Microchip Technology AT24C164-10SC-2.7

Overview

AT24C164-10SC-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) serial EEPROM with 2-wire I²C-compatible interface, optimized for low-voltage operation from 2.7V to 5.5V, featuring 16-byte page write mode, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 1 million write cycles endurance. It is used in industrial control systems for parameter storage, power meter calibration data retention, and embedded sensor node configuration backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C164-10SC-2.7 datasheet, AT24C164-10SC-2.7 pinout, AT24C164-10SC-2.7 application, or AT24C164-10SC-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.7–5.5 V), 100 kHz I²C speed at low voltage, SOIC-8 package footprint, and hardware write protect functionality for field-upgrade safety.

Technical Context

The AT24C164-10SC-2.7 implements a standard I²C protocol with start/stop condition detection, 9-bit acknowledge cycle, and bidirectional open-drain SDA signaling synchronized to SCL edges. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random-address, and sequential read modes, with automatic page boundary rollover during 16-byte page writes.

It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs on SCL, SDA, and WP pins for noise immunity, and features cascading capability via three hardware address pins (A0–A2), enabling up to eight devices on a shared bus. The device enters standby mode after STOP condition completion and supports acknowledge polling to detect write cycle completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C164-10SC-2.7 is housed in an 8-pin JEDEC-standard SOIC package (8S1), 0.150" wide, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; device orientation follows JEDEC MS-001BA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C164-10SC-2.7, AT24C16C-SSHM-T offers higher bandwidth but narrower temperature qualification, while M24C16-WMN6TP provides second-source availability with tighter AC timing constraints at low voltage - both require layout verification due to differing noise immunity and setup/hold requirements.

Availability

AT24C164-10SC-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLCs, medical sensor nodes, and automotive body control units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C164-10SC-2.7 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, with a focus on embedded control and secure connectivity.

The AT24C164 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed for reliable, low-power, and low-voltage nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C164-10SC-2.7?

The AT24C164-10SC-2.7 supports up to 100 kHz I²C clock frequency when operating within its 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range. This limit ensures robust timing margins under worst-case voltage and temperature conditions. Higher speeds (e.g., 400 kHz) are only specified for 5.0 V operation and are not guaranteed for the -2.7 variant. Always verify SCL rise/fall times and bus capacitance against the AC characteristics table in the official datasheet for AT24C164-10SC-2.7.

Does AT24C164-10SC-2.7 support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, AT24C164-10SC-2.7 supports 16-byte page write operations, meaning up to 16 consecutive bytes can be written in a single I²C transaction. This reduces protocol overhead and improves write efficiency compared to byte-wise writes. The internal memory is organized into 256 pages of 8 bytes each, but the device allows partial page writes and wraps address increments within the 16-byte boundary - critical for firmware that updates scattered configuration fields without erasing full pages.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on AT24C164-10SC-2.7?

The WP pin on AT24C164-10SC-2.7 is an active-low hardware lock: when pulled low (GND), write operations are enabled; when pulled high (VCC), all write attempts - including byte, page, and erase - are blocked. This feature operates independently of I²C commands and remains effective during power transitions. It is commonly used in field-deployed equipment to prevent unauthorized or accidental firmware parameter changes, and must be externally wired - no internal pull-up or pull-down is provided on AT24C164-10SC-2.7.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for AT24C164-10SC-2.7?

AT24C164-10SC-2.7 is rated for 1 million write cycles per memory location and guarantees 100 years of data retention at +25°C. These values are measured under standard test conditions and reflect typical performance across the full operating temperature range (0°C to +70°C for this variant). Endurance is preserved even with partial-page writes, and retention holds regardless of power cycling - making AT24C164-10SC-2.7 suitable for applications like utility meter calibration storage where data integrity must survive decades without refresh.

Can multiple AT24C164-10SC-2.7 devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to eight AT24C164-10SC-2.7 devices can share a single I²C bus using hardware address pins A0, A1, and A2. Each device is assigned a unique 3-bit address by hardwiring these pins to VCC or GND, resulting in distinct 7-bit I²C addresses (1010xxx). This cascading capability allows modular system design - for example, assigning separate AT24C164-10SC-2.7 units to store sensor calibration, device identity, and operational logs - without requiring additional I²C buses or GPIO-controlled multiplexers.