Microchip Technology 24LC1026-E/P

Overview

24LC1026-E/P from Microchip Technology is a 128K × 8 (1024 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with automotive-grade temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), 2.5V–5.5V supply, 400 kHz max clock (100 kHz at V_CC < 4.5V in E-temp), 128-byte page write buffer, and hardware write-protect via WP pin. It enables nonvolatile data storage in engine control units, ADAS sensors, and vehicle infotainment backup memory.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC1026-E/P datasheet, 24LC1026-E/P pinout, 24LC1026-E/P application, or 24LC1026-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100-aligned automotive qualification, cascading support for up to four devices on one bus, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity on SDA/SCL, and guaranteed 1M endurance cycles with >200-year data retention.

Technical Context

The 24LC1026-E/P implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 4-bit control code (1010b), user-configurable chip address bits (A1/A2), and block-select bit (B0) enabling access across two 512 Kbit memory segments (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh). It supports byte and page write modes with self-timed erase/write cycles.

Its internal architecture includes a 128-byte page latch buffer, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and dual-address-pointer logic supporting both current-address and random/sequential reads within segment boundaries. Write protection is asserted when WP = V_CC, disabling all writes while permitting reads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP (300 mil) package with through-hole mounting; RoHS compliant; lead finish matte tin.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C1024-MAHM-T, the 24LC1026-E/P delivers guaranteed automotive qualification and identical pinout but lower max clock speed; versus BR24G1ME-3AE2, it offers proven Microchip ecosystem compatibility and simpler integration at the expense of ECC and 1 MHz capability.

Availability

24LC1026-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, ADAS sensor nodes, and infotainment backup systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC1026-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, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and software tools.

The 24LC1026-E/P belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, long-life nonvolatile storage in harsh-temperature vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC1026-E/P?

The 24LC1026-E/P supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC ≥ 4.5V and –40°C ≤ T_A ≤ +125°C. At V_CC < 4.5V under automotive temperature conditions, the maximum clock drops to 100 kHz to maintain timing margin compliance. This dual-speed behavior is explicitly defined in the device selection table and AC characteristics section of the DS20002270E datasheet.

Does the 24LC1026-E/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC1026-E/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ resistor to V_CC is recommended per the datasheet; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. Incorrect pull-up values may cause bus timeout or ACK failures during high-temperature operation.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC1026-E/P?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24LC1026-E/P is sampled at the Stop bit of each write command. When tied to V_CC, it disables all write operations (byte/page) while allowing unrestricted reads. When tied to V_SS, full read/write access is enabled. WP state changes after the Stop bit have no effect on an ongoing write cycle.

Can the 24LC1026-E/P be used in systems requiring AEC-Q100 qualification?

Yes, the 24LC1026-E/P carries the 'E' suffix denoting automotive qualification and is specified for –40°C to +125°C operation. While AEC-Q100 testing is performed at the wafer and package level by Microchip, the 'E' grade designation confirms compliance with stress test requirements for automotive use, including HTOL, TC, and ESD.

What is the page write buffer size and how does it affect write performance?

The 24LC1026-E/P features a 128-byte page write buffer. This allows up to 128 bytes to be loaded into the buffer and written to memory atomically upon receipt of the Stop condition, reducing I²C transaction overhead. Page writes complete in 3 ms typical, making burst logging significantly faster than sequential byte writes.