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Microchip Technology AT24C256N-10SC
- Part No.:
- AT24C256N-10SC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AT24C256N-10SC.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,249
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Product details
Overview
AT24C256N-10SC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) serial EEPROM IC with I²C-compatible 2-wire interface, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, featuring 64-byte page write mode, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 100,000 write cycles endurance. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based industrial control modules.
For engineers reviewing the AT24C256N-10SC datasheet, AT24C256N-10SC pinout, AT24C256N-10SC application, or AT24C256N-10SC equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage range compatibility (2.7–5.5 V), 400 kHz I²C speed at 2.7 V, 8-pin SOIC package footprint, WP pin functionality for hardware data lock, and 40-year data retention specification.
Technical Context
The AT24C256N-10SC implements a standard I²C protocol with bidirectional open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting up to four devices on one bus via A0/A1 address inputs. Its internal architecture organizes memory into 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling partial-page writes without cross-page rollover.
It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs with noise filtering on SDA/SCL, supports acknowledge polling during write cycles, and enters low-power standby mode after STOP condition or power-up. The WP pin provides hardware-level write inhibition when tied high, while floating defaults to GND for full write access.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8 bits), sufficient for firmware parameter tables or calibration data in embedded systems |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains without level shifting |
| I²C Clock Frequency | Up to 400 kHz at 2.7 V - enables fast configuration loading in time-constrained boot sequences |
| Write Cycle Time | 10 ms max - defines minimum interval between successive write commands to avoid data corruption |
| Endurance | 100,000 write cycles - supports frequent field updates in telemetry or logging applications |
| Data Retention | 40 years at +85°C - ensures long-term reliability in unattended infrastructure equipment |
| ESD Protection | >4000 V HBM - reduces risk of damage during board handling and system integration |
Pinout & Package
AT24C256N-10SC is supplied in an 8-pin JEDEC SOIC (8S1) package, 0.150" wide, with standard gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Device Address Input | Hardwired low/high to select one of four possible I²C addresses (0x50–0x53); floating defaults to logic low |
| A1 | Device Address Input | Second address bit; used with A0 to enable multi-device bus sharing without address conflict |
| NC | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to GND - no electrical function |
| GND | Ground Reference | Return path for all internal circuitry and I/O; requires low-impedance connection to system ground plane |
| VCC | Power Supply | Primary supply input (2.7–5.5 V); decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 10 mm of pin |
| WP | Write Protect Control | Active-high hardware lock: tied to VCC disables all writes; floating or GND enables full read/write access |
| SCL | Serial Clock Input | Positive-edge sampled clock for I²C timing; requires external pull-up resistor (typically 2.2–10 kΩ) |
| SDA | Serial Data I/O | Bidirectional open-drain data line; shared across multiple I²C devices; requires same pull-up as SCL |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 64-byte Page Write Mode | Enables efficient bulk writes without repeated start/stop overhead - reduces I²C transaction count by up to 64× vs byte-write |
| Schmitt Trigger Inputs | Provides noise immunity on SDA/SCL lines in electrically noisy industrial environments (e.g., motor drives, PLCs) |
| Hardware Write Protection | WP pin allows irreversible lock of memory contents during field deployment - prevents accidental firmware corruption |
| Self-timed Write Cycle | Internal timing eliminates need for host MCU to manage write duration - simplifies driver implementation and improves robustness |
| Cascadable Bus Architecture | Supports up to four AT24C256N-10SC devices on single I²C bus using A0/A1 pins - reduces BOM count in multi-sensor nodes |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration Storage | Medical Device Configuration Backup |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated offset/gain coefficients for analog sensor front-ends in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter repository accessed during power-on initialization via I²C. Use Value: Eliminates need for external calibration potentiometers and enables post-deployment recalibration without hardware modification. | Use Scenario: Retaining user-selected therapy parameters and device history logs in portable infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration store with hardware write lock (WP = VCC) after clinical setup. Use Value: Ensures regulatory-compliant data persistence across battery swaps and cold resets without volatile RAM backup. |
| Automotive Body Control Module Settings | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Patch Storage |
Use Scenario: Holding seat/mirror position presets and lighting profiles in automotive BCMs exposed to wide temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Temperature-stable (−40°C to +85°C) EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU over 100 kHz I²C. Use Value: Guarantees 40-year data retention under hood conditions - avoids recall-risk due to parameter loss. | Use Scenario: Storing signed firmware patches and update metadata in utility-grade smart meters with tamper-evident enclosures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure boot-time configuration store with ESD-hardened I/O (4000 V HBM) for field-replaceable modules. Use Value: Enables secure over-the-air updates while maintaining cryptographic key integrity through power interruptions. |
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, 2.7–5.5 V operation, and 8-pin SOIC package; differs in marking code and tape-and-reel packaging only | No functional difference; identical timing, pinout, and DC specs - direct replacement in new designs | Select when requiring RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and lead-free finish per latest Microchip specifications |
| ST24C256B-WDW6-TR | 256 Kbit I²C EEPROM with 2.5–5.5 V range; supports 1 MHz at 5 V but only 400 kHz at 2.7 V; same 8-pin SOIC footprint | Higher max clock at 5 V may improve throughput in 5 V systems; slightly lower min VCC (2.5 V vs 2.7 V) offers margin in brownout scenarios | Choose for 5 V-centric designs where 1 MHz I²C bandwidth is critical; verify WP pin behavior matches system lock requirements |
Compared with AT24C256N-10SC, AT24C256BN-SSHM-T offers identical electrical and mechanical compatibility with updated environmental compliance, while ST24C256B-WDW6-TR trades minor voltage-range flexibility for higher-speed operation at 5 V - making it preferable only in fully 5 V systems demanding faster configuration loads.
