Microchip Technology 24LC01BH-E/P

Overview

24LC01BH-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM designed for low-voltage embedded systems requiring nonvolatile data storage with hardware write protection. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports 400 kHz I²C clock rate, features half-array hardware write-protect (40h–7Fh), and delivers ≤1 μA standby current at industrial and automotive temperature ranges. It is commonly used in set-top boxes, smart meters, and industrial controllers for parameter retention and calibration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC01BH-E/P datasheet, 24LC01BH-E/P pinout, 24LC01BH-E/P application, or 24LC01BH-E/P equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions across all package variants, confirmed I²C timing compliance (100/400 kHz), endurance (1M cycles), and real-world use-value of its Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs for noise-immune bus operation in harsh environments.

Technical Context

The 24LC01BH-E/P implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 7-bit device address (1010xxx) and no internal address pins (A0–A2 are NC). Its memory array is organized as one contiguous 128-byte block with page-write capability (up to 8 bytes per write cycle) and hardware-based write-protection covering addresses 40h–7Fh when WP = VCC.

It integrates Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL with ≥50 ns spike suppression and controlled output slew rate to minimize ground bounce. Internal voltage threshold detection disables write logic below 1.5V, and ACK polling enables precise write-cycle completion detection without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC01BH-E/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (300 mil) package with through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is A0 (NC), Pin 4 is VSS (GND), Pin 5 is SDA (open-drain bidirectional I/O), Pin 6 is SCL (input clock), Pin 7 is WP (digital write-protect input), and Pin 8 is VCC (2.5–5.5V supply). A1 and A2 are unconnected; all three address pins may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without effect.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA01H-I/P and AT24C01D-SSHM-T, the 24LC01BH-E/P uniquely combines automotive temperature rating, hardware half-array write-protect, and integrated noise suppression - making it the only option qualified for safety-critical, high-reliability embedded storage where deterministic protection and EMI resilience are design requirements.

Availability

24LC01BH-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy meters, industrial PLC modules, automotive body control units, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC01BH-E/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 manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 24LC01BH belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and communications applications demanding extended temperature operation and hardware-level data integrity.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24LC01BH-E/P?

The 24LC01BH-E/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation - unlike the 24AA01H variant which supports down to 1.7V. Below 2.5V, the device may fail to respond to I²C commands or complete write cycles reliably. This specification is explicitly defined in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics section of the DS22104A datasheet.

Does the 24LC01BH-E/P support page writes, and what is the maximum page size?

Yes, the 24LC01BH-E/P supports page writes of up to 8 bytes per transaction. The internal page buffer is 8 bytes wide, and attempting to write more than 8 bytes before issuing a STOP condition causes address wraparound within the same physical page. This behavior is documented in Section 5.2 (Page Write) and Figure 5-2 of the DS22104A datasheet.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC01BH-E/P?

When WP is tied to VCC, the 24LC01BH-E/P hardware write-protects memory addresses 40h–7Fh (upper 64 bytes), allowing only read access to that region. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, full read/write access to the entire 128-byte array is enabled. This is a hardwired feature - no software configuration is required, as confirmed in Section 2.4 and Section 7.0 of DS22104A.

Is the 24LC01BH-E/P pin-compatible with other 8-pin Microchip EEPROMs like the 24LC02B?

No, the 24LC01BH-E/P is not pin-compatible with the 24LC02B. While both use 8-pin PDIP packages, the 24LC02B has functional A0/A1 pins for device addressing, whereas A0/A1/A2 on the 24LC01BH-E/P are no-connect. Swapping them would result in incorrect I²C addressing and failed communication - verified by comparing Pin Function Tables in DS22104A (24LC01BH) and DS21189 (24LC02B).

What is the endurance rating of the 24LC01BH-E/P, and how is it validated?

The 24LC01BH-E/P is rated for more than 1 million erase/write cycles per memory location, with data retention exceeding 200 years at +25°C. This endurance value is ensured by characterization (not 100% tested per unit) and specified in Table 1-2, Note 4 of DS22104A. It reflects worst-case conditions at 25°C and 5.5V, and actual field performance typically exceeds this under normal operating voltages and temperatures.