Microchip Technology 24LC024/P

Overview

24LC024/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protection, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, supporting up to 400 kHz clock rate and 16-byte page writes. It features Schmitt-trigger inputs, slope-controlled outputs, and 1 μA standby current - deployed in industrial sensor calibration storage and embedded system configuration retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC024/P datasheet, 24LC024/P pinout, 24LC024/P application, or 24LC024/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5V), WP pin availability for hardware write-protect, I²C bus timing compliance (100/400 kHz), and 8-lead PDIP package compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The 24LC024/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, internal address pointer auto-increment, and cascading support for up to eight devices via A0–A2 address pins. Its write-protect circuitry is hardwired to the WP pin, active when tied to VCC.

It uses low-power CMOS technology with self-timed erase/write cycles, 5 ms maximum page write time, and built-in noise suppression via Schmitt-trigger inputs and input filtering (50 ns spike suppression). The device supports both byte and page write modes with acknowledge polling for cycle completion detection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC024/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.300-inch body width, suitable for through-hole PCB assembly and prototyping. Pin 1 is marked by laser indentation per Microchip specification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC024/P, the 24AA024-I/P extends voltage flexibility without sacrificing write protection, while the AT24C02-PU trades hardware security for broader vendor availability - making 24LC024/P optimal for industrial systems requiring guaranteed 2.5V+ operation and physical write-locking.

Availability

24LC024/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system configuration, and medical device parameter storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC024/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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and AEC-Q200.

The 24LC024/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial and automotive subsystems where hardware write-protection and wide temperature operation are essential.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC024/P?

The 24LC024/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full specification range, including 400 kHz I²C communication and write cycles. Operation below 2.5V is not supported - unlike the 24AA024 variant, which functions down to 1.7V. This makes the 24LC024/P unsuitable for 1.8V systems but robust in standard 3.3V/5V industrial environments.

Does the 24LC024/P support hardware write-protection, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the 24LC024/P includes a dedicated WP (Write-Protect) pin. To enable hardware write-protection, tie WP to VCC; this locks the entire 2 Kbit memory array against all write operations, including byte and page writes. When WP is tied to VSS, full write access is restored. This feature is physically implemented and remains active across power cycles - a key differentiator from software-only protection schemes.

What package type is used for the 24LC024/P, and is it RoHS-compliant?

The 24LC024/P is packaged in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.300-inch body width and matte tin (Sn) lead finish. It is Pb-free and RoHS-compliant per Microchip's documentation, meeting JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 requirements. The part marking "I/P" indicates Industrial temperature grade and PDIP packaging.

How many devices can be connected on the same I²C bus using the 24LC024/P?

Up to eight 24LC024/P devices can be cascaded on a single I²C bus using the three hardware address pins A0, A1, and A2. Each device is assigned a unique 3-bit slave address (bits A2–A0), allowing contiguous 16 Kbit memory expansion. All devices share the same SDA and SCL lines, with no additional bus arbitration logic required beyond standard I²C protocol handling.

What is the maximum write cycle time for a full 16-byte page on the 24LC024/P?

The maximum write cycle time for any operation - whether single-byte or full 16-byte page write - is 5 ms for the 24LC024/P. This self-timed duration is internally controlled and independent of I²C clock speed. During this period, the device does not acknowledge I²C commands, enabling reliable acknowledge polling to detect completion before initiating subsequent operations.