Microchip Technology 34LC02-I/SN

Overview

34LC02-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with hardware and dual software write-protection, 1 MHz clock support (2.5–5.5 V), 16-byte page buffer, and operation down to 1.7 V. It features Schmitt-trigger inputs, slope-controlled outputs, and >1 million erase/write cycles - used for secure parameter storage in industrial sensor nodes and embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the 34LC02-I/SN datasheet, 34LC02-I/SN pinout, 34LC02-I/SN application, or 34LC02-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include write-protection granularity (entire array vs. lower 128 bytes), voltage range compatibility (2.2–5.5 V), 1 MHz I²C timing compliance, and SOT-23 package footprint constraints.

Technical Context

The 34LC02-I/SN implements a 256 × 8-bit memory array accessed via a bidirectional 2-wire I²C bus operating at up to 1 MHz under 2.5–5.5 V. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential reads, while page writes are limited to 16-byte boundaries without wraparound across physical pages.

Write protection combines three independent mechanisms: hardware (WP pin tied to VCC), resettable software (SWP/CSWP commands), and permanent software (PSWP command). All require specific A0/A1/A2 voltage conditions and control byte '0110' - with PSWP disabling further '0110' acknowledgments permanently.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

34LC02-I/SN is supplied in a 6-lead SOT-23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA). Pin 1 = SCL, Pin 2 = VSS, Pin 3 = SDA, Pin 4 = A1, Pin 5 = A0, Pin 6 = VCC. A2 and WP pins are not connected (NC) in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C02D-SSHM-T and BR24G02NUX-5TR, the 34LC02-I/SN uniquely delivers permanent software write-protection (PSWP) alongside 1 MHz speed and SOT-23 footprint - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-critical calibration storage where data immutability is mandated.

Availability

34LC02-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart home gateway firmware patching requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for 34LC02-I/SN 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The 34LC02 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, and secure nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained industrial and automotive systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum V_CC required for 34LC02-I/SN operation?

The 34LC02-I/SN requires a minimum V_CC of 2.2 V - unlike the 34AA02 variant, which operates down to 1.7 V. This is specified in the Device Selection Table of DS22029F and confirmed by AC timing parameters valid only at ≥2.5 V for 1 MHz operation. Operating below 2.2 V may result in undefined behavior or failure to acknowledge I²C commands.

Does 34LC02-I/SN support permanent write-protection of memory contents?

Yes, the 34LC02-I/SN supports Permanent Software Write-Protect (PSWP), which - once executed - irreversibly locks the lower 128 bytes (00h–7Fh) against all write attempts, including power cycling or WP pin state changes. The device will no longer acknowledge the '0110' control byte after PSWP activation, as documented in Table 7-1 and Section 7.3 of DS22029F.

What package type is used for 34LC02-I/SN, and are all pins functional?

The 34LC02-I/SN uses a 6-lead SOT-23 package (MO-178AA). Pins 1 (SCL), 2 (VSS), 3 (SDA), 4 (A1), 5 (A0), and 6 (VCC) are fully functional. A2 and WP are not connected (NC), as confirmed in the Pin Function Table (DS22029F, page 14) and SOT-23 pinout diagram (page 1).

How many 34LC02-I/SN devices can be connected on a single I²C bus?

Up to four 34LC02-I/SN devices can share one I²C bus. Because the SOT-23 variant lacks A2 and WP pins, only A1 and A0 are available for chip select - yielding 2² = 4 unique slave addresses. This is explicitly stated in Section 3.6 ("Device Addressing") of DS22029F.

What is the maximum write cycle time for 34LC02-I/SN during page writes?

The maximum write cycle time for the 34LC02-I/SN is 5 ms for both byte and page writes, as specified in Table 1-2 (Parameter TWC) of DS22029F. This self-timed duration begins after the master issues a Stop condition and must elapse before the next I²C transaction - verified via acknowledge polling using the R/W = 0 control byte.