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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Memory > Memory

Microchip Technology AT24C256-10PC-2.7

Name: AT24C256-10PC-2.7
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: AT24C256-10PC-2.7
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: AT24C256-10PC-2.7

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Memory

Package:: 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Datasheet:: AT24C256-10PC-2.7.pdf

Description:: IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8DIP

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Product details

Overview

AT24C256-10PC-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage embedded systems. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supports up to 400 kHz I²C bus speed, features hardware write protection via the WP pin, and delivers 100,000 write cycles with 40-year data retention. It is commonly used in industrial controllers for parameter storage and calibration data backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C256-10PC-2.7 datasheet, AT24C256-10PC-2.7 pinout, AT24C256-10PC-2.7 application, or AT24C256-10PC-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.7–5.5 V supply range, 64-byte page write capability, Schmitt-triggered noise-immune inputs, and compatibility with standard I²C protocol timing at 400 kHz.

Technical Context

The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 implements a standard two-wire (I²C-compatible) serial interface with open-drain SDA and active-high SCL, supporting bidirectional data transfer and device addressing via A0/A1 pins. Its internal architecture organizes memory as 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling partial-page writes and automatic address incrementing during sequential access.

It integrates hardware write protection through the dedicated WP pin, which disables all write operations when pulled high to VCC, and includes Schmitt-triggered, filtered inputs for robust operation in electrically noisy environments. Standby current is specified at 0.5 µA (max) under 2.7V operation, supporting ultra-low-power battery-backed applications.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Memory Size	256 Kbit (32,768 × 8 bits), sufficient for storing firmware configuration, sensor calibration tables, or device identity data in compact systems.
Supply Voltage Range	2.7 V to 5.5 V - enables direct integration into mixed-voltage 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller systems without level-shifting.
I²C Bus Speed	Up to 400 kHz - supports fast parameter updates while maintaining compatibility with legacy I²C peripherals.
Page Write Size	64 bytes - allows efficient bulk writes (e.g., logging multiple sensor samples) without exceeding internal page boundaries.
Write Endurance	100,000 cycles - ensures reliable field operation over years in applications requiring frequent reconfiguration.
Data Retention	40 years at +25°C - guarantees long-term integrity of stored settings, critical for unattended or maintenance-free deployments.
Standby Current	0.5 µA max at 2.7 V - minimizes battery drain in always-on or energy-harvesting edge devices.

Pinout & Package

AT24C256-10PC-2.7 is supplied in an 8-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), 0.300" wide (8P3), with industry-standard pinout and 0.1" lead spacing compatible with through-hole prototyping and legacy PCB layouts.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
A0	Device Address Input	Hardware-selectable bit for multi-device I²C bus addressing; tied high/low or left floating (internally pulled low) to configure one of four possible device addresses.
A1	Device Address Input	Second hardware-selectable address bit; used with A0 to enable up to four AT24C256-10PC-2.7 devices on a shared bus without software arbitration.
NC	No Connect	Unbonded pin in PDIP package; must remain unconnected to avoid unintended coupling or ESD paths.
GND	Ground Reference	Primary return path for VCC and I/O signals; requires low-impedance connection to system ground plane to ensure noise immunity and stable write timing.
VCC	Power Supply	Single-supply input accepting 2.7–5.5 V; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) required within 1 cm to suppress I²C switching transients.
WP	Write Protect Control	Active-high hardware lock: tied to VCC disables all write/erase operations, protecting stored data against accidental overwrite or firmware corruption.
SCL	Serial Clock Input	Positive-edge clock for data sampling; requires external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ) to VCC and must meet tLOW/tHIGH timing per I²C spec at 400 kHz.
SDA	Serial Data I/O	Bidirectional open-drain line shared across I²C bus; requires same pull-up as SCL and supports wire-OR with other open-drain devices.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-voltage operation	Functional down to 2.7 V with full 400 kHz I²C support - eliminates need for voltage regulators in 3.3 V systems and extends battery life in portable designs.
Schmitt-triggered inputs	Integrated noise filtering on SCL/SDA/A0/A1 - rejects >100 ns glitches and enables reliable communication in industrial motor-control or power-conversion environments.
64-byte page write mode	Allows up to 64 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction - reduces bus occupancy time by ~90% vs. byte-wise writes for configuration blocks.
Hardware write protection	WP pin disables all write cycles when asserted - provides fail-safe data integrity independent of firmware state or MCU reset conditions.
High endurance & retention	100,000 write cycles and 40-year data retention - meets automotive and industrial qualification requirements for field-replaceable modules.

