Microchip Technology AT24C32-10PI-1.8

Overview

AT24C32-10PI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM with 4096 × 8-bit organization, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, supporting 100 kHz clock rate at 1.8 V, featuring hardware write protection via WP pin, and housed in an 8-pin PDIP package. It enables nonvolatile data storage in low-power embedded systems such as smart meters and IoT sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C32-10PI-1.8 datasheet, AT24C32-10PI-1.8 pinout, AT24C32-10PI-1.8 application, or AT24C32-10PI-1.8 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.8 V minimum supply, 32-byte page write capability, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The AT24C32-10PI-1.8 implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with bidirectional open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting cascading of up to eight devices via A0–A2 address pins. Its internal architecture uses 256 pages of 32 bytes each, with automatic address incrementing during page writes and wraparound behavior at page boundaries.

It integrates a low-VCC detector for data integrity during brown-out conditions, Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL for robust noise suppression, and a dedicated WP pin that disables writes to the upper quadrant (8 Kbits) when pulled high. Standby current is specified at 0.1 µA (VCC = 1.8 V), enabling battery-backed operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C32-10PI-1.8 is packaged in an 8-pin PDIP (JEDEC 8P3), 0.300" wide body, through-hole mountable package with 0.100" lead pitch and standard DIP footprint compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C32-10PI-1.8, the AT24C32D-SSHM-T trades through-hole convenience for SOIC manufacturability, while the CAT24C32WI-GT3 extends thermal range and lowers minimum voltage - both retain identical I²C protocol behavior and page-write functionality.

Availability

AT24C32-10PI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy meters, industrial PLC modules, medical wearables, and automotive body controllers requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C32-10PI-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 devices, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification coverage.

The AT24C32 series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by AT24C32-10PI-1.8 at 1.8 V?

The AT24C32-10PI-1.8 supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 100 kHz when operating at 1.8 V. This is explicitly specified in the AC Characteristics table under "1.8-volt" column for parameter fSCL. Higher frequencies (e.g., 400 kHz) require VCC ≥ 4.5 V and are not guaranteed at 1.8 V. The device's internal timing margins and Schmitt-trigger input response are validated for reliable communication only at this rate under low-voltage conditions.

Does AT24C32-10PI-1.8 support partial page writes?

Yes, AT24C32-10PI-1.8 supports partial page writes. The datasheet confirms that "32-Byte Page Write Mode (Partial Page Writes Allowed)" is a core feature. Up to 32 bytes can be written in a single transaction, and fewer than 32 bytes may be sent - the internal address counter increments automatically, wrapping within the current 32-byte page boundary. This avoids unnecessary dummy writes and reduces bus traffic compared to full-page operations.

What happens to the WP pin if left unconnected on AT24C32-10PI-1.8?

If the WP pin is left unconnected on AT24C32-10PI-1.8, it is internally pulled down to GND, enabling full write access to all memory locations. This default behavior is documented in the Pin Description section: "If left unconnected, WP is internally pulled down to GND." No external pull-down resistor is required for normal operation, though a deliberate pull-up to VCC is needed to activate hardware write protection for the upper quadrant.

Is AT24C32-10PI-1.8 qualified for automotive applications?

No, AT24C32-10PI-1.8 is specified for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While the datasheet notes "Automotive Grade and Extended Temperature Devices Available" for the broader AT24C32/64 family, the -10PI-1.8 variant uses the "Industrial" ordering code and is packaged in PDIP (8P3), which is not automotive-qualified. For automotive use, Microchip offers variants like AT24C32-10PI-1.8-MAA (with AEC-Q100 grade marking) or alternatives such as CAT24C32WI-GT3.

How many devices can share the same I²C bus with AT24C32-10PI-1.8?

Up to eight AT24C32-10PI-1.8 devices can share a common I²C bus. This is enabled by the three hardware address pins A0, A1, and A2, each configurable as logic high or low (or left floating, defaulting to low), yielding 2³ = 8 unique 7-bit device addresses (0x50–0x57). The datasheet explicitly states: "The device's cascadable feature allows up to 8 devices to share a common 2-wire bus," and the Device Addressing section confirms A2–A0 determine the address bits.