Renesas HN27C256AG15
- Part No.:
- HN27C256AG15
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 28-CDIP (0.600", 15.24mm) Window
- Datasheet:
-
HN27C256AG15.pdf
- Description:
- IC EPROM 256KBIT PARALLEL 28CDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,362
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Product details
Overview
HN27C256AG15 from Hitachi is a 256-kbit UV-erasable and electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), organized as 32,768 × 8-bit, with 150 ns max access time, +12.5 V programming voltage, and 600-mil 28-pin CERDIP package. It serves as non-volatile program storage for legacy 16-bit microprocessors including the Intel 8086 and Motorola 68000.
For engineers reviewing the HN27C256AG15 datasheet, HN27C256AG15 pinout, HN27C256AG15 application, or HN27C256AG15 equivalent, key selection factors include UV-erase compatibility, +12.5 V programming requirement, 150 ns read timing, CERDIP package thermal/mechanical constraints, and support for Fast High-Reliability Programming Algorithm.
Technical Context
The HN27C256AG15 implements a 512 × 512 memory matrix with X/Y decoding architecture, supporting standard EPROM read, program, verify, and identifier modes. Its control logic accepts CE and OE inputs to manage chip enable and output gating, while A0–A14 address lines select one of 32,768 locations.
It operates in two distinct voltage domains: 5 V ±10% for read mode (VCC = VPP), and 6 V ±0.25 V / 12.5 V ±0.5 V for programming (VCC and VPP separately regulated). Device identification uses A9 high-threshold detection (12.0 V ±0.5 V) to output manufacturer code 0x07 and device code 0x31 on I/O0–I/O7.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 32,768 × 8-bit (256 kbit); supports byte-wide data bus interfacing with 8086/68000-style systems |
| Access time (max) | 150 ns; defines minimum clock cycle for reliable read operation at system level |
| Programming voltage | +12.5 V DC; requires dedicated VPP supply rail and sequencing relative to VCC |
| Active current (typ) | 5 mA at f = 1 MHz; determines power budget for active firmware execution |
| Standby current (typ) | 5 µW; enables ultra-low-power retention during processor idle states |
| UV erase dose | ≥15 W·sec/cm² at 2537 Å; specifies minimum UV exposure duration/intensity for full bit reset |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +70°C; validated for commercial-grade embedded controller environments |
Pinout & Package
HN27C256AG15 is housed in a 600-mil 28-pin ceramic dual in-line package (CERDIP, DG-28), rated for long-term reliability under thermal cycling and hermetic sealing requirements typical of industrial and military legacy systems.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VPP (Pin 1) | Programming power supply | Must be set to +12.5 V ±0.5 V during programming; improper sequencing risks data corruption or cell damage |
| A0–A14 (Pins 2–6, 26–28, 10, 23, 25) | Address inputs | 15-bit address bus supporting full 32K-byte addressing; A9 used for identifier mode detection |
| I/O0–I/O7 (Pins 11–13, 15–19) | Bidirectional data bus | 8-bit parallel interface; drives TTL-compatible outputs (IOH = –1.0 mA, VOL ≤ 0.45 V) |
| CE (Pin 20) | Chip enable | Active-low global enable; must be VIL for read/program; VIH places device in standby (High-Z) |
| OE (Pin 22) | Output enable | Active-low output gate; controls data bus drive timing independent of CE; tOE ≤ 70 ns |
| VCC (Pin 28) | Power supply | +5 V ±10% for read mode; +6 V ±0.25 V for programming; must be applied before/removed after VPP |
| VSS (Pin 14) | Ground | Reference return path for all signals and power rails; requires low-impedance PCB connection |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fast High-Reliability Programming Algorithm | Reduces theoretical programming time to 1/10 of conventional methods while maintaining >10-year data retention |
| Device identifier mode | Outputs Hitachi manufacturer code 0x07 and device code 0x31 via I/O pins when A9 = 12.0 V, enabling auto-configuration in compatible programmers |
| Low standby power | 5 µW typical consumption allows battery-backed or energy-constrained systems to retain EPROM state indefinitely |
| Pin- and voltage-compatible with prior 256-kbit EPROMs | Enables drop-in replacement in existing sockets and programming fixtures without hardware modification |
| UV erasure capability | Full memory reset via 2537 Å ultraviolet light exposure ≥15 W·sec/cm²; supports field reprogramming in maintenance workflows |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Firmware Storage | Legacy Test Equipment Boot ROM |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing fixed ladder logic and I/O mapping firmware in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-volatile boot memory providing deterministic startup sequence and runtime instruction fetch for Z80 or 8086-based control CPUs. Use Value: UV-erasability enables field updates during scheduled maintenance windows without board removal; 150 ns access ensures real-time scan cycle compliance. | Use Scenario: Holding calibration constants, self-test routines, and instrument initialization code in benchtop oscilloscopes and logic analyzers manufactured in the 1980s–1990s. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary firmware ROM mapped into CPU address space at power-on reset; accessed via standard 8-bit data bus with CE/OE handshaking. Use Value: CERDIP packaging provides thermal stability and long-term data integrity required for metrology-grade equipment calibration persistence. |
| Military Avionics Configuration Memory | Embedded Medical Device Bootloader |
