Microchip Technology 34LC02T-I/OT

Overview

34LC02T-I/OT from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with hardware and dual software write-protection, 1 MHz clock support (V_CC ≥ 2.5 V), 16-byte page write buffer, and operation down to 2.2 V. It delivers 100 nA standby current and >1 million erase/write cycles, deployed in industrial sensor nodes for nonvolatile configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 34LC02T-I/OT datasheet, 34LC02T-I/OT pinout, 34LC02T-I/OT application, or 34LC02T-I/OT equivalent, key selection factors include its 1 MHz I²C timing at 2.5–5.5 V, WP pin-based full-array hardware protection, permanent/resetttable lower-half software write-protect (00h–7Fh), and SOT-23-6 package compatibility with space-constrained embedded control designs.

Technical Context

The 34LC02T-I/OT implements a 2-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its memory array is organized as 256 × 8-bit with an internal address pointer supporting current-address, random, and sequential reads.

Write operations include byte-write and page-write (up to 16 bytes per cycle), both self-timed with typical 3 ms duration. Write protection is enforced via three independent mechanisms: external WP pin (full-array), resettable SWP command (lower 128 bytes), and permanent PSWP command (lower 128 bytes).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

34LC02T-I/OT is supplied in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 6-lead SOT-23 package (3.0 mm × 1.7 mm × 1.3 mm). Pin 1 is SCL; pin 2 is VSS; pin 3 is SDA; pin 4 is A1; pin 5 is A0; pin 6 is VCC. A2 and WP pins are not connected 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 M95020-WMN6TP, the 34LC02T-I/OT uniquely combines 1 MHz I²C speed, permanent software write-protect (PSWP), hardware WP pin, and SOT-23-6 packaging-enabling secure, space-efficient, and fast configuration storage where tamper resistance and board area are critical.

Availability

34LC02T-I/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 34LC02T-I/OT 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 operations.

The 34LC02T-I/OT belongs to Microchip's 34XX02 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and secure nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 34LC02T-I/OT?

The 34LC02T-I/OT supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is 2.5 V or higher. At 2.2–2.49 V, the maximum clock rate drops to 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows designers to optimize for speed or low-voltage operation without changing components. The 34LC02T-I/OT datasheet specifies timing parameters including THIGH, TLOW, and TSU:DAT for both conditions.

Does the 34LC02T-I/OT have hardware write protection, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the 34LC02T-I/OT includes hardware write protection via the WP pin. When WP is tied to VCC, the entire memory array (00h–FFh) is write-protected regardless of software settings. When WP is tied to VSS, hardware protection is disabled. Note that in the SOT-23-6 package (34LC02T-I/OT), the WP pin is not physically bonded-so hardware write protection is unavailable in this variant. The 34LC02T-I/OT relies solely on software write-protection features.

How many devices can be connected on the same I²C bus using the 34LC02T-I/OT?

Up to four 34LC02T-I/OT devices can share one I²C bus. Because the SOT-23-6 package lacks A2 and WP pins, only A1 and A0 are available for chip addressing-yielding two address bits (A1/A0), for four unique combinations (00, 01, 10, 11). Each device must have distinct A0/A1 connections to VSS or VCC to avoid address collisions. The 34LC02T-I/OT does not support the full 3-bit addressing used in 8-lead packages.

What is the purpose of the A0 pin on the 34LC02T-I/OT beyond chip selection?

On the 34LC02T-I/OT, the A0 pin serves a dual role: it functions as a chip-select bit (A0) in the I²C slave address, and it also detects high-voltage (VHV) during software write-protect command execution. For SWP and CSWP commands, a VHV signal (7–10 V depending on V_CC) must be applied to A0 to enable the command latch. This prevents accidental activation of write-protection features during normal operation. The 34LC02T-I/OT uses this mechanism to ensure intentional, secure configuration locking.

Is the 34LC02T-I/OT suitable for automotive applications, and what temperature grade does it support?

Yes, the 34LC02T-I/OT is qualified for automotive applications under the extended temperature grade (E-temp), operating from -40°C to +125°C. Its datasheet explicitly lists "Automotive (E): -40°C to +125°C" in the Device Selection Table. This makes the 34LC02T-I/OT appropriate for under-hood and cabin modules where thermal stability and long-term data integrity are critical. The 34LC02T-I/OT achieves this rating through process and test validation-not just screening.