Microchip Technology AT24C02-10PC

Overview

AT24C02-10PC from Atmel is a 2 Kbit (256 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM with 2.7V to 5.5V supply operation, 100 kHz I²C-compatible interface, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 8-byte page write capability. It operates in commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C) and is housed in an 8-pin PDIP package, commonly used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C02-10PC datasheet, AT24C02-10PC pinout, AT24C02-10PC application, or AT24C02-10PC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.7–5.5 V operating range, 10 ms max write cycle time, 1 million write endurance, 100-year data retention, and compatibility with standard I²C bus timing at 100 kHz under low-voltage conditions.

Technical Context

The AT24C02-10PC implements a fixed 256-word × 8-bit memory array organized into 32 pages of 8 bytes each, requiring an 8-bit word address for random access. Its I²C interface uses open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL with noise filtering, supporting bi-directional data transfer and ACK polling during write cycles.

Device addressing uses hard-wired A0–A2 pins (all active for AT24C02), enabling up to eight devices on a single bus. The WP pin provides hardware-level write protection: tied to GND for full read/write access, or to VCC to lock the entire 2K array against writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C02-10PC is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 0.300" wide, with JEDEC MS-001 BA footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are tin-lead plated and RoHS-compliant per manufacturer documentation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C02-10PI, the AT24C02-10PC trades extended temperature tolerance for lower cost in commercial environments; versus M24C02-RMN6TP, it offers identical functionality in PDIP but with higher standby current - making it suitable for mains-powered systems where board space and thermal margin are prioritized over micropower design.

Availability

AT24C02-10PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer device configuration, embedded bootloader parameter storage, and medical diagnostic logging requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT24C02-10PC 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

Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) designs high-reliability nonvolatile memory and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AT24Cxx family delivers standardized I²C EEPROMs optimized for low-voltage, low-power embedded systems requiring robust data retention and simple two-wire integration - targeting applications where SPI interfaces are unavailable or board space is constrained.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the AT24C02-10PC?

The AT24C02-10PC contains 256 words of 8-bit memory (2 Kbit total), internally organized into 32 pages of 8 bytes each. It uses an 8-bit word address for random access and supports both byte-write and 8-byte page-write operations. This structure allows efficient storage of small configuration datasets while minimizing I²C bus transactions during bulk updates.

Does the AT24C02-10PC support 3.3V microcontrollers?

Yes, the AT24C02-10PC operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it fully compatible with 3.3V logic systems. Its I²C interface uses open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL, allowing direct connection to 3.3V microcontrollers without level shifters - provided pull-up resistors are referenced to the same 3.3V supply as the MCU.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C02-10PC?

On the AT24C02-10PC, the WP pin enables hardware write protection: when pulled high to VCC, it locks the entire 2K memory array against all write operations (byte and page), while reads remain fully functional. When grounded, normal read/write access is restored. This feature prevents accidental overwrites during power-up transients or firmware errors.

What is the maximum write cycle time for the AT24C02-10PC?

The AT24C02-10PC has a maximum write cycle time of 10 ms, which is the duration required for internal clear-and-write operations to complete after a valid STOP condition. During this period, the device does not acknowledge I²C addresses - so host firmware must implement either fixed delay or ACK polling to confirm write completion before initiating subsequent operations.

Can multiple AT24C02-10PC devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to eight AT24C02-10PC devices can coexist on a single I²C bus using hard-wired A0, A1, and A2 address pins. Each device's 3-bit address is formed by its A0–A2 logic levels, allowing unique 7-bit slave addresses (1010xxx in binary). This enables scalable configuration storage across distributed subsystems without bus arbitration complexity.