Microchip Technology 24LC024T-E/ST

Overview

24LC024T-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with hardware write-protection via the WP pin, 16-byte page write buffer, and automotive-grade temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It supports up to 400 kHz clock rate and is commonly used for configuration storage in automotive control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC024T-E/ST datasheet, 24LC024T-E/ST pinout, 24LC024T-E/ST application, or 24LC024T-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive temperature rating, hardware write-protect capability, 16-byte page buffer size, and compatibility with standard I²C bus timing at 400 kHz.

Technical Context

The 24LC024T-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps from 0xFF to 0x00.

It uses a self-timed erase/write cycle with a maximum 5 ms write cycle time and supports acknowledge polling to detect write completion. The device includes a voltage threshold detector that disables write logic below 1.5 V, ensuring data integrity during brown-out conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC024T-E/ST is packaged in a 6-lead SOT-23 surface-mount package. Pin A2 is not internally connected in this variant; only A0 and A1 are functional for device addressing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC024T-E/ST, the 24LC024T-I/ST offers identical functionality at lower cost but lacks AEC-Q100 alignment, while the AT24C02-SSHM-T trades hardware write-protection for broader vendor availability and SOIC-8 compatibility - requiring careful firmware-level safeguards.

Availability

24LC024T-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLCs, medical calibration systems, and smart energy meter designs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC024T-E/ST 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 manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with a focus on reliability and long-term product support.

The 24LC024T-E/ST belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for robust nonvolatile data storage in harsh environments where temperature stability and write-protection integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC024T-E/ST?

The 24LC024T-E/ST supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when VCC is ≥2.5V. At lower supply voltages (not applicable here, as minimum VCC is 2.5V), the max clock drops to 100 kHz. This 400 kHz capability enables faster configuration loading in time-critical automotive applications compared to legacy 100 kHz EEPROMs.

Does the 24LC024T-E/ST have hardware write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the 24LC024T-E/ST includes hardware write protection via the WP pin. When WP is tied to VCC, the entire memory array is locked against write or erase operations. This feature is active regardless of I²C command state and provides fail-safe protection against corruption during power-up/down or software faults - a key requirement for automotive safety-critical storage.

What package type is used for the 24LC024T-E/ST, and what are its key mechanical features?

The 24LC024T-E/ST uses a 6-lead SOT-23 package. It measures 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm with gull-wing leads, optimized for high-density PCB layouts. Pin A2 is not connected internally, reducing routing complexity in space-constrained automotive modules where only two address bits (A0, A1) are needed for device addressing.

How many devices can be connected on the same I²C bus using the 24LC024T-E/ST?

Up to four 24LC024T-E/ST devices can share one I²C bus, using address pins A0 and A1 to generate unique 7-bit slave addresses (A2 is NC). Each device occupies 256 bytes of contiguous address space, enabling up to 1 Kbyte of cascaded EEPROM without external multiplexing - ideal for modular system designs with distributed configuration storage.

What is the page write capability of the 24LC024T-E/ST, and why does it matter?

The 24LC024T-E/ST has a 16-byte page write buffer. This allows writing up to 16 bytes in a single I²C transaction, reducing bus overhead by up to 94% compared to individual byte writes. In practice, this accelerates firmware parameter updates and minimizes bus contention in multi-master systems - directly improving system responsiveness in real-time embedded applications.