Microchip Technology 24AA02-I/P

Overview

24AA02-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 2-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protection, 1.7V–5.5V operation, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock, features 8-byte page write buffer, and delivers ≤1 µA standby current - used for secure device identification and configuration storage in embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA02-I/P datasheet, 24AA02-I/P pinout, 24AA02-I/P application, or 24AA02-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its I²C address simplicity (fixed 1010xxx0/1), WP-enabled hardware lock for factory-programmed MAC addresses, low-voltage compatibility down to 1.7V, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive subsystems.

Technical Context

The 24AA02-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer enables current-address, random, and sequential read modes without external addressing logic.

Write operations use self-timed erase/write cycles with 5 ms maximum page write time and ACK polling support. The device ignores A0–A2 pins - eliminating external address jumpers - and uses a fixed 4-bit control code (1010) with R/W bit determining direction, simplifying host-side driver implementation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA02-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) with 300-mil body width, through-hole mounting, and industry-standard pin spacing (0.100" pitch). Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; leads are matte tin-plated for solderability and RoHS compliance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA02-I/P, the 24LC02B-I/P trades 1.7V operation for marginally lower unit cost in 3.3V+ systems, while the AT24C02C-PU offers alternate supply chain access but omits automotive validation and factory programming support.

Availability

24AA02-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive telematics, industrial sensor calibration, and consumer appliance settings retention requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 24AA02-I/P 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 leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA02 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for secure, low-power, and high-reliability nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and IoT edge devices - emphasizing factory programmability and hardware write protection.

FAQ

What is the I²C address of the 24AA02-I/P and how is it determined?

The 24AA02-I/P uses a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address of 0x50 (1010000b) for write operations and 0x51 (1010001b) for reads. Unlike larger EEPROMs, it ignores A0–A2 pins - so no external address configuration is needed. This simplifies PCB layout and firmware initialization, making the 24AA02-I/P ideal for single-device I²C buses where deterministic addressing is required.

Can the 24AA02-I/P operate from a 1.8V supply, and what performance trade-offs apply?

Yes, the 24AA02-I/P supports 1.7V–5.5V operation, including standard 1.8V logic rails. At 1.8V, the maximum I²C clock frequency drops to 100 kHz (per DS20001709N Table 1-2), and timing parameters like THIGH and TLOW increase accordingly. However, standby current remains ≤1 µA and read current ≤1 mA - preserving ultra-low-power behavior essential for battery-backed or energy-harvesting systems using the 24AA02-I/P.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24AA02-I/P, and can it be overridden?

Hardware write-protection on the 24AA02-I/P is controlled solely by the WP pin: tying WP to VCC disables all write operations (including page and byte writes) while allowing unlimited reads. There is no software override or unlock sequence - protection is physical and irreversible during normal operation. This ensures that factory-programmed data (e.g., MAC addresses) stored in the 24AA02-I/P cannot be altered by firmware bugs or malicious actors.

Is the 24AA02-I/P pin-compatible with other 2-Kbit I²C EEPROMs in PDIP-8 packages?

Yes, the 24AA02-I/P uses standard PDIP-8 pinout (VCC, WP, SCL, SDA, VSS, and no-connect A0–A2), matching industry conventions for 2-Kbit I²C EEPROMs. It is mechanically and electrically compatible with 24LC02B-I/P and AT24C02C-PU in the same package - enabling direct substitution where voltage, speed, and qualification requirements align. Always verify WP pin handling and I²C timing margins before replacement.

What is the endurance rating of the 24AA02-I/P, and how is it tested?

The 24AA02-I/P is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per memory location at 25°C and 5.5V, per JEDEC standard testing methodology. This endurance is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and applies to both byte and page write modes. Data retention exceeds 200 years under normal operating conditions - verified via accelerated life testing and statistical analysis - ensuring long-term reliability for the 24AA02-I/P in mission-critical storage roles.