Microchip Technology AT24C01A-10SC-2.5

Overview

AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 1K-bit (128 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage embedded systems, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, featuring 100 kHz I²C bus compatibility, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 1 million write cycles endurance. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based sensor nodes and power management units.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 datasheet, AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 pinout, AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 application, or AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5V minimum supply, 8-byte page write capability, SOIC-8 package footprint, and guaranteed 100-year data retention at +85°C - critical for industrial control firmware persistence and calibration storage.

Technical Context

The AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 implements a standard I²C-compatible 2-wire interface with open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL inputs for noise immunity. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random-address, and sequential read modes, while the 7-bit word address enables direct access to any of its 128 bytes.

Write operations are controlled by the WP pin: grounded for full read/write access, tied to VCC to lock the entire 1K array. The device uses an internally timed 10 ms write cycle with acknowledge polling support, and its 8-byte page buffer allows burst writes without intermediate stop conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 is housed in an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package (package code 8S1), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C01D-SSHM-T and M24C01-RMN6TP, the AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 provides guaranteed 100 kHz performance at 2.5V in JEDEC SOIC - making it optimal for cost-sensitive industrial controllers where package interchangeability and legacy footprint compatibility are prioritized over automotive qualification or 5V-speed headroom.

Availability

AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart meter firmware storage, IoT edge node identity, medical device configuration, and embedded system boot parameter retention requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 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 global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification capabilities.

The AT24C01A belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where voltage flexibility and long-term data integrity are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C01A-10SC-2.5?

The AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 supports up to 100 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated at 2.5V. This is specified in the AC Characteristics table under fSCL for 2.5V/2.7V/1.8V versions. At 5V, the same part supports 400 kHz, but the -2.5 suffix denotes the 2.5V–5.5V voltage-grade variant with 100 kHz timing guarantee across its full operating range. This ensures deterministic timing margins in low-voltage designs.

Does AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its SDA pin is open-drain and SCL input is Schmitt-triggered but not actively driven. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and desired rise time; Microchip recommends 4.7 kΩ for standard 100 kHz operation with ≤400 pF total bus capacitance. Failure to install pull-ups will prevent I²C communication.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on AT24C01A-10SC-2.5?

On AT24C01A-10SC-2.5, the WP pin provides hardware-level write protection: when tied to VCC, it locks the entire 1K memory array against all write and page-write operations, allowing only reads; when grounded, full read/write access is enabled. This behavior is independent of I²C commands and active during power-up, preventing accidental writes during brown-out or reset sequences. No software command can override WP state.

What is the memory organization of AT24C01A-10SC-2.5?

The AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 contains 1024 bits organized as 128 words of 8 bits each (128 × 8). Internally, it is structured into 16 pages of 8 bytes each, supporting both byte-write and 8-byte page-write modes. The 7-bit word address (bits A6–A0) selects any location; page boundaries align to 0x00–0x07, 0x08–0x0F, etc. This layout enables efficient storage of small configuration structures without cross-page fragmentation.

Is AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 compatible with standard I²C protocol?

Yes, AT24C01A-10SC-2.5 is fully compliant with the standard Philips I²C-bus specification, supporting START/STOP conditions, 7-bit device addressing (with A0–A2 inputs), ACK/NACK handshaking, and repeated STARTs. It implements standard I²C timing parameters including tSU.STA, tHD.STA, and tBUF, and operates correctly with any I²C master - including ARM Cortex-M, PIC, ESP32, and Linux-based I²C controllers - without protocol translation.