Use Scenario: Storing flight-critical configuration tables and sensor compensation coefficients in airborne navigation units where reprogramming occurs only during depot-level overhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Read-only configuration store accessed during power-up initialization; no runtime writes; data integrity verified via checksum post-UV-erase. Use Value: Hermetic CERDIP package meets MIL-STD-883 requirements for humidity resistance and mechanical shock tolerance in vibration-prone airframes. | Use Scenario: Hosting bootloader firmware that validates and loads application code from external flash in diagnostic imaging subsystems such as ultrasound front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant boot source ensuring only authenticated firmware executes; isolated from volatile memory attack surfaces. Use Value: 5 µW standby current extends battery life in portable diagnostic tools; UV-erase capability supports regulatory-compliant firmware revision control during FDA audits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar EPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM27C256B-15 | Same 32K×8 organization, 150 ns access, +12.5 V programming, but uses 28-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) instead of CERDIP; slightly higher standby current (10 µW typ) | Less suitable for high-reliability or high-temperature environments due to PDIP moisture absorption and thermal expansion mismatch | Select AM27C256B-15 only if cost sensitivity outweighs long-term reliability and hermeticity requirements |
| MX27C256-15 | Identical pinout and AC/DC specs, but features enhanced UV endurance (>100 erase cycles vs. 10–20 for HN27C256AG15) and tighter VPP tolerance (±0.25 V) | Better suited for frequent field reprogramming scenarios requiring repeated UV exposure without degradation | Choose MX27C256-15 when maintenance cycles demand >50 guaranteed erase/write cycles over product lifetime |
Compared with AM27C256B-15 and MX27C256-15, the HN27C256AG15 offers superior hermetic sealing and proven long-term data retention in thermally stressed environments, but has lower UV endurance and requires strict VPP sequencing discipline during programming.
Availability
HN27C256AG15 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC firmware storage, legacy test equipment boot ROM, military avionics configuration memory, and embedded medical device bootloader applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for HN27C256AG15 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
Hitachi Ltd. (now part of Renesas Electronics Corporation) was a Japanese multinational conglomerate specializing in semiconductor memory, industrial control systems, and infrastructure technologies.
The HN27C256AG Series was developed as a high-reliability, UV-erasable EPROM family targeting 16-bit microprocessor-based systems requiring deterministic boot behavior, long-term data retention, and field-serviceable firmware updates.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended UV erasure dose for HN27C256AG15?
The HN27C256AG15 requires a minimum integrated UV dose of 15 W·sec/cm² at 2537 Å wavelength for complete erasure. Exceeding 30 W·sec/cm² may accelerate oxide degradation and reduce subsequent programming endurance. Always use calibrated UV erasers with intensity monitoring and timer control to ensure repeatable results across HN27C256AG15 units.
Does HN27C256AG15 support both Fast High-Reliability and High Performance programming algorithms?
Yes, the HN27C256AG15 supports both algorithms. The Fast High-Reliability method uses 0.2 ms initial pulse width and scales over-programming pulses linearly, achieving ~1/10 the time of conventional methods. The High Performance algorithm uses 1.0 ms pulses and is backward-compatible with existing Hitachi 256-kbit EPROM programmers. Both require VCC = 6.0 V ±0.25 V and VPP = 12.5 V ±0.5 V.
What is the function of A9 during device identifier mode on HN27C256AG15?
On the HN27C256AG15, A9 serves as the mode-select input for device identifier mode. When A9 is driven to 12.0 V ±0.5 V (while A1–A8, A10–A14, CE, and OE are held low), the device outputs Hitachi's manufacturer code 0x07 on I/O0–I/O7, followed by device code 0x31. This enables automatic programmer configuration without manual part selection.
Can HN27C256AG15 be operated with VCC = 5 V during programming?
No. The HN27C256AG15 requires VCC = 6.0 V ±0.25 V during programming operations, per DC Characteristics on page 8 and 12 of its datasheet. Using 5 V will result in incomplete programming, failed verification, or premature cell wear. VCC must be applied simultaneously with or before VPP and removed simultaneously with or after VPP to prevent latch-up or oxide stress.
What are the absolute maximum ratings for VPP and VID on HN27C256AG15?
The HN27C256AG15 specifies an absolute maximum VPP of –0.6 V to +13.5 V, and A9 (VID) input voltage of –0.6 V to +13.5 V (with –1.0 V allowed for ≤50 ns pulses). Exceeding +13.5 V on either pin-even momentarily-risks permanent gate oxide breakdown. Overshoot must be suppressed using RC snubbers or clamping diodes in the programming circuitry.
HN27C256AG15 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Renesas
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-CDIP (0.600", 15.24mm) Window
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EPROM
- Technology:
- EPROM - UV
- Memory Size:
- 256Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Parallel
- Clock Frequency:
- -
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- -
- Access Time:
- 150 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-CDIP
HN27C256AG15 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HN27C256AG15 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HN27C256AG15 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 HN27C256AG15 reliable?
The price and inventory of HN27C256AG15 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HN27C256AG15 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HN27C256AG15?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HN27C256AG15 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HN27C256AG15?
HN27C256AG15 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HN27C256AG15 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 HN27C256AG15?
For technical support, including HN27C256AG15 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HN27C256AG15 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HN27C256AG15 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HN27C256AG15 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 HN27C256AG15 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HN27C256AG15?
All HN27C256AG15 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HN27C256AG15, 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 HN27C256AG15 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HN27C256AG15:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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