The Microchip 24LC01BT-I/LT: A Benchmark in 1K I²C Serial EEPROM Reliability
In the realm of embedded systems and electronics design, the need for reliable, non-volatile memory for data storage is paramount. The Microchip 24LC01BT-I/LT stands as a fundamental solution, offering designers a robust and industry-standard method for storing critical parameters, calibration data, and system settings. This 1Kbit I²C Serial EEPROM memory chip encapsulates a powerful combination of density, interface efficiency, and packaging versatility, making it a perennial choice for a vast array of applications.
Core Architecture and Interface
At its heart, the 24LC01BT-I/LT provides 1024 bits of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) organized as 128 x 8 bytes. This organization is ideally suited for storing small but essential datasets that must be retained when system power is removed. The device communicates via the I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) serial protocol, a two-wire interface comprising a serial data line (SDA) and a serial clock line (SCL). This widely adopted standard minimizes the number of I/O pins required on a host microcontroller, simplifying board layout and reducing system cost. The chip supports a 400 kHz clock rate, ensuring adequate speed for most configuration and data-logging tasks.
Key Features and Operational Characteristics
The 24LC01BT-I/LT is designed for exceptional reliability and ease of integration. It features a page write capability of 8 bytes, allowing for efficient writing of small blocks of data. Critically, it incorporates hardware data protection through three address pins (A0, A1, A2), enabling up to eight of these devices to be connected on the same I²C bus without address conflicts, thereby effectively expanding the available memory space. The device operates from a single power supply ranging from 1.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with a wide spectrum of modern microcontrollers operating at both 3.3V and 5V logic levels. This wide voltage range is crucial for battery-powered and portable applications. Furthermore, it boasts a high endurance of 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and data retention of over 200 years, ensuring data integrity over the product's lifetime.
Application Spectrum
The versatility of this EEPROM chip sees it deployed across countless industries. Common applications include:
Consumer Electronics: Storing user preferences, calibration constants, and last-state data in devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and audio equipment.
Industrial Systems: Housing configuration parameters for sensors, actuators, and PLCs in harsh environments.
Medical Devices: Safely retaining device calibration and usage data in portable medical monitors and diagnostic tools.
Automotive Electronics: Used in non-critical modules for storing serial numbers and other immutable data.
Packaging and Environmental Suitability
The "LT" suffix in the part number denotes that the device is offered in a space-saving SOT-23 5-lead package. This ultra-small form factor is essential for modern, miniaturized PCB designs. The "-I" industrial grade rating signifies its operational temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring stable and reliable performance across a broad range of demanding environmental conditions.
ICGOODFIND: The Microchip 24LC01BT-I/LT remains an industry-standard I²C EEPROM due to its proven reliability, minimal footprint, and simple two-wire interface. Its wide operating voltage, extensive temperature range, and robust data integrity metrics make it an indispensable component for designers seeking a trustworthy non-volatile memory solution for virtually any application.
Keywords: I²C EEPROM, Non-volatile Memory, Serial Memory, Microchip Technology, SOT-23 Package
