Microchip Technology 24LC025-I/SN

Overview

24LC025-I/SN 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 industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It supports 400 kHz clock rate, 16-byte page write buffer, and features Schmitt-trigger inputs, slope-controlled outputs, and >1 million erase/write cycles. Used for firmware parameter storage in embedded controllers and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC025-I/SN datasheet, 24LC025-I/SN pinout, 24LC025-I/SN application, or 24LC025-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC voltage compatibility (2.5–5.5V), absence of hardware write-protect (WP pin not connected), SOT-23 package constraints (6-pin, no A2), and I²C bus timing compliance at 400 kHz under industrial temperature conditions.

Technical Context

The 24LC025-I/SN implements a standard two-wire I²C slave interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins requiring external pull-ups. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps from 0xFF to 0x00. The device uses on-chip high-voltage generation for EEPROM programming and includes VCC threshold detection to inhibit writes below 1.5V.

It employs Schmitt-trigger inputs and input filtering (50 ns spike suppression) for noise immunity on noisy buses. Unlike 24LC024, it lacks internal WP pin connection-write protection must be implemented externally via software or system-level access control. Page write operations are bounded to 16-byte physical pages and roll over within the same page if crossing boundaries.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC025-I/SN is supplied in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 6-lead SOT-23 package (3.0 mm × 1.7 mm × 1.3 mm). Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; pin 3 is SDA, pin 1 is SCL, and pin 2 is VSS - critical for PCB layout due to tight spacing and thermal pad absence.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA025-I/SN, the 24LC025-I/SN offers narrower VCC range but identical SOT-23 integration; versus AT24C02D-SSHM-T, it trades package size and WP functionality for minimal footprint and lower system-level complexity in compact embedded nodes.

Availability

24LC025-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and IoT edge device identity management requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature grades and long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for 24LC025-I/SN 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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC025 belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and robust I²C interoperability.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the 24LC025-I/SN?

The 24LC025-I/SN operates from 2.5V to 5.5V. It does not support voltages below 2.5V - unlike the 24AA025 variant, which starts at 1.7V. This makes the 24LC025-I/SN suitable for 3.3V and 5V systems but incompatible with 1.8V logic domains. Internal VCC monitoring disables write operations if supply drops below 1.5V nominal to prevent data corruption.

Does the 24LC025-I/SN have a hardware write-protect pin?

No, the 24LC025-I/SN does not have a functional hardware write-protect (WP) pin. The WP pin is not internally connected - a key distinction from the 24LC024 variant. Write protection must therefore be enforced through software-level access control or system architecture, not hardware pin strapping. This simplifies board design but increases reliance on firmware integrity.

How many devices can be connected on the same I²C bus using the 24LC025-I/SN?

Up to four 24LC025-I/SN devices can share one I²C bus, due to its 6-lead SOT-23 package omitting the A2 address pin. Address bits A0 and A1 provide two bits of device addressing (1010A1A0), yielding four unique 7-bit slave addresses. Each device requires distinct A0/A1 combinations tied to VCC or VSS; floating address pins are not permitted.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC025-I/SN?

The 24LC025-I/SN supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency across its full VCC range (2.5V–5.5V) and industrial temperature range. At this speed, external pull-up resistors should be ≤2 kΩ on both SDA and SCL lines to meet rise time requirements (≤300 ns). Timing parameters including THD:STA, TSU:DAT, and TAA are fully specified and tested at 400 kHz.

Is the 24LC025-I/SN pin-compatible with other Microchip 2 Kbit EEPROMs in SOT-23?

Yes, the 24LC025-I/SN is pin-compatible with the 24AA025-I/SN in the 6-lead SOT-23 package - same pin 1 (SCL), pin 2 (VSS), pin 3 (SDA), pin 4 (A0), pin 5 (A1), and pin 6 (VCC). However, the 24AA025-I/SN supports 1.7–5.5V operation and includes an unconnected A2 pin in its marking, while the 24LC025-I/SN is strictly 2.5–5.5V and has no A2 function.