Microchip Technology AT29C040A-15JI
- Part No.:
- AT29C040A-15JI
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 32-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
AT29C040A-15JI.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 4MBIT PARALLEL 32PLCC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,841
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Product details
Overview
AT29C040A-15JI from Atmel is a 4-megabit (512K × 8) 5-volt-only Flash memory IC organized as 524,288 words by 8 bits, featuring 90 ns read access time, 256-byte sector architecture, and dual 16K-byte boot blocks with independent programming lockout. It operates across –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range and supports in-system reprogramming without high-voltage inputs.
For engineers reviewing the AT29C040A-15JI datasheet, AT29C040A-15JI pinout, AT29C040A-15JI application, or AT29C040A-15JI equivalent, key selection considerations include its 150 ns maximum address-to-output delay, sector-based erase/program cycle timing, hardware/software data protection mechanisms, and PLCC-32 package compatibility with legacy embedded boot memory designs.
Technical Context
The AT29C040A-15JI implements a sector-programmable Flash architecture where each of 2048 sectors (256 bytes each) is erased and programmed independently using internal latches and a self-timed control timer. Its read interface mirrors EPROM behavior with CE/OE/WE dual-line control for bus contention avoidance.
It integrates both hardware-level protection (VCC sense, 5 ms power-on delay, noise filtering on WE/CE) and software-controlled data protection via three-byte unlock sequences, plus boot block lockout enabled by a seven-command algorithm. DATA polling on I/O7 and toggle-bit detection on I/O6 provide real-time program cycle status feedback.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit (524,288 × 8), sufficient for firmware storage in microcontroller boot loaders |
| Read Access Time | 150 ns max - defines minimum CPU wait-state requirement for zero-wait-state operation at ≤6.67 MHz |
| Sector Size | 256 bytes - enables fine-grained firmware updates without full-chip erasure |
| Program Cycle Time | 10 ms per sector - determines worst-case firmware patch latency |
| Endurance | >10,000 write/erase cycles per sector - supports field-upgradable embedded systems |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ±10% - compatible with legacy 5V logic systems without level-shifting |
| Standby Current | 300 µA max (industrial temp) - enables low-power retention in battery-backed applications |
Pinout & Package
AT29C040A-15JI is packaged in a 32-lead Plastic J-Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-32), pin-compatible with industry-standard JEDEC MS-016 variation AE. The package features gull-wing leads, 1.27 mm pitch, and a 12.45 mm × 14.95 mm body size with 3.35 mm height.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A18 | Address Inputs | 19-bit address bus supporting full 512K-word addressing; A0–A7 select byte within sector |
| I/O0–I/O7 | Bidirectional Data Bus | CMOS/TTL-compatible 8-bit data path; I/O7 used for DATA polling, I/O6 for toggle-bit status |
| CE | Chip Enable | Active-low chip select; must be stable before address setup for valid read/write initiation |
| OE | Output Enable | Active-low output control; high-Z state prevents bus contention during standby or programming |
| WE | Write Enable | Active-low write strobe; controls byte load timing and initiates sector programming sequence |
| VCC | Power Supply | +5 V ±10% supply; powers core logic and array; VCC sense disables programming below 3.8 V |
| GND | Ground Reference | Signal and power ground reference plane; decoupling required within 10 mm of VCC pin |
| NC | No Connect | Unbonded pin; must remain unconnected to avoid parasitic coupling or ESD risk |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 5-V only reprogramming | Eliminates need for external 12 V programming voltage, simplifying system power design and reducing BOM count |
| Hardware data protection | VCC sensing and 5 ms power-on delay prevent spurious writes during brown-out or power ramp-up |
| Software data protection | Three-byte unlock sequence (AAh/55h/A0h) prevents accidental firmware corruption during debug or field update |
| Dual boot block lockout | Independent 16K-byte lockout for upper/lower memory regions secures bootloader code against overwrite |
| DATA polling & toggle bit | Real-time program status via I/O7 complement or I/O6 toggling enables deterministic firmware update sequencing |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Firmware Storage | Legacy Embedded Boot Memory |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing firmware and configuration data in programmable logic controllers operating in harsh factory environments with wide temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile boot memory holding startup code and runtime parameters; accessed during cold start and firmware update cycles. Use Value: 10,000-cycle endurance and –40°C to +85°C operation ensure reliable field upgrades over 10+ years without replacement. | Use Scenario: Providing boot code storage for 8/16-bit microcontrollers in legacy medical devices and test equipment where 5V logic remains standard. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary boot ROM mapped at reset vector; supports in-circuit reprogramming via JTAG or serial interface. Use Value: Dual boot block lockout protects critical startup routines while allowing safe application code updates in remaining sectors. |
| Automotive Diagnostic Module | Point-of-Sale Terminal Firmware |
