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Microchip Technology 24FC256-I/MF
- Part No.:
- 24FC256-I/MF
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
24FC256-I/MF.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,384
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Product details
Overview
24FC256-I/MF from Microchip Technology is a 256-Kbit (32K × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 1.7V–5.5V single-supply operation, 1 MHz maximum clock frequency at VCC ≥ 2.5V, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It features a 64-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 24FC256-I/MF datasheet, 24FC256-I/MF pinout, 24FC256-I/MF application, or 24FC256-I/MF equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package-confirmed pin functions, real-world use cases, and two validated alternative parts for design flexibility and supply continuity.
Technical Context
The 24FC256-I/MF implements a two-wire I²C interface with full compatibility up to 1 MHz (at VCC ≥ 2.5V), supporting standard-mode (100 kHz), fast-mode (400 kHz), and fast-mode plus (1 MHz) timing. Its internal address pointer enables sequential reads across the full 256-Kbit memory space, with automatic rollover from address 7FFFh to 0000h.
It uses on-chip charge-pump circuitry for EEPROM programming, enabling self-timed erase/write cycles without external high-voltage supply. The device supports cascading up to eight units on one bus via A0/A1/A2 address pins (hardwired or controlled), with hardware write-protection activated by tying WP to VCC.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32K × 8), providing nonvolatile storage for up to 32,768 bytes of critical configuration or calibration data. |
| Interface | I²C-compatible two-wire serial interface-requires only SDA and SCL lines, minimizing PCB routing and MCU GPIO usage. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 1 MHz at VCC ≥ 2.5V; enables faster page writes (≤5 ms) and higher throughput than 400 kHz variants like 24AA256. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.7V to 5.5V-supports direct interfacing with low-voltage MCUs (e.g., 1.8V logic) and legacy 5V systems without level shifters. |
| Write Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per page-ensures long-term reliability in frequently updated data logging applications. |
| Data Retention | 200 years at +25°C-guarantees integrity of stored parameters over product lifetime without refresh. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade)-qualified for deployment in automotive control modules, industrial PLCs, and outdoor IoT edge devices. |
Pinout & Package
24FC256-I/MF is supplied in an 8-lead MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch). Pin 1 is marked with a dot; pin numbering follows standard MSOP convention (counterclockwise from mark).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Chip Address Input | No-connect (NC) in MSOP package-must be left unconnected; not used for device addressing. |
| A1 | Chip Address Input | No-connect (NC) in MSOP package-must be left unconnected; not used for device addressing. |
| A2 | Chip Address Input | Selects one of two possible addresses (A2 = 0 or 1) when cascading up to two 24FC256-I/MF devices on same I²C bus. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all internal circuits; must be connected to system ground plane with low-impedance trace. |
| SDA | Serial Data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional line-requires external pull-up resistor (2 kΩ typical for 1 MHz); carries address, command, and data. |
| SCL | Serial Clock Input | Input-only clock line-driven by host MCU; timing defines data sampling windows and bus protocol compliance. |
| WP | Write-Protect Input | Hardware lock: tied to VCC disables all writes (read-only mode); tied to VSS enables full read/write access. |
| VCC | Power Supply | Single 1.7–5.5V supply-powers EEPROM array, interface logic, and internal charge pump; bypass with 100 nF ceramic capacitor. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 1 MHz I²C Support | Enables 2.5× faster page writes vs. 400 kHz devices-reducing firmware update latency in field-programmable systems. |
| 64-Byte Page Write Buffer | Allows burst programming of up to 64 bytes per write cycle-minimizing bus occupancy and host MCU intervention time. |
| Schmitt Trigger Inputs (SDA/SCL) | Provides >50 mV hysteresis-rejecting EMI-induced glitches on noisy industrial or automotive PCBs without external filtering. |
| Hardware Write-Protection (WP) | Prevents accidental or malicious overwrites during power-up/down or firmware crashes-critical for bootloader and security keys. |
| Low Standby Current (1 µA) | Extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes or energy-harvesting devices where EEPROM remains powered continuously. |
Applications
| Smart Meter Configuration Storage | Industrial PLC Parameter Backup |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing tariff tables, meter calibration coefficients, and tamper-event logs in electricity/water/gas meters operating unattended for 10+ years. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register-retains data across mains power loss and battery depletion. Use Value: 200-year data retention and 1M-cycle endurance ensure reliable operation over full product lifecycle without field replacement. |
Use Scenario: Preserving PID tuning constants, I/O mapping, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-critical parameter vault-accessed at boot and during runtime reconfiguration via I²C. Use Value: 1.7V operation allows direct connection to 1.8V FPGA I/O banks; WP pin prevents corruption during brown-out conditions. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Medical Device Calibration Memory |
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) history in automotive BCMs meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Automotive-grade persistent memory-interfaced to 3.3V microcontroller over I²C with robust noise immunity. Use Value: Schmitt-trigger inputs and 125°C extended temp option (not applicable to -I/MF) support under-hood proximity; -I/MF covers cabin applications. |
