Microchip Technology 24C02C-E/SN

Overview

24C02C-E/SN 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 hardware write-protection for upper half (80h–FFh). It supports 100 kHz/400 kHz clock rates and is used in industrial control modules for nonvolatile parameter storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24C02C-E/SN datasheet, 24C02C-E/SN pinout, 24C02C-E/SN application, or 24C02C-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include automotive-grade temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), 16-byte page write buffer, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity on SDA/SCL, and cascading support for up to eight devices on one bus.

Technical Context

The 24C02C-E/SN implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 1010 binary control code and three address pins (A0–A2) enabling up to eight devices per bus. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps from FFh to 00h.

It uses a high-voltage generator and EEPROM array control logic to execute self-timed erase/write cycles. Hardware write-protection is activated when WP = V_CC, locking addresses 80h–FFh; WP = V_SS enables full-array writes. The device incorporates input filtering and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce and noise spikes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C02C-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (3.90 mm) with gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and JEDEC-standard 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 BR24G02NUX-10, the 24C02C-E/SN uniquely delivers automotive-grade reliability, hardware-enforced write protection, and pinout compatibility with legacy Microchip EEPROM designs-making it optimal for safety-critical and long-lifecycle deployments.

Availability

24C02C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24C02C-E/SN 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.

The 24C02C-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy I²C EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-effective, high-reliability nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems requiring guaranteed data integrity.

FAQ

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

The 24C02C-E/SN supports I²C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz at industrial and automotive temperature ranges. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of the DS21202J datasheet under FCLK specification. The device maintains full timing compliance-including THIGH, TLOW, and setup/hold times-at this rate when V_CC is 4.5V–5.5V and ambient temperature is within −40°C to +125°C. The 24C02C-E/SN does not support standard-mode Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) operation.

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

Hardware write-protection on the 24C02C-E/SN is controlled by the WP pin: when WP = V_CC, addresses 80h–FFh (upper half of the 256-byte array) are locked against write operations, though reads remain enabled. When WP = V_SS, full-array writes are permitted. This protection is active regardless of I²C command sequence and cannot be overridden in software. The 24C02C-E/SN will acknowledge write attempts to protected addresses but discard the data.

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

Yes, up to eight 24C02C-E/SN 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 when its 3-bit hardware address matches the corresponding bits in the master's control byte (1010 A2 A1 A0 R/W). This allows scalable memory expansion to 16 Kbit without additional address decoding logic, and is explicitly verified in Section 5.0 and Figure 5-1 of the 24C02C-E/SN datasheet.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24C02C-E/SN?

The 24C02C-E/SN features a 16-byte page write buffer, enabling up to 16 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction after issuing one word address. Page boundaries align to 16-byte intervals (00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound within the current page. This buffer reduces bus overhead versus byte-write mode and is documented in the Features list and Section 6.2 of the DS21202J datasheet for the 24C02C-E/SN.

Does the 24C02C-E/SN support ACK polling during write cycles?

Yes, the 24C02C-E/SN supports ACK polling to detect write completion: after issuing a Stop condition to initiate an internal write cycle, the host can repeatedly send a Start + control byte (R/W = 0) until the device responds with an ACK. This method avoids fixed delay loops and maximizes I²C bus efficiency. ACK polling behavior is defined in Section 7.0 and Figure 7-1 of the official 24C02C-E/SN datasheet and functions identically across all temperature grades.