My Inquiry
My Account
Microchip Technology AT24C256N-10SI
- Part No.:
- AT24C256N-10SI
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AT24C256N-10SI.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT I2C 1MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,200
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
AT24C256N-10SI from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM optimized for industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C), supporting 2.7V to 5.5V supply, 400 kHz bus speed, and hardware write protection via the WP pin. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers, power management units, and sensor calibration systems.
For engineers reviewing the AT24C256N-10SI datasheet, AT24C256N-10SI pinout, AT24C256N-10SI application, or AT24C256N-10SI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial-grade temperature rating, 64-byte page write capability, Schmitt-triggered noise-immune inputs, and compatibility with standard 2-wire I²C protocols across microcontroller platforms.
Technical Context
The AT24C256N-10SI implements a true 2-wire (I²C) interface with open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting up to four devices on a shared bus via A0/A1 address pins. Its internal architecture organizes memory as 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling partial-page writes without rollover beyond page boundaries when properly managed.
It features hardware write protection (WP pin), self-timed 5 ms typical write cycles, and Schmitt-triggered, filtered inputs to suppress EMI-induced glitches-critical for stable operation in noisy industrial environments where supply voltage may dip to 2.7 V while maintaining full 400 kHz communication.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8 bits), sufficient for firmware parameter tables or multi-sensor calibration data sets |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - enables direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V logic domains without level shifting |
| I²C Clock Frequency | Up to 400 kHz at 2.7V - supports high-throughput configuration updates in real-time control loops |
| Write Cycle Time | 10 ms max - defines minimum interval between successive write commands; typical 5 ms reduces system blocking latency |
| Endurance & Retention | 100,000 write cycles / 40 years data retention - meets long-life requirements in field-deployed industrial equipment |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for use in motor drives, PLC modules, and outdoor telemetry hardware |
| ESD Protection | >4000V HBM - enhances robustness during handling and in electrically harsh factory-floor environments |
Pinout & Package
AT24C256N-10SI is supplied in an 8-pin JEDEC SOIC package (8S1), 0.150" wide, with standard pinout compatible across the AT24Cxx family.
| 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 0 |
| A1 | Device Address Input | Second address bit; used with A0 to enable up to four AT24C256N-10SI devices on same I²C bus |
| NC | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to GND/VCC per layout best practice (no functional impact) |
| GND | Ground Reference | System return path for VCC and I/O; requires low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling into SDA/SCL |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.7V–5.5V main supply; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 10 mm of pin for stable I²C timing |
| WP | Write Protect Control | Active-high hardware lock: tied to VCC disables all writes; tied to GND or floating enables normal operation |
| SCL | Serial Clock Input | Positive-edge clock for data-in; negative-edge for data-out - requires external pull-up resistor (typically 2.2–10 kΩ) |
| SDA | Serial Data I/O | Bidirectional, open-drain line - must be wire-ORed with other I²C devices and pulled up externally |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 64-byte Page Write Mode | Enables burst programming of up to 64 bytes per command, reducing I²C transaction overhead by ~90% vs. byte-by-byte writes |
| Schmitt Trigger Inputs | Eliminates false triggering from slow-rising or noisy SCL/SDA edges, ensuring reliable communication in electrically noisy industrial settings |
| Hardware + Software Write Protection | WP pin provides immediate hardware lockout; software-controlled protection via device address masking adds layered security for critical configuration sectors |
| Industrial Temperature Rating | Validated operation from –40°C to +85°C ensures consistent timing, endurance, and data integrity in extended thermal environments |
| Cascadable I²C Architecture | Supports up to four AT24C256N-10SI devices on one bus using A0/A1 pins - simplifies BOM consolidation in multi-module systems |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Smart Sensor Calibration Memory |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping tables, PID tuning parameters, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register bank accessed via I²C during boot and runtime reconfiguration; retains values across power cycles and brownouts. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable logic behavior without firmware reflashing; 100K endurance supports daily parameter adjustments over 27+ years. | Use Scenario: Holding factory-trimmed offset/gain coefficients and temperature compensation curves for MEMS accelerometers and pressure transducers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration data repository read once at startup; write-protected after initial commissioning to prevent accidental corruption. Use Value: WP pin hardwired to VCC ensures permanent write lock post-calibration; 40-year retention guarantees accuracy over product lifetime. |
| Power Supply Sequencing Controller | Medical Device Usage Log |
