Microchip Technology 24C02C-E/MS

Overview

24C02C-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory, operating from 4.5V to 5.5V with industrial-grade temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), 16-byte page write buffer, and hardware write-protect for upper half of array (80h–FFh). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded control modules requiring low-power, noise-immune bus interfacing.

For engineers reviewing the 24C02C-E/MS datasheet, 24C02C-E/MS pinout, 24C02C-E/MS application, or 24C02C-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include its 400 kHz I²C clock support, Schmitt-trigger SDA/SCL inputs for noise suppression, 1 ms typical byte/page write time, 5 μA max standby current, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 24C02C-E/MS implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010' and three programmable chip-select bits (A2–A0), enabling up to eight devices on one bus. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps at FFh→00h.

Write operations are self-timed and internally managed: byte writes complete in ≤1.5 ms, page writes (up to 16 bytes) also require ≤1.5 ms, and acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion. Hardware write protection is activated when WP = VCC, locking addresses 80h–FFh.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C02C-E/MS is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), optimized for high-density PCBs. Pin functions are electrically identical across SOIC, TSSOP, DFN, and MSOP variants per Microchip DS21202J.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C02D-SSHM-T, the 24C02C-E/MS offers lower cost and smaller MSOP-8 footprint but lacks automotive qualification; versus ST24C02-WDT6-TR, it provides deterministic hardware write-lock without firmware dependency but requires dedicated WP routing.

Availability

24C02C-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart meter configuration storage, and embedded controller bootloader settings requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 24C02C-E/MS 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with emphasis on embedded control and connectivity solutions.

The 24C02C-E/MS belongs to Microchip's legacy 24Cxx I²C EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C02C-E/MS?

The 24C02C-E/MS supports I²C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz under industrial temperature conditions (–40°C to +85°C). At 100 kHz, timing margins are relaxed for noisy environments. The device does not support standard-mode Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) or high-speed mode.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24C02C-E/MS?

Hardware write-protection on the 24C02C-E/MS is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, addresses 80h–FFh (upper 128 bytes) are locked against write operations; when tied to VSS, full-array writes are permitted. This protection remains active even during power transitions due to internal VCC monitoring.

Can multiple 24C02C-E/MS devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to eight 24C02C-E/MS devices can operate on a single I²C bus using unique slave addresses generated by combinations of A0, A1, and A2 pins. Each device responds only to its assigned 7-bit address (1010xxxR/W), enabling up to 16 Kbits of contiguous EEPROM memory.

What is the typical write cycle time for a page write operation on the 24C02C-E/MS?

The typical write cycle time for a page write (up to 16 bytes) on the 24C02C-E/MS is 1 ms, with a maximum of 1.5 ms per Microchip DS21202J. During this self-timed cycle, the device does not acknowledge I²C commands until completion, supporting acknowledge polling for synchronization.

Is the 24C02C-E/MS RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 24C02C-E/MS is Pb-free and RoHS compliant per Microchip documentation. The MSOP-8 package uses matte tin (Sn) plating, and the part marking includes the JEDEC "3e" designation indicating lead-free finish, confirmed in DS21202J-page 13 packaging notes.