Microchip Technology 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO

Overview

24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protection, 1 MHz maximum clock frequency, and operation down to 1.7V. It features an 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. It is used in embedded system configuration storage where low-voltage operation and high endurance are required.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO datasheet, 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO pinout, 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO application, or 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7V–5.5V, 1 µA standby current (E-temp), 5 ms max page write time, AEC-Q100 qualification, and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with standard 2-wire bus layouts.

Technical Context

The 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO implements a 2-wire I²C interface with fixed 7-bit client address (1010xxx) and R/W bit control, supporting byte and page write modes. Its internal architecture includes a 8-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and address pointer auto-increment logic for sequential reads.

It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce on SDA/SCL lines. Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin tied to VCC, disabling all write operations while preserving read functionality across the full 00h–FFh address space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch). Pin 1 is marked with a dot; pins are numbered counter-clockwise from top-left corner when viewed from top with marking side up.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA02T-I/ST and AT24C02D-SSHM-T, the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO uniquely combines 1 MHz speed, AEC-Q100 qualification, and 125°C operation in TSSOP-8-making it the only option suitable for automotive-grade, high-throughput, thermally demanding EEPROM applications.

Availability

24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control, industrial PLC configuration, medical infusion pump calibration, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and high-reliability environments.

Supply support for 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO 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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC02 belongs to Microchip's 24XX02 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and high-endurance nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems requiring guaranteed data integrity over decades.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO?

The 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V VCC range, enabling twice the data throughput of 400 kHz EEPROMs like the 24AA02. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001709M, where FCLK = 1000 kHz is specified for 1.7V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V. The 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO achieves this via optimized internal timing and slope-controlled outputs.

Does the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Microchip recommends 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, 10 kΩ for 100 kHz, as stated in Section 2.2 of DS20001709M. Without these resistors, the bus cannot achieve valid HIGH states, preventing proper Start/Stop condition generation and data transmission.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 256-byte memory array are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS, normal read/write access is enabled. This behavior is defined in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-1 of DS20001709M and applies regardless of VCC level or temperature grade.

Is the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO is AEC-Q100 qualified per the "Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified" feature listed on page 1 of DS20001709M. It meets Grade 1 requirements (–40°C to +125°C), validated for temperature cycling, ESD (>4 kV), and mechanical stress. This qualification is explicitly tied to the 24FC02 variant in the Device Selection Table and applies to the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO TSSOP-8 packaging variant.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO?

The 24FC02T-E/ST36KVAO provides 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and 200 years of data retention at 25°C, as specified in Note 4 of Table 1-2 and the Features list on page 1 of DS20001709M. These values are measured under standard conditions (25°C, 5.5V, page-mode writes) and represent guaranteed minimums-not typical values-ensuring long-term reliability in infrequently updated configuration storage applications.