Microchip Technology 24FC1026-I/P

Overview

24FC1026-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 128K × 8 (1024 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 1 MHz maximum clock frequency, 1.8V–5.5V 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-used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter logging.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC1026-I/P datasheet, 24FC1026-I/P pinout, 24FC1026-I/P application, or 24FC1026-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at V_CC ≥ 2.5V, 5 µA standby current, 450 µA read current, 3 ms typical page write time, and support for cascading up to four devices on one bus.

Technical Context

The 24FC1026-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with master-slave protocol compliance, supporting standard (100 kHz), fast (400 kHz), and fast-plus (1 MHz) modes depending on V_CC. Its internal address counter enables sequential reads across two 512 Kbit blocks (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh), while block select bit B0 controls access between them.

It uses on-chip charge pump (HV generator) for EEPROM programming, self-timed erase/write cycles, and hardware write-protection that disables all writes when WP = V_CC. Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL and output slope control suppress ground bounce and improve noise immunity in noisy industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC1026-I/P is housed in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) with 300 mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; package meets JEDEC MS-001BA standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC1026-I/P, the 24FC1026-I/P delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth and 1.8V compatibility for ultra-low-power systems; versus AT24C1024, it offers larger page buffer and native four-device addressing-reducing firmware complexity in scalable sensor networks.

Availability

24FC1026-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical diagnostics, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24FC1026-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 24FC1026-I/P belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 family of I²C EEPROMs, engineered for robust nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained, low-power embedded systems across industrial, medical, and automotive markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC1026-I/P?

The 24FC1026-I/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is 2.5V or higher. At 1.8V ≤ V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock rate is 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows the 24FC1026-I/P to operate efficiently across both legacy 5V and modern ultra-low-voltage systems without sacrificing performance.

Does the 24FC1026-I/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC1026-I/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because these pins are open-drain. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to V_CC is recommended; for 400 kHz, 2.2 kΩ is typical. Incorrect pull-up values may cause timing violations or bus contention, so resistor selection must align with bus capacitance and target clock speed.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC1026-I/P?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC1026-I/P is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to V_CC, all write and erase operations are disabled while read operations remain fully functional. The pin state is sampled at the Stop bit of each write command, making protection effective even during partial transactions-ensuring no accidental overwrites occur during power transitions.

Can multiple 24FC1026-I/P devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to four 24FC1026-I/P devices can be cascaded on a single I²C bus using the A1 and A2 address pins to configure unique 2-bit chip addresses (00, 01, 10, 11). This enables a total system capacity of 4 Mbit without additional address decoding logic-ideal for modular sensor arrays or distributed control nodes sharing one MCU interface.

What is the page write time specification for the 24FC1026-I/P?

The 24FC1026-I/P has a typical page write time of 3 ms and a maximum write cycle time of 5 ms for both byte and page writes. This applies to all 128-byte pages; writing fewer than 128 bytes still triggers a full page rewrite, so endurance is rated per page rather than per byte-critical for estimating long-term reliability in high-write applications.