Microchip Technology 24LCS52-I/MS

Overview

24LCS52-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 256 × 8-bit memory, operating from 2.2V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency (≥2.2V), 1 μA typical standby current, and hardware/software write protection. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based systems requiring robust data retention and noise-immune bus operation.

For engineers reviewing the 24LCS52-I/MS datasheet, 24LCS52-I/MS pinout, 24LCS52-I/MS application, or 24LCS52-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), MSOP-8 package compatibility, dual write-protection architecture, and guaranteed 1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention.

Technical Context

The 24LCS52-I/MS implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce and bus noise. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page buffer enables efficient burst writes within physical page boundaries (0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, etc.).

Write protection is enforced via both an external WP pin (hardware-level full-array lock) and a one-time-programmable software register (lower 128 bytes only). The device includes VCC threshold detection that disables write operations below 1.5V and supports acknowledge polling to synchronize host firmware with internal 5 ms write-cycle completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LCS52-I/MS is packaged in an 8-pin MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, and exposed thermal pad (optional VSS connection). 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 (hardware write-protect), and pin 8 is VCC (power supply).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA52-I/MS and AT24C02C-MAHM-T, the 24LCS52-I/MS uniquely guarantees 400 kHz operation across its full 2.2–5.5V range while providing both hardware and irreversible software write protection - making it optimal for industrial systems demanding deterministic timing and hardened configuration integrity.

Availability

24LCS52-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control, and smart meter firmware storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LCS52-I/MS 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 memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing infrastructure.

The 24LCS52 belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XXX serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems with stringent industrial and automotive qualification requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage for reliable operation of the 24LCS52-I/MS?

The 24LCS52-I/MS requires a minimum VCC of 2.2V for guaranteed operation, unlike the 24AA52 which supports down to 1.8V. Below 2.2V, the device will not respond to I²C commands and internal write cycles are disabled by the VCC threshold detector to prevent data corruption. This specification is explicitly defined in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics section of the DS21166K datasheet.

Does the 24LCS52-I/MS support page write operations, and what is the maximum page size?

Yes, the 24LCS52-I/MS supports page write operations with a 16-byte buffer. Each physical page spans 16 consecutive addresses (e.g., 0x00–0x0F), and attempting to cross a page boundary during a single write command causes wraparound within that page. This behavior is documented in Section 5.2 and Figure 5-2 of the DS21166K datasheet, and must be handled in firmware to avoid unintended overwrites.

How does hardware and software write protection interact on the 24LCS52-I/MS?

Hardware write protection (via WP pin) takes precedence: when WP = VCC, the entire array is locked regardless of software register state. When WP = VSS, software protection applies only to addresses 0x00–0x7F; addresses 0x80–0xFF remain unprotected. Once the software write-protect register is set, it cannot be cleared without applying VCC + 5.5V to WP - a deliberate security feature confirmed in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 of DS21166K.

What package type does the 24LCS52-I/MS use, and are there footprint-compatible alternatives?

The 24LCS52-I/MS uses an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad. It shares identical pinout and footprint with other members of the 24XXX52 family in MSOP, SOIC, TSSOP, DFN, and TDFN packages - enabling drop-in replacement across package types without PCB redesign, as verified in Table 2-1 and Package Marking Information (DS21166K pages 5 and 14).

Can the 24LCS52-I/MS be used in systems requiring I²C bus speeds above 400 kHz?

No - the 24LCS52-I/MS is rated for a maximum clock frequency of 400 kHz under all valid operating conditions (VCC ≥ 2.2V, TA = –40°C to +85°C). Attempting higher frequencies violates AC specifications (Table 1-2, FCLK parameter) and risks timing violations, failed acknowledges, or incomplete writes. For faster interfaces, consider parallel EEPROMs or SPI-based alternatives such as the SST26VF016B.