NXP Semiconductors PCF8594C-2T/02,118

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 fault-tolerant redundant storage code. It supports byte and 8-byte page writes, internal write timing, and operates up to 100 kHz clock frequency. Used for non-volatile parameter storage in industrial control panels 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 considerations include its SO8 package, WP-enabled hardware write protection, A1/A2 address select for multi-device I²C bus configuration, and 1 M cycle endurance at 22 °C.

Technical Context

The PCF8594C-2T/02 implements a serial I²C interface compliant with standard-mode (100 kHz max) timing, using open-drain SDA/SCL with external pull-ups. Its internal sequencer handles all E/W cycle timing, eliminating need for external components - PTC pin (7) configures internal vs. external clock mode.

Memory organization uses 512 × 8-bit array split into two 256-byte pages selected by software-addressable A0 bit; hardware address inputs A1 and A2 enable up to four devices per bus. Redundant storage coding provides single-bit error tolerance, enhancing reliability beyond conventional EEPROMs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCF8594C-2T/02 is supplied in an SO8 (SOT96-1) plastic small outline package, 8-lead, 3.9 mm body width, 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 delivers superior data integrity via redundant storage coding and simpler multi-device addressing with A1/A2 pins, making it optimal for industrial I²C systems prioritizing long-term reliability over raw speed or interface flexibility.

Availability

PCF8594C-2T/02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, smart sensor nodes, medical diagnostic devices, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

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 is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The PCF8594C-2T/02 belongs to NXP's legacy EEPROM family designed for reliable, low-power non-volatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with I²C infrastructure.

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 specified in the functional description section of the datasheet and confirmed in Table 8 (I²C-bus characteristics). The PCF8594C-2T/02 relies on internal timing for write cycles and does not require external clock synchronization beyond this rate.

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 input that controls write access to memory pages. When WP is HIGH, writes to the upper 256-byte page are disabled and will not be acknowledged; only the lower 256-byte page remains writable. When WP is LOW, both pages are fully accessible. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental overwrites during system operation and is independent of I²C command sequencing.

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

Yes, up to four PCF8594C-2T/02 devices can operate on the same I²C bus. Each device is uniquely addressed using the A1 and A2 hardware pins, which configure bits b3 and b2 of the 7-bit slave address. The A0 bit is software-selectable, allowing each device to expose two 256-byte pages. This enables a total of 16 kbit (2 kB) of addressable memory across four devices without external multiplexing.

What is the endurance specification for the PCF8594C-2T/02?

The PCF8594C-2T/02 guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at Tamb = 22 °C, as stated in the Features section and Table 9 (Write cycle limits). Endurance decreases at elevated temperatures: at full operating range (−40 °C to +85 °C), minimum endurance is 100,000 cycles per byte. This rating applies to individual memory locations and is validated under standard I²C write conditions with proper timing compliance.

Does the PCF8594C-2T/02 require external components for write operation?

No, the PCF8594C-2T/02 requires no external components for write operation. Its on-chip voltage multiplier generates the necessary programming voltage, and internal timer circuitry manages E/W cycle timing. The PTC pin (7) may be tied to VDD or left open to select internal oscillator mode - no external capacitor, resistor, or clock source is needed. Only standard I²C pull-up resistors on SDA/SCL are required for bus operation.