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Microchip Technology AT24C256C-SSHL-B
- Part No.:
- AT24C256C-SSHL-B
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AT24C256C-SSHL-B.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,433
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Product details
Overview
AT24C256C-SSHL-B from Microchip Technology is a 256-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 32,768 × 8 bits, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V across -40°C to +85°C, featuring hardware write protection (WP), 64-byte page write, and Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz) support for industrial control and embedded firmware storage.
For engineers reviewing the AT24C256C-SSHL-B datasheet, AT24C256C-SSHL-B pinout, AT24C256C-SSHL-B application, or AT24C256C-SSHL-B equivalent, this device delivers verified 1,000,000 write cycles, 100-year data retention, ultra-low standby current (6 μA max), Schmitt-triggered noise-immune I²C interface, and drop-in compatibility with legacy AT24C256 variants in 8-lead SOIC packaging.
Technical Context
The AT24C256C-SSHL-B implements a two-wire I²C interface with programmable device addressing via A0–A2 pins, supporting Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz) clock rates depending on VCC level. It uses open-drain SDA/SCL with integrated Schmitt triggers and spike suppression filters to ensure robust bus operation in electrically noisy environments.
Internally, it organizes memory into 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling partial-page writes and sequential/random reads. Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin logic that disables all writes when pulled high, while power-on reset (POR) and software reset ensure deterministic initialization after brownout or protocol errors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8), sufficient for boot code, calibration data, or configuration tables in resource-constrained systems |
| Interface | I²C (two-wire), compatible with standard microcontroller I²C peripherals without additional level-shifting at 1.7–5.5V |
| Max Clock Rate | 1 MHz (Fast Mode Plus) at VCC ≥ 2.5V; enables faster firmware updates vs. legacy 400 kHz EEPROMs |
| Write Endurance | 1,000,000 cycles per memory location, validated at 3.3V/25°C - supports frequent logging or parameter tuning |
| Data Retention | 100 years at 55°C, ensuring long-term reliability in sealed industrial enclosures without refresh |
| Standby Current | 6 μA max at 5.0V, critical for battery-backed real-time clocks and low-power sensor nodes |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C industrial grade, qualified for automotive under-hood and factory automation use cases |
| ESD Protection | >4,000V HBM, reducing need for external TVS diodes in board-level ESD design |
Pinout & Package
AT24C256C-SSHL-B is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (3.9mm × 4.9mm body, 1.27mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and halide-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Device Address Input | Hardware-selectable bit 0 of 3-bit slave address; tied high/low to enable up to 8 devices on same I²C bus |
| A1 | Device Address Input | Hardware-selectable bit 1 of 3-bit slave address; enables multi-device topology without software reconfiguration |
| A2 | Device Address Input | Hardware-selectable bit 2 of 3-bit slave address; allows full 8-device cascading with fixed 1010b device ID prefix |
| GND | Ground Reference | System ground return path; must be low-impedance to minimize noise coupling into SDA/SCL lines |
| SDA | Serial Data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional line; requires external pull-up (≤10 kΩ); shares bus with other I²C devices via wire-OR |
| SCL | Serial Clock Input | Host-driven clock input; rising edge latches input data, falling edge outputs data; must be pulled high when idle |
| WP | Write-Protect Control | Active-high hardware lock: pulls high to disable all writes (full-array protection), pulled low for normal operation |
| VCC | Power Supply | 1.7–5.5V supply input; internal POR ensures no spurious writes during power ramp; slew rate ≤0.1 V/µs required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 64-Byte Page Write | Enables efficient block programming without erasing entire array; partial writes allowed within page boundaries |
| Fast Mode Plus Support | 1 MHz operation at 2.5–5.5V reduces firmware update time by 2.5× vs. standard 400 kHz mode |
| Hardware Write Protection | Dedicated WP pin provides tamper-resistant, non-volatile lock independent of software state or power loss |
| Noise-Immune Interface | Schmitt-trigger inputs + filtered timing suppress EMI-induced glitches, eliminating false Start/Stop detection |
| Low-Voltage Operation | 1.7V minimum VCC enables direct interfacing with 1.8V microcontrollers and battery-powered systems |
| Green Packaging | Lead-free, halide-free SOIC meets RoHS/REACH; no post-soldering cleaning or special handling required |
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 environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-volatile configuration register bank accessed via I²C during startup and runtime parameter adjustment. Use Value: 100-year data retention and -40°C to +85°C operation ensure settings survive decades of thermal cycling and unattended operation. | Use Scenario: Holding factory-calibrated sensor offsets, gain coefficients, and safety-critical operational limits in portable diagnostic equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, write-protected memory for immutable calibration constants referenced during every measurement cycle. Use Value: Hardware WP pin prevents accidental overwrites during field servicing, while 1M-cycle endurance supports recalibration logs. |
| Smart Meter Firmware Patch Storage | Automotive Body Control Module Settings |
