Microchip Technology 24C00-I/ST

Overview

24C00-I/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 128-bit (16 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM designed for low-overhead nonvolatile storage of calibration data, device IDs, or manufacturing traceability in space-constrained industrial systems. 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.

For engineers reviewing the 24C00-I/ST datasheet, 24C00-I/ST pinout, 24C00-I/ST application, or 24C00-I/ST equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, package-specific terminal mapping, real-world use cases in embedded control and sensor calibration, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The 24C00-I/ST implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 4-bit device address (1010b) and three don't-care bits, enabling up to eight devices on one bus. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, and it uses an internal VCC threshold detector (3.8 V nominal) to inhibit write operations during undervoltage conditions.

Write cycles are self-timed with typical duration of 3 ms and maximum of 4 ms; acknowledge polling is supported to detect completion. The device employs slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce and includes input filtering (50 ns spike suppression) and hysteresis (≥0.05 × VCC) for robust operation in electrically noisy environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The 24C00-I/ST is supplied in the 5-lead SOT-23 package (Microchip drawing C04-028D), with pin 1 as SCL, pin 2 as VSS, pin 3 as SDA, pin 4 as NC, and pin 5 as VCC. The NC pin is internally unconnected and must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24C00-I/ST, 24LC00-I/ST offers broader supply flexibility at the cost of incompatible voltage domain, while AT24C01A-PU trades pin-for-pin compatibility for increased density and different packaging-neither is a direct replacement without design review.

Availability

24C00-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller ID storage, and power supply trim applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24C00-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 devices, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 24C00 belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XX00 family of ultra-low-power serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for minimal-footprint, low-energy nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive embedded systems operating across -40°C to +85°C.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24C00-I/ST?

The 24C00-I/ST requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V and will not operate reliably below that level. Its internal voltage detector disables write operations below approximately 3.8 V to prevent data corruption. This distinguishes it from the 24AA00 (1.8 V min) and 24LC00 (2.5 V min) variants in the same family. Always verify system rail stability within the 4.5–5.5 V window before deploying the 24C00-I/ST.

Does the 24C00-I/ST support both 100 kHz and 400 kHz I²C clock speeds?

Yes, the 24C00-I/ST is fully compliant with both standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) I²C specifications across its full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). AC timing parameters-including THIGH, TLOW, TSU:DAT, and TAA-are explicitly guaranteed for both frequencies at 4.5–5.5 V. No configuration or external components are needed to switch between modes; speed selection is handled entirely by the master controller.

How many write/erase cycles can the 24C00-I/ST endure?

The 24C00-I/ST is rated for more than 1 million erase/write cycles per memory location, as confirmed by characterization and industry-standard endurance modeling. This specification applies across the full industrial temperature range and 4.5–5.5 V supply. Field reliability data shows no degradation in retention or functionality after accelerated life testing, making it suitable for applications requiring frequent parameter updates over multi-year deployments.

Is the NC pin on the 24C00-I/ST required to be connected?

No, the NC (pin 4) on the 24C00-I/ST is internally unconnected and serves no electrical function. It may be left floating in the PCB layout. However, Microchip recommends tying it to VSS for mechanical stability and improved thermal dissipation in high-reliability applications. Doing so does not affect device operation and aligns with recommended practices for SOT-23 packages with unused terminals.

What is the data retention period for the 24C00-I/ST?

The 24C00-I/ST guarantees data retention exceeding 200 years under normal operating conditions (TA = -40°C to +85°C, VCC = 4.5–5.5 V). This value is derived from accelerated retention testing and Arrhenius modeling, and reflects worst-case extrapolation across the full qualified temperature range. No periodic refresh or backup power is required to maintain stored data throughout the product's operational lifetime.