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Microchip Technology 24AA256SC-I/S16K
- Part No.:
- 24AA256SC-I/S16K
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
24AA256SC-I/S16K.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 400KHZ DIE
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,099
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Product details
Overview
24AA256SC-I/S16K from Microchip Technology is a 256 Kbit (32 K × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V operation, 64-byte page write capability, 400 kHz maximum clock frequency, and 1 million write/erase cycles endurance. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded systems requiring reliable data retention across power cycles, such as industrial sensor nodes and smart metering front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the 24AA256SC-I/S16K datasheet, 24AA256SC-I/S16K pinout, 24AA256SC-I/S16K application, or 24AA256SC-I/S16K equivalent, this device is selected for low-voltage compatibility, industry-standard I²C interface support, and extended temperature operation up to +85°C - critical for battery-powered and thermally constrained designs.
Technical Context
This device implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with fixed 7-bit slave address (0x50–0x57 via A0–A2 pins), supports sequential read/write across page boundaries, and includes hardware write protection via the WP pin. It operates in standard-mode I²C (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz), with internal address auto-increment and ACK polling for write cycle completion detection.
The memory array is organized as 32,768 bytes in 512 pages of 64 bytes each. Write cycle time is guaranteed at ≤5 ms per page under full VCC range (1.8–5.5 V), and data retention exceeds 200 years at +25°C per JEDEC JESD22-A117.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Density | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8 bits) - provides sufficient space for firmware parameters, calibration data, and event logs in mid-complexity embedded controllers. |
| Interface | I²C (Two-Wire Serial) - enables simple 2-pin connection to microcontrollers with standard I²C peripherals, reducing PCB routing complexity. |
| VCC Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - supports direct integration with 1.8 V logic, 3.3 V MCU domains, and legacy 5 V systems without level-shifting. |
| Page Size | 64 bytes - allows efficient bulk writes while minimizing bus occupancy; requires page-aligned addressing for full-page operations. |
| Write Endurance | 1,000,000 cycles - ensures long-term reliability in applications with frequent configuration updates, such as HVAC setpoint logging or motor control tuning tables. |
| Data Retention | 200 years at +25°C - guarantees persistent storage integrity over product lifetime without refresh or backup power. |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) - validated for deployment in outdoor equipment, factory automation, and automotive cabin modules. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead SOIC (150 mil, SN), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A2 | Device Address Inputs | Set I²C slave address bits (0x50–0x57); tied high/low to enable up to eight devices on same bus without address conflict. |
| WP | Write Protect Input | Active-high hardware lock: when asserted, prevents all write and erase operations to protect critical configuration data from corruption. |
| SDA | Serial Data Line | Open-drain bidirectional I²C data line; requires external pull-up resistor (typically 2.2–10 kΩ) to VCC. |
| SCL | Serial Clock Line | Input-only I²C clock line; driven by master; timing must comply with I²C fast-mode spec (≤400 kHz, tLOW/tHIGH ≥ 0.6 μs). |
| VCC | Power Supply | Single supply input (1.8–5.5 V); internally regulated for core logic and memory array operation across full voltage range. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all internal circuitry; must be low-impedance and decoupled near device with 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Wide Voltage Operation (1.8–5.5 V) | Eliminates need for separate voltage regulators or level shifters in mixed-supply systems, simplifying power architecture. |
| Hardware Write Protection (WP Pin) | Provides deterministic, glitch-immune safeguard against accidental writes - essential for field-upgradeable devices where firmware integrity is critical. |
| 64-Byte Page Write Buffer | Reduces I²C transaction overhead: up to 64 bytes written per START–STOP sequence, cutting bus utilization by >90% vs. byte-write mode. |
| 1 Million Write/Erase Cycles | Supports daily parameter updates for >2,700 years - enabling robust data logging in predictive maintenance gateways without wear leveling. |
| Industrial Temperature Range (–40°C to +85°C) | Validated operation across thermal extremes encountered in uncontrolled environments like streetlight controllers or agricultural sensors. |
Applications
| Smart Energy Metering | Industrial PLC Configuration Storage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing tariff schedules, meter calibration coefficients, and tamper-event timestamps in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration and event log storage with guaranteed data integrity across mains power interruptions. Use Value: Enables regulatory compliance with ANSI/IEEE standards requiring 20+ year data retention and secure parameter locking via WP pin. |
Use Scenario: Holding I/O mapping tables, PID tuning constants, and safety-critical trip thresholds in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Persistent storage for runtime-configurable control parameters that survive firmware updates and brownout events. Use Value: Eliminates manual reconfiguration after power loss; 1M-cycle endurance supports daily recalibration in high-precision process control loops. |
| Automotive Cabin Control Modules | Medical Diagnostic Equipment Calibration |
Use Scenario: Saving user preferences (seat position, climate settings) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in body control units operating at 12 V nominal with wide input transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-voltage tolerant nonvolatile memory interfaced directly to 3.3 V microcontroller I²C bus. Use Value: 1.8 V minimum VCC ensures operation during cold-crank conditions (<6.5 V battery), maintaining user setting persistence. |
Use Scenario: Storing sensor offset/gain coefficients, test result history, and regulatory audit trails in portable ultrasound and ECG analyzers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, long-retention storage for FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant calibration records and device identity. Use Value: Hardware WP pin prevents unauthorized modification of calibration data; 200-year retention satisfies medical device lifecycle requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24LC256-I/SN | Same density and pinout, but rated for 2.5–5.5 V only; lacks 1.8 V operation. | Not suitable for 1.8 V or dual-supply systems; acceptable in legacy 5 V or 3.3 V-only designs. | Select when system VCC is stable ≥2.5 V and cost sensitivity outweighs low-voltage flexibility. |
| 24FC256-I/SN | Same package and pinout, but supports 1 MHz I²C clock (vs. 400 kHz) and identical 1.8–5.5 V range. | Enables faster configuration loading in high-throughput test fixtures or boot-time parameter initialization. | Choose when bus speed >400 kHz is required and timing-critical write latency must be minimized. |
Compared with 24LC256-I/SN, the 24AA256SC-I/S16K adds 1.8 V operation for ultra-low-power systems; compared with 24FC256-I/SN, it trades 1 MHz speed for proven stability in noise-prone industrial buses - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding deployments where 400 kHz suffices.
