Microchip Technology 24C01C/SN

Overview

24C01C from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1K-bit (128 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM IC operating from 4.5V to 5.5V, featuring 16-byte page write buffer, 1 ms max. write cycle time, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and support for up to eight cascaded devices on one bus. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based systems requiring low-power, reliable data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24C01C datasheet, 24C01C pinout, 24C01C application, or 24C01C equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package-specific pin mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts - all aligned with DS21201K revision K (2012) and Microchip's official packaging documentation.

Technical Context

The 24C01C implements a true two-wire I²C slave interface with hardware address decoding via A0–A2 pins, enabling up to eight devices on a shared bus (six for SOT-23 due to missing A2). Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page buffer, self-timed erase/write logic, and VCC threshold detection that disables writes below 3.8V.

It supports both 100 kHz and 400 kHz clock rates, uses open-drain SDA/SCL with external pull-ups, and incorporates input filtering (50 ns spike suppression) and hysteresis (≥0.05×VCC) to ensure robust operation in electrically noisy environments such as industrial control panels and automotive body modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C01C/SN is supplied in 8-pin SOIC (3.90 mm) package per Microchip DS21201K-page 2 and page 9. Pin functions are validated per Table 2-1 in the datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C01D-SSHM-T and BR24G01FJ-WE2, the 24C01C/SN provides proven 5V-system compatibility, simpler address decoding, and identical SOIC-8 footprint - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, legacy 5V industrial designs where bus speed and voltage flexibility are secondary to layout reuse and qualification stability.

Availability

24C01C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump calibration, smart energy meter firmware parameters, and embedded system boot-time configuration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 24C01C 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 24C01C belongs to Microchip's legacy 24Cxx serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-cost, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C01C?

The 24C01C supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency under industrial temperature conditions (–40°C to +85°C), as specified in Table 1-2 of DS21201K. At 100 kHz, it operates across both industrial and automotive temperature ranges. The device does not support standard-mode Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) or High-speed mode.

Does the 24C01C/SN include hardware write protection?

No, the 24C01C/SN does not include a dedicated write-protect (WP) pin or internal software write lock. Write protection must be implemented externally using a GPIO-controlled transistor or resistor network on the WP signal - though the datasheet notes that the Test pin may be repurposed in some variants, this is not guaranteed or documented for 24C01C/SN.

How many 24C01C devices can be connected on a single I²C bus?

Up to eight 24C01C devices can be connected on one I²C bus using unique combinations of A0, A1, and A2 address pins. For the SOT-23 package variant (not applicable to 24C01C/SN), only four devices are supported due to the absence of the A2 pin, as confirmed in Section 5.0 and Table 2-1 of DS21201K.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24C01C?

The 24C01C features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction. This buffer is physically aligned to 16-byte boundaries (addresses 0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, etc.), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound within the same page - a behavior explicitly documented in Section 6.2.

Is the 24C01C/SN RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 24C01C/SN is Pb-free and RoHS compliant per Microchip's DS21201K-page 1 Features section and Packaging Information (Section 9). The "SN" suffix denotes SOIC-8 package with matte tin (Sn) plating, meeting JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1a requirements.