Microchip Technology 24AA52T-I/MS

Overview

24AA52T-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as one block of 256 × 8-bit memory, operating from 1.8V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency (100 kHz below 2.2V), 1 mA typical active current, and 1 µA typical standby current in industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). It supports software write-protection for lower 128 bytes and hardware write-protection via WP pin, targeting embedded system configuration storage and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA52T-I/MS datasheet, 24AA52T-I/MS pinout, 24AA52T-I/MS application, or 24AA52T-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.8V, dual write-protection modes, page-write capability (up to 16 bytes), Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and MSOP-8 packaging for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 24AA52T-I/MS implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with master-slave architecture, where it functions exclusively as a slave device responding to 7-bit addresses formed by fixed control code '1010' plus A2/A1/A0 chip-select bits. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps within 256-byte boundaries.

Write operations include byte-write and page-write (max 16 bytes per cycle), both initiating self-timed internal erase/write cycles lasting up to 5 ms. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion, and the device incorporates VCC threshold detection (<1.5V) to prevent corruption during brown-out conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The 24AA52T-I/MS is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm height), with lead-free matte tin finish and exposed pad optionally connected to VSS or left floating per Microchip's DS21166K-page 5 Note 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC52-I/MS and AT24C02C-MAHM-T, the 24AA52T-I/MS uniquely delivers 1.8V operation with dual-mode write protection-making it optimal for battery-powered industrial IoT nodes where voltage headroom and configuration security are both critical.

Availability

24AA52T-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA52T-I/MS 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, manufacturing, and sales operations.

The 24AAxx family is designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with I²C interface simplicity and robust write-protection features.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24AA52T-I/MS?

The 24AA52T-I/MS operates reliably down to 1.8V across its full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Below 2.2V, maximum I²C clock frequency reduces to 100 kHz to maintain timing margins. This 1.8V capability allows direct integration with 1.8V microcontrollers and battery-powered systems experiencing voltage sag, without requiring level shifters or auxiliary regulators. The 24AA52T-I/MS maintains full functionality-including write operations and acknowledge polling-at 1.8V.

How does hardware and software write-protection work together in the 24AA52T-I/MS?

In the 24AA52T-I/MS, hardware write-protection (via WP pin) and software write-protection operate independently but hierarchically. When WP is tied to VCC, the entire 256-byte array is locked regardless of software register state. When WP is tied to VSS, software protection applies only to addresses 00h–7Fh (lower 128 bytes); addresses 80h–FFh remain writable. Once the software write-protect fuse is set, it cannot be reversed except by applying VCC+5.5V to WP-a deliberate, high-voltage reset procedure. This layered scheme enables flexible security policies: factory lockdown (WP=VCC), field-programmable lower-half protection (WP=VSS + software lock), or full array openness (WP=VSS, software lock unset).

What is the purpose of the exposed pad on the 24AA52T-I/MS MSOP package?

The exposed pad on the 24AA52T-I/MS MSOP package serves dual mechanical and thermal functions: it improves solder joint reliability during reflow and enhances heat dissipation from the die. Per Microchip DS21166K-page 5 Note 1, the pad may be connected to VSS for improved grounding and noise immunity-or left floating if PCB layout constraints prevent connection. It is not electrically required for operation, but grounding it is recommended for systems sensitive to EMI or operating near thermal limits. No internal circuitry connects directly to the pad beyond optional thermal conduction paths.

Can the 24AA52T-I/MS perform sequential reads across multiple devices on the same I²C bus?

No, the 24AA52T-I/MS does not support contiguous sequential reads across device boundaries. While up to eight 24AA52T-I/MS units can share one I²C bus using A2/A1/A0 addressing, each device maintains its own independent 256-byte address space and internal address pointer. Sequential read commands (repeated ACKs after first byte) wrap within that device's 256-byte block and never cross to adjacent devices-even if their addresses are logically contiguous (e.g., 0x50 and 0x51). To read from multiple devices, the master must issue separate Start/Stop sequences for each, resetting the address pointer individually. This limitation is documented in DS21166K-page 12 Section 8.4.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page-write operation to the 24AA52T-I/MS?

The 24AA52T-I/MS supports page-write operations of up to 16 bytes per transaction. This limit arises from its on-chip page buffer size, which holds data temporarily before committing it to nonvolatile memory upon receipt of the Stop condition. Page writes must remain within a single 16-byte physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F); attempting to cross boundaries causes wraparound within the current page, overwriting earlier bytes. The 24AA52T-I/MS does not auto-segment larger transfers-the host MCU must split writes exceeding 16 bytes across multiple page-write commands, aligning each to page boundaries for predictable behavior.