Microchip Technology AT24C128W-10SC

Overview

AT24C128W-10SC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 128 Kbit (16,384 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM with 2.7V to 5.5V supply operation, 400 kHz I²C bus interface, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 64-byte page write capability. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based systems requiring robust data retention and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C128W-10SC datasheet, AT24C128W-10SC pinout, AT24C128W-10SC application, or AT24C128W-10SC equivalent, key selection criteria include its industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), 100,000 write endurance cycles, 40-year data retention, and compatibility with standard I²C protocols across multiple voltage domains.

Technical Context

The AT24C128W-10SC implements a standard I²C-compatible two-wire serial interface with open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting up to four devices on a shared bus using A0/A1 address inputs. Its internal architecture organizes memory into 256 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling efficient partial-page writes without cross-page rollover.

It features Schmitt-trigger inputs with noise filtering, bidirectional data transfer with ACK/NACK protocol, and hardware/software write protection via the WP pin - which defaults to GND when floating. Standby current is specified at 0.5 µA (max) under 2.7V operation, and self-timed write cycles complete in ≤10 ms.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C128W-10SC is supplied in an 8-pin JEDEC SOIC (8S1) package measuring 4.90 mm × 3.90 mm × 1.75 mm, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; device orientation follows JEDEC MS-012 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C128B-SSHL-T and M24128-BWMN6TP, the AT24C128W-10SC delivers optimal balance of industrial temperature assurance, proven 40-year retention, and JEDEC SOIC manufacturability - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, high-volume industrial control designs where long-term supply continuity matters.

Availability

AT24C128W-10SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy meters, industrial PLC I/O modules, medical diagnostic sensors, and automotive body control units requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C128W-10SC 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 components, and memory solutions, with deep expertise in embedded control and data storage.

The AT24C128W-10SC belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel serial EEPROM family, engineered for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive, and medical systems demanding long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C128W-10SC?

The AT24C128W-10SC supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated within its 2.7V to 5.5V supply range. This is confirmed in the AC Characteristics table of the official datasheet (Rev. 0670E), where fSCL max is specified as 400 kHz for the -2.7 variant. Operation above this frequency risks timing violations and data corruption.

Does the AT24C128W-10SC require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the AT24C128W-10SC requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. The datasheet specifies typical values of 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed; for 400 kHz operation with ≤400 pF total bus capacitance, 4.7 kΩ is commonly used. Failure to install pull-ups will prevent I²C communication.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C128W-10SC?

The WP pin on the AT24C128W-10SC is an active-high hardware lock: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are inhibited; when grounded or left floating (internally pulled down), full read/write access is enabled. This provides deterministic, power-fail-safe memory protection independent of firmware state - a key feature for mission-critical configuration storage.

What is the memory organization of the AT24C128W-10SC?

The AT24C128W-10SC contains 131,072 bits organized as 16,384 words of 8 bits each (16,384 × 8). Internally, it is structured into 256 pages of 64 bytes each, allowing efficient page-write operations. The 14-bit word address is used for random addressing, and the lower 6 bits auto-increment during page writes without crossing page boundaries.

Is the AT24C128W-10SC rated for industrial temperature operation?

Yes, the AT24C128W-10SC is explicitly rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the "I" suffix in its ordering code variant (e.g., AT24C128W-10SI), and confirmed in the Ordering Information table (page 12). The "W" in AT24C128W-10SC denotes the SOIC package, and the "-10SC" suffix confirms the industrial-grade screening and 10 ms max write cycle specification.