Availability
AT24C256N-10SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AT24C256N-10SC 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 coverage.
The AT24C256N-10SC belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24Cxx serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based configuration and calibration data storage in space- and cost-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C256N-10SC at 3.3 V operation?
The AT24C256N-10SC supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when operated at 2.7 V to 5.5 V, including 3.3 V. This is confirmed in the AC Characteristics table (page 5) under "2.5-volt" column, where fSCL Max = 400 kHz applies to VCC ≥ 2.5 V. No derating is required at 3.3 V, and the part maintains full timing compliance per its 400 kHz rating in the AT24C256 ordering table.
Does AT24C256N-10SC require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?
Yes, AT24C256N-10SC requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. The datasheet specifies typical pull-up values of 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed; for 400 kHz operation with ≤400 pF total bus capacitance, 4.7 kΩ is commonly used. Failure to install pull-ups will prevent proper I²C communication.
Can AT24C256N-10SC be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q200 qualification?
No, AT24C256N-10SC is not AEC-Q200 qualified. While the datasheet states "Automotive Grade and Extended Temperature Devices Available" for the AT24C128/256 family, the specific ordering code AT24C256N-10SC corresponds to the commercial/industrial grade (−40°C to +85°C), as indicated in the AT24C256 Ordering Information table (page 14). Automotive-grade variants use different suffixes (e.g., -10SI-AU) and undergo additional stress testing.
How does the WP pin function when left unconnected on AT24C256N-10SC?
When the WP pin is left unconnected on AT24C256N-10SC, it is internally pulled down to GND via an on-chip resistor, enabling full read and write access to the memory array. This default behavior allows immediate use without external wiring, but for production systems requiring guaranteed write protection, WP must be explicitly tied to VCC or controlled by a GPIO.
What is the page size and maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single I²C transaction to AT24C256N-10SC?
The AT24C256N-10SC has a 64-byte page size, and up to 64 bytes can be written in a single page write transaction. The device accepts the first byte's address, then increments the internal word address automatically for subsequent bytes - wrapping within the same page boundary. Writing beyond 64 bytes causes rollover to the start of the same page, overwriting earlier data unless the host enforces page alignment.
AT24C256N-10SC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
AT24C256N-10SC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT24C256N-10SC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT24C256N-10SC 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 AT24C256N-10SC reliable?
The price and inventory of AT24C256N-10SC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT24C256N-10SC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT24C256N-10SC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT24C256N-10SC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT24C256N-10SC?
AT24C256N-10SC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT24C256N-10SC 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 AT24C256N-10SC?
For technical support, including AT24C256N-10SC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT24C256N-10SC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT24C256N-10SC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT24C256N-10SC 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 AT24C256N-10SC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT24C256N-10SC?
All AT24C256N-10SC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT24C256N-10SC, 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 AT24C256N-10SC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT24C256N-10SC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
AT24C256N-10SC Tags
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M24C02-WMN6TP
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AT24C02C-XHM-T
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AT21CS01-STUM10-T
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24LC01BT-I/OT
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M24C02-FMC6TG
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AT24CS02-SSHM-T
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93LC46BT-I/OT
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AT24C04C-SSHM-T
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24LC01BT-I/SN
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