Microchip Technology 24FC1025-I/P

Overview

24FC1025-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 128K × 8 (1024 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 1 MHz maximum clock frequency, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features 128-byte page write buffer, hardware write-protection via WP pin, and Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC1025-I/P datasheet, 24FC1025-I/P pinout, 24FC1025-I/P application, or 24FC1025-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at V_CC ≥ 2.5 V, 5 µA standby current, 450 µA read current, 128-byte page write capability, and mandatory A2-to-V_CC connection for guaranteed operation.

Technical Context

The 24FC1025-I/P implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 4-bit control code '1010', block-select bit B0 for 512 Kbit segment addressing, and user-configurable chip address bits A0/A1 enabling up to four devices on one bus. Its internal architecture includes a 128-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and memory control logic supporting byte and page writes.

It enforces strict timing requirements: minimum SCL high/low times of 500 ns at 1 MHz, 400 ns SDA setup before STOP, and 250 ns data setup before SCL high - all validated under 1.8–5.5 V and –40°C to +85°C conditions. Write protection is sampled only at the STOP bit, and page boundaries are fixed at 128-byte intervals with wraparound behavior on boundary overflow.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC1025-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (plastic dual in-line package) with 300-mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin (Sn) lead finish, and industrial-grade marking (e.g., "24FC1025I/P" + date code).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC1025-I/P, the 24FC1025-I/P delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth and 0.7 V lower minimum V_CC, while the AT24C1024 offers identical speed but sacrifices A2-based device expansion - making 24FC1025-I/P optimal for space-constrained, multi-voltage, high-throughput embedded systems.

Availability

24FC1025-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24FC1025-I/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 24FC1025 belongs to Microchip's 24XX1025 family of high-density serial EEPROMs, engineered for low-power, wide-voltage, and noise-immune nonvolatile storage in mission-critical embedded applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC1025-I/P?

The 24FC1025-I/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is 2.5 V or higher. At 1.8–2.49 V, the maximum clock rate drops to 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows seamless integration across 1.8 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V system domains without sacrificing performance where voltage permits.

Why must the A2 pin of the 24FC1025-I/P be tied to VCC?

The A2 pin of the 24FC1025-I/P is a non-configurable chip select that must be hard-wired to VCC for guaranteed operation. If left floating or connected to VSS, device behavior is undefined - it will not respond to I²C commands. This design ensures deterministic addressing in multi-device configurations where A0 and A1 provide the only user-adjustable address bits.

How does the 24FC1025-I/P handle page write boundaries?

The 24FC1025-I/P enforces strict 128-byte physical page boundaries. If a page write command crosses a boundary (e.g., starts at address 0x007F and writes 130 bytes), data wraps around to the start of the same page instead of advancing to the next. Application firmware must validate address alignment prior to initiating page writes to prevent unintended overwrites.

What is the purpose of the WP pin on the 24FC1025-I/P, and when is it sampled?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24FC1025-I/P disables all write operations when tied to VCC. It is sampled only at the STOP bit of each I²C transaction - not continuously - so toggling WP during a write cycle has no effect. This ensures reliable protection against spurious writes during power transitions or bus noise events.

Can the 24FC1025-I/P be used interchangeably with the 24AA1025 or 24LC1025 in the same PCB layout?

Yes - the 24FC1025-I/P shares identical 8-lead PDIP pinout, footprint, and basic I²C protocol with 24AA1025 and 24LC1025. However, substitution requires verification of V_CC range (1.8–5.5 V vs. 1.7–5.5 V or 2.5–5.5 V) and clock speed requirements, as 24FC1025 enables 1 MHz operation unavailable in the other variants.