Use Scenario: Storing delta patches and version metadata for secure over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates in utility smart meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary boot memory holding verified patch images prior to execution by main MCU. Use Value: 1 MHz Fast Mode Plus enables sub-second patch loading over I²C, minimizing meter downtime during updates. | Use Scenario: Retaining user preferences (window position, mirror angle, lighting profiles) and adaptive learning data in vehicle body control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Persistent parameter store written during ignition-off events and read at power-on initialization. Use Value: 6 μA standby current extends battery life during extended parking; 1.7V operation supports start-stop system voltage dips. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT24C256BN-SH-B | Same 256-Kbit capacity and SOIC-8 package, but rated for commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) only | Not suitable for industrial or automotive ambient conditions requiring -40°C operation | Select AT24C256C-SSHL-B when extended temperature range and 100-year retention are mandatory |
| M24256-BWMN6TP | STMicroelectronics 256-Kbit I²C EEPROM; supports 1 MHz only at 2.5–5.5V, identical WP/SCL/SDA pinout, but lacks Fast Mode Plus timing validation below 2.5V | Compatible in 8-lead SOIC layout but requires VCC ≥2.5V for full-speed operation | Choose AT24C256C-SSHL-B for guaranteed 1 MHz performance down to 2.5V and broader low-voltage margin |
Compared with AT24C256BN-SH-B, AT24C256C-SSHL-B adds industrial temperature qualification and longer data retention; versus M24256-BWMN6TP, it provides verified 1 MHz operation at lower VCC thresholds and tighter AC timing specs for noise-prone environments.
Availability
AT24C256C-SSHL-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics, smart metering, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for AT24C256C-SSHL-B 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 components, and non-volatile memory solutions, with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing and global distribution.
The AT24C256C belongs to Microchip's AT24Cxx family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient data storage in space-constrained embedded systems where firmware robustness and field longevity are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C256C-SSHL-B?
The AT24C256C-SSHL-B supports 100 kHz (Standard Mode), 400 kHz (Fast Mode), and 1 MHz (Fast Mode Plus). The 1 MHz rate is guaranteed only when VCC is between 2.5V and 5.5V; at 1.7–2.5V, maximum clock is 400 kHz. These modes are fully compliant with I²C specification revisions and require no host-side protocol changes.
Does AT24C256C-SSHL-B require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?
Yes, AT24C256C-SSHL-B requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Microchip specifies maximum values of 10 kΩ for SDA (at 100 kHz), 4 kΩ (at 400 kHz), and 1.3 kΩ (at 1000 kHz) to meet rise-time requirements. SCL may be actively driven high by the host, but pull-up is recommended for bus idle-state reliability.
How does the write-protect (WP) pin function on AT24C256C-SSHL-B?
On AT24C256C-SSHL-B, the WP pin provides hardware-level write inhibition: when pulled high to VCC, it disables all write operations (byte, page, and erase) to the entire memory array. When grounded, normal write functionality is enabled. If left floating, WP is internally pulled down, permitting writes - but Microchip recommends hard-wiring WP to avoid noise-induced protection failures.
What is the memory organization of AT24C256C-SSHL-B, and how does it affect page writes?
AT24C256C-SSHL-B is organized as 512 pages of 64 bytes each (32,768 total bytes). Page write mode allows up to 64 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction, provided all addresses fall within the same 64-byte boundary. Crossing a page boundary during a page write terminates the operation at the page edge, requiring a new Start condition to continue - a key constraint for firmware update routines.
Is AT24C256C-SSHL-B compatible with standard I²C controllers without custom drivers?
Yes, AT24C256C-SSHL-B is fully compatible with standard I²C controllers implementing the Philips I²C specification. It uses standard Start/Stop conditions, 7-bit slave addressing (1010b + A2/A1/A0), ACK/NACK handshaking, and byte-oriented read/write protocols. No special drivers or bit-banged interfaces are needed - it works with stock Linux i2c-dev, Arduino Wire, or STM32 HAL_I2C libraries.
AT24C256C-SSHL-B Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- 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-SOIC
AT24C256C-SSHL-B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT24C256C-SSHL-B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT24C256C-SSHL-B 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-SSHL-B reliable?
The price and inventory of AT24C256C-SSHL-B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT24C256C-SSHL-B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT24C256C-SSHL-B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT24C256C-SSHL-B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT24C256C-SSHL-B?
AT24C256C-SSHL-B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT24C256C-SSHL-B 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-SSHL-B?
For technical support, including AT24C256C-SSHL-B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT24C256C-SSHL-B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT24C256C-SSHL-B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT24C256C-SSHL-B 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-SSHL-B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT24C256C-SSHL-B?
All AT24C256C-SSHL-B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT24C256C-SSHL-B, 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-SSHL-B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT24C256C-SSHL-B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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