Microchip Technology 24LC1026-I/P

Overview

24LC1026-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 128K × 8 (1024 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 2.5V–5.5V supply range, 400 kHz max clock frequency (100 kHz below 4.5V in automotive temp), and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write-protection, 128-byte page write buffer, and Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity-used for nonvolatile parameter storage in embedded controllers and sensor calibration modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC1026-I/P datasheet, 24LC1026-I/P pinout, 24LC1026-I/P application, or 24LC1026-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC compatibility (2.5–5.5V), WP-controlled write protection, cascading support for up to four devices on one bus, and guaranteed 1M endurance cycles with >200-year data retention.

Technical Context

The 24LC1026-I/P implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010', where A1/A2 pins configure device select bits and B0 selects between two 512 Kbit memory blocks (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh). It supports byte and page writes with self-timed erase/write cycles and uses open-drain SDA/SCL with external pull-ups.

Its internal architecture includes a 128-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and dual-address-pointer logic enabling sequential reads across 512 Kbit boundaries-but not across device boundaries. Write-protect is sampled at Stop condition, and ACK polling is required to detect write completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC1026-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (plastic dual in-line package) with 300-mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, and standard through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA1026-I/P and AT24C1024-10PU-2.7, the 24LC1026-I/P delivers optimal balance of industrial temperature compliance, four-device cascading, and proven field reliability at 2.5–5.5V-making it preferred for fixed-supply embedded systems where layout reuse and supply margin are critical.

Availability

24LC1026-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and medical audit logging requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC1026-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 24LC1026 belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 family of I²C EEPROMs engineered for high-reliability, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial, medical, and automotive applications demanding long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the supply voltage range supported by the 24LC1026-I/P?

The 24LC1026-I/P operates over a VCC range of 2.5V to 5.5V. Operation below 2.5V is not specified or guaranteed for this variant-unlike the 24AA1026 which supports down to 1.7V. This makes the 24LC1026-I/P ideal for stable 3.3V or 5V systems where tighter voltage regulation simplifies power design and improves noise margin.

How many devices can be connected on the same I²C bus using the 24LC1026-I/P?

Up to four 24LC1026-I/P devices can be cascaded on a single I²C bus using the A1 and A2 address pins. Each device is assigned a unique 2-bit chip address (00, 01, 10, or 11), allowing a total of 4 Mbit of contiguous or discrete EEPROM storage. No additional address decoding logic is required.

Does the 24LC1026-I/P support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 24LC1026-I/P supports page write operations with a 128-byte page buffer. Writes must remain within a single physical page boundary (i.e., addresses aligned to 0x0000, 0x0080, etc.). Crossing a page boundary causes wraparound-not automatic advancement-so firmware must manage address alignment to avoid data corruption.

What is the role of the WP pin on the 24LC1026-I/P, and when is it sampled?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24LC1026-I/P disables all write operations-including byte, page, and erase-when held high (VCC). It is sampled only at the Stop condition of each write command, meaning toggling WP during a transfer has no effect. This ensures robust protection against transient glitches during active communication.

How does the 24LC1026-I/P handle sequential reads across its memory space?

The 24LC1026-I/P supports sequential reads within two 512 Kbit blocks: 00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh. The internal address pointer auto-increments and rolls over within each block, but does not cross between blocks. To read across both blocks, the host must issue separate read commands with explicit block-select bit (B0) control.