NXP Semiconductors PCF8594C-2T/02,112

Overview

PCF8594C-2T/02 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a 4 kbit (512 × 8-bit) I²C-bus EEPROM with on-chip voltage multiplier, 2.5–6.0 V single-supply operation, and hardware write protection via WP pin. It supports byte and 8-byte page writes, internal E/W timing (7 ms/byte), and delivers ≤60 µA read current at 2.5 V - used for configuration storage in industrial controllers and embedded sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the PCF8594C-2T/02 datasheet, PCF8594C-2T/02 pinout, PCF8594C-2T/02 application, or PCF8594C-2T/02 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100 kHz I²C clock limit, 1 M cycle endurance at 22 °C, 10-year data retention at 55 °C, SO8 package compatibility, and A1/A2 address-selectable multi-device bus topology.

Technical Context

The PCF8594C-2T/02 implements a serial I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit device address (1010xxxA0), where A2 and A1 are hardware-configurable pins enabling up to four devices per bus. Its internal sequencer handles all E/W timing without external components, and PTC (Pin 7) supports optional external clock synchronization for precise write-cycle control.

Memory organization uses redundant storage coding for single-bit error tolerance, enhancing reliability over standard EEPROMs. The device features internal power-on reset, no internal pull-ups on A1/A2, and operates across −40 °C to +85 °C ambient temperature with full CMOS low-power design.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCF8594C-2T/02 is housed in an SO8 (SOT96-1) plastic small outline package, 3.9 mm body width, 1.27 mm lead pitch, surface-mount compatible.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C04-PU and M95040-WMN6TP, the PCF8594C-2T/02 uniquely combines I²C multi-drop capability, hardware write protection per memory half, and redundant storage - making it optimal for safety-critical, long-lifecycle industrial systems where data integrity outweighs raw speed.

Availability

PCF8594C-2T/02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PCF8594C-2T/02 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

NXP Semiconductors, formerly Philips Semiconductors, designs high-reliability analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The PCF8594C-2T/02 belongs to NXP's legacy I²C EEPROM family engineered for robust non-volatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with strict reliability and longevity requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the PCF8594C-2T/02?

The PCF8594C-2T/02 supports I²C standard-mode operation only, with a maximum clock frequency of 100 kHz. It does not support fast-mode (400 kHz) or high-speed mode. This limitation is defined in the device's electrical characteristics table and confirmed in the functional description section of the datasheet. The PCF8594C-2T/02 relies on internal timing for write operations and does not require external clocking for basic I²C communication.

How does the WP (Write Protect) pin function on the PCF8594C-2T/02?

The WP pin on the PCF8594C-2T/02 is an active-HIGH write protection input. When WP = HIGH, writes to the upper 256-byte page (addresses 0x100–0x1FF) are disabled - only the lower 256-byte page (0x000–0x0FF) remains writable. When WP = LOW, both pages are accessible. The PCF8594C-2T/02 responds with no acknowledge during attempted writes to protected memory, preserving data integrity without software intervention.

Can multiple PCF8594C-2T/02 devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes - up to four PCF8594C-2T/02 devices can operate on a single I²C bus using hardware address selection via A1 and A2 pins. Each device is assigned a unique 7-bit slave address (1010A2A1A0), where A2 and A1 are hardwired to VDD or VSS, and A0 is software-selectable. This enables 16 kbit aggregate storage (4 × 4 kbit) without address conflicts or additional bus controllers.

What is the endurance rating and data retention specification for the PCF8594C-2T/02?

The PCF8594C-2T/02 guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 22 °C and 10 years of data retention at 55 °C. These values are measured per byte and verified under specified operating conditions (VDD = 2.5–6.0 V, Tamb = −40 °C to +85 °C). Endurance degrades at elevated temperatures, and retention decreases above 55 °C - both parameters are explicitly tabulated in the "Characteristics" and "Write cycle limits" sections of the datasheet.

Does the PCF8594C-2T/02 require external components for programming voltage generation?

No - the PCF8594C-2T/02 integrates an on-chip voltage multiplier that generates the required programming voltage internally. This eliminates the need for external high-voltage supplies, charge pumps, or boost converters. The device operates from a single 2.5–6.0 V supply, and all E/W timing is managed autonomously by the internal sequencer, requiring zero external timing components.