Microchip Technology 24FC01-E/MS

Overview

24FC01-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 128 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protection, 1 MHz maximum clock frequency, and operation down to 1.7V. It features 8-byte page write buffer, Schmitt-trigger inputs, and supports industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges in MSOP-8 package. Used for firmware parameter storage in embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC01-E/MS datasheet, 24FC01-E/MS pinout, 24FC01-E/MS application, or 24FC01-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CC range (1.7–5.5 V), 1 MHz I²C speed at full voltage, E-temp qualification, MSOP-8 footprint compatibility, and hardware WP pin behavior.

Technical Context

The 24FC01-E/MS implements a two-wire I²C interface with fixed 7-bit device address (1010xxx) and R/W bit control. Its internal architecture includes an 8-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and address pointer auto-increment logic supporting current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL for noise immunity and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce. Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin tied to V_CC (full array protected) or V_SS (enabled), with no internal connection to A0–A2 pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, body dimensions 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm, exposed pad optional for thermal relief. Pin 1 marked by notch or bevel.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24FC01-E/MS, the 24AA01-I/MS trades speed and temperature margin for lower cost, while the AT24C01D-MAHM-T offers identical speed/temp specs but replaces hardware WP with register-based control-requiring additional firmware validation for safety-critical lockout.

Availability

24FC01-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter configuration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and low-voltage operating conditions.

Supply support for 24FC01-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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC01 belongs to Microchip's 24XX01 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems where robustness and wide V_CC range are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC01-E/MS?

The 24FC01-E/MS supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is between 1.7 V and 5.5 V. This is higher than the 400 kHz limit of the 24AA01 and 24LC01B variants, enabling faster configuration writes and reduced bus occupancy. The 1 MHz capability is explicitly specified in the Device Selection Table and confirmed in Table 1-2 AC Characteristics.

Does the 24FC01-E/MS require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC01-E/MS requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values are 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, as stated in Section 2.2 of the datasheet. Without pull-ups, the bus cannot achieve valid high-level logic states, preventing proper Start/Stop detection and data transmission.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24FC01-E/MS?

On the 24FC01-E/MS, the WP pin is a hardware-level control: when tied to V_CC, the entire memory array (addresses 00h–7Fh) is write-protected and only read operations are allowed; when tied to V_SS, full read/write access is enabled. This behavior is defined in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-1, and differs from register-based WP schemes used in some competing EEPROMs.

Is the 24FC01-E/MS qualified for automotive applications?

The 24FC01-E/MS is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While it supports the extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), the datasheet explicitly lists AEC-Q100 qualification only for the 24LC01B variant-not for the 24FC01. Therefore, for automotive safety-critical applications requiring formal qualification, the 24LC01B-E/MS or other AEC-Q100-certified EEPROMs should be selected instead of the 24FC01-E/MS.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24FC01-E/MS?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24FC01-E/MS have no internal connection and are unused. As confirmed in Section 2.1 and Table 2-1, they may be left floating or tied to V_SS/V_CC without affecting device operation. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates the need for external resistors to set I²C slave address - unlike larger-density EEPROMs where these pins configure device addressing.