Microchip Technology 24AA52-I/ST

Overview

24AA52-I/ST from Microchip Technology is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory, operating from 1.8V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock (100 kHz below 2.2V), 1 μA standby current, and hardware/software write protection. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based systems requiring low-voltage operation and robust data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA52-I/ST datasheet, 24AA52-I/ST pinout, 24AA52-I/ST application, or 24AA52-I/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, I²C timing constraints, WP pin behavior, page-write buffer limits, and industrial-temperature package validation for embedded design integration.

Technical Context

The 24AA52-I/ST implements a standard two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential reads across the full 256-byte array.

Write operations include byte-write and 16-byte page-write modes with self-timed erase/write cycles (5 ms typical). Write protection is enforced via both software-configurable lower-half lock (00h–7Fh) and hardware WP pin control of the entire array-enabling flexible, layered data security in field-deployed systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA52-I/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with gull-wing leads, 150-mil body width, and Pb-free matte tin finish. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; device orientation follows JEDEC MS-012 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC52-I/ST and AT24C02C-SSHM-T, the 24AA52-I/ST uniquely combines 1.8V compatibility, software-configurable half-array lock, and industrial-grade temperature validation-making it the only option for low-voltage, safety-critical, or hierarchically secured configurations.

Availability

24AA52-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart home gateway firmware settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA52-I/ST 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 microcontrollers, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA52 belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XXX serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing reliable nonvolatile storage with flexible write protection and broad voltage compatibility.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 24AA52-I/ST?

The 24AA52-I/ST operates reliably down to 1.8V VCC, with full functionality including 400 kHz I²C communication above 2.2V and 100 kHz operation between 1.8V and 2.2V. Below 1.8V, the internal voltage detector disables write operations to prevent data corruption, and the device enters a high-impedance state on SDA/SCL.

How does the WP pin interact with the software write-protect feature in the 24AA52-I/ST?

In the 24AA52-I/ST, the WP pin takes precedence: when tied to VCC, it hardware-locks the entire memory array regardless of the software write-protect register state. If WP is grounded, software protection applies only to addresses 00h–7Fh; addresses 80h–FFh remain unprotected unless WP is asserted. The 24AA52-I/ST cannot write to the software register while WP = VCC.

Can the 24AA52-I/ST perform page writes across memory boundaries?

No-the 24AA52-I/ST restricts page writes to within a single 16-byte physical page. Attempting to write across a boundary (e.g., starting at address 0x0F) causes the address counter to wrap to the start of the same page (0x00), overwriting previously loaded data. Application firmware must validate starting addresses and byte counts to avoid unintended data loss during 24AA52-I/ST page writes.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA52-I/ST at 3.3V VCC?

At 3.3V VCC, the 24AA52-I/ST supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz, meeting Fast-mode I²C specifications. AC timing parameters-including THIGH (600 ns min), TLOW (1300 ns min), and TSU:DAT (100 ns min)-are fully characterized for this condition and require appropriate pull-up resistor sizing (typically 2 kΩ) to meet rise/fall time requirements.

Is the 24AA52-I/ST compatible with standard I²C protocol implementations?

Yes-the 24AA52-I/ST is fully compliant with the NXP I²C-bus specification, supporting standard Start/Stop conditions, 7-bit slave addressing (with A0–A2 chip select bits), ACK/NACK handshaking, and repeated Start sequences. It responds to control codes 1010xxx0 (write) and 1010xxx1 (read), and does not generate ACK during internal write cycles-enabling standard acknowledge polling.