Microchip Technology AT24C04N-10SC-2.5

Overview

AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 4K-bit (512 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage embedded systems. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports 100 kHz I²C communication, features hardware write protection via the WP pin, and delivers 1 million write cycles with 100-year data retention. It is commonly used in industrial sensor calibration storage and power-meter firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 datasheet, AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 pinout, AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 application, or AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5V minimum supply, 16-byte page write capability, SOIC-8 package compatibility, and I²C address configuration using A2/A1 pins (A0 is NC).

Technical Context

The AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 implements a standard I²C-compatible two-wire interface with Schmitt-triggered, noise-filtered SDA and SCL inputs. Its internal memory is organized as 32 pages of 16 bytes each, requiring a 9-bit word address for random access.

Device addressing uses hard-wired A2 and A1 pins (A0 is no-connect), enabling up to four AT24C04 devices on a single bus. Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin-tied to VCC to lock the full 4K array, or to GND for normal read/write operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 is housed in an 8-lead JEDEC-standard SOIC package (8S1), 3.9mm × 4.9mm body, 1.27mm lead pitch, gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C04D-SSHM-T and M24C04-RMN6TP, the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 offers the best balance of guaranteed 2.5V operation, 1-million-cycle endurance, and cost-effective commercial-temperature performance - making it ideal for volume industrial and consumer electronics where voltage margin and longevity are prioritized over extreme temperature or ultra-low sleep current.

Availability

AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart energy metering, and embedded system boot configuration requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT24C04N-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 nonvolatile memory solutions, with a focus on reliability and long-term product support.

The AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24C serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring robust, pin-compatible nonvolatile storage across diverse voltage and temperature grades.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5?

The AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 supports up to 100 kHz I²C clock frequency when operating 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 device family supports 400 kHz, but the -2.5 suffix denotes the 2.5V–5.5V voltage-grade variant locked to 100 kHz maximum for timing stability across its full operating range. The AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 must not be operated above 100 kHz in any condition.

How many AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 devices can share the same I²C bus?

Up to four AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 devices can operate on a single I²C bus. This is enabled by hard-wiring the A2 and A1 pins to VCC or GND to configure unique 3-bit device address bits (A2, A1, and a fixed '0' for A0, which is no-connect). The A0 pin is unconnected per the AT24C04-specific pin description, limiting address combinations to four distinct values - allowing concurrent addressing without software arbitration. Each AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 must have a unique A2/A1 combination.

What is the function of the A0 pin on the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5?

The A0 pin on the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 is a no-connect (NC) terminal - it is not bonded internally and serves no electrical function. This is explicitly stated in the Pin Description section: "The AT24C04 uses the A2 and A1 inputs for hard wire addressing and a total of four 4K devices may be addressed on a single bus system. The A0 pin is a no connect." Leaving A0 unconnected avoids misaddressing and ensures correct interpretation of the 3-bit device address field per the I²C protocol.

Does the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 support partial page writes?

Yes, the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 supports partial page writes. Its 16-byte page write mode allows writing any number of bytes from 1 to 16 within a single page boundary without requiring full-page fills. After the initial address byte, the internal address counter auto-increments for each subsequent byte until the page boundary (16 bytes) is reached, at which point it rolls over to the start of the same page. This behavior is confirmed in the "Page Write" section and enables efficient small-data updates without wasted bus bandwidth or unnecessary erase cycles.

What is the write cycle time for the AT24C04N-10SC-2.5, and how should firmware handle it?

The AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 has a maximum write cycle time (tWR) of 10 ms, during which all inputs are disabled and the device does not respond to I²C commands. Firmware must either wait the full 10 ms after issuing a write command or implement acknowledge polling - sending repeated start + device address sequences until the EEPROM responds with an ACK, indicating completion. This ensures reliable writes without timing assumptions. The AT24C04N-10SC-2.5 specification confirms tWR = 10 ms across all voltage grades including the -2.5 variant.