Microchip Technology AT29C040A-15PC
- Part No.:
- AT29C040A-15PC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 32-DIP (0.600", 15.24mm)
- Datasheet:
-
AT29C040A-15PC.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 4MBIT PARALLEL 32DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
AT29C040A-15PC from Atmel is a 4-Mbit (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 hardware/software data protection. It supports in-system reprogramming without high-voltage inputs and is used in embedded boot code storage, firmware update modules, and industrial controller nonvolatile configuration memory.
For engineers reviewing the AT29C040A-15PC datasheet, AT29C040A-15PC pinout, AT29C040A-15PC application, or AT29C040A-15PC equivalent, key selection considerations include 150 ns maximum access time, 256-byte sector erase/program granularity, dual 16K boot block lockout, DATA polling and TOGGLE bit end-of-program detection, and compatibility with standard EPROM read timing.
Technical Context
The AT29C040A-15PC implements a sector-based Flash architecture with 2048 independent 256-byte sectors, each programmable via single-cycle erase-and-program operation using internal latches and timer control. Its read interface mirrors EPROM behavior with CE/OE/WE dual-line control to prevent bus contention.
Programming requires no external high voltage - only 5 V ±10% supply - and supports both WE-controlled and CE-controlled byte loading. End-of-program detection is implemented via I/O7 DATA polling (complement-to-data toggle) and I/O6 TOGGLE bit monitoring, enabling real-time status feedback without dedicated status pins.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 4 Mbit (512K × 8), sufficient for full boot firmware images in microcontroller systems |
| 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 erasing entire device |
| Program Cycle Time | 10 ms per sector - determines worst-case firmware patch latency during field updates |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ±10% - eliminates need for dedicated programming voltage rails in host systems |
| Endurance | >10,000 program/erase cycles per sector - supports long-term field upgradeability |
| Standby Current | 100 µA (CMOS) - enables low-power retention in battery-backed applications |
Pinout & Package
AT29C040A-15PC is supplied in a 32-lead, 0.600" wide plastic dual inline package (PDIP), designated 32P6 per Atmel's ordering information. Pin 1 is located at bottom-left corner when notch faces upward; package conforms to JEDEC MS-001 standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A18 | Address Inputs | 19-bit address bus supporting full 524,288-word addressing; A0–A7 select byte within 256-byte sector |
| CE | Chip Enable | Active-low chip select; must be low for read or program; inhibits all operations when high |
| OE | Output Enable | Active-low output control; places I/O0–I/O7 in high-impedance state when high |
| WE | Write Enable | Active-low write strobe; initiates byte load or program cycle when CE is also low |
| I/O0–I/O7 | Bi-directional Data Bus | 8-bit data path for read, program, and identification modes; supports DATA polling on I/O7 and TOGGLE bit on I/O6 |
| NC | No Connect | Pin 31 (PLCC) or pin 32 (TSOP); not bonded - must remain unconnected |
| VCC | Power Supply | +5 V ±10% main supply; powers core logic and I/O buffers |
| GND | Ground Reference | Signal and power ground reference for all inputs, outputs, and internal circuitry |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Two 16K-byte Boot Blocks with Independent Lockout | Enables secure storage of bootloader code at 0x00000–0x03FFF and 0x7C000–0x7FFFF; lockout prevents accidental overwrite during field updates |
| Hardware + Software Data Protection | VCC sense (inhibit below 3.8 V), noise filtering (<15 ns pulses ignored), and 3-byte unlock sequence required before any program cycle |
| Internal Address/Data Latching | Latches full 256-byte sector data and address during byte load phase, freeing system bus for concurrent operations |
| DATA Polling & TOGGLE Bit Detection | I/O7 complements last loaded byte until program completes; I/O6 toggles during operation - both enable polling-based firmware update coordination without status registers |
| Single 5V Supply Programming | Eliminates need for +12 V programming voltage, simplifying power design and enabling direct connection to 5 V microcontroller buses |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Firmware Storage | Embedded System Boot Code Retention |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing ladder logic firmware and configuration parameters in programmable logic controllers operating in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile program memory holding executable firmware; accessed during cold start and runtime updates via RS-485 or Ethernet interfaces. Use Value: 10,000+ endurance cycles support decades of field firmware revisions; 100 µA standby current minimizes backup battery drain during power loss. | Use Scenario: Holding boot loader and initial configuration data in medical infusion pumps requiring fail-safe startup and regulatory-compliant update logging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary boot ROM mapped at reset vector; dual boot blocks allow A/B firmware partitioning with hardware-enforced write protection. Use Value: Boot block lockout prevents corruption of critical startup code; 150 ns access time ensures deterministic boot timing under ISO 13485 timing constraints. |
| Automotive ECU Calibration Storage | Telecom Base Station Configuration Memory |
Use Scenario: Storing engine calibration maps and diagnostic event logs in engine control units subjected to -40°C to +85°C thermal cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Field-upgradable parameter memory accessed via CAN-connected diagnostic tools; sector erase enables map revision without full reflash. Use Value: Industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliability across automotive thermal profiles; software data protection prevents unauthorized calibration changes. | Use Scenario: Maintaining radio frequency channel plans and network registration keys in outdoor LTE base station remote radio units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration store accessed during power-on initialization and over-the-air (OTA) updates; protected by software data protection and boot lockout. Use Value: Dual 16K boot blocks isolate carrier-specific firmware from generic platform code; 256-byte sectors allow granular OTA patch deployment without service interruption. |
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 V core with 5 V I/O tolerance; different command set and sector layout (64K uniform blocks) | Lacks 256-byte sector granularity and dual boot block lockout; requires voltage translation for pure 5 V systems | Select if migrating to lower-voltage platforms or needing larger uniform erase blocks |
| MX29LV040CTTI-15G | 4 Mbit, 150 ns access, 3 V supply only; supports CFI query but no hardware boot block lockout | Requires external 3.3 V regulator; no native 5 V compatibility or boot block protection - unsuitable for legacy 5 V designs | Choose only for new 3.3 V designs where CFI compliance and JEDEC standardization are prioritized over boot security |
Compared with AM29LV040B-150EC and MX29LV040CTTI-15G, the AT29C040A-15PC uniquely delivers 5 V-only operation with 256-byte sector flexibility and hardware-enforced boot block isolation - critical for maintaining legacy 5 V embedded systems with stringent firmware integrity requirements.
