Microchip Technology AT24C164-10PC-2.5

Overview

AT24C164-10PC-2.5 from Atmel (now Microchip) is a 16K-bit (2048 × 8) 2-wire serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage embedded systems. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports 100 kHz I²C bus timing, features hardware write protection via WP pin, and delivers 1 million write cycles with 100-year data retention. It is used in industrial control modules for parameter storage under constrained power budgets.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C164-10PC-2.5 datasheet, AT24C164-10PC-2.5 pinout, AT24C164-10PC-2.5 application, or AT24C164-10PC-2.5 equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5V), 100 kHz AC timing at low voltage, SOIC/PDIP package fit, and cascading support for multi-device I²C bus expansion.

Technical Context

The AT24C164-10PC-2.5 implements a standard I²C-compatible 2-wire interface with open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting bidirectional data transfer and 7-bit device addressing with three hardware-selectable address bits (A0–A2). Its internal memory is organized into 256 pages of 8 bytes each, enabling 16-byte page writes with automatic address increment within page boundaries.

It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs on SCL, SDA, and WP for robust noise immunity, and includes built-in ESD protection (>3,000V HBM). The device enters low-power standby mode after STOP condition receipt and supports acknowledge polling to detect write cycle completion without fixed delay timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (0.300" wide, JEDEC MS-001 BA) package with through-hole mounting compatibility and industry-standard footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M24C16-WMN6TP and BR24G16NUX-2.5, the AT24C164-10PC-2.5 uniquely guarantees 100 kHz operation and 10 ms write time specifically at 2.5V in both PDIP and SOIC packages, with documented 1M/100yr reliability metrics validated across commercial temperature range.

Availability

AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical calibration storage, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter configurations requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for AT24C164-10PC-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

Atmel Corporation, now part of Microchip Technology, is a semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and secure authentication ICs for embedded systems.

The AT24C164 series was designed for reliable, low-voltage parameter storage in resource-constrained embedded applications - emphasizing endurance, data retention, and I²C interoperability across voltage grades.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C164-10PC-2.5 at 2.5V?

The AT24C164-10PC-2.5 supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 100 kHz when operated at 2.5V. This is explicitly specified in the AC Characteristics table for 2.7-/2.5-/1.8-volt operation. At 5.0V, it supports up to 400 kHz, but that higher speed is not guaranteed below 2.7V. The 100 kHz limit ensures timing margin for reliable communication in low-voltage industrial environments where AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is commonly deployed.

Does AT24C164-10PC-2.5 support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, AT24C164-10PC-2.5 supports 16-byte page write operations. Internally organized into 256 pages of 8 bytes each, it allows up to 16 sequential bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction - significantly reducing firmware overhead compared to byte-wise writes. The device automatically increments the lower 4 bits of the address within the page, and rollover occurs at page boundary. This capability is confirmed in the "Page Write" section of the functional description and applies identically to AT24C164-10PC-2.5 across its rated voltage range.

What package types are available for AT24C164-10PC-2.5, and are they pin-compatible?

AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is offered exclusively in the 8-lead PDIP (0.300" wide, JEDEC MS-001 BA) package, as indicated by the "PC" suffix (P = PDIP, C = Commercial temp). It is pin-compatible with other AT24C164 variants in PDIP, including AT24C164-10PI-2.5 (industrial grade) and AT24C164-10PC (5V version). The pinout - A0, A1, A2, GND, VCC, WP, SCL, SDA - is identical across all PDIP versions of the AT24C164 family, enabling drop-in replacement within same package type.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on AT24C164-10PC-2.5?

The WP pin on AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is an active-low hardware enable for write operations. When WP is tied to GND, normal read and write functions operate. When WP is pulled high to VCC, all write attempts (including byte and page writes) are blocked, and the device responds only to read commands. This feature provides fail-safe data protection during power transitions or software errors - a critical capability confirmed in the Pin Description and Features sections of the AT24C164-10PC-2.5 datasheet.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for AT24C164-10PC-2.5?

AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is rated for 1 million write cycles and 100 years of data retention at +25°C. These values are explicitly stated in the "High Reliability" section and verified across the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) under which AT24C164-10PC-2.5 is qualified. Endurance testing was performed in page-write mode at 5.0V, but the 1M cycle guarantee applies to all valid operating conditions including 2.5V operation, making AT24C164-10PC-2.5 suitable for long-life embedded deployments where AT24C164-10PC-2.5 serves as primary configuration storage.