Microchip Technology 24LC02BT-E/MS

Overview

24LC02BT-E/MS 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 400 kHz max clock frequency, industrial–extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), and hardware write-protection via the WP pin. It is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and device identifiers.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC02BT-E/MS datasheet, 24LC02BT-E/MS pinout, 24LC02BT-E/MS application, or 24LC02BT-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-byte page write buffer, 5 ms max write cycle time, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, self-timed erase/write, and compatibility with standard I²C bus timing at 400 kHz under extended temperature conditions.

Technical Context

The 24LC02BT-E/MS implements a two-wire I²C interface with fixed 7-bit client address (1010xxx) and R/W bit control, supporting byte and page write modes. Its internal architecture includes an 8-byte page latch, address pointer auto-increment, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.

It uses open-drain SDA/SCL with external pull-ups, requires no external clock source, and relies on acknowledge polling to detect write completion. The WP pin provides hardware-level write inhibition when tied to VCC, and all address pins (A0–A2) are unconnected and may be left floating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC02BT-E/MS is supplied in an 8-lead MSOP package (Microchip package code "MS"), with exposed pad optional for thermal relief. Pin 1 is A0 (not connected), pin 4 is VSS (ground), pin 5 is SDA (bidirectional open-drain I/O), pin 6 is SCL (input clock), pin 7 is WP (active-high write-protect), and pin 8 is VCC (power).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC02BT-E/MS, the 24AA02T-I/MS offers wider voltage flexibility but sacrifices extended temperature support, while the AT24C02D-SSHM-T provides identical environmental rating but removes hardware-level write protection-making 24LC02BT-E/MS optimal for safety-critical or high-reliability applications requiring guaranteed write-locking.

Availability

24LC02BT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLCs, medical sensor calibration, and smart meter firmware metadata storage requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q100-compliant performance.

Supply support for 24LC02BT-E/MS 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with a focus on embedded control and connectivity solutions.

The 24LC02B family was designed for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications where I²C interface simplicity and hardware write protection are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC02BT-E/MS?

The 24LC02BT-E/MS supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC ≥ 2.5V. At lower voltages (below 2.5V), it defaults to 100 kHz mode per specification. This 400 kHz capability enables faster configuration reads and firmware metadata access in time-sensitive applications, and the 24LC02BT-E/MS maintains full timing compliance across its –40°C to +125°C operating range.

Does the 24LC02BT-E/MS require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC02BT-E/MS 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 per line. The 24LC02BT-E/MS does not integrate internal pull-ups, so omission will result in bus failure. Pull-up values must be adjusted for bus capacitance and speed requirements to meet I²C rise-time specs.

Can the A0, A1, and A2 pins of the 24LC02BT-E/MS be used to configure device addressing?

No - the A0, A1, and A2 pins of the 24LC02BT-E/MS are not internally connected and serve no addressing function. The device uses a fixed 7-bit I²C address (1010xxx) where the three least-significant bits are "don't care." These pins may be left floating, tied to VSS, or tied to VCC without affecting 24LC02BT-E/MS operation or bus arbitration.

How does the WP pin affect write operations on the 24LC02BT-E/MS?

When the WP pin of the 24LC02BT-E/MS is driven high (tied to V_CC), all write operations-including byte and page writes-are inhibited; only read operations remain functional. When WP is low (tied to VSS), full read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level lock prevents accidental overwrites during power transitions or firmware errors, and the 24LC02BT-E/MS state is retained even during brown-out conditions.

Is the 24LC02BT-E/MS AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24LC02BT-E/MS is AEC-Q100 qualified for Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C), matching its extended temperature rating. This qualification covers stress testing for automotive environments including thermal cycling, humidity bias, and ESD. The 24LC02BT-E/MS meets these requirements as a complete packaged device, making it suitable for under-hood and chassis-mounted automotive electronics without derating.