Use Scenario: Storing sensor offset/gain values, patient-specific therapy settings, and regulatory audit logs in portable infusion pumps and diagnostic handhelds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: FDA-compliant data vault-subject to strict traceability, write-protection, and retention validation. Use Value: Hardware WP pin enforces read-only access during clinical operation; RoHS/REACH compliance meets medical supply chain requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24AA256-I/MF | Same 256-Kbit capacity and MSOP-8 package, but limited to 400 kHz max clock and 1.7–5.5V supply. | Lower bandwidth requirement; suitable where 1 MHz is unnecessary and cost sensitivity dominates. | Select when system clock budget permits slower I²C speeds and lower BOM cost is prioritized over write throughput. |
| AT24C256-MAHM-T | 256-Kbit I²C EEPROM from Microchip (acquired Atmel); supports 1 MHz, 1.7–5.5V, but uses different pinout (A0/A1/A2 functional in all packages) and lacks AEC-Q100 qualification. | Broader multi-vendor sourcing; no automotive qualification-restricted to commercial/industrial use. | Choose for second-source assurance where automotive qualification is not required and pin compatibility with legacy Atmel designs exists. |
Compared with 24FC256-I/MF, 24AA256-I/MF trades 1 MHz performance for lower unit cost, while AT24C256-MAHM-T offers alternate supply chain access without AEC-Q100 validation-making 24FC256-I/MF the optimal choice for high-throughput, industrial-grade I²C EEPROM needs.
Availability
24FC256-I/MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for 24FC256-I/MF 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, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and software.
The 24FC256 belongs to Microchip's 24XX256 family of serial EEPROMs-designed specifically for low-power, wide-voltage I²C-based configuration and calibration storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC256-I/MF?
The 24FC256-I/MF supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At VCC < 2.5V, the maximum clock rate drops to 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability ensures compatibility across both modern low-voltage microcontrollers and legacy 5V systems-making the 24FC256-I/MF uniquely versatile among 256-Kbit serial EEPROMs.
Does the 24FC256-I/MF require an external high-voltage supply for write operations?
No, the 24FC256-I/MF does not require an external high-voltage supply. It integrates an on-chip charge pump that generates the necessary programming voltage internally from the 1.7–5.5V VCC rail. This eliminates the need for external HV circuitry and simplifies board design-enabling true single-supply operation for the 24FC256-I/MF in battery-powered and space-constrained applications.
How many 24FC256-I/MF devices can be connected on the same I²C bus?
Up to two 24FC256-I/MF devices can share the same I²C bus when using the MSOP package, because pins A0 and A1 are not connected-only A2 is functional for chip addressing. This yields two unique device addresses (A2 = 0 or 1). For packages with full A0/A1/A2 connectivity (e.g., SOIC), up to eight devices may be cascaded-though the 24FC256-I/MF in MF package is limited to two.
What happens if a page write crosses a 64-byte boundary on the 24FC256-I/MF?
If a page write command attempts to cross a 64-byte physical page boundary, the 24FC256-I/MF wraps the address back to the start of the current page instead of advancing to the next page. This causes unintended overwriting of earlier bytes in the same page. Application firmware must enforce page-aligned writes or split multi-page transfers-failure to do so results in corrupted data, a documented behavior specific to the 24FC256-I/MF architecture.
Is the 24FC256-I/MF AEC-Q100 qualified?
No, the 24FC256-I/MF is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While the broader 24XX256 family includes AEC-Q100–qualified variants (e.g., 24FC256-E/MF for extended temperature), the "I" suffix denotes Industrial grade (–40°C to +85°C) only. For automotive under-hood or safety-critical applications, engineers must select the "E" temperature grade variant-not the 24FC256-I/MF-to meet AEC-Q100 stress test requirements.
24FC256-I/MF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 256Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- I2C
- Clock Frequency:
- 1 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- 400 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.7V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-DFN-S (6x5)
24FC256-I/MF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 24FC256-I/MF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 24FC256-I/MF on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 24FC256-I/MF reliable?
The price and inventory of 24FC256-I/MF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 24FC256-I/MF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 24FC256-I/MF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 24FC256-I/MF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 24FC256-I/MF?
24FC256-I/MF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 24FC256-I/MF order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 24FC256-I/MF?
For technical support, including 24FC256-I/MF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 24FC256-I/MF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 24FC256-I/MF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 24FC256-I/MF products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 24FC256-I/MF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 24FC256-I/MF?
All 24FC256-I/MF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 24FC256-I/MF, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 24FC256-I/MF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 24FC256-I/MF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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