HP / Agilent 53132A mystery Flash - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 03:57:38 pm
content: I'm trying to find modern replacement ICs that can hold the firmware in the 53132A.There were originally two versions used: the EPROM AM27C010 and the Flash AM29F010. Both are now obsolete.The closest available alternative I found is the SST39SF010A, which is also a Flash memory chip.I ordered some from Mouser and installed them into a 53132A, but unfortunately, they didn't work.After some troubleshooting, I observed strange behavior:These new Flash chips don't work only in Bank 1 (U8 and U10), but they work fine in Bank 2 (U9 and U11) with the original old chips are installed in Bank 1.Even more curious, when all four new ICs are installed, the LRESET line begins oscillating. Possibly due to a watchdog trying to reset the microcontroller, but I'm not sure.The LRESET signal is generated by the Supply Voltage Supervisor U25. Interestingly, if I short LRESET to the +5V rail, the unit boots and works fine with all new ICs.I've compared datasheets in detail and can't find any significant differences that would explain this behavior. I'm unsure what's causing the issue at this point.If anyone knows of a suitable, working replacement for these ICs from a reliable supplier, please share your recommendations.

author: Orange
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 04:37:32 pm
content: The SST39F010A are address and data latched devices. They are NOT compatible with a standard 27C010 or 27F010 or 29F010 devices.I know from experience that the design of the 53132 needs non-latched types.You can try to get 27C040 or 27F040 or 29F040 types and duplicate the content 4 times in the flash.....

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:02:35 pm
content: Here's a link to where I got AM27C010-120JC back in 2022 for my 53132A. Looks like the seller still has some available.https://www.ebay.com/itm/111929972221

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:16:05 pm
content: Quote from: Rubo on July 19, 2025, 05:02:35 pmThanks, but I was hoping to find new, actively manufactured ICs available from Mouser or DigiKey.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:16:51 pm
content: Quote from: Orange on July 19, 2025, 04:37:32 pmWhy would you duplicate it 4 times? Can't you just leave the extra space empty?

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:26:23 pm
content: For now I've found a workaround that seems to work.I removed the U25 supervisor and placed a jumper between pins 5 and 7, so the reset is now directly controlled by the SW+5 signal.The unit boots up and operates normally with the SST39SF010A ICs installed. I'll continue testing this approach for a while, but I'm not entirely happy with it..

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:30:42 pm
content: Which firmware version did you apply?Thanks,Josh

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:35:04 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on July 19, 2025, 05:30:42 pmI tested both the 3944 and 4613.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 05:57:23 pm
content: Which programmer do you use?Do you know what the changes were between 4613 and 3944?I have 3944, but I'm wondering if it's worth it or not to flash 4613. Too bad nobody managed to get a copy of the newer version than those.Thanks,Josh

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 06:26:21 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on July 19, 2025, 05:57:23 pmI use the XGecu Pro T48, but any TL866 programmer should work fine. You just need a PLCC-32 adapter.I haven't noticed any major differences between 3944 and 4613. Maybe some minor bug fixes, but I'm not certain.

author: Qw3rtzuiop
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 06:27:12 pm
content: Ive replaced the eprom with flash successfully. From my distributor order history it should have been GLS27SF010-70 or the mentioned SST39SF010A-70.

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 06:31:24 pm
content: I haven't tried any of the following (since I found the OEM part #s), but what about:https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/rochester-electronics-llc/CY27C010-120JC/12103170orhttps://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/AT27C010-70JU-T/6834162The first one looks to be identical (according to the datasheet), but has a minimum order quantity.Second one is faster, but no minimum order quanityt required.Both are indicated as "Active" on DigiKey.Haven't looked if Mouser has any other options.

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 06:44:35 pm
content: Quote from: Rubo on July 19, 2025, 06:31:24 pmThanks, I saw those.The CY27C010 appears to be a marketplace listing, and the price for the AT27C010 doesn't seem reasonable.

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 06:55:09 pm
content: Quote from: dimmog on July 19, 2025, 06:44:35 pmTrue on CY27C010 (that's why I mentioned minimum order quantity).For AT27C010 how is $3.78 @ DigiKey or $3.45 @ Mouser not reasonable?

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 06:59:18 pm
content: Quote from: Rubo on July 19, 2025, 06:55:09 pmThe SST39SF010A flash is $1.98.I'm not referring to just a single unit upgrade. Lately, I've been receiving more and more 53132A units with corrupted flash ROMs for repair.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 07:18:16 pm
content: Quote from: dimmog on July 19, 2025, 06:59:18 pmI assumed you were looking for high quantity. Personally, I'd rather charge people an extra $8 - $10 for the service, rather than dealing with extra work or making the devices no longer compatible with the original chips.

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 07:23:09 pm
content: 100% agree with Josh. I thought you were looking for your own counter also (that's why I linked the ebay seller).

author: dimmog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2025, 07:52:08 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on July 19, 2025, 07:18:16 pmAgreed. That's why I'm not happy with the workaround I mentioned.

author: smaultre
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2025, 07:15:51 pm
content: Hello my 53148A periodically goes to reset when i navigating thru the menu, even when i don't change any options. Its starts to reboot, when i see running string with GPIB ADRESS...It looks like a firmware or flash problem?

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2025, 07:38:32 pm
content: Wrong topic, completely diffirent instruments.Sounds more like bad power supply / regulator somewhere, or a bad contact or failing capacitor???Is it intermittent or can you replicate it consistently?