Microchip Technology 24LC02B-E/P

Overview

24LC02B-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protection, 400 kHz max clock frequency, and operation from 2.5V to 5.5V. It supports page writes up to 8 bytes, features Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and is qualified for extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C) in PDIP packaging - used for firmware storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup in industrial controllers.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC02B-E/P datasheet, 24LC02B-E/P pinout, 24LC02B-E/P application, or 24LC02B-E/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.5V minimum supply, 5 ms max write cycle time, WP-enabled hardware lock, I²C address compatibility (1010xxx0/1), and extended-temp PDIP package suitability for high-reliability embedded systems.

Technical Context

The 24LC02B-E/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with fixed 7-bit device address (1010xxx) and R/W bit control, supporting byte and page write modes with automatic internal erase/write timing. Its Address Pointer increments on each access, enabling sequential reads across the full 256-byte array without readdressing.

It integrates Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL with 50 ns spike suppression and slope-controlled outputs to minimize ground bounce. Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC to inhibit all write operations while permitting unrestricted reads - no internal pull-up or logic dependency required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC02B-E/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP, 300 mil body), with leads spaced at 0.100" pitch and overall dimensions of 0.365" × 0.310". The package includes a visual pin 1 index and conforms to JEDEC MS-001.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC02B-E/P, the 24AA02-I/P trades extended temperature support for lower-voltage operation, while the AT24C02D-SSHM-T offers higher speed and broader voltage range but lacks automotive qualification and PDIP packaging - making 24LC02B-E/P the sole option meeting all three criteria: extended temp, PDIP, and AEC-Q100.

Availability

24LC02B-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, automotive ECU calibration data retention, and medical device serial numbering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC02B-E/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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC02B belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space-constrained and thermally demanding applications including automotive, industrial, and medical systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC02B-E/P?

24LC02B-E/P requires a minimum supply voltage of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). Below 2.5V, functionality is not specified - unlike the 24AA02 variant, which supports down to 1.7V. This 2.5V threshold ensures stable internal charge pump operation and EEPROM cell programming margin under worst-case thermal and process corners.

Does the 24LC02B-E/P support standard I²C addressing, and what is its device address?

Yes, 24LC02B-E/P uses standard 7-bit I²C addressing with a fixed control code of '1010' followed by three don't-care bits, resulting in a base address of 0xA0 (write) or 0xA1 (read). The A0, A1, and A2 pins are unconnected internally, so the device responds exclusively to this hardcoded address - simplifying multi-device bus design but requiring external arbitration if multiple 24LC02B-E/P units share the same bus.

How does the hardware write-protection (WP) pin function on the 24LC02B-E/P?

On the 24LC02B-E/P, the WP pin provides unconditional hardware-level write inhibition: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte, page, or erase) to the entire 256-byte memory array are blocked, while read operations remain fully functional. No internal pull-up or configuration register is involved - the protection is purely electrical and active immediately upon power-up, making it immune to firmware corruption or reset glitches.

What is the maximum write cycle time for the 24LC02B-E/P, and how does it affect system timing?

The 24LC02B-E/P has a maximum write cycle time of 5 ms for both byte and page writes. During this period, the device does not acknowledge I²C commands - a behavior leveraged via ACK polling to detect completion. System firmware must either wait 5 ms or implement polling with repeated Start + control byte (R/W=0) sequences, adding up to 5 ms latency before issuing subsequent commands, critical for real-time configuration updates.

Is the 24LC02B-E/P qualified for automotive applications, and what standards does it meet?

Yes, the 24LC02B-E/P is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1) for automotive use, validated across –40°C to +125°C ambient operation. It meets stress test requirements for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and ESD (≥4 kV HBM), and is RoHS compliant. This qualification confirms suitability for non-safety-critical ECU subsystems such as body control modules, infotainment configuration storage, and sensor calibration data retention.