Microchip Technology 24FC1026-I/SM

Overview

24FC1026-I/SM 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 backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC1026-I/SM datasheet, 24FC1026-I/SM pinout, 24FC1026-I/SM application, or 24FC1026-I/SM equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at V_CC ≥ 2.5V, 5 µA standby current, 3 ms typical page write time, and SOIC-8 (3.9 mm) package compatibility with board-level space constraints and legacy socket footprints.

Technical Context

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

Write operations use self-timed erase/write cycles with automatic page boundary handling; page writes are limited to 128-byte boundaries and roll over within the same physical page if crossed. Hardware write protection is sampled at the Stop bit, and Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL provide 50 ns spike suppression and hysteresis of 0.05 V_CC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC1026-I/SM is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (Microchip drawing C04-018D), 3.90 mm wide, with standard 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or notch; the package is lead-free and halogen-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC1026-I/SM, the 24FC1026-I/SM delivers 2.5× faster write throughput and 1.8V compatibility, while AT24C1024-SSHL-T offers broader voltage support but demands revalidation of page-write logic and I²C address initialization.

Availability

24FC1026-I/SM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical calibration storage, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware backup requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC1026-I/SM 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC1026 belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, multi-voltage embedded systems requiring high endurance and long-term data integrity in harsh environments.

FAQ

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

The 24FC1026-I/SM 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 is 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows seamless integration across 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V platforms without sacrificing throughput where voltage permits. The 24FC1026-I/SM datasheet specifies timing parameters like T_HIGH (500 ns min) and T_LOW (500 ns min) explicitly for 1 MHz operation.

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

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC1026-I/SM is controlled by the WP pin: tying it to V_CC disables all write operations (byte, page, or erase) while preserving read functionality. The pin state is sampled only at the Stop bit of each write command-toggling WP mid-cycle has no effect. This provides fail-safe protection against unintended writes during power transitions or firmware errors, and is fully independent of I²C protocol state. The 24FC1026-I/SM acknowledges protected write attempts but performs no memory action.

Can the 24FC1026-I/SM perform sequential reads across its full 1024 Kbit address space?

No-the 24FC1026-I/SM restricts sequential reads to 512K-bit blocks: addresses 00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh. The block select bit (B0) in the control byte determines which segment is active. To read across both blocks, the host must issue two separate sequential read commands with B0 set to 0 and then 1. This segmentation prevents wraparound errors and ensures deterministic addressing behavior. The 24FC1026-I/SM's internal address pointer rolls over within each block but does not cross the 0FFFFh→10000h boundary automatically.

What is the page size and write buffer depth of the 24FC1026-I/SM?

The 24FC1026-I/SM has a fixed 128-byte page size and a corresponding 128-byte write buffer. During a page write, up to 128 bytes can be loaded into the buffer before the Stop condition initiates the internal self-timed write cycle. Attempting to write more than 128 bytes without a Stop causes address rollover within the same page, overwriting earlier data. This buffer depth directly determines minimum host-side latency per write transaction and influences firmware buffer management strategy. The 24FC1026-I/SM's 3 ms typical page write time reflects this full-buffer operation.

Is the 24FC1026-I/SM compatible with standard I²C bus pull-up resistor values?

Yes-the 24FC1026-I/SM's open-drain SDA and SCL pins are compatible with standard I²C pull-up resistors: 10 kΩ for 100 kHz, 2 kΩ for 400 kHz, and 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation. Its input hysteresis (0.05 V_CC) and low input leakage (<±1 µA) ensure reliable signal integrity even with higher resistance values in low-power designs. The 24FC1026-I/SM's specified rise/fall times (300 ns/100 ns at 1 MHz) assume proper bus capacitance (<400 pF) and matching pull-up strength, as validated in Microchip's AC characteristics table.