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Microchip Technology AT24C256C-MAHL-E
- Part No.:
- AT24C256C-MAHL-E
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-UFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT24C256C-MAHL-E.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8UDFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,662
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Product details
Overview
AT24C256C-MAHL-E from Microchip Technology is a 256-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 32,768 × 8 bits, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), 1 MHz Fast Mode Plus support (2.5V–5.5V), and hardware write-protection via WP pin - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor nodes.
For engineers reviewing the AT24C256C-MAHL-E datasheet, AT24C256C-MAHL-E pinout, AT24C256C-MAHL-E application, or AT24C256C-MAHL-E equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C bus timing compliance (100/400 kHz standard/fast mode, 1 MHz FM+), 64-byte page write capability, ultra-low standby current (6 μA max), and 8-lead SOIC package compatibility with legacy board layouts.
Technical Context
The AT24C256C-MAHL-E implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and noise-filtered SCL/SDA lines, supporting bidirectional data transfer with ACK/NACK protocol and software reset via SCL clocking. It uses an internal high-voltage generation circuit for EEPROM cell programming and features automatic power-on reset (POR) with 100 µs tPUP delay after VCC stabilization.
Memory is partitioned into 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling partial page writes and sequential/random read modes. Device addressing uses three hardware pins (A0–A2) to support up to eight devices on one bus, with device type identifier '1010' and R/W bit determining operation direction.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8), sufficient for firmware parameter tables or calibration data in resource-constrained systems |
| Interface | I²C-compatible two-wire bus with 100 kHz / 400 kHz / 1 MHz FM+ support - enables flexible speed selection based on VCC and noise environment |
| Voltage range | 1.7V to 5.5V operation - supports direct interfacing with 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V microcontrollers without level shifters |
| Write endurance | 1,000,000 cycles - ensures reliable logging or counter updates over product lifetime in industrial monitoring |
| Data retention | 100 years at 55°C - guarantees long-term integrity of stored configuration or security keys without refresh |
| Standby current | 6 μA maximum at 5.0V - minimizes battery drain in always-on IoT edge nodes during sleep states |
| Page write time | ≤5 ms self-timed write cycle - allows deterministic timeout handling in real-time firmware without polling overhead |
| ESD protection | >4,000V HBM - enhances robustness against handling and system-level ESD events in factory or field environments |
Pinout & Package
AT24C256C-MAHL-E is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (3.9 mm × 4.9 mm, 1.27 mm pitch), compatible with standard surface-mount assembly processes and legacy PCB footprints.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Device address input | Hardware-selectable bit for multi-device I²C bus addressing; pulled down internally if floating - requires explicit tie-high/tie-low for deterministic operation |
| A1 | Device address input | Second hardware address bit; enables up to eight unique addresses (1010 A2 A1 A0 R/W) on shared bus |
| A2 | Device address input | Third hardware address bit; combined with A0/A1, defines slave address in 7-bit format per I²C specification |
| GND | Ground reference | System return path for VCC and signal logic; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling into SDA/SCL |
| SDA | Serial data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional line requiring external pull-up resistor (≤10 kΩ); shares bus with other I²C devices via wire-OR topology |
| SCL | Serial clock input | Host-generated clock controlling data sampling (rising edge) and output (falling edge); must be pulled high when idle |
| WP | Write-protect control | Hardware lock: tied to VCC disables all writes to entire memory array; tied to GND enables normal write operations |
| VCC | Power supply | Single 1.7–5.5V supply powering logic and EEPROM array; slew rate ≤0.1 V/µs required for reliable POR behavior |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz) | Enables high-speed configuration loading in time-critical boot sequences when VCC ≥2.5V, reducing system initialization latency |
| 64-byte page write | Allows efficient burst writes without crossing page boundaries - improves throughput when storing structured records or firmware metadata |
| Schmitt-trigger inputs | Rejects bus noise and slow-rising signals, eliminating false Start/Stop detection in electrically noisy industrial enclosures |
| Hardware write protection | Prevents accidental overwrites of critical calibration or security data during firmware updates or field service operations |
| Green RoHS-compliant packaging | Meets global environmental regulations (lead-free, halide-free) for consumer, medical, and industrial end-equipment certification |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Medical Device Configuration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated offset/gain coefficients and temperature compensation tables for analog sensor front-ends in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration storage accessed during power-up initialization via I²C; retains values across cold starts and brownouts. Use Value: Eliminates need for external trimming components and enables field recalibration with verified data integrity over 100-year retention. | Use Scenario: Holding user-selectable therapy parameters, device serial number, and usage logs in portable infusion pumps and diagnostic monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure parameter store accessed by MCU during boot and runtime; WP pin prevents unauthorized modification during clinical use. Use Value: Supports FDA-required audit trails and traceability while meeting low-power requirements for battery-operated Class II devices. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Home Gateway Firmware Settings |
