Microchip Technology 24LC02B-I/P

Overview

24LC02B-I/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, 2.5V–5.5V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It supports byte and 8-byte page writes with 5 ms max write cycle time and is commonly used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC02B-I/P datasheet, 24LC02B-I/P pinout, 24LC02B-I/P application, or 24LC02B-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its I²C address structure (fixed 1010xxx0/1), WP pin-based full-array write protection, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity on SDA/SCL, and compatibility with standard 10 kΩ pull-ups at 100 kHz or 2 kΩ at 400 kHz.

Technical Context

The 24LC02B-I/P operates as a slave device on a two-wire I²C bus, responding to a fixed 4-bit control code (1010) followed by three "don't care" bits and R/W bit - resulting in a single 7-bit slave address (0xA0 for write, 0xA1 for read). Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It implements an on-chip page buffer (8 bytes), self-timed erase/write cycles, and hardware-level write inhibition via the WP pin tied to VCC. All A0–A2 pins are unconnected internally and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without functional impact.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC02B-I/P uses an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) with 300-mil body width. Pin 1 is top-left corner when notch faces up; leads are numbered counter-clockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA02-I/P, the 24LC02B-I/P delivers guaranteed 400 kHz performance at 2.5V+, while AT24C02C-PU adds address flexibility and speed but requires validation of write-protection behavior and qualification for automotive use cases.

Availability

24LC02B-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, medical device serialization, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 24LC02B-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC02B belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, and cost-effective nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems across industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

FAQ

What is the exact I²C slave address of the 24LC02B-I/P?

The 24LC02B-I/P uses a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address of 0x50 (binary 1010000) for write operations and 0x51 (1010001) for read operations. Unlike higher-density variants, A0–A2 pins are unconnected, so no address pin strapping is possible - only one 24LC02B-I/P can reside on a given I²C bus segment without address conflict.

Can the 24LC02B-I/P operate at 3.3V and communicate at 400 kHz?

Yes, the 24LC02B-I/P is fully specified for 3.3V operation with 400 kHz maximum clock frequency. Its V_CC range is 2.5V–5.5V, and AC characteristics including THIGH, TLOW, and TAA are guaranteed at 400 kHz across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) when V_CC ≥ 2.5V.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC02B-I/P?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24LC02B-I/P is a hardware enable input: when tied to VCC, it disables all write operations (byte, page, and erase) to the entire 256-byte memory array while allowing unrestricted reads; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. No internal pull-up or pull-down is present - external connection is mandatory.

Is the 24LC02B-I/P pin-compatible with other packages of the same part number?

Yes, all package variants of 24LC02B (including PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, TSSOP, DFN, and SC-70) share identical pin functions and numbering for the eight active terminals (A0–A2, VSS, SDA, SCL, WP, VCC). However, physical dimensions, thermal characteristics, and soldering profiles differ - PCB layout must match the selected package variant.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page write operation for the 24LC02B-I/P?

The 24LC02B-I/P supports an 8-byte page write buffer. A single page write operation can transfer up to eight contiguous bytes in one I²C transaction, provided all addresses fall within the same 8-byte physical page boundary (e.g., 0x00–0x07, 0x08–0x0F). Crossing a page boundary causes wraparound within the current page, not automatic advancement to the next page.