Use Scenario: Recording last-known power-up sequence states and fault history in multi-rail DC-DC systems for diagnostics and recovery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Persistent event logger storing timestamped fault codes and rail status flags; accessed asynchronously via I²C during maintenance mode. Use Value: 400 kHz I²C speed allows rapid log retrieval; 2.7V operation ensures functionality during brownout conditions before backup power engages. | Use Scenario: Archiving usage counters, battery discharge cycles, and operator login timestamps in portable diagnostic instruments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure audit trail storage updated after each clinical session; write-protected sections prevent tampering with regulatory compliance records. Use Value: Hardware WP + software address masking provides dual-layer protection meeting IEC 62304 data integrity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STMicroelectronics M24256-BWMN6TP | Same 256 Kbit size, 2.5V–5.5V range, but rated only to +70°C (commercial); 1 MHz max clock at 5V vs. 400 kHz at 2.7V | Lacks industrial temperature qualification; unsuitable for deployments exceeding 70°C ambient | Select if operating environment stays ≤70°C and higher-speed 5V operation is prioritized over temperature margin |
| ON Semiconductor CAT24C256WI-GT3 | Identical 256 Kbit, 2.7V–5.5V, –40°C to +85°C rating; uses same 8-pin SOIC (8S1) footprint and pinout | Drop-in replacement with identical timing, endurance, and WP functionality; fully compatible with existing PCB layouts | Preferred for second-source assurance where pin-to-pin and functional equivalence are required without redesign |
Compared with M24256-BWMN6TP and CAT24C256WI-GT3, the AT24C256N-10SI offers guaranteed industrial temperature performance and proven noise immunity via Schmitt-triggered inputs-critical for reliability in factory-floor and outdoor infrastructure applications where signal integrity cannot be compromised.
Availability
AT24C256N-10SI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, smart sensor modules, medical diagnostics equipment, and power management subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycles.
Supply support for AT24C256N-10SI 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 deep expertise in industrial and automotive-grade reliability.
The AT24C256N-10SI belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24Cxx serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based configuration and calibration storage in mission-critical embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C256N-10SI?
The AT24C256N-10SI supports up to 400 kHz at its specified 2.7V–5.5V supply range. This is confirmed in the AC Characteristics table under fSCL (max) for the "2.5-volt" and "5.0-volt" columns, where 400 kHz is explicitly listed as the upper limit for 2.7V operation. The device does not support 1 MHz at 2.7V - that speed is only valid at 5.0V, which falls outside the -10SI suffix's voltage grade.
Does the AT24C256N-10SI require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?
Yes, the AT24C256N-10SI 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; omission will result in bus failure due to inability to drive high logic levels.
How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C256N-10SI?
The WP pin on the AT24C256N-10SI is an active-high hardware lock: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte, page, or erase) are inhibited; when tied to GND or left floating (internally pulled down), writes are enabled. This provides deterministic, glitch-immune protection independent of firmware state - a key safety feature in AT24C256N-10SI deployments.
What package type is used for the AT24C256N-10SI?
The AT24C256N-10SI uses an 8-pin JEDEC SOIC package (designated 8S1 in Microchip's ordering guide), measuring 0.150" wide with standard gull-wing leads. This matches industry-standard footprints and is distinct from the wider EIAJ SOIC (8S2) or dBGA variants offered in the same family.
Is the AT24C256N-10SI pin-compatible with other AT24Cxx EEPROMs?
Yes, the AT24C256N-10SI shares identical pinout and electrical behavior with other 8-pin SOIC variants in the AT24Cxx family (e.g., AT24C128N-10SI, AT24C64N-10SI), including A0/A1 addressing, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC, and GND placement. This enables drop-in substitution where memory size and voltage grade align - verified across Microchip's official pin configuration diagrams.
AT24C256N-10SI 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
AT24C256N-10SI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT24C256N-10SI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT24C256N-10SI 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-10SI reliable?
The price and inventory of AT24C256N-10SI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT24C256N-10SI is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT24C256N-10SI?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT24C256N-10SI transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT24C256N-10SI?
AT24C256N-10SI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT24C256N-10SI 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-10SI?
For technical support, including AT24C256N-10SI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT24C256N-10SI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT24C256N-10SI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT24C256N-10SI 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-10SI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT24C256N-10SI?
All AT24C256N-10SI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT24C256N-10SI, 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-10SI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT24C256N-10SI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
AT24C256N-10SI Tags
-
M24C02-WMN6TP
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24C02C-XHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
AT21CS01-STUM10-T
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C02C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
24LC01BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
M24C02-FMC6TG
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24CS02-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
93LC46BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C04C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
24LC01BT-I/SN
Microchip Technology
-
24AA02UIDT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C08C-STUM-T
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
