The Microchip 24AA02-I/SN: A Benchmark in 2K I2C Serial EEPROM Reliability

In the realm of embedded systems and IoT devices, the need for reliable, small-form-factor, non-volatile memory is paramount. The Microchip 24AA02-I/SN stands out as a fundamental component designed to meet this exact need. This 2Kbit (256 x 8) Serial EEPROM memory chip leverages the ubiquitous I²C protocol, making it an ideal choice for storing critical calibration data, application parameters, or identification codes across a vast array of consumer and industrial applications.

A key strength of the 24AA02-I/SN is its robust and industry-standard I2C serial interface. Operating across a broad voltage range (1.7V to 5.5V), it ensures compatibility with various microcontrollers and processors, from modern low-power designs to legacy 5V systems. The device supports clock speeds of up to 400 kHz, facilitating efficient data transfer while maintaining a simple two-wire connection (SDA and SCL) that drastically reduces board space and interconnect complexity.

Beyond its basic functionality, this EEPROM integrates several features that enhance data integrity and system security. It includes built-in hardware write-protection via a dedicated WP (Write-Protect) pin. When asserted, this pin locks the entire memory array, preventing accidental or malicious overwriting of stored data—a critical feature for mission-critical applications. Furthermore, the chip employs an advanced page-write buffer, allowing writes of up to 16 bytes per operation, which optimizes write efficiency and reduces overall software overhead.

The 24AA02-I/SN is designed for endurance and longevity. It boasts an impressive endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles and offers a data retention period of over 200 years. This reliability ensures that data remains intact through the entire lifecycle of the product it serves. Packaged in the space-saving 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, it is perfectly suited for high-density PCB designs. Its extended industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) guarantees stable operation in environmentally challenging conditions.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip 24AA02-I/SN encapsulates the essential qualities of a perfect auxiliary memory solution: simplicity, reliability, and a tiny footprint. Its combination of a standard I²C interface, robust data protection features, and exceptional endurance makes it a go-to component for designers seeking a proven and dependable memory chip for their embedded designs.

Keywords: I2C Interface, Serial EEPROM, Non-Volatile Memory, Data Retention, Write Protection.