NXP Semiconductors PCF8598C-2T/02,112

Overview

PCF8598C-2T/02 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a 1024 × 8-bit (8 kbit) I²C-bus EEPROM with on-chip voltage multiplier, redundant storage code for single-bit error tolerance, and internal write timing control. It operates from 2.5 V to 6.0 V, supports up to 100 kHz I²C clock, and delivers 1,000,000 write cycles at 22 °C - used in industrial control modules for non-volatile parameter storage.

For engineers reviewing the PCF8598C-2T/02 datasheet, PCF8598C-2T/02 pinout, PCF8598C-2T/02 application, or PCF8598C-2T/02 equivalent, key selection criteria include its SO8 package compatibility, hardware address select via A2 pin, WP-controlled 512-byte write protection, and 10-year data retention at 55 °C.

Technical Context

The PCF8598C-2T/02 implements an I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit device address (1010A2A1A0R/W), where A2 is hardware-selectable and A1/A0 are software-configurable to select one of four 256-byte pages. Its internal sequencer handles byte and 8-byte page writes without external timing components.

It uses floating-gate CMOS technology with on-chip charge pump for programming voltage generation, eliminating need for external VPP. The PTC pin (Pin 7) enables optional external clock synchronization for E/W cycle timing, and the WP pin (Pin 1) provides hardware-level write protection for upper/lower 512-byte blocks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCF8598C-2T/02 is supplied in an SO8 (SOT176-1) plastic small outline package, 8-lead, 7.5 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 AT24C08D-SSHM-T and M95080-DRMN6TP/K, the PCF8598C-2T/02 uniquely combines redundant storage for enhanced reliability, hardware-selectable addressing, and sub-10 µA standby current - making it optimal for mission-critical industrial and automotive parameter storage where data integrity and low power coexist.

Availability

PCF8598C-2T/02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer appliance configuration, telecom line card provisioning, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for PCF8598C-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 communication markets.

The PCF8598C-2T/02 belongs to NXP's legacy I²C EEPROM product line, engineered for robust non-volatile storage in harsh environments with extended temperature operation and fault-tolerant data retention.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the PCF8598C-2T/02?

The PCF8598C-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), where fSCL is rated 0–100 kHz. Exceeding this frequency may result in unreliable ACK generation or data corruption during read/write cycles.

How does the WP pin affect write access to the PCF8598C-2T/02 memory array?

When the WP pin of the PCF8598C-2T/02 is driven HIGH, write access to the upper 512 bytes (addresses 0x200–0x3FF) is disabled - the device will not acknowledge write attempts to that block. Writes to the lower 512 bytes (0x000–0x1FF) remain enabled. When WP is LOW, full 1024-byte write access is permitted. This hardware-level protection operates independently of software commands and persists across power cycles.

Can multiple PCF8598C-2T/02 devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes - up to two PCF8598C-2T/02 devices can operate on a single I²C bus using the A2 pin for hardware address differentiation. Each device responds to a unique 7-bit slave address (1010_0xxR/W or 1010_1xxR/W), enabling 16 kbit aggregate capacity. A1 and A0 pins are software-selectable to choose among four 256-byte pages per device, supporting flexible memory mapping without external decoding logic.

What is the purpose of the PTC pin on the PCF8598C-2T/02?

The PTC (Programming Time Control) pin (Pin 7) on the PCF8598C-2T/02 serves as an open-drain output that signals active E/W cycles. During internal write operations, it pulls LOW; otherwise, it remains HIGH or floats. It can also be used as an input to synchronize the E/W cycle with an external clock source - when driven LOW after the eighth SCL edge of the word address, the device switches from internal to external timing control, allowing precise write duration adjustment.

Does the PCF8598C-2T/02 require an external high-voltage supply for programming?

No - the PCF8598C-2T/02 integrates an on-chip voltage multiplier that generates the required programming voltage from the standard 2.5–6.0 V VDD supply. This eliminates the need for external VPP circuitry, simplifies PCB layout, and reduces BOM count. The voltage multiplier is explicitly cited in the Description section and confirmed in the Block Diagram (Fig 1), where "POWER-ON-RESET" and "OSCILLATOR" feed the "EE CONTROL TIMER" and "EEPROM" blocks.