Microchip Technology 24LC32AT-I/MC

Overview

24LC32AT-I/MC from Microchip Technology is a 32-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 4K × 8-bit memory, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), 400 kHz max clock frequency, and hardware write-protection via WP pin. It supports page writes up to 32 bytes and delivers 1 µA standby current for low-power embedded systems including sensor nodes and power management modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC32AT-I/MC datasheet, 24LC32AT-I/MC pinout, 24LC32AT-I/MC application, or 24LC32AT-I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC voltage compatibility (2.5V min), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, WP-controlled write protection, MSOP-8 package footprint, and endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles with 200-year data retention.

Technical Context

The 24LC32AT-I/MC implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL for noise immunity and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce. Its internal address pointer enables current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 32-byte page buffer allows efficient burst writes without host-side buffering.

Write operations are self-timed with maximum 5 ms cycle time; acknowledge polling is supported to detect completion. The device uses hardware-based write protection-WP tied to VCC disables all writes while preserving read functionality-and supports up to eight devices on one bus via A0/A1/A2 address pins, with MSOP-8 pinout matching standard 8-lead SOIC footprints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC32AT-I/MC is packaged in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 3 mm × 3 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, and exposed pad optionally connected to VSS. This thermally enhanced, space-efficient package suits compact PCB layouts in automotive and industrial controllers.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC32A-I/SN, the 24LC32AT-I/MC saves 58% board area with its 3×3 mm MSOP package while maintaining identical timing and endurance; versus AT24C32D-SSHM-T, it trades write-cycle suspend capability for guaranteed 2.5V minimum operation and full 3-pin addressing in compact form factor.

Availability

24LC32AT-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and smart meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC32AT-I/MC 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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24LC32A family delivers cost-optimized, I²C-compatible EEPROMs designed specifically for configuration storage, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter management in space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24LC32AT-I/MC?

The 24LC32AT-I/MC requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V, as specified in its Electrical Characteristics table. This distinguishes it from the 24AA32A variant (1.7V min) and ensures reliable operation in 3.3V systems without undervoltage risk. Operation below 2.5V may result in incomplete write cycles or data corruption, and is not guaranteed by Microchip's characterization.

Does the 24LC32AT-I/MC support page write operations, and what is the maximum page size?

Yes, the 24LC32AT-I/MC supports page write operations with a maximum buffer size of 32 bytes. Page writes must remain within a single physical page boundary (addresses aligned to 0x00, 0x20, 0x40, etc.), and crossing boundaries causes wraparound within the same page. This behavior is enforced in hardware and requires firmware-level alignment checks before initiating multi-byte writes.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24LC32AT-I/MC?

The WP pin on the 24LC32AT-I/MC is a hardware-level write inhibitor: when tied to VCC, all write and erase operations are blocked while read access remains fully functional. The pin is sampled at the Stop condition of each write command, so toggling WP mid-cycle has no effect. This provides deterministic, zero-latency protection against firmware bugs or bus glitches corrupting stored data.

What package type is used for the 24LC32AT-I/MC, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?

The 24LC32AT-I/MC uses an 8-lead MSOP package (Microchip drawing C04-111-MS Rev F) with 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and 0.80–0.95 mm height. Its footprint matches JEDEC MO-187, and the exposed pad may be connected to VSS for improved thermal performance. This compact outline enables high-density routing in space-limited applications like automotive ECUs.

Can multiple 24LC32AT-I/MC devices share the same I²C bus, and how is addressing managed?

Yes, up to eight 24LC32AT-I/MC devices can share one I²C bus using hardwired A0, A1, and A2 pins to configure unique 3-bit chip addresses. Each device responds only when its address matches the transmitted control byte (1010 A2 A1 A0 R/W). The MSOP-8 package retains all three address pins, enabling full multi-device expansion without external logic or address translation.