Microchip Technology 24LC025T-E/MC

Overview

24LC025T-E/MC 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/automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), 400 kHz max clock, and 16-byte page write buffer. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in automotive body control modules, industrial sensor nodes, and embedded system parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC025T-E/MC datasheet, 24LC025T-E/MC pinout, 24LC025T-E/MC application, or 24LC025T-E/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (2.5V–5.5V), absence of hardware write-protect (WP pin not connected), SOT-23-6 package constraints, and automotive-grade reliability for under-hood applications.

Technical Context

The 24LC025T-E/MC implements a standard two-wire I²C 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, while the 16-byte page buffer enables efficient multi-byte writes within a single physical page boundary.

Unlike 24LC024 variants, the 24LC025T-E/MC omits internal connection of the WP pin-making hardware write protection unavailable-and uses only A0 and A1 address pins (A2 unconnected) in its 6-lead SOT-23 package, limiting cascading to four devices per bus instead of eight.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC025T-E/MC is housed in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 6-lead SOT-23 package (3.0 mm × 1.7 mm × 1.1 mm), optimized for space-constrained automotive and portable electronics layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC025T-E/MC, the 24LC025-I/MC offers identical electrical behavior but lacks automotive qualification, while AT24C02D-SSHM-T provides broader voltage range and write-protect but demands mechanical redesign and introduces pinout incompatibility.

Availability

24LC025T-E/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial sensor nodes, and smart energy metering systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC025T-E/MC 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 operations.

The 24LC025T-E/MC belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in harsh-environment electronic control units.

FAQ

Does the 24LC025T-E/MC have a hardware write-protect pin?

No, the 24LC025T-E/MC does not feature a functional hardware write-protect (WP) pin. According to the official datasheet (DS21210N, Section 2.4), the WP pin is not internally connected on any 24XX025 variant-including the 24LC025T-E/MC-so write protection must be implemented in software or via I²C bus arbitration. This distinguishes it from the 24LC024 series, which includes an active WP pin.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC025T-E/MC?

At VCC ≥ 1.8V, the 24LC025T-E/MC supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz, as specified in Table 1-2 of DS21210N. Below 1.8V, the maximum clock drops to 100 kHz-but since the 24LC025T-E/MC has a minimum VCC of 2.5V, only the 400 kHz specification applies. This enables high-throughput configuration loading in time-critical automotive diagnostics.

How many devices can be connected on the same I²C bus using the 24LC025T-E/MC?

Up to four 24LC025T-E/MC devices can share a single I²C bus, because its SOT-23-6 package lacks the A2 address pin (Section 5.0, DS21210N). Addressing relies solely on A0 and A1, yielding four unique slave addresses (0x50–0x53). This contrasts with 8-pin variants that use A2/A1/A0 for eight possible addresses.

What is the page write capability of the 24LC025T-E/MC?

The 24LC025T-E/MC features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction (Section 6.2, DS21210N). Writes crossing physical page boundaries (every 16 bytes, starting at 0x00, 0x10, etc.) wrap around within the page-so software must align multi-byte writes to avoid unintended overwrites.

Is the 24LC025T-E/MC suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24LC025T-E/MC is explicitly qualified for automotive use, with an operating temperature range of –40°C to +125°C (E-grade) and compliance with AEC-Q100 stress testing requirements. Its robust noise immunity (Schmitt-trigger inputs, slope-controlled outputs) and 200-year data retention make it appropriate for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems.