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 AT29C020-90TC?
For technical support, including AT29C020-90TC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT29C020-90TC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT29C020-90TC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT29C020-90TC 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 AT29C020-90TC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT29C020-90TC?
All AT29C020-90TC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT29C020-90TC, 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 AT29C020-90TC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT29C020-90TC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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