Step 3: Cross Referencing Your Serial EEPROM

How would someone find a Microchip cross reference for a competitor’s EEPROM already in use ?Microchip has two different tools available for this particular task. This first tool is software based and is called the Memory and Analog Parts Software (MAPS). Learn how you can download this software free of charge at the webpage dedicated to the MAPS Software.

An additional tool that is available for this task is the Serial EEPROM Cross Reference Guide. This powerful tool enables the decoding and encoding of device part numbers from Microchip and several other serial EEPROM manufacturers, simplifying the choice for compatible products. Microchip's cross reference makes the conversion simple, fast and accurate. This PDF file can be downloaded from the following link: Serial EEPROM Cross Reference Guide.Quality

Why do Microchip EEPROMs have such high quality levels?

When cross referencing your EEPROM, you should feel confident that Microchip delivers the highest-quality serial EEPROM products in the world. With world-class line yields, well designed processes, and rigorous Statistical Process Control (SPC) in each of its facilities, a very high quality level is maintained across several hundred million serial EEPROMs shipped each year.

In addition, every Serial EEPROM is tested three times:

1. At the first wafer-level probe, every die receives 100% AC/DC testing of all data sheet parameters at 90oC or 125oC where all bits are erased and written 5000 times to weed out any failures.(a) Data retention testing includes a 5 to 24 hour Retention Bake at 250°C in-between the first and second wafer probes.

2. A second wafer-level probe is performed at 25oC, with special tests added to verify data retention, oxide quality and to limit infant mortality.

3. After packaging, every device receives a final functional test to screen out assembly-related issues.

Step 4 : Selecting Your Serial EEPROM Development Tools