Microchip Technology 24LC01B/P

Overview

24LC01B/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 128 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protection, 8-byte page buffer, and operation from 2.5V to 5.5V. It supports 400 kHz clock frequency, delivers ≤1 mA active current and ≤1 µA standby current (I-temp), and is rated for industrial (-40°C to +85°C) and extended (-40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges. It is used in embedded system configuration storage where low-voltage, noise-immune, nonvolatile memory is required.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC01B/P datasheet, 24LC01B/P pinout, 24LC01B/P application, or 24LC01B/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5V minimum VCC, 400 kHz I²C speed, hardware WP pin control, 8-byte page write capability, and compatibility with PDIP-8 packaging for through-hole prototyping and legacy board designs.

Technical Context

The 24LC01B/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce and bus noise. Its internal architecture includes an 8-byte page latch, address pointer, EEPROM array, and HV generator for write/erase cycles - all managed by dedicated memory control logic.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010) followed by three "don't care" bits and a R/W bit for addressing, enabling single-device operation on shared buses without address conflicts. Write protection is implemented via the dedicated WP pin, which disables all writes when pulled high.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC01B/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP-8) with 300 mil body width. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; leads are tin-plated, lead-free compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA01-I/P, the 24LC01B/P trades sub-2.5V operation for extended temperature capability; compared with 24FC01-I/P, it sacrifices 1 MHz speed for proven stability at 400 kHz in thermally demanding environments - making it optimal for robust, cost-sensitive industrial and automotive applications.

Availability

24LC01B/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, smart metering infrastructure, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC01B/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC01B/P belongs to Microchip's 24XX01 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained and thermally challenging embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC01B/P?

The 24LC01B/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full temperature range. Unlike the 24AA01 or 24FC01 variants, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power the 24LC01B/P at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or communication timeouts. Always verify VCC remains ≥2.5V under worst-case load and temperature conditions.

Does the 24LC01B/P support multi-master I²C bus configurations?

Yes, the 24LC01B/P fully supports multi-master I²C bus configurations as defined by the I²C specification. Its open-drain SDA and SCL pins, combined with built-in arbitration detection and clock stretching capability during internal write cycles, allow safe coexistence with other masters. However, the 24LC01B/P itself never acts as a master - it is strictly a slave device responding to addresses beginning with 1010xxxR/W.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC01B/P, and what happens if it is left unconnected?

The WP pin on the 24LC01B/P is an active-high hardware write-protect input: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are inhibited, while reads remain fully functional. If left unconnected (floating), the pin state is undefined and may drift toward a logic high due to leakage, potentially causing intermittent write failures. Microchip recommends tying WP to either VSS (enabled) or VCC (disabled) - never leaving it floating in production designs.

Can the 24LC01B/P be used interchangeably with the 24LC01B/SN or 24LC01B/MS in the same PCB footprint?

No - the 24LC01B/P (PDIP-8) has a 300-mil body width and through-hole leads, while the 24LC01B/SN (SOIC-8) and 24LC01B/MS (MSOP-8) are surface-mount packages with different land patterns, pitch (1.27 mm vs. 0.65 mm), and thermal characteristics. They share identical electrical functionality and pinout assignment, but mechanical incompatibility prevents direct substitution without PCB redesign.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page write operation for the 24LC01B/P?

The 24LC01B/P supports up to 8 bytes per page write operation, aligned to physical page boundaries (addresses 00–07, 08–0F, ..., F8–FF). Attempting to write more than 8 bytes - or crossing a page boundary (e.g., writing from address 07 to 08) - causes wraparound within the current page, overwriting earlier data. Firmware must enforce page-aligned writes and limit count to ≤8 bytes per STOP condition to ensure predictable behavior.