Microchip Technology AT24C32C-TH-T

Overview

AT24C32C-TH-T from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 4096 × 8 bits, operating across 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply range, featuring hardware write protection via WP pin, 32-byte page write capability, and 1 MHz max clock frequency at 5.0 V. It is widely used in industrial sensor calibration storage, embedded system configuration retention, and power-meter firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C32C-TH-T datasheet, AT24C32C-TH-T pinout, AT24C32C-TH-T application, or AT24C32C-TH-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–5.5 V operation, 8-lead TSSOP package with NiPdAu lead finish, 1 million write endurance, 100-year data retention, and support for up to eight devices on a shared I²C bus via A0–A2 address pins.

Technical Context

The AT24C32C-TH-T implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA and active-high SCL, supporting standard-mode (400 kHz) and fast-mode (1 MHz) timing. Its internal architecture includes a 12-bit address counter, Schmitt-triggered inputs for noise immunity, and an integrated high-voltage pump for EEPROM write operations.

It uses a cascaded device addressing scheme with three hardware-configurable address pins (A0–A2), enabling up to eight devices on one I²C bus. Write protection is enforced by the WP pin: logic high disables all writes, while logic low enables normal read/write access - critical for safeguarding boot configuration data in field-deployed equipment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C32C-TH-T is packaged in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), 4.4 mm body width, RoHS-compliant with NiPdAu lead finish. Pin 1 is marked with a dot; leads are gull-wing shaped for surface-mount reflow assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M24C32-WMN6TP and CAT24C32WI-GT3, the AT24C32C-TH-T offers verified hardware write protection in a compact TSSOP package with NiPdAu finish for superior solderability and corrosion resistance - making it optimal for space-constrained, security-critical industrial control boards.

Availability

AT24C32C-TH-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart energy meter configuration, and embedded bootloader settings requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for AT24C32C-TH-T 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, with a strong focus on industrial, automotive, and IoT applications.

The AT24C32C series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power, and high-reliability data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where long-term data integrity is mission-critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C32C-TH-T?

The AT24C32C-TH-T supports up to 1 MHz at VCC = 5.0 V and 400 kHz at VCC = 1.8 V. These frequencies are guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and define the upper limit for reliable data transfer rates in host-controller implementations. Exceeding these values may result in ACK/NACK timing violations or incomplete writes.

Does the AT24C32C-TH-T require an external high-voltage programming supply?

No, the AT24C32C-TH-T does not require an external high-voltage supply. It integrates an internal charge pump that generates the necessary voltage for EEPROM cell programming from the standard 1.8–5.5 V VCC rail. This eliminates the need for dedicated VPP pins or external boost circuitry, simplifying board design and reducing BOM count.

How many AT24C32C-TH-T devices can share the same I²C bus?

Up to eight AT24C32C-TH-T devices can operate on a single I²C bus using the A0, A1, and A2 address pins. Each pin can be hardwired to VCC or GND (or left floating, where it is internally pulled down), forming a 3-bit device address that combines with the fixed 4-bit prefix (1010b) to produce a unique 7-bit slave address for each unit.

What is the purpose of the WP pin on the AT24C32C-TH-T?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the AT24C32C-TH-T provides hardware-level write inhibition: when driven high to VCC, it disables all write operations (byte, page, and write-enable commands), preserving memory contents even if the host MCU executes erroneous write sequences. This is essential for protecting critical calibration data or boot configuration in deployed systems.

Is the AT24C32C-TH-T compatible with standard I²C protocol analyzers and development tools?

Yes, the AT24C32C-TH-T fully complies with the standard Philips I²C-bus specification, including START/STOP conditions, ACK/NACK handshaking, and 7-bit addressing. It is interoperable with common I²C debug tools such as Total Phase Beagle I²C Analyzers, Bus Pirate, and Arduino Wire library-based testers - provided pull-up resistors and voltage levels match the device's 1.8–5.5 V operating range.