AT24C256C
Every spec below is cited to the manufacturer datasheet. Compare the closest alternatives, then ask the assistant what it means for your design.
What the AT24C256C does
The AT24C256C is a 256-Kbit I2C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 32,768 words of eight bits each. It operates across a wide voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V and supports clock speeds up to 1MHz at higher voltages. The device offers 1,000,000 write cycle endurance and 40 years of data retention. Available in SOIC, TSSOP, UDFN, and VFBGA packages, it supports cascading up to eight devices on a single bus. Engineers typically use this component in industrial and commercial applications requiring low-power and low-voltage operation. It includes a write protect pin for hardware security and allows 64-byte page writes with partial page support.
Datasheet parameters
| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| quiescent current | — | 2 mA | 3 mA | VCC = 5.0V; Write at 400kHz; icc2; DC Characteristics | Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — Table 5-2. DC Characteristics |
| supply voltage range | 1.7 V | — | 5.5 V | vcc1; DC Characteristics | Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — Table 5-2. DC Characteristics |
| operating temperature | -40 °C | — | 85 °C | Industrial Temperature | Microchip datasheet, p. 15 — 12.1 Atmel AT24C256C Ordering Information |
| clock frequency | — | 1 MHz | — | VCC = 2.5V to 5.0V | Microchip datasheet, p. 5 — Table 5-3. AC Characteristics (Industrial Temperature) |
| standby current | — | — | 1 µA | VCC = 1.7V; VIN = VCCor VSS; isb1; DC Characteristics | Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — Table 5-2. DC Characteristics |
| input capacitance | 6 pF | — | 6 pF | VIN = 0V; cin(a0, a1, a2, and scl); Pin Capacitance $ ^{(1)} $ | Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — Table 5-1. Pin Capacitance |
| output capacitance | 8 pF | — | 8 pF | VI/O = 0V; ci(sda); Pin Capacitance $ ^{(1)} $ | Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — Table 5-1. Pin Capacitance |
| rise time | — | — | 300 ns | tr | Microchip datasheet, p. 5 — Table 5-3. AC Characteristics (Industrial Temperature) |
| fall time | — | — | 300 ns | tf | Microchip datasheet, p. 5 — Table 5-3. AC Characteristics (Industrial Temperature) |
| memory size | — | 262 kbit | — | Microchip datasheet, p. 1 | |
| data retention | — | 40 year | — | Microchip datasheet, p. 1 | |
| program erase cycles | — | 1 Mcycle | — | Microchip datasheet, p. 1 | |
| page program time | — | 5 ms | — | Microchip datasheet, p. 5 — Table 5-3. AC Characteristics (Industrial Temperature) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the clock frequency when VCC = 2.5V to 5.0V?
The clock frequency is 1 MHz when VCC = 2.5V to 5.0V.
What is the data retention period for the AT24C256C?
The data retention is 40 year.
What is the fall time (tf) specification for the AT24C256C?
The fall time (tf) is 300 ns.
What is the input capacitance of the AT24C256C when VIN = 0V for pins a0, a1, a2, and scl?
The input capacitance is 6 pF.
What is the memory size of the AT24C256C?
The memory size is 262 kbit.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the AT24C256C under Industrial Temperature conditions?
The maximum operating temperature is 85 °C.
What is the output capacitance of the AT24C256C?
The output capacitance is 8 pF when VI/O = 0V and measured at the SDA pin.
What is the page program time for the AT24C256C?
The page program time is 5 ms.
What is the program erase cycle endurance for the AT24C256C?
The program erase cycle endurance is 1 Mcycle.
What is the quiescent current (icc2) for the AT24C256C when VCC = 5.0V and writing at 400kHz?
The quiescent current is 2 mA.
What is the rise time (tr) of the AT24C256C?
The rise time (tr) is 300 ns.
What is the standby current (isb1) when VCC = 1.7V and VIN = VCC or VSS?
The standby current is 1 µA.