Microchip Technology ATA556715-PAE

Overview

ATA556715-PAE from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a contactless read/write RFID identification IC operating at 125 kHz, designed as a passive transponder tag with integrated 330-bit EEPROM, on-chip resonant capacitor (75 pF mask option), and configurable modulation support including FSK, PSK, Manchester, Bi-phase, and NRZ. It enables secure, low-frequency ID applications such as access control, animal tagging, and industrial asset tracking.

For engineers reviewing the ATA556715-PAE datasheet, ATA556715-PAE pinout, ATA556715-PAE application, or ATA556715-PAE equivalent, key selection considerations include its e5550/T5557 binary compatibility, password-protected write capability, Answer-On-Request (AOR) mode for anticollision, fast write (5 Kbps), and ISO/IEC 11784/11785 configurability - all critical for secure, multi-tag RFID system design.

Technical Context

The ATA556715-PAE integrates an analog front end (AFE) with coil-based power harvesting and load modulation, a binary-programmable data-rate generator (RF/2 to RF/128), and a dedicated write decoder compliant with Atmel's e555x pulse-interval encoding. Its controller executes mode register loading from EEPROM block 0, handles direct access commands, and manages password verification against block 7.

It supports two operational modes: regular-read (cyclic transmission of blocks 1–MAXBLK) and block-read (single-block repetition), both initiated via opcode-driven command sequences ("10", "11", "00"). The chip implements Power-On Reset (POR) with up to 67 ms delay, OTP functionality via master key + OTP bit, and extended mode (X-mode) enabling inverse data output, sequence start marker, and fast write timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ATA556715-PAE is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package (5.3 mm × 10.2 mm, 1.27 mm pitch). It interfaces exclusively via two coil terminals (Coil 1 and Coil 2) - no external VDD, GND, or digital I/O pins are present. Power and bidirectional communication are derived entirely from the coupled RF field.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar contactless R/W IDIC applications.

Compared with T5557-TS and EM4102, the ATA556715-PAE provides programmable security (password + OTP), multi-modulation support, and faster write throughput - making it the only viable choice for upgradable, standards-compliant, and anti-tamper LF RFID deployments.

Availability

ATA556715-PAE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for access control systems, animal identification tags, industrial asset tracking, tool management, and ISO/IEC 11784-compliant applications requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for ATA556715-PAE 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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full support for the legacy ATA5567 family, including datasheets, application notes, and long-term supply commitments for industrial RFID solutions.

The ATA5567 product line was designed specifically for secure, low-frequency contactless identification in harsh environments - emphasizing coil-coupled power efficiency, EEPROM reliability, and standards-aligned modulation for global animal, access, and asset tracking markets.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ATA556715-PAE in an RFID system?

The ATA556715-PAE functions as a passive, contactless read/write identification IC (IDIC®) operating at 125 kHz. It harvests power from the reader's RF field via an external coil and transmits stored ID data using load modulation. Its role is to serve as the transponder tag in LF RFID systems for secure, standards-compliant identification in access control, animal tagging, and industrial tracking applications - all implemented within the ATA556715-PAE silicon die.

Does the ATA556715-PAE support password-protected writes, and how is it configured?

Yes, the ATA556715-PAE supports password-protected writes when the PWD bit (bit 30) in EEPROM block 0 is set to 1. In this mode, any direct access or protected write command must be preceded by a valid 32-bit password stored in block 7. If the transmitted password does not match, the ATA556715-PAE reverts to regular-read mode without modifying memory - ensuring that only authorized readers can update the ATA556715-PAE's EEPROM contents.

How does the Answer-On-Request (AOR) mode improve anticollision performance with the ATA556715-PAE?

AOR mode disables automatic modulation after power-on reset, requiring a valid wake-up command (opcode "10" + correct 32-bit password) before the ATA556715-PAE begins transmitting. This allows a reader to selectively activate one ATA556715-PAE tag among many in its field - eliminating simultaneous responses and enabling deterministic, collision-free identification. It is especially effective in high-density deployments like livestock pens or tool cribs where dozens of ATA556715-PAE tags may be present.

What modulation schemes are supported by the ATA556715-PAE, and how are they selected?

The ATA556715-PAE supports FSK, PSK, Manchester, Bi-phase ('50 and '57), and NRZ modulation. Selection is made by configuring bits 22–26 in the 32-bit configuration register stored in EEPROM block 0. Each scheme has defined encoding rules (e.g., Manchester uses mid-bit edge transitions; NRZ maps '1' to damping-on), and the ATA556715-PAE modulator applies the chosen scheme dynamically during transmission - allowing system designers to optimize for reader compatibility, noise immunity, or data density without hardware changes to the ATA556715-PAE itself.

Is the ATA556715-PAE compatible with ISO/IEC 11784 and 11785 standards, and what configuration is required?

Yes, the ATA556715-PAE is configurable for full ISO/IEC 11784/11785 compliance. This requires programming block 0 with appropriate settings (e.g., ACL = E0h, MFC = 15h) and enabling extended mode (X-mode bit) to access the required traceability structure in page 1 blocks 1–2. Atmel pre-programs these traceability blocks during production for sawn-wafer deliveries, ensuring each ATA556715-PAE carries a unique, standards-conforming identifier - a requirement for certified animal identification systems worldwide.