Specifications
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 24LC256 |
| Manufacturer | Microchip |
| Product Type | Serial EEPROM |
| Category | Memory & Storage |
| Package / Case | 8-lead PDIP, SOIC, SOIJ, DFN, TDFN, TSSOP, MSOP; CS package also shown for 24AA256 only |
| Memory Organization | 32K x 8, 256 Kbit |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.5-5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 400 kHz |
| Industrial Temperature Range | -40 to +85 °C |
| Automotive Temperature Range | -40 to +125 °C |
| Page Write Buffer | 64 bytes |
| Page Write Time | 5 ms max |
| Cascadable Devices | Up to 8 devices; MSOP supports up to 2 devices |
| Absolute Maximum VCC | 6.5 V |
| Input/Output Voltage Range | -0.6 V to VCC + 1.0 V |
| Storage Temperature | -65 to +150 °C |
| ESD Protection | >=4 kV |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 cycles min |
| Data Retention | >200 years |
| Write Protect Function | WP tied to VSS enables writes; WP tied to VCC inhibits writes |
| Serial Interface | 2-wire I2C compatible |
| Datasheet Status | request_only |
Product Overview
The 24LC256 is a Microchip 256 Kbit I2C Serial EEPROM for Memory & Storage applications. Its memory organization is 32K x 8, and communication uses a 2-wire I2C-compatible interface with bidirectional open-drain SDA and serial clock SCL terminals.
For the 24LC256, the operating supply range is 2.5 V to 5.5 V, and the maximum clock frequency is 400 kHz. Timing limits include 600 ns minimum clock high time, 1300 ns minimum clock low time, 600 ns start and stop setup timing, and 900 ns maximum output valid time from clock.
Write operation support includes a 64-byte page write buffer, 5 ms maximum byte or page write cycle time, and write protect behavior where WP tied to VSS enables writes while WP tied to VCC inhibits writes. Up to eight devices can be cascaded using A0, A1, and A2 chip address inputs, while MSOP supports up to two devices. Package options include 8-lead PDIP, SOIC, SOIJ, DFN, TDFN, TSSOP, and MSOP.
Key Features
- 256 Kbit EEPROM organized as 32K x 8
- 2-wire I2C-compatible serial interface
- 2.5 V to 5.5 V operating supply range
- 400 kHz maximum clock frequency
- 64-byte page write buffer
- 5 ms maximum byte or page write cycle
- Up to eight cascadable devices using address pins
- Write protect pin inhibits writes when tied high
- Industrial and automotive temperature grade support
- Data retention specified above 200 years
- 1,000,000 cycle minimum page-mode endurance
Typical Applications
- Embedded nonvolatile parameter storage
- I2C configuration memory
- Industrial control memory storage
- Automotive temperature EEPROM designs
- Board identification data storage
- Write-protected calibration data
- Multi-device I2C memory expansion
Procurement Notes
When requesting a quote for 24LC256, buyers should confirm the manufacturer, package or case, required quantity, target date code, compliance documents, packing method, destination country and expected delivery schedule.
If alternatives are acceptable, buyers should share the approved vendor list, required electrical or optical limits, package constraints and qualification requirements. Any alternative part should be reviewed by the buyer's engineering team before production use.
For memory and storage sourcing, density, organization, speed grade, voltage, package, temperature grade, date code, lifecycle status and original packing condition should be verified before approval.
FAQ
What memory organization does the 24LC256 provide?
The 24LC256 provides 256 Kbit of EEPROM memory organized as 32Kx8. This organization is listed for the 24AA256, 24LC256, and 24FC256 family description.
What supply voltage and clock speed does 24LC256 support?
For the 24LC256 device selection, the operating supply voltage is 2.5 V to 5.5 V. Within that supply range, the specified maximum I2C clock frequency is 400 kHz.
How does the write protect pin work on 24LC256?
The write protect function allows writes when WP is tied to VSS. When WP is tied to VCC, write operations are inhibited. Read operations are unaffected.
How many 24LC256 devices can share an I2C bus?
Using the A0, A1, and A2 chip address inputs, up to eight devices can be cascaded. The MSOP package supports up to two devices.
What is the endurance and data retention of the 24LC256?
The 24LC256 provides a minimum endurance of 1,000,000 program/erase cycles and data retention greater than 200 years, suited for long-term configuration storage.
What sourcing support is available for the 24LC256?
The 24LC256 is available with sourcing support through LDeepAI. Please contact our team via the RFQ page for current availability and lead time information.
Technical Review & Sourcing Note
Prepared by LDeepAI Component Sourcing Team. Reviewed for RFQ, documentation and alternative sourcing use. Last updated: June 30, 2026.
This page is based on manufacturer datasheet information and LDeepAI sourcing review. Specifications should be verified against the official manufacturer datasheet before final procurement or design approval. Final electrical, optical and reliability approval should be confirmed by the buyer's engineering team.