CY7C68321C-100AXC - USB 2.0 ATA Bridge | Cypress
MPN: CY7C68321C-100AXC ✗ End of LifeCY7C68321C-100AXC Overview
A USB-to-ATA bridge is an interface controller that translates USB host transactions into ATA or ATAPI commands for storage devices. The CY7C68321C-100AXC sits between a USB system and an ATA storage bus, providing protocol bridging rather than operating as a general-purpose microcontroller or storage device itself. Its USB 2.0 interface makes it suitable for legacy and embedded systems requiring a host-side connection to IDE or compatible storage peripherals.
The main functional features include support for Compact Flash and one ATA or ATAPI device, support for board-level manufacturing testing through USB, and an ATA interface high-impedance state. The high-impedance capability is useful in multi-controller systems because it can electrically isolate the ATA bus while another controller, including an IEEE-1394 controller, is active. This feature helps reduce bus contention and supports controlled ownership of the shared storage interface.
The CY7C68321C-100AXC is identified by the verified manufacturer and distributor listings as an EZ-USB AT2LP USB 2.0 to ATA/ATAPI bridge in a 100-LQFP package, with an operating temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C and a 3.15 V to 3.45 V operating supply range. The product is listed as obsolete or end-of-life in the available product information, so new designs should verify lifecycle status and consider a redesign or an explicitly qualified replacement rather than assuming a current production commitment.
Typical applications include USB-to-IDE storage adapters, embedded data acquisition systems with legacy ATA storage, Compact Flash equipment, board-level production test systems, and shared ATA-bus designs involving more than one storage controller. For new USB storage products, the design should account for the legacy ATA electrical interface and verify the bridge firmware, cable, connector, power, and operating-system compatibility. The verified information identifies the package and core interface functions, while a complete pin description, electrical timing details, and a manufacturer application reference should be confirmed in the official device documentation before layout release.
Drop-in alternatives for CY7C68321C-100AXC — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with CY7C68321C-100AXC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Product Type.
CY7C68321-100AXC
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →CY7C64713-100AXC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CY7C68321C-100AXC Specifications
| Product Type | USB 2.0 to ATA/ATAPI bridge controller |
| Product Family | EZ-USB AT2LP |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
| ATA Interface | ATA/ATAPI |
| Maximum ATA Devices | 1 device |
| Compact Flash Support | Yes |
| Board-Level Manufacturing Test | Supported through USB interface |
| ATA Interface High-Impedance Mode | Yes |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.15 V to 3.45 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to 70 °C |
| Package | 100-LQFP, 14 mm x 20 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Interface Function | USB bridge, USB to ATA |
| Protocol | USB |
| Shared ATA Bus Support | Hi-Z ATA interface for sharing with another controller |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (EOL) |
| Pin Count | 100 pins |
| Manufacturer | Cypress Semiconductor Corp |
CY7C68321C-100AXC 100-lqfp, 14 mm x 20 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for CY7C68321C-100AXC (100-lqfp, 14 mm x 20 mm package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for CY7C68321C-100AXC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
CY7C68321C-100AXC is suitable for 6 applications: USB-to-ATA Storage Adapter, Compact Flash Equipment, Embedded ATA Data Acquisition, Board-Level Manufacturing Test, Shared ATA Bus Controller, Industrial Legacy Peripheral Controller.
USB-to-ATA Storage Adapter
The CY7C68321C-100AXC fits legacy USB-to-ATA adapter designs because it combines a USB 2.0 host interface with an ATA/ATAPI bridge and supports one ATA device. It can be placed between a USB connector and an IDE-compatible storage connector, with the bridge translating host commands for the attached disk or solid-state device. The 3.15 V to 3.45 V supply requirement supports a 3.3 V interface design, while the 100-LQFP package provides a relatively high pin count for separate interface, power, control, and test signals. Because the listed lifecycle status is obsolete, this architecture is most appropriate for maintaining an existing product or a controlled legacy deployment after confirming availability and long-term sourcing.
Recommended
Compact Flash Equipment
The explicit Compact Flash support makes the CY7C68321C-100AXC relevant to equipment that exposes a Compact Flash device through USB. The ATA/ATAPI side can serve one compatible storage device, while the USB side connects to a host controller or embedded USB system. An implementation must match the connector and signal assignments, provide suitable storage power, and validate the firmware behavior for the selected Compact Flash mode. The bridge's USB 2.0 interface provides the host-facing connection, but the product is listed as obsolete, so an engineering team should assess whether maintaining the legacy format is more valuable than migrating to a currently supported storage interface.
