Microchip Technology 24LC1026T-I/SN

Overview

24LC1026T-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 128K × 8 (1024 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with hardware write-protection, 128-byte page buffer, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 400 kHz clock frequency, and delivers ≤450 µA read current and ≤5 µA standby current. It is used in embedded systems for nonvolatile storage of calibration data, configuration parameters, and firmware metadata.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC1026T-I/SN datasheet, 24LC1026T-I/SN pinout, 24LC1026T-I/SN application, or 24LC1026T-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC voltage compatibility (2.5–5.5 V), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, hardware WP pin behavior, 128-byte page write capability, and SOIC-8 package footprint constraints.

Technical Context

The 24LC1026T-I/SN implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA and SCL for noise immunity, and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce. Its internal address counter supports sequential reads across two 512 Kbit blocks (00000h–0FFFFh and 10000h–1FFFFh), with block select bit B₀ enabling full 1 Mbit addressing.

Write operations use self-timed erase/write cycles with typical 3 ms page write time and 5 ms max byte/page cycle duration. The device employs on-chip HV generation for EEPROM programming and includes an internal 128-byte page latch to buffer incoming data before committing to memory.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC1026T-I/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, 3.90 mm wide, 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-SSHL-T and BR24G1M-3SPI, the 24LC1026T-I/SN uniquely combines hardware write-protection, I²C compatibility up to 400 kHz, and industrial temperature rating in a drop-in SOIC-8 footprint-making it optimal for safety-critical, field-upgradable embedded systems where bus simplicity and physical lockout are mandatory.

Availability

24LC1026T-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC1026T-I/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 is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 24LC1026T-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 24XX1026 family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in space- and power-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC1026T-I/SN?

The 24LC1026T-I/SN supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when VCC is 2.5 V or higher. At VCC < 2.5 V, the maximum clock drops to 100 kHz. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability with both legacy 100 kHz controllers and modern high-throughput I²C masters, while maintaining timing compliance per SMBus and Fast-mode specifications.

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

Yes, the 24LC1026T-I/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. Incorrect pull-up values cause timing violations or bus contention-verified layout guidelines are provided in Microchip AN857.

How does the hardware write-protect (WP) pin function on the 24LC1026T-I/SN?

When the WP pin of the 24LC1026T-I/SN is tied to VCC, all write operations-including byte, page, and erase-are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. The pin is sampled at the Stop bit of each write command; toggling WP mid-cycle has no effect. This provides fail-safe protection against unintended writes during power transitions or firmware faults.

What is the page size and maximum page write length for the 24LC1026T-I/SN?

The 24LC1026T-I/SN has a fixed 128-byte page buffer and enforces strict page boundaries: writes crossing 128-byte alignment wrap within the current page instead of spanning pages. Therefore, the maximum valid page write length is exactly 128 bytes, and software must ensure address alignment to avoid data corruption during multi-byte updates.

Can multiple 24LC1026T-I/SN devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to four 24LC1026T-I/SN devices can operate on a single I²C bus using the A1 and A2 address pins to configure unique 7-bit slave addresses (1010xxxB₀). Each device responds only to commands matching its A1/A2 state and block select bit B₀, enabling scalable memory expansion without additional address decoding logic.