Microchip Technology 24LCS52T/ST

Overview

24LCS52T/ST 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 (down to 100 kHz below 2.2V), 1 µA standby current, and hardware/software write protection - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LCS52T/ST datasheet, 24LCS52T/ST pinout, 24LCS52T/ST application, or 24LCS52T/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.2–5.5 V), I²C timing compliance at industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), page-write buffer size (16 bytes), endurance (1 million cycles), and WP pin behavior for system-level write-locking.

Technical Context

The 24LCS52T/ST implements a standard two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. It uses internal high-voltage generation for EEPROM programming and includes a self-timed write cycle with auto-erase.

Its dual write-protection architecture combines a hardware WP pin (global array lock) and software-configurable lower-half protection (addresses 00h–7Fh), both active during power-up reset. The device supports byte and page writes, acknowledge polling, and contiguous addressing across up to eight devices on one bus.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LCS52T/ST is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant with Pb-free finish. Pin numbering follows standard SOIC/TSSOP orientation (pin 1 = A0, pin 8 = VCC).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LCS52T/ST, the 24AA52-I/P offers broader low-voltage operation at reduced speed, while the AT24C02C-SSHM-T trades minimal standby current penalty for second-source availability - neither provides identical 2.2 V–5.5 V / 400 kHz guarantee with integrated software+hardware write protection.

Availability

24LCS52T/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for 24LCS52T/ST 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The 24LCS52T/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XXX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive systems with stringent write-protection requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24LCS52T/ST?

The 24LCS52T/ST requires a minimum VCC of 2.2 V for guaranteed operation. Unlike the 24AA52 variant, it does not support 100 kHz operation below this threshold - attempting to power it below 2.2 V will disable I²C communication and prevent write cycles. Internal brown-out detection halts writes below ~1.5 V to avoid data corruption.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24LCS52T/ST?

Hardware write-protection on the 24LCS52T/ST is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, it globally disables all writes to the entire 256-byte array - including attempts to modify the software write-protect register. When tied to VSS, hardware protection is disabled and software-based protection (for addresses 00h–7Fh) becomes active if previously enabled.

Can the 24LCS52T/ST perform page writes across address boundaries?

No. The 24LCS52T/ST restricts page writes to within a single 16-byte physical page (e.g., 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh). Attempting to write across a boundary causes the address counter to wrap around within the current page, overwriting earlier bytes. Application firmware must split multi-page writes explicitly to avoid data loss.

What is the purpose of the Schmitt-trigger inputs on the 24LCS52T/ST?

The Schmitt-trigger inputs on SCL, SDA, A0–A2, and WP pins provide hysteresis (≥ 0.05 × VCC) to reject noise spikes and ensure clean signal transitions on electrically noisy industrial buses. This eliminates false Start/Stop detection and improves robustness in environments with EMI or long trace lengths.

Does the 24LCS52T/ST support I²C clock stretching?

No. The 24LCS52T/ST does not implement clock stretching. As a slave device, it relies entirely on the master to control SCL timing. During internal write cycles, it responds with NACK instead of stretching - requiring the master to use acknowledge polling to detect write completion before issuing subsequent commands.