Microchip Technology 24C01-I/P

Overview

24C01-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 1 Kb I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 128 × 8 bits, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with write cycle time of 5 ms max and endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles. It features hardware write protection via WP pin and supports standard (100 kHz) and fast (400 kHz) I²C modes for embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24C01-I/P datasheet, 24C01-I/P pinout, 24C01-I/P application, or 24C01-I/P equivalent, key selection factors include its 8-pin PDIP package, I²C address compatibility (0x50–0x57), byte/page write capability, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The 24C01-I/P implements a two-wire I²C serial interface with open-drain SDA/SCL lines requiring external pull-up resistors. It uses internal address counters for sequential reads and supports both random and sequential write operations within a single page (8 bytes).

Write protection is controlled by the WP pin: grounded enables writes, high disables all write operations including page writes and write-enable latch setting. The device incorporates an internal power-on reset circuit and automatic erase-before-write functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C01-I/P is housed in an 8-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing is 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), compatible with standard PCB layouts and socketing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C01D-SSHM-T and CAT24C01WI-GT3, the 24C01-I/P uniquely combines through-hole PDIP packaging, hardware write protection via WP pin, and industrial temperature qualification-making it optimal for legacy industrial controllers and serviceable equipment requiring field-replaceable memory modules.

Availability

24C01-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer firmware storage, sensor calibration retention, smart meter tamper logging, and consumer appliance settings backup requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 24C01-I/P 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The 24Cxx family-including the 24C01-I/P-is designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count systems requiring reliable, byte-addressable nonvolatile storage with simple I²C integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C01-I/P?

The 24C01-I/P supports standard-mode I²C at up to 100 kHz and fast-mode I²C at up to 400 kHz. It does not support fast-mode-plus (1 MHz). These speeds are guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and supply voltage range (2.5V–5.5V), and the 24C01-I/P meets I²C bus timing specifications for both modes as defined in the official Microchip datasheet MCHPS03756.

Does the 24C01-I/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24C01-I/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values range from 1.8 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and desired rise time; the 24C01-I/P datasheet specifies maximum bus capacitance of 400 pF and recommends calculating resistor values using V_CC, I_OL, and target rise time.

How many unique I²C addresses can be assigned to the 24C01-I/P on a shared bus?

The 24C01-I/P supports eight unique I²C slave addresses (0x50 through 0x57) using the A0, A1, and A2 address input pins. Each pin is binary-encoded, allowing combinations of high/low states to select one of eight addresses. This enables multiple 24C01-I/P devices-or mixed 24Cxx EEPROMs-to coexist on the same I²C bus without address conflict.

What happens when the WP pin on the 24C01-I/P is driven high?

When the WP (Write Protect) pin on the 24C01-I/P is driven high (≥0.7 × V_CC), all write operations-including byte write, page write, and write-enable latch (WEL) setting-are disabled. Reads remain fully functional. This hardware-level lock cannot be overridden by I²C commands, ensuring robust protection of stored data even if firmware is compromised or misconfigured.

Is the 24C01-I/P compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 24C01-I/P is fully compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers. Its supply voltage range (2.5V–5.5V) includes 3.3V nominal operation, and its I²C interface meets standard-mode and fast-mode voltage thresholds at 3.3V. Logic high input minimum is 0.7 × V_CC, and output low is ≤0.4V-ensuring interoperability with common 3.3V MCUs without level shifters. The 24C01-I/P has been validated in numerous 3.3V designs including those using PIC, ARM Cortex-M, and ESP32 hosts.