Programmer for ATMEL AT28C256 - 15PU?

SGarciaV over 7 years ago

Hi all, I am doing some research on EEPROMs and like the ATMEL AT28C256 - 15PU (28 pin DIP).

Looking for programmers, I found this one:

https://www.eetools.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=306

Are there alternate suggestions for other programmers? I really, really just don't have $2,450USD laying about :-)

Thanks! Sgarciav

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shabaz over 7 years ago +1

I think there are some super-cheap EPROM programmers on ebay etc. They are highly likely to also have modes for 28 series EEPROM since it is programmed nearly the same way, just without the high voltage…
shabaz over 7 years ago in reply to SGarciaV +1

Hi Salvador, Definitely the DIY approach is possible, just needs a microcontroller with lots of I/O pins (or some port expander), and a way to get the file from the PC. The datasheet has the details on…
shabaz over 7 years ago in reply to SGarciaV +1

This one should work, it states 28 series on the list. Just $36: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SPI-25xx-PCB5-0T-2013-Willem-EPROM-programmer-BIOS009-PIC-support-0-98d12-promotion-clip…

shabaz over 7 years ago

I think there are some super-cheap EPROM programmers on ebay etc. They are highly likely to also have modes for 28 series EEPROM since it is programmed nearly the same way, just without the high voltage being enabled. Or you could build your own for approx zero cost using a microcontroller dev-board connected to a PC, and a DIL socket for your chip. Or junk sales.. I paid $5 for my programmer (and gave it to a car mechanic since he needed it more than me - for car engine control units).
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SGarciaV over 7 years ago in reply to shabaz

Thanks Shabaz! I looked at eBay and found a bunch of programmers, but wasn't sure which were compatible with the 28 series EEPROMs.
I've also considered DIY and have not discarded the idea. I just want to have a better understanding of what is involved and whether it is practical.

sgarciav
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shabaz over 7 years ago in reply to SGarciaV

Hi Salvador,
Definitely the DIY approach is possible, just needs a microcontroller with lots of I/O pins (or some port expander), and a way to get the file from the PC. The datasheet has the details on this, but there may also be old electronics projects. On ebay there are some old 'Dataman S4' programmers, they will work, but they are about £250 GBP, so still very expensive, they are not worth so much money. If it costs more than £50 GBP, it is worth building your own I think.
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shabaz over 7 years ago in reply to SGarciaV

This one should work, it states 28 series on the list. Just $36: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SPI-25xx-PCB5-0T-2013-Willem-EPROM-programmer-BIOS009-PIC-support-0-98d12-promotion-clip…
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SGarciaV over 7 years ago in reply to shabaz

The only downside I see to DIY is that the project would be specific to the 28C256 while a bought product could be compatible with many devices, such as the one that you referenced. Building the programmer would be a project in itself. A while back I built an EPROM reader just because I wanted to. It turned out to be a fun and education endeavor. The big upside was that I found it tobe a fantastic educational experience! I documented it here:

EPROM Reader Project

I will consider a DIY, but for now, taking into account that I might need a programmer for other devices, I'll probably go the commercial route. Thanks again! Sgarciav
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SGarciaV over 7 years ago in reply to shabaz

Thanks! I am looking into this option.

Elsewhere I was recommended the TL866CS Universal EPROM/EEPROM Programmer:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TL866CS-Universal-EPROM-EEPROM-USB-FLASH-Programmer-MiniPro-BIOS-AVR-AL-PIC-SP/141978692525

Do you have any suggestions on how I can compare these two products?

Salvador
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shabaz over 7 years ago in reply to SGarciaV

Hi Salvador, I've not used any of these, so if you do try one and it works, please do write up your experiences, in case others wish to do the same. There is still a (small) need to program such devices nowadays, but the requirement is not very common any more.
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mastmees over 5 years ago

See Progamming tool for 28C256 EEPROM
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