Microchip Technology 24C01C-I/SN

Overview

24C01C-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM operating from 4.5V to 5.5V, featuring 16-byte page write buffer, 1 ms max. write cycle time, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs for noise immunity on shared buses in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24C01C-I/SN datasheet, 24C01C-I/SN pinout, 24C01C-I/SN application, or 24C01C-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C clock compatibility (100/400 kHz), standby current ≤5 µA, endurance >1 million cycles, data retention >200 years, and SOT-23-6 package footprint with A0/A1 address pins.

Technical Context

The 24C01C-I/SN implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 7-bit device address prefix '1010', where A0 and A1 pins determine the three least-significant address bits (A2 is not present in SOT-23). It supports byte and page write modes, with internal address pointer auto-increment and wraparound at 0x7F.

Its architecture includes an on-chip HV generator for EEPROM programming, Schmitt-trigger input hysteresis ≥0.05 VCC on SDA/SCL, and output fall time ≤250 ns (CB ≤ 100 pF). Write operations are self-timed and nonvolatile; acknowledge polling is required to detect completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C01C-I/SN is supplied in Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 6-lead SOT-23 package (3.0 mm × 1.7 mm × 1.3 mm height), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts. Pin 1 is laser-marked; exposed pad is not present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24C01C-I/SN, AT24C01D-SSHM-T offers broader voltage flexibility but demands package change, while CAT24C01HU5I-GT3 provides pin-compatible 1.8V operation - both retain 16-byte page write and >1M endurance, making them viable alternatives where voltage or sourcing continuity is prioritized.

Availability

24C01C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer remote control ID storage, medical device serial numbering, and automotive body control module settings requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24C01C-I/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing infrastructure.

The 24C01C-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and I²C bus compatibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C01C-I/SN?

The 24C01C-I/SN supports I²C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz under industrial temperature conditions (–40°C to +85°C). Its AC specifications guarantee timing compliance at this rate, including minimum THIGH (600 ns), TLOW (1300 ns), and rise/fall times (≤300 ns). For 100 kHz operation, timing margins increase significantly, improving noise margin in electrically noisy environments. The 24C01C-I/SN does not support standard-mode Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) or High-speed mode.

Does the 24C01C-I/SN support write protection?

The 24C01C-I/SN does not include a dedicated hardware write-protect (WP) pin in its SOT-23-6 package variant. Unlike 8-pin versions (e.g., 24C01C-I/P), the 24C01C-I/SN omits the WP terminal. Write protection must therefore be implemented at the system level-via software address locking, I²C bus arbitration, or external logic-since no internal hardware lock mechanism exists for this specific package.

How many 24C01C-I/SN devices can be connected on the same I²C bus?

Up to four 24C01C-I/SN devices can share a single I²C bus, using combinations of A0 and A1 pins (A2 is not present in SOT-23). Each device is assigned a unique 3-bit chip address (bits A2–A0), with A2 hardwired to '0' internally. Valid addresses are 0b1010000, 0b1010001, 0b1010010, and 0b1010011 - enabling 4K bits of contiguous address space when cascaded.

What is the purpose of the Test pin on the 24C01C-I/SN?

The 24C01C-I/SN does not include a Test pin. That pin is present only in 8-pin packages (PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, MSOP, DFN, TDFN) and is omitted in the 6-lead SOT-23 variant. Therefore, the 24C01C-I/SN has exactly six functional terminals: VCC, SCL, SDA, VSS, A0, and A1 - all defined in Table 2-1 of DS21201K. No test functionality is accessible on this package.

Is the 24C01C-I/SN compatible with 3.3V I²C systems?

The 24C01C-I/SN is not guaranteed for direct 3.3V operation: its specified VCC range is strictly 4.5V to 5.5V. While some units may function at 3.3V, DC characteristics (e.g., VIH = 0.7×VCC ≈ 2.31V) fall outside standard 3.3V I²C logic thresholds, and AC timing (e.g., THIGH, TLOW) is not characterized below 4.5V. For 3.3V systems, use a level-shifting I²C buffer or select a 1.8–5.5V EEPROM such as CAT24C01HU5I-GT3.