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Microchip Technology AT24C256-10PC
- Part No.:
- AT24C256-10PC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
AT24C256-10PC.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,589
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Product details
Overview
AT24C256-10PC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM with 2.7V to 5.5V supply operation, 400 kHz I²C bus interface, 64-byte page write capability, and hardware write protection via the WP pin. It operates in commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and uses an 8-pin PDIP package - widely deployed in industrial control panels, embedded metering systems, and legacy instrumentation for nonvolatile parameter storage.
For engineers reviewing the AT24C256-10PC datasheet, AT24C256-10PC pinout, AT24C256-10PC application, or AT24C256-10PC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.7–5.5 V operating range, 400 kHz maximum clock frequency at 2.7V, 64-byte page write mode, 100,000 write endurance cycles, and compatibility with standard I²C protocol timing and addressing schemes.
Technical Context
The AT24C256-10PC implements a standard I²C-compatible two-wire serial interface with open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL inputs for noise immunity. It supports cascaded multi-device bus configurations using A0/A1 address pins, enabling up to four devices on a single bus.
Internally organized as 32,768 words of 8 bits, it features automatic address incrementing during sequential reads, acknowledge polling for write cycle completion detection, and hardware/software write protection via the WP pin - which defaults to GND when floating to enable writes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8), sufficient for storing firmware calibration tables or device configuration profiles |
| Supply voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports mixed-voltage system integration without level-shifting |
| I²C clock max | 400 kHz at 2.7V - enables reliable communication in noise-prone industrial environments |
| Page write size | 64 bytes - reduces write transaction overhead vs. byte-write-only EEPROMs |
| Write endurance | 100,000 cycles - suitable for infrequent but critical field-updatable parameters |
| Data retention | 40 years at +25°C - ensures long-term reliability in unattended equipment |
| Operating temp | 0°C to +70°C - qualified for commercial-grade embedded applications |
Pinout & Package
AT24C256-10PC is housed in an 8-pin JEDEC-standard Plastic Dual Inline Package (PDIP), 0.300" wide (8P3), with through-hole mounting and industry-standard footprint.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Device address input | Hardwired low/high to select one of four possible I²C addresses (0x50–0x53) |
| A1 | Device address input | Second address bit; floats low by internal bias if unconnected |
| NC | No connect | Pin 3 is unused and must remain unconnected per datasheet |
| GND | Ground reference | Return path for VCC and all logic signals; requires low-impedance connection |
| VCC | Power supply | 2.7–5.5 V DC input; bypass capacitor (0.1 µF) recommended near pin |
| WP | Write protect control | Active-high; tied to VCC disables all writes, tied to GND enables full read/write access |
| SCL | Serial clock input | Positive-edge sampled clock; requires external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ) |
| SDA | Serial data I/O | Bidirectional open-drain line; shared across I²C bus with other devices and pull-up |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Schmitt-trigger inputs | Suppresses noise on SCL/SDA lines in electrically noisy industrial environments |
| 64-byte page write | Reduces total I²C transaction count by up to 64× versus byte-wise writes |
| Hardware write protect | WP pin allows board-level locking of memory contents during field operation |
| Self-timed write cycle | Typical 5 ms internal erase/write eliminates need for external timing control |
| ESD protection | >4000 V HBM - enhances robustness during handling and system integration |
Applications
| Industrial Control Panel | Smart Energy Meter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing calibration coefficients, user-set thresholds, and event logs in programmable logic controllers and HMI front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter storage IC interfacing directly to microcontroller I²C peripheral. Use Value: Enables field recalibration without firmware update; retains settings across power loss. | Use Scenario: Recording tariff schedules, billing history, and tamper-event timestamps in residential/utility electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, long-life data logger co-located with metrology SoC. Use Value: Meets 40-year data retention requirement for utility infrastructure; WP pin prevents accidental overwrites. |
| Legacy Instrumentation | Point-of-Sale Terminal |
