Part A
24LC256-I/SN
마이크로칩 기술
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5651 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- 기억력
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The 24LC256-I/SN and 24LC256-E/SN are functionally equivalent 256 Kbit I²C serial EEPROM devices from Microchip Technology, sharing identical memory density, organization, interface, and package footprint. The primary distinction is the operating temperature range: the I/SN variant is rated for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), while the E/SN variant is rated for extended temperature range (−40°C to +125°C). Because the E/SN variant covers a wider temperature envelope, it can serve as a functional replacement for the I/SN in most applications, provided the higher temperature grade is acceptable and no application-specific constraints prohibit the extended-range device. Designers should verify that the extended temperature variant meets any cost, availability, or qualification requirements before substituting.
Memory Density and Organization
High match
Interface Type
High match
Package Type
High match
Operating Temperature Range
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
24LC256-E/SN
마이크로칩 기술
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7418 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- 기억력
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | 24LC256-I/SN | 24LC256-E/SN | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +125°C | Determines the environments in which the device can reliably operate; the E-grade extended range supports harsher thermal conditions. |
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | Defines the total storage capacity available for data logging or configuration storage. |
| Memory Organization | 32K x 8 | 32K x 8 | Specifies how bytes are arranged, affecting addressing and access patterns in firmware. |
| Interface Type | I²C (2-wire) | I²C (2-wire) | Determines the communication protocol and pin requirements for connecting to a host controller. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | Defines the compatible power rails and ensures proper logic-level operation. |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 400 kHz | 400 kHz | Sets the upper limit for I²C bus speed, impacting read/write throughput. |
| Package / Mounting | 8-SOIC, Surface Mount | 8-SOIC, Surface Mount | Ensures physical and PCB footprint compatibility for drop-in substitution. |
| Write Cycle Time (Max) | 5 ms | 5 ms | Affects how quickly consecutive write operations can be completed in firmware timing loops. |
| Endurance (Write Cycles) | 1,000,000 cycles | 1,000,000 cycles | Indicates the expected lifetime of the memory under repeated write operations. |
| Data Retention | 200 years | 200 years | Specifies how long stored data remains valid without power, critical for long-life applications. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | 24LC256-I/SN | 24LC256-E/SN |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Memory Type | Non-Volatile | Non-Volatile |
| Memory Format | EEPROM | EEPROM |
| Technology | EEPROM | EEPROM |
| Memory Size | 256Kb (32K x 8) | 256Kb (32K x 8) |
| Memory Interface | I²C | I²C |
| Clock Frequency | 400 kHz | 400 kHz |
| Write Cycle Time - Word Page | 5ms | 5ms |
| Access Time | 900 ns | 900 ns |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.5V ~ 5.5V | 2.5V ~ 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 125°C (TA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 24LC256-I/SN and the 24LC256-E/SN?
The primary difference is the operating temperature range. The 24LC256-I/SN is specified for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, while the 24LC256-E/SN is specified for the extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. Both devices are otherwise functionally identical 256 Kbit I²C serial EEPROMs in the same 8-lead SOIC package.
Are the 24LC256-I/SN and 24LC256-E/SN pin-to-pin and functionally compatible?
Yes. Both devices share the same 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, the same pinout, the same 256 Kbit (32 Kbyte) memory organization, the same I²C interface, and the same supply voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V. They differ only in their rated operating temperature range, so they are functionally interchangeable when the application's thermal requirements are satisfied.
Can the 24LC256-I/SN be used as a drop-in replacement for the 24LC256-E/SN?
Yes, provided the application's maximum ambient temperature does not exceed +85°C. The 24LC256-I/SN covers -40°C to +85°C, which is a subset of the 24LC256-E/SN's -40°C to +125°C range. If the design requires operation above +85°C, the 24LC256-E/SN must be used instead.
What is the supply voltage range for both the 24LC256-I/SN and 24LC256-E/SN?
Both devices operate from a supply voltage of 2.5V to 5.5V, as specified in the Microchip 24LC256 datasheet. This applies to both the I and E temperature grade versions.
What is the memory organization and interface of the 24LC256-I/SN and 24LC256-E/SN?
Both are 256 Kbit serial EEPROMs organized as 32,768 bytes (32 Kbytes) with a two-wire I²C-compatible serial interface. They support clock frequencies up to 400 kHz and feature a page write buffer of 64 bytes.
Which temperature grade should be selected for an automotive or industrial application?
For applications with ambient temperatures up to +85°C, the 24LC256-I/SN (industrial grade) is sufficient. For applications requiring operation up to +125°C, such as certain automotive or harsh industrial environments, the 24LC256-E/SN (extended grade) must be selected. The choice depends entirely on the maximum ambient temperature the device will experience.
Do the 24LC256-I/SN and 24LC256-E/SN have the same package and pinout?
Yes. Both are offered in the same 8-lead SOIC package (Microchip package code SN) with identical pin assignments: pins 1–3 are A0–A2, pin 4 is VSS, pin 5 is SDA, pin 6 is SCL, pin 7 is WP, and pin 8 is VCC.
Are the 24LC256-I/SN and 24LC256-E/SN RoHS compliant?
Both devices are available in RoHS-compliant, lead-free versions as indicated by Microchip's product identification system. The "SN" package suffix denotes the 8-lead SOIC package, and Microchip offers this package in both leaded and lead-free (RoHS-compliant) finishes. Designers should verify the specific ordering part number for the desired environmental compliance.