Microchip Technology 24LC024T-I/MS

Overview

24LC024T-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with hardware write-protection, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, featuring 16-byte page write buffer, 400 kHz max clock rate, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers, sensor nodes, and power management ICs.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC024T-I/MS datasheet, 24LC024T-I/MS pinout, 24LC024T-I/MS application, or 24LC024T-I/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC voltage compliance (2.5V min), WP pin functionality for hardware lock, MSOP-8 package footprint, and I²C timing compatibility at 400 kHz under industrial conditions.

Technical Context

The 24LC024T-I/MS implements a standard two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes across a single 256 × 8-bit memory array.

Write operations are self-timed and include byte-write and page-write (up to 16 bytes) capabilities, with hardware write-protection activated when the WP pin is tied to VCC. Acknowledge polling enables bus-efficient status checking during erase/write cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC024T-I/MS is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts while maintaining hand-solderability and thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC024T-I/MS, the 24AA024T-I/MS offers broader voltage flexibility at identical pinout and feature set, while the AT24C02D-SSHM-T trades hardware write-protection for wider supplier availability and lower unit cost in high-volume consumer designs.

Availability

24LC024T-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and power management IC settings requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC024T-I/MS 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 design and manufacturing infrastructure.

The 24LC024T-I/MS belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive, and computing applications where data integrity and long-term reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC024T-I/MS?

The 24LC024T-I/MS requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full industrial temperature range. Unlike the 24AA024 variant, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power the 24LC024T-I/MS at 1.8V or lower may result in undefined behavior or failed write cycles. Always verify VCC stability during brownout conditions using the internal voltage detector threshold (~1.5V) as a safeguard.

Does the 24LC024T-I/MS support 400 kHz I²C communication at all VCC levels?

Yes, the 24LC024T-I/MS supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency across its entire rated VCC range (2.5V to 5.5V) and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of DS21210N. For reliable 400 kHz operation, use a 2 kΩ pull-up resistor on SDA/SCL and ensure bus capacitance remains ≤400 pF.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC024T-I/MS, and what happens when it is left floating?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24LC024T-I/MS is a dedicated hardware enable input: tying it to VCC locks the entire memory array against writes, while tying it to VSS enables normal write operations. The pin must never be left floating - an unconnected WP pin may float to an indeterminate voltage, causing unpredictable write-enable behavior. Always terminate WP to VCC or VSS with a direct connection or pull-up/down resistor.

Can multiple 24LC024T-I/MS devices share the same I²C bus, and how many can be addressed uniquely?

Yes, up to eight 24LC024T-I/MS devices can share a single I²C bus using the three hardware address pins (A0, A1, A2). Each device is assigned a unique 7-bit slave address in the form 1010xxx, where xxx corresponds to the binary state of A2–A0. All address pins must be hardwired to either VCC or VSS - no external resistors or dynamic control is needed for static addressing.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page-write operation to the 24LC024T-I/MS?

The 24LC024T-I/MS supports a maximum of 16 bytes per page-write operation. This limit is enforced by its internal 16-byte page buffer. Attempting to write more than 16 bytes before issuing a Stop condition causes the address counter to roll over, overwriting earlier bytes in the same page. To avoid data corruption, firmware must segment multi-page writes and enforce page boundaries (0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, etc.) explicitly.