Microchip Technology AT24C512B-TH-T

Overview

AT24C512B-TH-T from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 512 Kbit (65,536 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM with 1.8 V to 3.6 V operation, 128-byte page write capability, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 1 MHz I²C compatibility at 2.5–5.5 V. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in industrial controllers, embedded sensors, and power management units requiring low-voltage reliability.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C512B-TH-T datasheet, AT24C512B-TH-T pinout, AT24C512B-TH-T application, or AT24C512B-TH-T equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage range (1.8V–3.6V), TSSOP-8 package footprint, 40-year data retention, 1,000,000 write endurance, and cascading support for up to eight devices on a shared I²C bus.

Technical Context

The AT24C512B-TH-T implements a standard two-wire (I²C-compatible) interface with Schmitt-triggered, noise-filtered SDA/SCL inputs and open-drain bidirectional data transfer. Its internal architecture features a 16-bit address counter, 512-page memory organization (128 bytes/page), and hardware/software write protection logic tied to the WP pin state.

It supports both byte and page write modes, with self-timed internal write cycles (≤5 ms), acknowledge polling for completion detection, and automatic address roll-over during sequential reads/writes. Device addressing uses three hardwired A2–A0 pins, enabling up to eight devices per bus without external decoding logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C512B-TH-T is packaged in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP) with 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and NiPdAu lead finish. Pin 1 is located at the bottom-left corner when viewing the top marking side with the notch or dot oriented left.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C512D-SSHM-T and M24512-RDW6TP/K, the AT24C512B-TH-T offers optimized board space via TSSOP-8, guaranteed 1.8 V operation down to 1.8 V (not 1.7 V), and Atmel's proven 40-year data retention profile - making it preferred for space-constrained industrial controllers where long-term configurability is mission-critical.

Availability

AT24C512B-TH-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, smart energy meters, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AT24C512B-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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full product support, qualification, and manufacturing continuity for the AT24Cxx EEPROM family.

The AT24C512B belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for low-power, high-reliability nonvolatile storage in space- and energy-constrained embedded systems across industrial, medical, and automotive markets.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the AT24C512B-TH-T?

The AT24C512B-TH-T operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, supporting low-voltage microcontrollers and battery-powered systems. This range is distinct from the 2.5 V–5.5 V variant (e.g., AT24C512B-TH25-T); using the wrong voltage version may cause functional failure or reduced reliability. Always verify the suffix (-TH-T = 1.8 V version) before design-in.

Does the AT24C512B-TH-T support I²C fast-mode (400 kHz) and fast-mode plus (1 MHz)?

Yes, the AT24C512B-TH-T supports 400 kHz at 1.8 V and up to 1 MHz at 2.5–5.5 V. Since the AT24C512B-TH-T is the 1.8 V variant, its maximum guaranteed clock frequency is 400 kHz. Attempting 1 MHz operation at 1.8 V violates AC specifications and may result in read/write errors or bus lockup.

How many AT24C512B-TH-T devices can share the same I²C bus?

Up to eight AT24C512B-TH-T devices can share a single I²C bus using the A2, A1, and A0 address pins. Each pin must be hardwired to GND or VCC to generate a unique 3-bit hardware address, yielding device addresses from 0x50 to 0x57. Floating address pins default to GND but are not recommended due to noise susceptibility.

What is the purpose of the WP pin on the AT24C512B-TH-T?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the AT24C512B-TH-T provides hardware-level memory locking: connecting WP to VCC disables all write operations (including page and byte writes), while grounding WP enables full read/write access. This feature prevents accidental overwrites during power transitions or firmware bugs - a critical safeguard in safety-critical AT24C512B-TH-T deployments.

Is the AT24C512B-TH-T pin-compatible with other AT24C512 variants?

Yes, the AT24C512B-TH-T shares identical pinout and function mapping with all AT24C512x variants in TSSOP-8 (8A2) packaging, including AT24C512B-TH25-T and AT24C512D-TH-T. Voltage range and temperature grade differ by suffix, but PCB layout, schematic symbol, and firmware drivers remain fully interchangeable across these TSSOP-8 versions.