Microchip Technology 24C00-E/SN

Overview

24C00-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 128-bit (16 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM designed for low-power, space-constrained applications requiring nonvolatile storage of calibration data, device IDs, or manufacturing traceability. It operates at 4.5–5.5 V, supports 100 kHz and 400 kHz clock rates, features Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and delivers typical standby current of 100 nA and read current of 500 µA. It is rated for automotive temperature range (−40°C to +125°C).

For engineers reviewing the 24C00-E/SN datasheet, 24C00-E/SN pinout, 24C00-E/SN application, or 24C00-E/SN equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, package-specific terminal mapping, real-world use cases in automotive and industrial systems, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The 24C00-E/SN implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 4-bit device code '1010' and three don't-care address bits, enabling up to eight devices on the same bus. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while write operations are self-timed with typical 3 ms page write time and automatic V_CC threshold detection (3.8 V nominal) to prevent incomplete writes.

It uses CMOS EEPROM technology with >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention. Noise suppression is achieved via integrated Schmitt triggers and input filters (T_SP ≤ 50 ns), and output slope control minimizes ground bounce during SDA transitions - critical for stable operation in electrically noisy automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C00-E/SN is supplied in a 5-lead SOT-23 package (Microchip drawing C04-028D/OT), with pin 1 designated as SCL, pin 2 as V_SS, pin 3 as SDA, pin 4 as NC (not connected), and pin 5 as V_CC. The NC pin is internally unconnected and must not be tied to any voltage or signal.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24C00-E/SN, the 24C01C-E/SN offers four times more memory in identical packaging for seamless scalability, while the AT24C01C-SSHM-T provides wider supply flexibility and independent addressing - both retain automotive qualification and require no layout modification.

Availability

24C00-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, engine management systems, and industrial sensor calibration requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24C00-E/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 leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, communications, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 24XX00 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing minimal nonvolatile storage - targeting automotive subsystems, sensor nodes, and legacy-system upgrades where 128-bit persistence suffices.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C00-E/SN?

The 24C00-E/SN supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated within its specified V_CC range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V and automotive temperature grade. At this rate, it meets standard Fast-mode timing requirements including minimum THIGH (600 ns), TLOW (1300 ns), and TSU:DAT (100 ns), ensuring reliable communication with modern microcontrollers without external clock stretching.

Does the 24C00-E/SN require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24C00-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 400 kHz operation at 5 V, a 2 kΩ pull-up is recommended; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. These values ensure proper rise times (<300 ns) and noise margin while limiting bus current per I²C specification.

Can the 24C00-E/SN be used in a 3.3 V system?

No, the 24C00-E/SN is not rated for 3.3 V operation. Its absolute minimum V_CC is 4.5 V, and its internal write-protection circuit activates below 3.8 V to prevent data corruption. Using it at 3.3 V will result in failed writes and unreliable reads. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 24AA00-I/SN (1.8–5.5 V) or 24LC00-I/SN (2.5–5.5 V) variants instead.

How does the 24C00-E/SN handle write operations during power loss?

The 24C00-E/SN incorporates an internal V_CC threshold detector that disables the EEPROM write logic whenever V_CC drops below 3.8 V. This prevents partial writes and data corruption during brown-out or power ramp-down events. Combined with its self-timed 3 ms write cycle and ACK polling capability, this ensures atomic, recoverable updates even in unstable power environments.

Is the NC pin on the 24C00-E/SN's SOT-23 package required to be left floating?

Yes, Pin 4 (NC) on the 24C00-E/SN is internally not connected and must remain unconnected in the PCB layout. While grounding it poses no immediate damage, doing so adds unnecessary parasitic capacitance and may affect high-frequency signal integrity on adjacent traces. Microchip's datasheet explicitly defines it as "Not Connected" and recommends leaving it floating or omitting the pad entirely in land pattern design.