Microchip Technology 24LC1026-E/SM

Overview

24LC1026-E/SM from Microchip Technology is a 1024 Kbit (128K × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with automotive-grade temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), 2.5V–5.5V supply operation, 400 kHz max clock frequency, and hardware write-protection via the WP pin. It supports byte and 128-byte page writes, sequential reads across two 512K-bit blocks, and cascading up to four devices on one bus for 4 Mbit total memory expansion in automotive control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC1026-E/SM datasheet, 24LC1026-E/SM pinout, 24LC1026-E/SM application, or 24LC1026-E/SM equivalent, key selection criteria include its E-temp qualification, 5 µA standby current, Schmitt-trigger SDA/SCL inputs for noise immunity, 3 ms typical page write time, and 1 M cycle endurance - all critical for infotainment storage, ADAS configuration retention, and engine control unit parameter logging.

Technical Context

The 24LC1026-E/SM implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 4-bit control code '1010', user-configurable A1/A2 address bits enabling up to four devices per bus, and block-select bit B0 for accessing two 512K-bit memory segments (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh). Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps within each segment boundary.

Write operations use an internal 128-byte page buffer with self-timed erase/write cycles; WP pin sampling occurs at the Stop bit to enable/disable writes. Acknowledge polling is supported for write-cycle completion detection, and Schmitt-trigger inputs with 50 ns spike suppression ensure robust operation in electrically noisy automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC1026-E/SM is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (3.90 mm width, JEDEC MS-012AC), RoHS-compliant, with gull-wing leads and matte tin plating. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or laser dot; device marking includes "24LC1026", temperature grade "E", and date code.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C1024-MAHM-T and BR24G1ME-3A, the 24LC1026-E/SM delivers optimal balance of automotive qualification, deterministic 400 kHz timing, hardware write protection, and proven 1M-cycle endurance - making it the preferred choice for production ECU and ADAS module designs requiring long-term reliability without ECC overhead.

Availability

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

Supply support for 24LC1026-E/SM 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, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with vertically integrated design and manufacturing.

The 24LC1026-E/SM belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for reliable nonvolatile data storage in harsh-temperature, high-noise vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the 24LC1026-E/SM?

The 24LC1026-E/SM is rated for –40°C to +125°C ambient operation, meeting automotive AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements. This specification applies across its full 2.5V–5.5V supply range and validates its use in under-hood ECUs, instrument clusters, and ADAS camera modules where thermal stress is extreme.

Does the 24LC1026-E/SM support I²C standard-mode and fast-mode speeds?

Yes, the 24LC1026-E/SM supports up to 400 kHz clock frequency at VCC ≥ 2.5V, compliant with I²C fast-mode specifications. At lower voltages (e.g., 2.5V), timing parameters such as THIGH and TLOW are relaxed to maintain signal integrity - full AC characteristics are defined in Table 1-2 of DS20002270E.

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

The WP pin on the 24LC1026-E/SM is sampled at the Stop bit of each write command: when pulled high to VCC, it inhibits all write operations (byte and page) while allowing unrestricted reads. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental overwrites during power transitions or software faults - a critical feature for automotive safety-critical data.

Can the 24LC1026-E/SM perform sequential reads across its entire 1024 Kbit memory space?

No - sequential reads on the 24LC1026-E/SM are limited to 512K-bit boundaries (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh) due to internal address pointer rollover behavior. To read across both blocks, the host must issue two separate sequential read commands with appropriate block-select bit (B0) settings in the control byte.

What is the page write time specification for the 24LC1026-E/SM?

The 24LC1026-E/SM has a typical page write time of 3 ms and a maximum of 5 ms, as specified in Table 1-2 (parameter TWC). This applies to both single-byte and full 128-byte page writes, since all writes trigger the same internal self-timed erase/write cycle - enabling predictable timing for real-time system scheduling.