Microchip Technology 24C02C-E/P

Overview

24C02C-E/P 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 1 mA max read current, 5 μA max standby current, and 1 ms typical byte/page write time. It features hardware write-protection for upper half (80h–FFh), Schmitt-trigger inputs, and supports up to eight devices on one bus in industrial and automotive temperature ranges.

For engineers reviewing the 24C02C-E/P datasheet, 24C02C-E/P pinout, 24C02C-E/P application, or 24C02C-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C clock compatibility (100/400 kHz), page write buffer size (16 bytes), endurance (>1 million cycles), data retention (>200 years), and hardware WP functionality tied to VCC/VSS.

Technical Context

The 24C02C-E/P implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 4-bit control code (1010b) and 3-bit chip-select address (A2–A0), enabling cascading of up to eight devices on a shared bus. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps from FFh to 00h.

It uses an on-chip high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming, includes VCC threshold detection (<3.8 V disable), and employs noise-suppression circuitry: Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL with 0.05×VCC hysteresis and 50 ns input filter spike suppression.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C02C-E/P is supplied in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.300-inch body width. Pin 1 is A0; pin 4 is VSS; pin 5 is SDA; pin 6 is SCL; pin 7 is WP; pin 8 is VCC. All packages share identical pin functions and numbering 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 and ST24C02-WDT6-TR, the 24C02C-E/P uniquely combines PDIP packaging, automotive-grade temperature rating (−40°C to +125°C), and factory-programmable hardware write protection - making it the only option qualified for safety-critical automotive EEPROM applications requiring through-hole assembly.

Availability

24C02C-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC configuration storage, and medical infusion pump settings requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24C02C-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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24C02C-E/P belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with I²C simplicity and automotive-grade reliability.

FAQ

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

The 24C02C-E/P supports I²C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz in fast mode, as confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS21202J. It also maintains full compatibility with standard-mode 100 kHz operation. Both modes are guaranteed across the full −40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range, with specified timing margins including THIGH ≥ 600 ns and TLOW ≥ 1300 ns at 400 kHz.

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

Hardware write protection on the 24C02C-E/P is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 80h–FFh (upper 128 bytes) are blocked; when tied to VSS, full-array writes are permitted. This protection is active regardless of I²C command - even if a write command is issued to protected addresses, the device acknowledges but does not store data, and the 1 ms write cycle still elapses.

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

Yes, up to eight 24C02C-E/P devices can be cascaded on a single I²C bus using unique combinations of A0, A1, and A2 pins (each tied to VSS or VCC). Each device responds only to its assigned 3-bit chip-select portion of the 7-bit slave address (1010xxxR/W), enabling up to 16 Kbits of contiguous address space when software maps A0–A2 as address bits A9–A11.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24C02C-E/P, and how does it affect memory access?

The 24C02C-E/P has a 16-byte page write buffer. During a page write, the master can transmit up to 16 bytes after the initial word address before issuing a STOP condition; the device stores them in the buffer and writes all at once. Writes crossing physical page boundaries (e.g., starting at address 0Fh and writing 16 bytes) wrap around within the same page instead of advancing - so proper software alignment to 16-byte boundaries is required for predictable behavior.

Is the 24C02C-E/P compliant with RoHS and lead-free requirements?

Yes, the 24C02C-E/P is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, as explicitly stated in the Features section of DS21202J. The PDIP package uses matte tin (Sn) plating per JEDEC standards, and the part marking includes the "3e" Pb-free designator. Compliance is verified per Microchip's Pb-free conversion program, with full documentation available at www.microchip.com/Pbfree.