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and door lock configurations in 12V automotive body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I²C client storing user preferences with 1.7V operation tolerance to survive start-stop battery transients. Use Value: Maintains settings through deep-sleep modes and voltage dips below 2.0V, ensuring seamless user experience across ignition cycles. | Use Scenario: Persisting Wi-Fi credentials, OTA update status flags, and Zigbee network keys in residential gateways with intermittent power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent-current EEPROM accessed during MCU wake-up to restore connectivity state before network stack initialization. Use Value: Enables sub-10 µA system standby with guaranteed data persistence, extending battery life in UPS-backed or energy-harvesting deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT24C256BN-SSHM-T | Same 256-Kbit capacity and I²C interface, but in 8-lead TSSOP package (3.0 × 4.4 mm); identical electrical specs and timing | TSSOP offers smaller footprint and better thermal performance than SOIC in space-constrained designs | Select when PCB layout requires reduced area or improved heat dissipation; pinout and firmware are identical |
| M24256-BWMN6TP | STMicroelectronics 256-Kbit EEPROM with same 1.7–5.5V range and 1 MHz FM+, but lacks Fast Mode Plus support below 2.5V; standby current 5 μA max | Compatible for most I²C systems but not suitable for 1.8V fast-mode operation where AT24C256C-MAHL-E supports 400 kHz | Choose for cost-sensitive industrial designs where 1.8V/400 kHz operation is not required and ST's qualification pedigree is preferred |
Compared with AT24C256BN-SSHM-T, the AT24C256C-MAHL-E provides identical functionality in SOIC for legacy compatibility; versus M24256-BWMN6TP, it delivers broader low-voltage timing flexibility and Microchip's extended endurance guarantee (1M cycles vs typical 300k).
Availability
AT24C256C-MAHL-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and I²C bus interoperability.
Supply support for AT24C256C-MAHL-E 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing and global distribution.
The AT24C256C-MAHL-E belongs to Microchip's AT24Cxx family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in embedded systems where space, voltage flexibility, and data integrity are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C256C-MAHL-E?
The AT24C256C-MAHL-E supports 100 kHz (Standard Mode), 400 kHz (Fast Mode), and 1 MHz (Fast Mode Plus) I²C clock frequencies. Fast Mode Plus operates only at VCC ≥2.5V, while Standard and Fast Modes function across the full 1.7–5.5V supply range. This allows designers to optimize bus speed based on system voltage and noise conditions without changing firmware.
Does the AT24C256C-MAHL-E require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?
Yes, the AT24C256C-MAHL-E requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its SDA pin is open-drain and SCL is an input. Microchip specifies maximum pull-up values of 10 kΩ for 100 kHz, 4 kΩ for 400 kHz, and 1.3 kΩ for 1 MHz operation. These values ensure proper rise times and noise immunity per I²C specification.
How does the write-protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C256C-MAHL-E?
The WP pin on the AT24C256C-MAHL-E provides hardware-level write protection: when tied to VCC, it inhibits all write operations to the entire memory array; when tied to GND, normal writes are enabled. If left floating, the pin is internally pulled down to GND, enabling writes - but Microchip recommends explicit biasing to avoid noise-induced misoperation in real-world systems.
What is the memory organization of the AT24C256C-MAHL-E, and how does it affect page writes?
The AT24C256C-MAHL-E organizes its 32,768 bytes into 512 pages of 64 bytes each. Page writes are limited to within a single page boundary - writing across a 64-byte boundary automatically wraps to the start of the next page. This structure enables efficient burst writes for aligned data blocks but requires firmware to manage address alignment to avoid unintended data overwrite during partial-page operations.
Can the AT24C256C-MAHL-E operate reliably at 1.7V supply voltage?
Yes, the AT24C256C-MAHL-E is fully specified for operation down to 1.7V, including all AC timing parameters (100/400 kHz I²C modes), DC characteristics, and write endurance. At 1.7V, it achieves ≤6 μA standby current and supports standard- and fast-mode I²C communication, making it suitable for ultra-low-voltage applications such as coin-cell-powered sensors and energy-harvesting systems.
AT24C256C-MAHL-E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-UFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- 550 ns
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.7V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-UDFN (2x3)
AT24C256C-MAHL-E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT24C256C-MAHL-E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT24C256C-MAHL-E 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 AT24C256C-MAHL-E reliable?
The price and inventory of AT24C256C-MAHL-E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT24C256C-MAHL-E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT24C256C-MAHL-E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT24C256C-MAHL-E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT24C256C-MAHL-E?
AT24C256C-MAHL-E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT24C256C-MAHL-E 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 AT24C256C-MAHL-E?
For technical support, including AT24C256C-MAHL-E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT24C256C-MAHL-E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT24C256C-MAHL-E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT24C256C-MAHL-E 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 AT24C256C-MAHL-E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT24C256C-MAHL-E?
All AT24C256C-MAHL-E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT24C256C-MAHL-E, 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 AT24C256C-MAHL-E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT24C256C-MAHL-E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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