Use Scenario: Holding diagnostic firmware and calibration tables in OBD-II modules subjected to automotive thermal cycling and electrical noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Read-only memory during normal operation; reprogrammed during dealer service via CAN-connected tooling. Use Value: Hardware data protection (noise filtering, VCC sense) prevents corruption during vehicle cranking transients. | Use Scenario: Storing payment application firmware and secure keys in retail terminals requiring field-deployable updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure firmware repository with software data protection enabled to prevent unauthorized modification. Use Value: Three-byte unlock sequence ensures only authenticated service tools can initiate firmware reflash operations. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Flash memory applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM29LV040B-150EC | 4 Mbit, 150 ns access, 3.3 V core with 5 V I/O tolerance; requires VPP = 12 V for programming | Designed for mixed-voltage systems; not drop-in compatible due to different voltage requirements and programming protocol | Select when migrating to lower-power 3.3 V systems with existing 5 V I/O infrastructure |
| SST39VF400A-70-4C-NHE | 4 Mbit, 70 ns access, 3.3 V only; no VPP required; supports byte-write without sector erase | Higher performance and lower voltage, but lacks boot block lockout and uses different command set | Choose for new 3.3 V designs prioritizing speed and power efficiency over legacy 5 V compatibility |
Compared with AM29LV040B-150EC and SST39VF400A-70-4C-NHE, the AT29C040A-15JI provides true 5 V-only operation with integrated boot block security-critical for maintaining firmware integrity in legacy industrial platforms where voltage rail consolidation or protocol migration is not feasible.
Availability
AT29C040A-15JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC firmware storage, legacy embedded boot memory, automotive diagnostic modules, and point-of-sale terminal firmware requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AT29C040A-15JI 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 solutions.
The AT29C040A-15JI belongs to Atmel's 5-volt-only Flash family designed specifically for in-system reprogrammability in legacy 5V embedded systems where high-voltage programming infrastructure is unavailable or cost-prohibitive.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the AT29C040A-15JI?
The AT29C040A-15JI is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +85°C. This range is confirmed in the Ordering Information table and DC Operating Range section of the datasheet, making it suitable for deployment in factory automation, outdoor kiosks, and automotive under-hood diagnostic modules where ambient conditions exceed commercial-grade limits.
Does the AT29C040A-15JI require a high-voltage programming signal?
No, the AT29C040A-15JI does not require a high-voltage programming signal. It is a 5-volt-only device: all programming commands execute using standard 5 V logic levels, with no VPP pin or external 12 V supply needed. This eliminates the need for charge pumps or dedicated programming power rails in system design.
How many sectors does the AT29C040A-15JI have, and what is the sector size?
The AT29C040A-15JI contains 2048 sectors, each 256 bytes in size. This is explicitly stated in the Features section and supported by the memory organization (524,288 words × 8 bits = 4 Mbit). Sector granularity enables partial firmware updates without erasing the entire device, preserving bootloader integrity during field upgrades.
Can the boot blocks on the AT29C040A-15JI be independently locked?
Yes, the AT29C040A-15JI has two 16K-byte boot blocks-one at the lowest 16K bytes (0x00000–0x03FFF) and one at the highest 16K bytes (0x7C000–0x7FFFF)-and the programming lockout feature can be enabled independently for either block using a documented seven-command algorithm. Once activated, locked blocks cannot be erased or programmed.
What methods are available to detect the end of a program cycle on the AT29C040A-15JI?
The AT29C040A-15JI supports two hardware-confirmed methods: DATA polling on I/O7 (complement of loaded data until completion) and toggle-bit detection on I/O6 (repeated toggling until program ends). Both are defined in the Device Operation section and validated in the Data Polling and Toggle Bit Waveforms figures of the datasheet.
AT29C040A-15JI Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-LCC (J-Lead)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- FLASH
- Technology:
- FLASH
- Memory Size:
- 4Mbit
- Memory Organization:
- 512K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Parallel
- Clock Frequency:
- -
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 10ms
- Access Time:
- 150 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TC)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-PLCC (13.97x11.43)
AT29C040A-15JI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT29C040A-15JI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT29C040A-15JI 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 AT29C040A-15JI reliable?
The price and inventory of AT29C040A-15JI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT29C040A-15JI is usually 5 days.
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AT29C040A-15JI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT29C040A-15JI 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 AT29C040A-15JI?
For technical support, including AT29C040A-15JI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT29C040A-15JI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT29C040A-15JI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT29C040A-15JI 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 AT29C040A-15JI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT29C040A-15JI?
All AT29C040A-15JI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT29C040A-15JI, 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 AT29C040A-15JI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT29C040A-15JI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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