Microchip Technology AT24C32-10PC-2.7

Overview

AT24C32-10PC-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32K-bit (4096 × 8) I²C-compatible serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage embedded systems. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supports 100 kHz I²C bus speed, features hardware write protection via WP pin, and delivers 1 million write cycles with 100-year data retention. It is commonly used in industrial sensor calibration storage and set-top box configuration memory.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 datasheet, AT24C32-10PC-2.7 pinout, AT24C32-10PC-2.7 application, or AT24C32-10PC-2.7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.7V–5.5V supply range, 8-pin PDIP package, page-write capability, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and hardware-based upper-quadrant write protection.

Technical Context

The AT24C32-10PC-2.7 implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, supporting bidirectional data transfer and device addressing via A0–A2 pins. Its internal architecture organizes memory as 256 pages of 32 bytes each, enabling partial-page writes without erasing entire pages.

It uses a self-timed write cycle (max 10 ms), includes an internal low-VCC detector for noise immunity, and employs proprietary biasing on address pins to default floating A0–A2 to logic low. The WP pin provides hardware-level protection for the upper 8K bits when tied to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C32-10PC-2.7 is supplied in an 8-pin JEDEC PDIP (package code 8P3), 0.300" wide, through-hole package suitable for prototyping and industrial control boards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C32-10PC-2.7, the 24LC32A-I/P offers identical functionality with minor standby current trade-offs, while the CAT24C32WI-GT3 shifts protection responsibility to software and enables faster I²C speeds-but only in surface-mount layouts.

Availability

AT24C32-10PC-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, set-top box configuration storage, and smart meter firmware parameter retention requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C32-10PC-2.7 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 devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AT24C32-10PC-2.7 belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable, byte-addressable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 support?

The AT24C32-10PC-2.7 operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic families without level-shifting circuitry. This dual-voltage capability simplifies integration into mixed-supply systems and extends usability across legacy and modern microcontroller platforms. The "-2.7" suffix explicitly denotes this low-voltage variant.

How many devices can share the same I²C bus with the AT24C32-10PC-2.7?

Up to eight AT24C32-10PC-2.7 devices can coexist on a single I²C bus using the A0, A1, and A2 address pins to configure unique 3-bit device addresses (0x50–0x57). Each pin can be hardwired high/low or left floating (defaulting to low), enabling flexible multi-device topologies in systems like modular sensor hubs or multi-channel data loggers.

Does the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values range from 1.8 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed; for 100 kHz operation with moderate trace length, 4.7 kΩ is commonly used to ensure clean signal rise times and noise margin.

What is the function of the WP pin on the AT24C32-10PC-2.7?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 provides hardware-level protection for the upper quadrant (8K bits) of memory. When tied to VCC, writes to addresses 0x2000–0x3FFF are inhibited; when grounded, full memory access is enabled. This feature safeguards critical calibration or security data from accidental firmware overwrite without requiring software locks.

Can the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 perform partial-page writes?

Yes, the AT24C32-10PC-2.7 supports partial-page writes within its 32-byte pages. After initiating a page write, the internal address counter auto-increments for each byte received, wrapping at page boundaries. This allows writing 1–32 bytes per transaction, reducing I²C overhead compared to individual byte writes and improving efficiency in applications like parameter updates or event logging.