Microchip Technology AT24C256W-10SC-1.8

Overview

AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM optimized for ultra-low-voltage embedded systems. It operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, supports 100 kHz I²C bus speed at 1.8 V, features hardware write protection via the WP pin, and delivers 100,000 write cycles with 40-year data retention - ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 datasheet, AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 pinout, AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 application, or AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8 V operation range, 64-byte page write capability, Schmitt-triggered noise-immune inputs, and industrial-grade temperature support (–40°C to +85°C) in SOIC-8 package.

Technical Context

The AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 implements a standard two-wire (I²C) interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, supports up to four devices on a shared bus via A0/A1 address inputs, and uses internal address auto-increment for sequential reads. Its memory is organized as 512 pages of 64 bytes each, enabling efficient partial-page writes without cross-page rollover.

It incorporates hardware write protection (WP pin), Schmitt-triggered inputs for robust noise immunity, and self-timed internal write cycles (typ. 5 ms). The device enters low-power standby mode (<0.2 µA at 1.8 V) after STOP condition or power-up, and supports acknowledge polling to determine write completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 is supplied in an 8-pin JEDEC SOIC (SOIC-8, package code 8S1), 0.150" wide, with standard pinout and surface-mount footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M24C256-WMN6TP and BR24G256FJ-3GE2, AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 uniquely balances 1.8 V operation, hardware WP, industrial temperature rating, and 4-device bus scalability in a widely adopted SOIC-8 footprint - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical embedded designs requiring zero-layout change upgrades.

Availability

AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, medical wearables, industrial PLCs, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 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 a focus on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.

The AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24C serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power, and high-reliability data storage in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 at 1.8 V?

The AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 100 kHz when operating at 1.8 V. This is specified in the AC Characteristics table under "1.8-volt" column for fSCL. Higher frequencies (400 kHz, 1 MHz) require ≥2.5 V or ≥4.5 V supply, respectively. The 100 kHz limit ensures timing margin and noise immunity under minimum voltage conditions, and is fully compatible with standard-mode I²C masters.

Does AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 include hardware write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 includes hardware write protection via the dedicated WP (Write Protect) pin. When WP is driven high to VCC, all write operations - including byte, page, and erase - are inhibited. When WP is tied to GND or left unconnected (internally pulled down), full read/write access is enabled. This provides a fail-safe, pin-level mechanism independent of firmware state - critical for protecting calibration data or security keys in deployed systems.

What package type and footprint does AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 use?

AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 uses an 8-pin JEDEC SOIC package (package code 8S1), 0.150" wide, with standard 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; the pinout matches industry-standard SOIC-8 for I²C EEPROMs (A0, A1, NC, GND, VCC, WP, SCL, SDA). This footprint is compatible with automated SMT assembly and widely supported in reference designs.

How many devices can share the same I²C bus with AT24C256W-10SC-1.8?

Up to four AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 devices can share a single I²C bus using the A0 and A1 address input pins. These pins configure the two least-significant bits of the 7-bit I²C slave address (base 0x50), yielding addresses 0x50–0x53. All devices must use distinct A0/A1 combinations; floating A0/A1 defaults to '00', so explicit hardwiring is required for multi-device configurations.

What is the write endurance and data retention specification for AT24C256W-10SC-1.8?

AT24C256W-10SC-1.8 guarantees 100,000 write/erase cycles per memory location and 40 years of data retention at +85°C. These values are characterized and specified in the DC Characteristics table. The 40-year retention is measured under worst-case thermal stress and applies to data written under recommended operating conditions - making it suitable for long-life infrastructure and medical applications where field replacement is impractical.