Microchip Technology 24C02A-E/P

Overview

24C02A-E/P from Microchip Technology is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 256 × 8-bit organization, 1.7–5.5 V supply range, and write cycle time of 5 ms max. It operates across -40°C to +125°C and features hardware write protection via WP pin, used in industrial sensor calibration and embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24C02A-E/P datasheet, 24C02A-E/P pinout, 24C02A-E/P application, or 24C02A-E/P equivalent, key selection factors include I²C address flexibility (three A0–A2 pins), endurance (1M write cycles), data retention (200 years), and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The 24C02A-E/P implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL lines, supports Standard (100 kHz) and Fast (400 kHz) modes, and uses internal address auto-increment for sequential reads. Its memory array is organized as 32 pages of 8 bytes each, enabling byte or page-write operations.

Write protection is controlled by the WP pin tied to V_SS (enabled) or V_CC/floating (disabled); no software lock is required. The device includes an internal power-on reset circuit and built-in write-cycle timing control, eliminating external timing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C02A-E/P is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with 150 mil body width and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C02D-SSHM-T and BR24G02-3MNUC, the 24C02A-E/P provides superior temperature range and data retention-critical for automotive and medical deployments-while maintaining identical I²C protocol and pinout compatibility.

Availability

24C02A-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart meter configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24C02A-E/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 24C02A-E/P belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained and thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C02A-E/P?

The 24C02A-E/P supports Standard Mode up to 100 kHz and Fast Mode up to 400 kHz. It meets I²C specification timing requirements for both modes, including setup/hold times and rise/fall characteristics, and is fully interoperable with standard I²C controllers without additional level-shifting or timing adjustments.

Does the 24C02A-E/P require an external pull-up resistor on the SDA line?

Yes, the 24C02A-E/P has open-drain SDA and SCL outputs and requires external pull-up resistors on both lines. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed mode; 4.7 kΩ is commonly used for 400 kHz operation with ≤400 pF total bus capacitance.

How does hardware write protection work on the 24C02A-E/P?

The 24C02A-E/P uses the WP (Write Protect) pin: when pulled low to V_SS, all write operations-including byte, page, and write-enable instructions-are inhibited. When WP is high or floating, writes are enabled. This provides fail-safe protection against unintended writes during power-up/down or firmware errors.

Can the 24C02A-E/P be used with a 1.8 V microcontroller?

Yes, the 24C02A-E/P operates from 1.7 V to 5.5 V and supports I²C logic levels compatible with 1.8 V systems. Its VOL and VOH specifications meet I²C bus requirements at 1.8 V supply, and it interfaces directly with 1.8 V MCUs without level shifters when V_CC is set to 1.8 V.

What is the page size and maximum write length per transaction for the 24C02A-E/P?

The 24C02A-E/P has a page size of 8 bytes. A single page-write command can program up to 8 consecutive bytes starting at any address aligned to a page boundary. Attempting to cross a page boundary will cause wraparound within that page, limiting effective burst writes to 1–8 bytes per I²C transaction.