Microchip Technology AT24HC02B-TH-T

Overview

AT24HC02B-TH-T from Microchip Technology is an I²C-compatible automotive-grade serial EEPROM with 2-Kbit (256 × 8) memory organization, operating across 2.5V–5.5V supply and qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, 16-byte page write capability, and ultra-low standby current of 18 μA max at 5.0V - deployed in engine control units, ADAS sensor modules, and body electronics for nonvolatile parameter storage.

For engineers reviewing the AT24HC02B-TH-T datasheet, AT24HC02B-TH-T pinout, AT24HC02B-TH-T application, or AT24HC02B-TH-T equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, I²C Fast Mode (400 kHz) support, 5 ms max write cycle time, and SOIC-8/TSSOP-8 package compatibility with board-level thermal and EMI constraints in under-hood environments.

Technical Context

The AT24HC02B-TH-T implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-triggered SCL/SDA inputs and integrated noise filtering, enabling robust operation in electrically noisy automotive domains. Its memory array is organized as 256 words × 8 bits, addressable via 7-bit device address (1010xxxR/W) with A1/A2 hardware address pins supporting up to four devices on one bus.

Write protection is implemented through a dedicated WP pin that disables writes to the upper half of memory when pulled high; internally pulled down if floating. The device incorporates Power-on Reset (POR) with 100 µs tPUP delay and self-timed internal write cycles completing within 5 ms - no external timing control required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24HC02B-TH-T is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.1 mm height), optimized for thermal dissipation and PCB space efficiency in dense automotive modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24HC02B-TH-T, AT24C02D-SSHM-T lacks automotive qualification and thermal margin, while M95256-DFMN6TP replaces I²C with SPI and removes hardware write protection - making AT24HC02B-TH-T the sole option meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 1, I²C interface, and WP-pin security in one package.

Availability

AT24HC02B-TH-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS sensor modules, and body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24HC02B-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 memory solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The AT24HC02B-TH-T belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for reliable nonvolatile data storage in harsh-temperature, high-noise vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24HC02B-TH-T?

The AT24HC02B-TH-T supports I²C Fast Mode up to 400 kHz, with AC timing parameters fully characterized per Table 4-3 of the official datasheet. This allows efficient bulk reads/writes while maintaining noise immunity in automotive bus environments - no external clock dividers or protocol adapters are needed to achieve this speed.

Does the AT24HC02B-TH-T require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the AT24HC02B-TH-T requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines. For 400 kHz operation, Microchip specifies a maximum SDA pull-up of 1.3 kΩ; SCL may use the same value. These resistors ensure proper signal rise times (<300 ns) and bus contention handling in multi-slave configurations typical in automotive ECUs.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24HC02B-TH-T?

On the AT24HC02B-TH-T, the WP pin provides hardware-level protection: when pulled high to VCC, it inhibits writes to the upper half (1K) of memory; when grounded, full memory access is enabled. Internally pulled down if floating, ensuring safe default behavior - critical for preventing unintended overwrites during power-up or CAN bus glitches.

Is the AT24HC02B-TH-T pin-compatible with the AT24HC04B series?

No, the AT24HC02B-TH-T is not pin-compatible with the AT24HC04B. While both use 8-lead TSSOP/SOIC packages and share identical pin functions (A1, A2, WP, SDA, SCL, GND, VCC), the AT24HC02B-TH-T has NC on pin 1, whereas AT24HC04B uses pin 1 for NC but defines A1 on pin 2 - matching physical layout but differing memory mapping and device addressing behavior in system firmware.

What is the write endurance and data retention specification for the AT24HC02B-TH-T?

The AT24HC02B-TH-T guarantees 1,000,000 write cycles and 100 years of data retention at 55°C, per Table 4-6 in the official Microchip datasheet. These figures are validated through accelerated life testing and qualify the device for long-term deployment in safety-critical automotive applications such as airbag controllers and brake-by-wire calibration storage.