Microchip Technology 24LC02BH-I/P

Overview

24LC02BH-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory with hardware write-protect for the upper half-array (80h–FFh), 400 kHz max clock frequency at V_CC ≥ 2.5V, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates down to 2.5V, supports 8-byte page writes with ≤5 ms self-timed erase/write cycles, and delivers ≤1 mA active current and ≤1 µA standby current - ideal for low-power embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC02BH-I/P datasheet, 24LC02BH-I/P pinout, 24LC02BH-I/P application, or 24LC02BH-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its half-array write-protection logic (WP pin high), Schmitt-trigger noise-immune I²C interface, 1 million endurance cycles, 200-year data retention, and compatibility with standard 100/400 kHz I²C timing budgets across 2.5–5.5V supply.

Technical Context

The 24LC02BH-I/P implements a two-wire I²C bus protocol with fixed 7-bit client address (1010xxx) and R/W bit control, supporting byte and page write modes. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and random-access operations, enabling full memory traversal without external address management.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to V_CC, it disables writes to addresses 80h–FFh while permitting full read access; tied to V_SS, full read/write operation is enabled. All A0–A2 pins are unconnected and may be left floating or tied to V_SS/V_CC with no functional impact.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC02BH-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) with 300-mil body width, compliant with JEDEC MS-001. Pin 1 is located at the top-left corner with a notch or dot marking; leads are tin-plated matte finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA02H-I/P, the 24LC02BH-I/P provides higher minimum supply voltage but adds AEC-Q100 qualification and identical hardware write-protect simplicity; versus AT24C02C-PU, it trades software flexibility for deterministic hardware-level protection and automotive compliance.

Availability

24LC02BH-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical diagnostic devices, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term traceability and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for 24LC02BH-I/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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC02BH belongs to Microchip's 24XX02H family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems where hardware write protection and noise immunity are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC02BH-I/P?

The 24LC02BH-I/P requires a minimum V_CC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Below 2.5V, functionality is not specified - unlike the 24AA02H variant, which supports down to 1.7V. This makes the 24LC02BH-I/P appropriate for 3.3V and 5V systems but unsuitable for sub-2.5V battery-powered applications. Always maintain V_CC within 2.5–5.5V per the DS20002105B datasheet.

How does the WP pin affect memory access in the 24LC02BH-I/P?

When the WP pin of the 24LC02BH-I/P is tied to V_CC, writes to memory addresses 80h–FFh (upper 128 bytes) are inhibited; reads remain fully enabled. When WP is tied to V_SS, full read/write access to all 256 bytes is permitted. A0–A2 pins are unconnected and have no influence on this behavior. This hardware-level protection requires no firmware intervention and persists across power cycles.

Can the 24LC02BH-I/P be used in automotive applications?

Yes - the 24LC02BH-I/P is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use and rated for extended temperature operation up to +125°C (E grade). The -I/P suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), which is also widely deployed in under-hood and cabin modules where full extended-temp qualification is not mandated. Its ESD hardness (>4 kV HBM) and noise-immune I²C interface further support automotive reliability requirements.

What is the maximum supported I²C clock frequency for the 24LC02BH-I/P?

The 24LC02BH-I/P supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is 2.5V or higher. At V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock rate drops to 100 kHz - however, the 24LC02BH-I/P is not characterized below 2.5V, so 400 kHz operation is only valid across its specified 2.5–5.5V supply range. Timing parameters such as THIGH, TLOW, and TSU:DAT are guaranteed per Table 1-2 of DS20002105B.

Does the 24LC02BH-I/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes - the 24LC02BH-I/P has open-drain SDA and SCL outputs and requires external pull-up resistors. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ resistor to V_CC is recommended; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. Pull-up strength must balance bus rise time against drive current limits - excessive resistance causes timing violations, while too-low values increase power consumption and risk exceeding the 3 mA max write current spec. Layout best practices include short traces and local decoupling.