Microchip Technology 24LC1026T-E/SM

Overview

24LC1026T-E/SM from Microchip Technology is a 128K × 8 (1024 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 2.5V–5.5V supply range, 400 kHz max clock (100 kHz at VCC < 4.5V in automotive temp), and industrial/automotive temperature rating (–40°C to +125°C). It features 128-byte page write buffer, hardware write-protect (WP pin), Schmitt-trigger inputs, and >1 million erase/write cycles - deployed in automotive body control modules for configuration storage and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC1026T-E/SM datasheet, 24LC1026T-E/SM pinout, 24LC1026T-E/SM application, or 24LC1026T-E/SM equivalent, key selection criteria include automotive-grade temperature support, I²C bus timing compliance at 125°C, WP-enabled hardware protection, and cascading capability across four devices on one bus.

Technical Context

The 24LC1026T-E/SM implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010' and user-configurable A1/A2 bits enabling up to four devices per bus. Its internal memory is split into two 512 Kbit blocks selected by the B0 bit, requiring explicit block addressing for full 1024 Kbit access.

It uses on-chip charge pump (HV generator) for EEPROM programming, supports byte and page writes with self-timed 5 ms max write cycle, and incorporates input filtering (50 ns spike suppression) plus Schmitt-trigger inputs (0.05 VCC hysteresis) for robust noise immunity in automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC1026T-E/SM is housed in an 8-lead SOIJ (Small Outline Integrated Circuit, J-bend) package, 5.28 mm wide, RoHS-compliant, with matte tin (Sn) lead finish and industrial/automotive traceability marking (e.g., "24LC1026I/SM" + YYWW date code).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C1024-SSHL-T, 24LC1026T-E/SM provides guaranteed automotive temperature operation and hardware write protection; versus BR24G1ME-3SPI, it retains I²C compatibility and lower pin count but lacks embedded ECC - making it optimal for legacy I²C-based automotive platforms requiring drop-in EEPROM replacement.

Availability

24LC1026T-E/SM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 24LC1026T-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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with broad automotive and industrial certification coverage.

The 24LC1026T-E/SM belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 family of I²C EEPROMs designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding extended temperature operation, high endurance, and hardware-level data protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC1026T-E/SM at 125°C?

The 24LC1026T-E/SM supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency at VCC ≥ 4.5V and TA = +125°C. At VCC < 4.5V under automotive temperature conditions, the maximum clock rate drops to 100 kHz to ensure timing margin compliance - verified per DS20002270E AC Characteristics Table 1-2.

Does the 24LC1026T-E/SM require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC1026T-E/SM requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. For 400 kHz operation at +125°C, a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended per Microchip's design guidelines in DS20002270E Section 2.2.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC1026T-E/SM, and what happens if it is left floating?

The WP pin on the 24LC1026T-E/SM is an active-high hardware write-protect input: tied to VCC disables all write operations while allowing reads. If left floating, the pin state is undefined and may cause intermittent write failures or unintended protection - Microchip specifies it must be hard-wired to VSS (enable) or VCC (disable) per Section 2.4.

Can the 24LC1026T-E/SM perform sequential reads across its full 1024 Kbit address space?

No, the 24LC1026T-E/SM restricts sequential reads to 512 Kbit blocks (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh) due to internal addressing architecture. To read across the full memory, two separate sequential read commands - one per block - are required, as defined in Section 5.1 and Figure 5-1 of DS20002270E.

What is the page write time specification for the 24LC1026T-E/SM, and how is it affected by temperature?

The 24LC1026T-E/SM has a typical page write time of 3 ms and a maximum of 5 ms across its full operating temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), as specified in Table 1-2 Parameter TWC. This self-timed cycle is internally generated and independent of VCC or temperature variation - confirmed in Section 6.2 and DS20002270E-page 4.