Availability
AT29C040A-15PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC firmware storage, embedded system boot code retention, and automotive ECU calibration memory requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycle programs.
Supply support for AT29C040A-15PC 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 devices.
The AT29C040A-15PC belongs to Atmel's 5-volt-only Flash family designed for in-system programmability in legacy 5 V embedded systems requiring robust firmware storage with sector-level granularity and boot code protection.
FAQ
What is the maximum read access time specified for the AT29C040A-15PC?
The AT29C040A-15PC has a maximum read access time of 150 ns, as indicated by the "-15" suffix in its part number. This value is guaranteed across the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and defines the longest delay between valid address setup and stable data output on I/O0–I/O7. The device also supports faster variants (e.g., AT29C040A-90PC at 90 ns), but the AT29C040A-15PC specifically meets the 150 ns specification under all rated operating conditions.
Does the AT29C040A-15PC require high-voltage programming signals?
No, the AT29C040A-15PC does not require high-voltage programming signals. It operates exclusively from a single 5 V ±10% supply for both read and program operations. Programming is enabled through standard 5 V logic-level command sequences (e.g., AAh/55h/A0h unlock), eliminating the need for +12 V or other elevated voltages. This simplifies system design and allows direct interfacing with 5 V microcontrollers without level-shifting circuitry.
How many sectors does the AT29C040A-15PC contain, and what is the size of each sector?
The AT29C040A-15PC contains 2048 independent sectors, each sized at 256 bytes. This 256-byte granularity enables precise firmware updates without erasing unrelated code or data. Sector addressing uses A8–A18, while byte addressing within a sector uses A0–A7. The total memory capacity of 4 Mbit (512K × 8) is fully partitioned into these uniform 256-byte sectors, supporting flexible in-field patching strategies.
What mechanisms protect against unintended programming of the AT29C040A-15PC?
The AT29C040A-15PC employs dual-layer protection: hardware features including VCC sense (inhibits programming below ~3.8 V), 5 ms power-on delay, noise filtering (<15 ns input pulses ignored), and CE/OE/WE logic gating; plus software protection requiring a three-byte unlock sequence (AAh/55h/A0h) before any program cycle. Both layers must be satisfied - hardware conditions must be met *and* the correct software command issued - to initiate programming, preventing accidental writes during power transients or noise events.
Can the AT29C040A-15PC be used in systems requiring secure boot code storage?
Yes, the AT29C040A-15PC supports secure boot code storage via two dedicated 16K-byte boot blocks - one at the lowest addresses (0x00000–0x03FFF) and one at the highest (0x7C000–0x7FFFF). Each block can be independently locked using a seven-command enable algorithm, after which no erase or program operations are possible in that region. Once locked, the boot block contents remain immutable even during full-chip erase attempts, making the AT29C040A-15PC suitable for safety-critical bootloaders requiring tamper-resistant storage.
AT29C040A-15PC 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:
- 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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TC)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-PDIP
AT29C040A-15PC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT29C040A-15PC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT29C040A-15PC 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-15PC reliable?
The price and inventory of AT29C040A-15PC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT29C040A-15PC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT29C040A-15PC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT29C040A-15PC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT29C040A-15PC?
AT29C040A-15PC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT29C040A-15PC 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-15PC?
For technical support, including AT29C040A-15PC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT29C040A-15PC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT29C040A-15PC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT29C040A-15PC 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-15PC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT29C040A-15PC?
All AT29C040A-15PC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT29C040A-15PC, 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-15PC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT29C040A-15PC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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