Microchip Technology 24LCS52-I/P

Overview

24LCS52-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. 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 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/P datasheet, 24LCS52-I/P pinout, 24LCS52-I/P application, or 24LCS52-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its industrial-temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C), PDIP-8 package with hardware WP pin, page-write buffer (16 bytes), and Schmitt-trigger I²C inputs for reliable operation in noisy embedded environments.

Technical Context

The 24LCS52-I/P implements a standard two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address (1010xxx) and R/W bit control, supporting byte and page write modes with self-timed internal erase/write cycles. Its address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and wraps within 16-byte physical pages.

Write protection operates at two levels: hardware via the dedicated WP pin (global array lock when tied to VCC), and software via a one-time-programmable register protecting addresses 00h–7Fh. The device includes VCC threshold detection (<1.5V disable), output slope control, and ESD protection >4 kV.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LCS52-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.300" body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin (Sn) finish, and industrial-grade temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA52-I/P and AT24C02C-PU, the 24LCS52-I/P uniquely guarantees 400 kHz I²C operation across its full 2.2–5.5V range while retaining dual-layer (hardware + software) write protection - critical for safety-critical or field-updatable embedded systems where both speed and data integrity are mandatory.

Availability

24LCS52-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 and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 24LCS52-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 24LCS52-I/P belongs to Microchip's 24XXX52 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive, and medical applications demanding extended temperature operation and high data integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LCS52-I/P?

The 24LCS52-I/P supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz when VCC is 2.2V or higher. At voltages below 2.2V, the device is not rated for 400 kHz operation - this differs from the 24AA52 variant, which supports 100 kHz down to 1.8V. The 24LCS52-I/P datasheet explicitly specifies 400 kHz only for VCC ≥ 2.2V, making it ideal for stable 3.3V or 5V systems where high-speed configuration writes are needed.

How does hardware write protection work on the 24LCS52-I/P?

The 24LCS52-I/P uses a dedicated WP (Write-Protect) pin that, when tied to VCC, disables all write operations to the entire memory array - including attempts to modify the software write-protect register. This hardware lock functions independently of software state and remains active even if the software protection has not been enabled. When WP is grounded (VSS), write access is controlled solely by the software write-protect register for addresses 00h–7Fh; addresses 80h–FFh remain unprotected unless WP is asserted.

Can the 24LCS52-I/P be used in a 1.8V system?

No, the 24LCS52-I/P is not rated for 1.8V operation. Its minimum supply voltage is 2.2V, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics section of the datasheet. Attempting to operate the 24LCS52-I/P below 2.2V may result in unreliable I²C communication, failed writes, or undefined behavior. For 1.8V systems, the functionally similar 24AA52-I/P (1.8–5.5V) is the appropriate Microchip alternative.

What package type does the 24LCS52-I/P use, and what does the '-I/P' suffix indicate?

The 24LCS52-I/P uses an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.300" body width. The '-I' denotes Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), and '/P' specifies the PDIP package per Microchip's part numbering convention. This marking is confirmed in the Package Marking Information section (DS21166K-page 14), where '24LCS52I' appears as the first-line marking on the PDIP device, with '/P' explicitly indicating the through-hole package variant.

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

Yes, the 24LCS52-I/P supports page write operations with a 16-byte page buffer. After sending the control byte and word address, the master can transmit up to 16 bytes before issuing a STOP condition; the device stores them in the buffer and writes them sequentially to memory upon STOP. Page boundaries align to 16-byte intervals (e.g., 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound within the current page - a behavior documented in the datasheet's Page Write section (DS21166K-page 7).