Microchip Technology AT24C256-10TI-2.7

Overview

AT24C256-10TI-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage industrial applications. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supports up to 1 MHz I²C bus speed at 5V, features hardware write protection via the WP pin, and delivers 1 million write cycles with 40-year data retention. It is commonly used in embedded systems for configuration storage, calibration data logging, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C256-10TI-2.7 datasheet, AT24C256-10TI-2.7 pinout, AT24C256-10TI-2.7 application, or AT24C256-10TI-2.7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-lead TSSOP package, 2.7–5.5 V supply range, 64-byte page write capability, extended industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C), and compatibility with standard I²C protocol including ACK polling and Schmitt-trigger noise-immune inputs.

Technical Context

The AT24C256-10TI-2.7 implements a standard two-wire (I²C-compatible) serial interface with open-drain SDA and active-high SCL, supporting cascaded operation of up to four devices on one bus using A0/A1 address pins. Its memory is organized as 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling efficient partial-page writes without erasing adjacent data.

It uses internal address auto-increment during sequential reads/writes and includes a dedicated Write Protect (WP) pin for hardware-level memory locking. The device incorporates Schmitt-trigger inputs and input filtering to suppress noise in electrically noisy industrial environments, and supports acknowledge polling to determine write completion without fixed delay timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C256-10TI-2.7 is housed in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), designated 8A2 per Microchip's ordering nomenclature. This leaded, gull-wing package measures 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm with 0.65 mm pitch and is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C256-10TI-2.7, M24C256-WMN6TP offers identical functionality in a larger SOIC package with narrower voltage headroom, while BR24G256FJ-WE2 provides equivalent specs in a thermally enhanced TSSOP variant - both require layout review but avoid redesigning core I²C firmware logic.

Availability

AT24C256-10TI-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart meter firmware storage, and embedded system boot configuration requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for AT24C256-10TI-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 nonvolatile memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualifications.

The AT24C256-10TI-2.7 belongs to Microchip's AT24Cxx family of I²C-compatible serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, long-life data storage in space-constrained industrial and commercial systems.

FAQ

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

The AT24C256-10TI-2.7 supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when operated at VCC = 5.0 V. At 2.7 V, the maximum guaranteed speed is 400 kHz. These values are specified in the AC Characteristics table and reflect actual timing margins validated across temperature and voltage ranges - not theoretical limits. The AT24C256-10TI-2.7 must be configured accordingly in host firmware to avoid bus timeouts or data corruption.

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

Yes, the AT24C256-10TI-2.7 requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed; 4.7 kΩ is commonly used for 400 kHz operation. The AT24C256-10TI-2.7 does not include internal pull-ups, and omission will result in bus failure.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C256-10TI-2.7?

When the WP pin of the AT24C256-10TI-2.7 is driven high (to VCC), all write operations - including byte write, page write, and write of the device's address bits - are inhibited. When WP is low (GND), full read/write access is enabled. If left floating, the pin is internally pulled down, enabling writes - but Microchip recommends explicit hardwiring for reliability. This hardware lock operates independently of software commands.

Can the AT24C256-10TI-2.7 be used in extended temperature applications up to +125°C?

No - the AT24C256-10TI-2.7 is rated for industrial temperature range only (–40°C to +85°C). For operation up to +125°C, Microchip offers the AT24C256N-10SE-2.7 variant in SOIC package, which carries the "E" suffix denoting extended temperature qualification. Using AT24C256-10TI-2.7 beyond +85°C may cause data retention loss or write failures not covered by warranty.

What is the page size and maximum write length per transaction for the AT24C256-10TI-2.7?

The AT24C256-10TI-2.7 has a fixed page size of 64 bytes. A single page write transaction can transmit up to 64 bytes starting at any address aligned to a 64-byte boundary - for example, addresses 0x0000–0x003F form one page. Writing across a page boundary causes automatic rollover to the start of the same page, potentially overwriting earlier data in that transaction unless managed by host firmware.