Microchip Technology 24FC1026T-I/SM

Overview

24FC1026T-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-protect (WP), Schmitt-trigger inputs, and supports cascading up to four devices on one bus for 4 Mbit total memory expansion in embedded control and data logging systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC1026T-I/SM datasheet, 24FC1026T-I/SM pinout, 24FC1026T-I/SM application, or 24FC1026T-I/SM equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at V_CC ≥ 2.5V, 3 ms typical page write time, 1 million endurance cycles, 200+ year data retention, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy 24AA/24LC designs requiring higher throughput.

Technical Context

The 24FC1026T-I/SM implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 4-bit control code (1010b), two user-configurable chip address bits (A1/A2), and a block select bit (B0) enabling access across two 512 Kbit memory segments (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh). Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps within each segment boundary.

It uses on-chip charge pump (HV generator) for EEPROM programming, supports byte and page writes with self-timed erase/write cycles, and samples the WP pin at the Stop condition to enable/disable all array writes. Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL and output slope control suppress noise and ground bounce in electrically noisy environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC1026T-I/SM is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (3.90 mm body width, JEDEC MS-012AC), pin-compatible with industry-standard 24XX1026 family SOIC footprints. The package is RoHS-compliant and marked "24FC1026 I/SM" with year/week codes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA1026-I/SN, the 24FC1026T-I/SM delivers 2.5× faster write throughput and tighter V_CC min (1.8V vs. 1.7V), while AT24C1024-SSHL-T offers similar speed but removes hardware-level write security and alters pinout compatibility-making 24FC1026T-I/SM optimal for new designs prioritizing speed, robustness, and drop-in upgrade paths.

Availability

24FC1026T-I/SM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term data integrity, and industrial-temperature operation.

Supply support for 24FC1026T-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC1026T-I/SM belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 serial EEPROM product line, engineered for low-power, high-reliability nonvolatile storage in embedded systems where deterministic write timing, noise immunity, and long data retention are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC1026T-I/SM?

The 24FC1026T-I/SM supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is 2.5V or higher. At V_CC between 1.8V and 2.5V, the maximum clock rate is 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows the 24FC1026T-I/SM to maintain compatibility with lower-voltage systems while delivering higher throughput in 3.3V/5V designs compared to 24AA1026 or 24LC1026 variants.

Does the 24FC1026T-I/SM require external pull-up resistors on the SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC1026T-I/SM 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. The 24FC1026T-I/SM's Schmitt-trigger inputs tolerate slow rise times, but proper pull-up sizing ensures reliable bus timing per AC specifications in DS20002270E.

How does the hardware write-protect (WP) pin function on the 24FC1026T-I/SM?

The WP pin on the 24FC1026T-I/SM is sampled only at the Stop condition of each I²C write command. When tied to V_CC, it inhibits all array writes (byte and page) while permitting unlimited reads. When tied to V_SS, writes are enabled. Toggling WP during an active write cycle has no effect-the protection state is latched at Stop, ensuring deterministic behavior during power transitions.

Can the 24FC1026T-I/SM be used interchangeably with the 24LC1026-I/SN on the same PCB?

The 24FC1026T-I/SM shares identical SOIC-8 pinout, memory organization, and I²C protocol with the 24LC1026-I/SN, making it a functional drop-in upgrade for designs needing higher speed. However, the 24FC1026T-I/SM operates down to 1.8V (vs. 2.5V for 24LC1026), so verify V_CC stability in the target system before substitution to avoid timing violations below 2.5V.

What is the page write time specification for the 24FC1026T-I/SM?

The 24FC1026T-I/SM has a typical page write time of 3 ms, with a maximum of 5 ms per AC specification (parameter TWC). This applies to both single-byte and full 128-byte page writes. During this self-timed cycle, the device does not acknowledge I²C commands-enabling reliable acknowledge polling to detect completion without fixed delays.