Microchip Technology 24LC1026T-E/SN

Overview

24LC1026T-E/SN 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 V_CC < 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 calibration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC1026T-E/SN datasheet, 24LC1026T-E/SN pinout, 24LC1026T-E/SN application, or 24LC1026T-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include automotive-grade endurance, WP-controlled write protection, I²C timing compliance at 125°C, and cascading support for up to four devices on one bus.

Technical Context

The 24LC1026T-E/SN implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 1010b control code and user-configurable A1/A2 address bits enabling up to four devices per bus. Its internal architecture includes dual 512 Kbit memory blocks selected via B0 bit, with automatic address pointer roll-over within each block (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh).

Write operations use self-timed erase/write cycles (typ. 3 ms page write), supported by acknowledge polling. The device samples WP at the Stop bit to enable/disable writes, and employs slope-controlled outputs and Schmitt-trigger inputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce in noisy automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC1026T-E/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (3.90 mm width), RoHS-compliant, with standard 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C1024-SSHD-T and BR24G1ME-3SPI, the 24LC1026T-E/SN uniquely combines automotive temperature rating, hardware WP pin sampled at Stop condition, and dual-block addressing - making it the only choice for safety-critical automotive EEPROM applications requiring guaranteed write inhibition and segmented memory access.

Availability

24LC1026T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC1026T-E/SN 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 nonvolatile memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC1026T-E/SN belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 family of automotive-qualified serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for robust data retention and write integrity in harsh-temperature embedded systems such as engine control units and ADAS sensors.

FAQ

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

The 24LC1026T-E/SN supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency at V_CC ≥ 4.5V and +125°C ambient. When V_CC drops below 4.5V under automotive E-temp conditions, the maximum clock rate reduces to 100 kHz to maintain timing margin - verified per DS20002270E AC characteristics Table 1-2.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC1026T-E/SN during a write operation?

The WP pin on the 24LC1026T-E/SN is sampled at the Stop bit of each write command. If WP is high (tied to V_CC), the device acknowledges the command but performs no write - preserving memory contents. This behavior is deterministic and applies to both byte and page writes, as defined in Section 6.3 of the 24LC1026T-E/SN datasheet.

Can the 24LC1026T-E/SN be used in a cascaded I²C configuration with other 24XX1026 variants?

Yes - the 24LC1026T-E/SN supports cascading with up to three additional 24AA1026, 24LC1026, or 24FC1026 devices on the same I²C bus using unique A1/A2 combinations. All share the 1010b control code, and block select (B0) enables full 4 Mbit address space expansion, as detailed in Section 5.1 of DS20002270E.

What is the page write buffer size and how does it affect sequential writes on the 24LC1026T-E/SN?

The 24LC1026T-E/SN has a 128-byte page write buffer. Writes crossing physical page boundaries (every 128-byte aligned address) wrap within the current page instead of advancing - requiring firmware to align page writes to 00h, 80h, 100h, etc. This constraint is documented in Section 6.2 and Figure 6-2 of the 24LC1026T-E/SN datasheet.

Is the 24LC1026T-E/SN qualified to AEC-Q100 for automotive use?

The 24LC1026T-E/SN carries the "E" temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C) and is designed and tested to meet AEC-Q100 requirements for automotive EEPROMs. While Microchip does not publish standalone AEC-Q100 certificates for this part, its qualification status is confirmed through device-level stress testing and automotive application validation referenced in DS20002270E.