Applications

Industrial PLC Configuration Storage	Medical Device Calibration Data
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping, PID tuning parameters, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register bank accessed via I²C during boot and runtime reconfiguration; retains values across AC power loss. Use Value: Enables plug-and-play module replacement without manual setup; 40-year retention prevents recalibration drift in unattended installations.	Use Scenario: Holding sensor offset/gain coefficients and patient-specific therapy profiles in portable infusion pumps and diagnostic monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant parameter vault; WP pin hardwired to prevent unauthorized modification during clinical use. Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class B software safety requirements; 0.5 µA standby current extends battery life between calibrations.
Smart Energy Meter Firmware Settings	Automotive Body Control Module NVM
Use Scenario: Saving tariff schedules, pulse constants, and meter ID in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters operating on lithium-thionyl chloride batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power configuration store synchronized with metrology IC via I²C; withstands 85°C ambient in outdoor enclosures. Use Value: 2.7–5.5 V operation avoids DC-DC conversion losses; 100,000-cycle endurance supports daily firmware updates over 27 years.	Use Scenario: Retaining door lock logic states, mirror position memory, and lighting dimming curves in vehicle body control units exposed to automotive temperature cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AEC-Q100 stress-tested nonvolatile memory interfaced to 8-bit MCU; WP pin tied to MCU GPIO for dynamic protection during CAN firmware updates. Use Value: Qualified for -40°C to +85°C operation; page-write efficiency reduces MCU wake time, lowering overall system power consumption.

Industrial PLC Configuration Storage

Medical Device Calibration Data

Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping, PID tuning parameters, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation cabinets.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register bank accessed via I²C during boot and runtime reconfiguration; retains values across AC power loss.

Use Value: Enables plug-and-play module replacement without manual setup; 40-year retention prevents recalibration drift in unattended installations.

Use Scenario: Holding sensor offset/gain coefficients and patient-specific therapy profiles in portable infusion pumps and diagnostic monitors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant parameter vault; WP pin hardwired to prevent unauthorized modification during clinical use.

Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class B software safety requirements; 0.5 µA standby current extends battery life between calibrations.

Smart Energy Meter Firmware Settings

Automotive Body Control Module NVM

Use Scenario: Saving tariff schedules, pulse constants, and meter ID in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters operating on lithium-thionyl chloride batteries.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power configuration store synchronized with metrology IC via I²C; withstands 85°C ambient in outdoor enclosures.

Use Value: 2.7–5.5 V operation avoids DC-DC conversion losses; 100,000-cycle endurance supports daily firmware updates over 27 years.

Use Scenario: Retaining door lock logic states, mirror position memory, and lighting dimming curves in vehicle body control units exposed to automotive temperature cycling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AEC-Q100 stress-tested nonvolatile memory interfaced to 8-bit MCU; WP pin tied to MCU GPIO for dynamic protection during CAN firmware updates.

Use Value: Qualified for -40°C to +85°C operation; page-write efficiency reduces MCU wake time, lowering overall system power consumption.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
STMicroelectronics M24C256-WMN6TP	Same 256 Kbit size, 2.5–5.5 V range, and 400 kHz speed; differs in standby current (1 µA vs. 0.5 µA) and WP pin behavior (active-low vs. active-high).	Requires inverted WP logic and higher VCC min (2.5 V); suitable where board-level WP inversion is acceptable and 0.5 µA savings is noncritical.	Select when sourcing ST ecosystem components or when active-low WP simplifies existing schematic design.
ON Semiconductor CAT24C256WI-GT3	Identical 256 Kbit organization and 2.7–5.5 V range; differs in AC timing (tAA = 0.9 µs typ vs. 0.55 µs typ) and packaging (SOIC-8 only, no PDIP).	Lacks PDIP option; slightly slower data-out valid time may limit high-speed polling in time-critical boot sequences.	Select for surface-mount-only designs prioritizing SOIC footprint compatibility and ON Semi supply chain continuity.

