Microchip Technology 24LC515-I/P

Overview

24LC515-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 64K × 8 (512 Kbit) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 2.5–5.5 V supply range, 400 kHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features 64-byte page write buffer, hardware write protection via WP pin, and Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity - deployed in embedded systems for configuration storage, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC515-I/P datasheet, 24LC515-I/P pinout, 24LC515-I/P application, or 24LC515-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated I²C timing compliance, confirmed PDIP-8 package mapping, real-world endurance (1M cycles), and design-critical boundary behavior for page writes and block-select addressing.

Technical Context

The 24LC515-I/P implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010', where A1/A0 pins configure device select bits and A2 is hardwired to VCC. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random, and sequential reads across two 256K-bit segments (0000h–7FFFh and 8000h–FFFFh), with B0 bit selecting segment access.

Write operations are self-timed: byte writes complete in ≤5 ms, and page writes (up to 64 bytes) wrap within physical page boundaries - crossing boundaries overwrites data instead of advancing to next page. Acknowledge polling is required to detect write completion, and WP pin state is sampled only at Stop condition edge.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC515-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), 300 mil width, RoHS-compliant with matte tin (Sn) finish. Pin 1 is A0 (chip address), pin 4 is VSS (ground), pin 5 is SDA (open-drain bidirectional data), pin 6 is SCL (clock input), pin 7 is WP (write-protect input), and pin 8 is VCC (supply).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA515-I/P, the 24LC515-I/P trades low-voltage operation for higher noise immunity and tighter industrial temp validation; versus AT24C512, it offers proven layout compatibility and simplified qualification but lower maximum clock rate.

Availability

24LC515-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for 24LC515-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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC515 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications where data integrity and long-term reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum V_CC required for reliable operation of the 24LC515-I/P?

The 24LC515-I/P requires a minimum V_CC of 2.5 V for guaranteed operation across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Unlike the 24AA515 variant, it does not support operation down to 1.7 V. Below 2.5 V, functionality is not specified and may result in incomplete writes or communication failure.

Can the 24LC515-I/P be used interchangeably with the 24AA515-I/P on the same PCB?

No - while both share identical PDIP-8 pinout and basic I²C functionality, the 24LC515-I/P has a higher minimum V_CC (2.5 V vs. 1.7 V) and different absolute maximum ratings. Substituting without verifying system voltage margins and timing compliance risks intermittent write failures or premature wear.

How does the A2 pin function on the 24LC515-I/P, and what happens if left unconnected?

On the 24LC515-I/P, the A2 pin is a non-configurable chip select that must be hardwired to VCC for device operation. If left floating or tied to VSS, the device remains disabled and will not respond to I²C commands - no ACK is generated, and SDA remains high regardless of bus activity.

What is the maximum number of 24LC515-I/P devices that can be cascaded on a single I²C bus?

Up to four 24LC515-I/P devices can be cascaded on one I²C bus using unique combinations of A0 and A1 pin states (00, 01, 10, 11). Each device responds only to its assigned 2-bit address segment; A2 is fixed to VCC and does not contribute to address selection.

Does the 24LC515-I/P support sequential reads across the full 512 Kbit address space?

No - sequential reads are limited to 256K-bit segments (0000h–7FFFh and 8000h–FFFFh) due to internal addressing architecture. To read across the full array, software must issue separate read commands with appropriate B0 bit setting for each segment; automatic rollover across segment boundaries does not occur.