Recommended
Embedded ATA Data Acquisition
The CY7C68321C-100AXC can serve as the USB-to-storage interface in an embedded acquisition system that records data to one ATA or ATAPI device. The USB 2.0 link provides a standardized connection to a host computer, while the ATA bridge handles communication with the storage medium. The design should budget for startup behavior, media error reporting, power-loss protection, and the operating-system compatibility of the storage protocol. A 100-LQFP footprint also requires a sufficiently dense board layout and careful separation of USB and ATA routing. For new deployments, confirm the obsolete part's availability and consider an actively supported bridge if legacy ATA media is not a firm requirement.
Recommended
Board-Level Manufacturing Test
The CY7C68321C-100AXC supports board-level manufacturing testing through its USB interface, making it useful in production fixtures that need to exercise a storage subsystem during test. A test host can use the USB connection to command the bridge, verify ATA communication, and isolate nonfunctional boards before shipment. The test design should include controlled USB enumeration, defined power sequencing, ATA device emulation or attachment, and repeatable fault injection for the storage interface. The ability to place the ATA interface in a high-impedance state may also help isolate bus segments during fixture diagnostics. Production software and test coverage should be qualified against the exact bridge configuration and the selected ATA or Compact Flash device.
Recommended
Shared ATA Bus Controller
The CY7C68321C-100AXC is useful in a shared ATA-bus architecture because its ATA interface can enter a high-impedance state. This allows the USB bridge to disconnect electrically while another controller, such as an IEEE-1394 controller, owns the ATA bus. The arrangement can support legacy storage access across multiple host technologies, but it requires unambiguous arbitration so that only one controller enables its ATA outputs at a time. Signal timing, bus turnaround, and contention behavior must be reviewed in the manufacturer documentation. The obsolete lifecycle status makes careful sourcing and a long-term maintenance plan essential if the shared-bus function remains in the product architecture.
Recommended
Industrial Legacy Peripheral Controller
The CY7C68321C-100AXC can bridge a modern USB host to an older industrial peripheral that exposes an ATA or ATAPI interface. The 0 °C to 70 °C operating range suits equipment designed for controlled commercial or indoor industrial environments, provided the complete enclosure temperature remains within that range. The 3.3 V supply compatibility and one-device ATA support simplify integration with systems that already use legacy storage. Engineers should verify power-loss behavior, connector wiring, USB enumeration, and the host-side driver requirements. If the system must remain in service for many years, request lifecycle and traceability information and evaluate a newer bridge where the ATA requirement can be changed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for CY7C68321C-100AXC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | CY7C68321-100AXC | CY7C64713-100AXC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-LQFP, 14 mm x 20 mm | 100-LQFP | 100-LQFP |
| Brand | Cypress Semiconductor Corp | Cypress Semiconductor Corp | Cypress Semiconductor Corp |
Key Differentiators
- ATA bus sharing support (vs CY7C64713-100AXC)
- Compact Flash support (vs CY7C64713-100AXC)
- Defined USB-to-ATA application (vs CY7C68321-100AXC)
Design Notes
The CY7C68321C-100AXC operates from 3.15 V to 3.45 V. Design the USB and bridge side around a regulated 3.3 V rail, place bypass capacitance close to the device power pins, and verify the rail under USB attach, ATA spin-up, and fault conditions. The ATA storage device power budget should be separated from the bridge's local supply so that inrush and load transients do not pull the controller rail outside its specified range.
Use the manufacturer package drawing and pin-description table for the 100-LQFP footprint rather than relying on a generic library symbol. Route USB and ATA signals with controlled impedance where required, provide a continuous ground reference, and keep the ATA connector and storage-device power return away from sensitive USB traces. Confirm the exposed or thermal-related package requirements and assembly clearances before releasing the PCB.
Do not treat the ATA high-impedance function as automatic bus arbitration. The system must ensure that only one controller drives the shared ATA bus at a time, with correct sequencing between the USB bridge and the alternate controller. Also validate the exact ATA device, Compact Flash mode, connector pinout, firmware, and operating-system behavior; the bridge's advertised protocol support does not by itself guarantee that every media type or host combination will interoperate.
The listed lifecycle status is obsolete, so production continuity requires a controlled sourcing plan. Record the manufacturer, exact MPN, package form, quantity, traceability requirements, and approved alternate status in the product documentation. When evaluating a candidate substitute, compare USB signals, ATA data and control signals, power pins, clock requirements, timing, package drawings, and firmware assumptions rather than checking only the connector protocol.
Compliance Information
The available product information identifies the package, electrical supply range, temperature range, interface functions, and obsolete lifecycle status. It does not provide definitive RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations.
