Microchip Technology 11LC020-I/SN

Overview

11LC020-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 2 Kbit (256 × 8) serial EEPROM with UNI/O® single I/O bus interface, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V over -40°C to +85°C. It features 16-byte page-write buffer, Schmitt-trigger SCIO input, output slope control, and 100 kbps max bit rate. Used for configuration storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring low-pin-count nonvolatile memory.

For engineers reviewing the 11LC020-I/SN datasheet, 11LC020-I/SN pinout, 11LC020-I/SN application, or 11LC020-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include UNI/O® bus compatibility, industrial temperature support, 2.5–5.5V VCC range, SOT-23-3 package footprint, and write-protection granularity (none/1/4/1/2/all array).

Technical Context

The 11LC020-I/SN implements Manchester-encoded UNI/O® protocol on a single bidirectional SCIO line, eliminating need for separate clock and data lines. Its internal timing recovery circuitry synchronizes to master clock period during start header and re-synchronizes on each MAK edge.

It integrates a 256 × 8-bit EEPROM array with page-write buffer, STATUS register (WIP/WEL/BP bits), and hardware write protection logic. Block protection is controlled via BP0/BP1 bits in STATUS register, enabling configurable write-lock of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

11LC020-I/SN is packaged in 3-lead SOT-23 (SN suffix), with SCIO serving as bidirectional serial clock/data line, VCC as supply, and VSS as ground. No NC pins are connected internally.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 11AA020-I/SN, the 11LC020-I/SN trades 1.8V operation for higher minimum VCC, simplifying power design in 3.3V/5V systems. Against 24LC02B-I/SN, it reduces GPIO usage by 1 pin and eliminates pull-ups but mandates UNI/O® driver integration.

Availability

11LC020-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor calibration storage, industrial PLC configuration memory, medical device settings backup, and consumer appliance user preferences requiring stable component supply across automotive and industrial production cycles.

Supply support for 11LC020-I/SN 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

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The 11LC020-I/SN belongs to Microchip's UNI/O® serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for ultra-low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in space- and cost-constrained embedded systems where traditional I²C or SPI interfaces consume excessive resources.

FAQ

What is the UNI/O® interface used by the 11LC020-I/SN?

The 11LC020-I/SN uses Microchip's patented UNI/O® serial bus, which combines clock and data onto a single bidirectional SCIO line using Manchester encoding. This eliminates the need for separate clock and data lines, making the 11LC020-I/SN ideal for 3-pin SOT-23 packaging and minimizing MCU GPIO usage. The 11LC020-I/SN does not support I²C, SPI, or Microwire protocols.

Does the 11LC020-I/SN support write protection, and how is it configured?

Yes, the 11LC020-I/SN supports hardware block write protection via BP0 and BP1 bits in its STATUS register. These bits enable protection of none, 1/4, 1/2, or all of the 256-byte memory array. Protection is set using the WRSR (Write Status Register) command and persists through power cycles. The 11LC020-I/SN also includes built-in power-on/off data protection and a write-enable latch that must be set before any write operation.

What is the maximum operating frequency and timing tolerance of the 11LC020-I/SN bus?

The 11LC020-I/SN supports a maximum serial bus frequency of 100 kHz (100 kbps bit rate), with bit period (TE) ranging from 10 µs to 100 µs. It tolerates ±0.06 UI input edge jitter and ±0.50% frequency drift per byte. These specifications ensure robust communication in electrically noisy environments when paired with properly designed MCU firmware implementing the UNI/O® protocol.

Can the 11LC020-I/SN be used in automotive applications?

The 11LC020-I/SN is rated for Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). While Microchip offers an Automotive-grade variant (11LC020-E/SN) qualified to -40°C to +125°C, the 11LC020-I/SN itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified and should not be deployed in under-hood or other high-temperature automotive subsystems. For such use cases, the 11LC020-E/SN or equivalent automotive-qualified part must be selected instead of the 11LC020-I/SN.

What package options are available for the 11LC020-I/SN?

The 11LC020-I/SN is available in 3-lead SOT-23 package, designated by the "SN" suffix. Other package variants exist for different part numbers in the family (e.g., PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, TDFN, TO-92), but the 11LC020-I/SN specifically ships only in SOT-23-3. Pin 1 is SCIO, Pin 2 is VSS, and Pin 3 is VCC - no NC pins are present or functional in this variant of the 11LC020-I/SN.