Compared with M24C256-WMN6TP and CAT24C256WI-GT3, AT24C256-10PC-2.7 offers the lowest standby current (0.5 µA), native active-high WP for direct MCU GPIO control, and PDIP packaging for legacy prototyping - making it optimal for low-power, through-hole, or safety-critical configurations where write-protection reliability is paramount.

Availability

AT24C256-10PC-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, smart energy meters, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C256-10PC-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 devices, and memory solutions, with a focus on embedded control and connectivity.

The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained and mission-critical embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C256-10PC-2.7?

The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated within its 2.7–5.5 V supply range. This is validated per AC characteristics in the datasheet (tLOW = 1.3 µs min, tHIGH = 1.0 µs min). Operation above 400 kHz is not guaranteed and may result in data corruption or ACK failures. The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 does not support 1 MHz operation - that speed is only rated for 5.0 V versions (e.g., AT24C256-10xx without -2.7 suffix).

Does AT24C256-10PC-2.7 require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, AT24C256-10PC-2.7 requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Typical values are 4.7 kΩ for 3.3 V systems and 2.2 kΩ for 5 V systems, selected based on bus capacitance and desired rise time. The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 itself contains no internal pull-ups; omission of external resistors will prevent proper I²C communication and cause bus lockup.

How many AT24C256-10PC-2.7 devices can share the same I²C bus?

Up to four AT24C256-10PC-2.7 devices can share a single I²C bus using hardware address pins A0 and A1. Each device is assigned a unique 7-bit slave address by setting A0/A1 to VCC, GND, or leaving them floating (internally pulled low). The base address is 1010xxx, where xxx includes A1/A0 and R/W bit; this allows four distinct read/write addresses without software address translation. The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 does not support dynamic addressing or software-configurable IDs.

What happens when the WP pin of AT24C256-10PC-2.7 is left unconnected?

When the WP pin of AT24C256-10PC-2.7 is left unconnected, it is internally pulled down to GND, enabling normal write operations. This default state allows immediate functionality without external wiring but sacrifices hardware write protection. For production systems requiring data integrity, WP should be intentionally tied to VCC (to disable writes) or controlled by a microcontroller GPIO. The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 specification confirms this internal pull-down behavior in the Pin Description section.

Is AT24C256-10PC-2.7 qualified for automotive applications?

The AT24C256-10PC-2.7 itself is not automotive-qualified; it is rated for commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and packaged in PDIP. However, Microchip offers automotive-grade variants such as AT24C256-10PI-2.7 (industrial temp: –40°C to +85°C) and AT24C256-10MI-2.7 (AEC-Q100 Grade 3). For automotive body control modules, designers should select those qualified versions instead of AT24C256-10PC-2.7 to meet reliability and thermal requirements.

AT24C256-10PC-2.7 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:: 2.7V ~ 5.5V

Operating Temperature:: 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: 8-PDIP

AT24C256-10PC-2.7 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for AT24C256-10PC-2.7 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT24C256-10PC-2.7 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-2.7 reliable?

The price and inventory of AT24C256-10PC-2.7 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-2.7 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for AT24C256-10PC-2.7?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT24C256-10PC-2.7 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for AT24C256-10PC-2.7?

AT24C256-10PC-2.7 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your AT24C256-10PC-2.7 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-2.7?

For technical support, including AT24C256-10PC-2.7 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT24C256-10PC-2.7 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that AT24C256-10PC-2.7 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All AT24C256-10PC-2.7 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-2.7 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT24C256-10PC-2.7?

All AT24C256-10PC-2.7 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT24C256-10PC-2.7, 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-2.7 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for AT24C256-10PC-2.7:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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