Microchip Technology 24C02CT-E/SN

Overview

24C02CT-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 industrial-temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C), 16-byte page write buffer, and hardware write-protection for upper half of array (0x80–0xFF). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded control modules, sensor calibration registers, and power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24C02CT-E/SN datasheet, 24C02CT-E/SN pinout, 24C02CT-E/SN application, or 24C02CT-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include I²C clock compatibility (100 kHz / 400 kHz), Schmitt-trigger noise immunity on SDA/SCL, WP pin-controlled hardware protection, fast 1 ms typical write cycle, and cascading support for up to eight devices on one bus.

Technical Context

The 24C02CT-E/SN implements a true two-wire I²C slave interface with addressable device selection via A0–A2 pins, supporting standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) timing. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps at 0xFF, enabling full-array streaming without external address management.

Write operations are self-timed and internally managed: byte writes complete in ≤1.5 ms, page writes (up to 16 bytes within same 16-byte boundary) also require ≤1.5 ms, and acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion. Hardware write-protection is activated when WP = V_CC, locking addresses 0x80–0xFF; no software lock bits are present.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C02CT-E/SN is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package (3.90 mm body width, JEDEC MS-012 variant), with lead finish compliant to RoHS and Pb-free standards. Pin numbering follows standard SOIC orientation (pin 1 marked by notch or dot).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24C02CT-E/SN, AT24C02D-SSHM-T extends voltage flexibility and reduces standby leakage, while BR24G02FJ-3GE2 replaces pin-based write protection with configurable register control-both require layout review due to differing pinouts and absence of dedicated WP terminal.

Availability

24C02CT-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, smart sensor nodes, power management sequencers, and consumer appliance control boards requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 24C02CT-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 solutions.

The 24C02CT-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 24Cxx I²C EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C02CT-E/SN?

The 24C02CT-E/SN supports both standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) I²C operation. Its AC characteristics specify minimum clock high/low times and setup/hold requirements compliant with I²C Specification v2.1 at both speeds. System design must ensure bus capacitance ≤400 pF and appropriate pull-up strength (e.g., 2 kΩ for 400 kHz) to meet timing margins.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24C02CT-E/SN?

Hardware write-protection on the 24C02CT-E/SN is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to V_CC, addresses 0x80–0xFF (upper half of 256-byte array) are locked against write commands; tying WP to V_SS enables full-array writes. This protection is active regardless of I²C command sequence and cannot be overridden in software.

Can multiple 24C02CT-E/SN devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes - up to eight 24C02CT-E/SN devices can operate on a single I²C bus using unique combinations of A0, A1, and A2 pins. Each device responds only to its assigned 7-bit slave address (1010xxx), enabling scalable memory expansion to 16 Kbit without additional address decoding logic.

What is the typical write cycle time for a page write operation on the 24C02CT-E/SN?

The typical write cycle time for a page write (up to 16 bytes within the same 16-byte boundary) on the 24C02CT-E/SN is 1 ms, with a maximum of 1.5 ms. This self-timed cycle begins after the master issues a STOP condition and is independent of bus speed or host processor timing.

Does the 24C02CT-E/SN support sequential read operations across the entire memory array?

Yes - the 24C02CT-E/SN supports sequential read across all 256 bytes. After issuing a START condition and slave address with R/W = 1, the device transmits data starting at the current address pointer, auto-incrementing after each byte. The pointer rolls over from 0xFF to 0x00, allowing uninterrupted full-array reads in a single transaction.