Microchip Technology AT83C26-PLTUL

Overview

AT83C26-PLTUL from Microchip Technology is a smart card reader interface IC supporting up to five ISO 7816-compliant smart card interfaces with integrated DC/DC converters, programmable voltage regulation (1.8V/3V/5V), TWI host interface at 400 kbit/s, and industrial temperature operation (−40°C to +85°C). It enables EFT/POS terminals and set-top boxes to manage multiple cards-including EMV2000, GIE-CB, and GSM-compliant cards-with automatic activation/deactivation and card presence detection.

For engineers reviewing the AT83C26-PLTUL datasheet, AT83C26-PLTUL pinout, AT83C26-PLTUL application, or AT83C26-PLTUL equivalent, key selection considerations include multi-card voltage class support (Class A/B/C), dual DC/DC converter architecture (A for SC1, B for SC2–SC5), QFN48/VQFP48 package compatibility, TWI address programmability (up to 4 devices on bus), and integrated protection features including 4 kV ESD on smart card pins and over-current shutdown.

Technical Context

The AT83C26-PLTUL implements two independent DC/DC converter subsystems: DC/DC A supplies CVCC1 for Smart Card 1 with pump or regulator mode selection via STEPREGA, while DC/DC B feeds four LDOs (LDO2–LDO5) to power SC2–SC5-subject to SC2_FULL bit configuration that determines shared pin allocation between SC2 and SC3. Its clock controller supports six outputs: five CCLKn signals (selectable from CLK, DCCLK, CARDCKn, or A2/CK) plus DCCLK for deactivation sequencing.

Smart card interface control uses register-mapped I/O with transparent mode options: CRSTn and CIO/CC4/CC8 pins can be driven by internal logic or routed from host I/Os (IO1/IO2/AUX1/AUX2) via IOSEL and IODISn bits, enabling flexible host-side protocol handling. The TWI interface operates at 400 kbit/s with hardware-addressed slave addressing (0x42–0x4E write, 0x43–0x4F read) and supports full configuration of activation sequences, voltage classes, clock stop modes, and status reporting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT83C26-PLTUL is available in two RoHS-compliant packages: 48-pin QFN (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) and 48-pin VQFP (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch). Both share identical pin numbering and signal mapping per Microchip's 7511D–SCR–02/07 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar smart card interface applications.

Compared with SLB9670 and STS220, the AT83C26-PLTUL uniquely delivers five independently powered smart card interfaces with integrated DC/DC conversion, programmable TWI addressing, and industrial-grade robustness-making it the only option for high-density, multi-voltage reader systems requiring minimal external components.

Availability

AT83C26-PLTUL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for EFT/POS terminals, set-top boxes, government ID readers, and secure access control systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AT83C26-PLTUL 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

Microchip Technology is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and security ICs, with a strong focus on embedded control and trusted computing solutions.

The AT83C26-PLTUL belongs to Microchip's smart card interface product line, engineered specifically for multi-slot, multi-voltage reader/writer applications in financial, broadcast, and identity markets-emphasizing integration, low power, and standards compliance.

FAQ

What smart card standards does the AT83C26-PLTUL support?

The AT83C26-PLTUL supports ISO/IEC 7816-3, EMV2000, GIE-CB, and GSM standards across all five interfaces. It enables direct connection to contact-based smart cards with built-in logic level shifters, short-circuit current limiting, and 4 kV ESD protection on card pins-ensuring interoperability with banking, telecom, and national ID cards. Each interface is independently configurable for asynchronous or synchronous operation (C4/C8 contacts).

How does the AT83C26-PLTUL handle multiple smart card voltages simultaneously?

The AT83C26-PLTUL supports concurrent 1.8 V, 3 V, and 5 V smart cards using two independent power domains: DC/DC A supplies CVCC1 for SC1 (Class A/B/C), while DC/DC B drives four LDOs (LDO2–LDO5) to deliver individually programmed voltages to SC2–SC5. Voltage class selection is register-controlled per interface, with automatic over-current shutdown and ripple <200 mV-enabling mixed-voltage operation without external regulators.

Can multiple AT83C26-PLTUL devices share the same TWI bus?

Yes-up to four AT83C26-PLTUL devices can operate on a single TWI bus. Addressing is configured via hardware pins A1/RST and A2/CK at reset, yielding four unique 7-bit slave addresses (0x42–0x4E write, 0x43–0x4F read). This allows centralized host control of multi-reader systems (e.g., kiosk banks or multi-bay STBs) without bus arbitration logic or address jumpers.

What is the role of the SC2_FULL bit in AT83C26-PLTUL operation?

The SC2_FULL bit (in SC2_CFG1 register) determines pin allocation between Smart Card 2 and Smart Card 3: when set, CRST3/CC82 and CIO3/CC42 become CC82 and CC42 for full SC2 support (including C4/C8 contacts); when cleared, those pins serve SC3. This hardware/software co-design prevents conflict in shared I/O resources while maintaining five total interface capability-critical for optimizing PCB layout in space-constrained readers.

Does the AT83C26-PLTUL include built-in protection against power faults?

Yes-the AT83C26-PLTUL integrates Power-On Reset (POR), Power-Fail Detect (PFD), and automatic de-activation on card power-fail, over-current, or system power-fail. Its DC/DC converters feature programmable startup current control (DEMBOOSTA/B), current-sense adjustment (ICCADJA/B), and shutdown triggers-ensuring graceful shutdown and preventing damage during brownouts or short circuits. These functions are active across the full −40°C to +85°C range.