Use Scenario: Saving instrument configuration (e.g., sampling rate, gain, offset) in benchtop oscilloscopes and signal generators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configuration memory mapped to MCU via I²C during boot and runtime. Use Value: Eliminates manual setup on power-up; supports multiple user profiles. | Use Scenario: Storing tax tables, receipt templates, and operator IDs in retail terminals with limited flash endurance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary nonvolatile storage offloading frequent updates from main MCU flash. Use Value: Extends system lifetime by reducing flash wear; 100K write cycles exceed typical POS update frequency. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT24C256-10PI | Same die and pinout, but rated for -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range | Required for outdoor or high-ambient-temperature deployments | Select AT24C256-10PI when operating ambient exceeds +70°C or requires extended thermal qualification |
| M24256-BWMN6TP | STMicroelectronics 256 Kbit I²C EEPROM; 1.7–5.5 V supply; 400 kHz max; same 8-pin SOIC package (but not PDIP) | Requires PCB layout change due to SOIC vs. PDIP footprint; different WP behavior (active-low on some variants) | Choose M24256-BWMN6TP only if SOIC packaging is acceptable and voltage range flexibility (1.7V min) is needed |
Compared with AT24C256-10PI, the AT24C256-10PC offers lower cost and commercial-temp qualification - ideal for indoor, temperature-controlled systems; versus M24256-BWMN6TP, it provides drop-in PDIP compatibility and proven legacy design support, though with narrower voltage headroom below 2.7V.
Availability
AT24C256-10PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, smart energy meters, legacy instrumentation, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for AT24C256-10PC 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
Microchip Technology is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog components, and nonvolatile memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification.
The AT24C256-10PC belongs to Microchip's AT24Cxx family of I²C-compatible serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C256-10PC?
The AT24C256-10PC supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated at 2.7V to 5.5V. This is confirmed in the AC Characteristics table of the official datasheet (Rev. 0670E–07/01), where fSCL max = 400 kHz under 2.7V conditions. The AT24C256-10PC does not support 1 MHz operation - that rating applies only to 5.0V-only variants like AT24C256-10CC.
Does the AT24C256-10PC require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?
Yes, the AT24C256-10PC requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its SDA pin is open-drain and SCL is a CMOS input with Schmitt trigger. Typical values are 4.7 kΩ for 5V systems and 10 kΩ for 2.7V systems, as specified in the AC measurement conditions section of the AT24C256-10PC datasheet.
How many AT24C256-10PC devices can share the same I²C bus?
Up to four AT24C256-10PC devices can share a single I²C bus using hardwired A0 and A1 pins to configure unique 7-bit device addresses (0x50–0x53). This is explicitly defined in the Device Addressing section of the AT24C256-10PC datasheet and relies on the two address bits being externally set or left floating (internally biased low).
What is the function of the NC pin on the AT24C256-10PC PDIP package?
Pin 3 on the AT24C256-10PC 8-pin PDIP package is designated NC (No Connect) and must remain unconnected. It serves no electrical function and is reserved for mechanical compatibility with other members of the AT24Cxx family - confirmed in the Pin Configurations and Pin Description sections of the AT24C256-10PC datasheet.
Can the AT24C256-10PC retain data for 40 years under normal operating conditions?
Yes, the AT24C256-10PC guarantees 40 years of data retention at +25°C, as stated in the Features section and confirmed in the Reliability Characteristics table of its official datasheet. This specification assumes proper write cycling (≤100,000 cycles) and storage within rated voltage and temperature limits - the AT24C256-10PC meets this spec without derating.
AT24C256-10PC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 256Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- I2C
- Clock Frequency:
- 1 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 10ms
- Access Time:
- 550 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
AT24C256-10PC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT24C256-10PC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT24C256-10PC on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AT24C256-10PC reliable?
The price and inventory of AT24C256-10PC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT24C256-10PC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT24C256-10PC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT24C256-10PC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT24C256-10PC?
AT24C256-10PC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT24C256-10PC order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AT24C256-10PC?
For technical support, including AT24C256-10PC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT24C256-10PC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT24C256-10PC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT24C256-10PC products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AT24C256-10PC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT24C256-10PC?
All AT24C256-10PC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT24C256-10PC, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AT24C256-10PC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT24C256-10PC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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