Availability
24AA256SC-I/S16K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy metering, industrial PLC configuration storage, and automotive cabin control modules requiring stable component supply across multi-year production lifecycles.
Supply support for 24AA256SC-I/S16K 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog products, and serial nonvolatile memory, with vertically integrated wafer fabrication and packaging facilities.
The 24AAxx family was designed specifically for robust, low-power I²C-based configuration and data logging in industrial, automotive, and consumer embedded systems - emphasizing wide voltage tolerance, high endurance, and long-term data retention.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA256SC-I/S16K?
The 24AA256SC-I/S16K supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz in fast-mode operation. This is fully compliant with the I²C specification and ensures reliable communication with standard microcontroller I²C peripherals. The device does not support 1 MHz operation - for higher-speed interfaces, consider the 24FC256 variant instead. All timing parameters, including setup and hold times, are guaranteed across the full 1.8–5.5 V supply range.
Does the 24AA256SC-I/S16K require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?
Yes, the 24AA256SC-I/S16K requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines, as its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and desired rise time. Microchip recommends 4.7 kΩ for standard 100–400 kHz operation with ≤400 pF total bus capacitance. Failure to include pull-ups will prevent proper I²C communication.
How is write protection implemented on the 24AA256SC-I/S16K?
Write protection on the 24AA256SC-I/S16K is implemented via the dedicated WP (Write Protect) pin. When WP is driven high (≥0.7 × VCC), all write and erase operations to the memory array are disabled - including page writes, byte writes, and write-enable commands. This hardware lock is active regardless of I²C command state and provides deterministic, glitch-immune protection against accidental or malicious writes.
What package type does the 24AA256SC-I/S16K use, and is it RoHS-compliant?
The 24AA256SC-I/S16K uses an 8-lead SOIC package with 150 mil body width (designated "SN" in Microchip's packaging nomenclature). It is fully RoHS-compliant with Pb-free plating and qualified to moisture sensitivity level MSL3. The package is compatible with standard reflow soldering profiles per J-STD-020, and no special handling beyond standard ESD precautions is required.
Can the 24AA256SC-I/S16K be used in battery-powered applications with 1.8 V supply?
Yes, the 24AA256SC-I/S16K is explicitly specified for operation down to 1.8 V, making it suitable for single-cell Li-ion, LiFePO₄, or alkaline-powered devices. Its I²C interface remains functional at 1.8 V, and all AC/DC parameters - including write cycle time (≤5 ms) and endurance (1 million cycles) - are guaranteed across the full 1.8–5.5 V range. This eliminates the need for voltage boosting in ultra-low-power edge nodes.
24AA256SC-I/S16K Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 256Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- I2C
- Clock Frequency:
- 400 kHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- 900 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.7V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- Die
24AA256SC-I/S16K FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 24AA256SC-I/S16K through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 24AA256SC-I/S16K on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 24AA256SC-I/S16K reliable?
The price and inventory of 24AA256SC-I/S16K are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 24AA256SC-I/S16K is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 24AA256SC-I/S16K?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 24AA256SC-I/S16K transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 24AA256SC-I/S16K?
24AA256SC-I/S16K orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 24AA256SC-I/S16K order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 24AA256SC-I/S16K?
For technical support, including 24AA256SC-I/S16K datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 24AA256SC-I/S16K requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 24AA256SC-I/S16K is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 24AA256SC-I/S16K products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 24AA256SC-I/S16K meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 24AA256SC-I/S16K?
All 24AA256SC-I/S16K units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 24AA256SC-I/S16K, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 24AA256SC-I/S16K part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 24AA256SC-I/S16K:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
24AA256SC-I/S16K Tags
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M24C02-WMN6TP
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AT24C02C-XHM-T
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AT21CS01-STUM10-T
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M24C02-FMC6TG
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