Microchip Technology 24C00-E/ST

Overview

24C00-E/ST from Microchip Technology is a 128-bit (16 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM designed for nonvolatile storage of calibration data, device IDs, and manufacturing parameters in space-constrained industrial and automotive systems. It operates at 4.5–5.5 V, supports 100 kHz and 400 kHz clock rates, delivers typical read current of 500 µA, and guarantees >1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24C00-E/ST datasheet, 24C00-E/ST pinout, 24C00-E/ST application, or 24C00-E/ST equivalent, key selection considerations include its automotive-grade temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), SOT-23-5 package footprint, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity on SDA/SCL, and self-timed 4 ms write cycle - all critical for robust embedded control and sensor node designs.

Technical Context

The 24C00-E/ST functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit device code '1010' and three don't-care address bits, enabling single-bus addressing without external configuration. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while acknowledge polling allows bus-efficient write-cycle completion detection.

It implements Schmitt-trigger inputs and input filtering (50 ns spike suppression) on both SDA and SCL pins, ensuring reliable operation in electrically noisy environments. The device uses a V_CC threshold detector that disables write logic below 3.8 V, preventing incomplete or corrupted writes during brown-out conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C00-E/ST is supplied in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 5-lead SOT-23 package (Microchip drawing C04-028D), with pin 1 marked and lead pitch of 0.95 mm. The exposed pad is not present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24C00-E/ST, the 24AA00-I/ST trades automotive qualification for wider voltage flexibility, while the AT24C01C-SSHM-T provides greater memory density and speed at identical package size - making it ideal for next-generation designs needing scalability without board redesign.

Availability

24C00-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor modules, industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, and smart metering systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24C00-E/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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, communications, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 24C00-E/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XX00 family of ultra-small serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding proven reliability, low power, and seamless I²C integration.

FAQ

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

The 24C00-E/ST supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated within its specified V_CC range of 4.5–5.5 V and temperature grade (−40°C to +125°C). At this rate, it meets standard-mode Plus (Sm+) timing requirements, enabling compatibility with most modern microcontrollers without requiring clock stretching or custom bit-banging firmware. The 24C00-E/ST does not support 1 MHz operation.

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

Yes, the 24C00-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to V_CC is recommended; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. These values ensure proper rise times (<300 ns) and noise margin while avoiding excessive bus loading - critical for multi-node I²C networks in automotive ECUs.

Can the 24C00-E/ST be used in place of the 24LC00 or 24AA00 without hardware changes?

No - the 24C00-E/ST is not a drop-in replacement for 24LC00 or 24AA00 due to its narrower V_CC range (4.5–5.5 V vs. 2.5–5.5 V or 1.8–5.5 V) and automotive temperature qualification. While pinout and protocol are identical in SOT-23-5, substituting it into a design originally specifying 24LC00 may cause functional failure below 4.5 V or outside −40°C to +125°C. Always validate voltage margins and thermal profiles before substitution.

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

The 24C00-E/ST incorporates an internal V_CC threshold detector that disables the write logic if V_CC falls below 3.8 V. This prevents partial or corrupted writes during brown-out conditions. Combined with its self-timed write cycle and ACK polling mechanism, this ensures data integrity without requiring external reset supervisors or power-fail interrupts - a key reliability feature for automotive and industrial deployments.

Is factory programming available for the 24C00-E/ST, and what data can be pre-programmed?

Yes, factory programming is available for the 24C00-E/ST through Microchip's wafer-sort and final-test services. Pre-programmable content includes unique serial numbers, calibration coefficients, MAC addresses, regulatory compliance codes (e.g., FCC ID), and firmware version stamps. Programming occurs before shipment, eliminating post-SMT programming steps and reducing line-side test complexity for high-volume OEMs.