24LC256-I/MS Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock

Microchip 24LC256-I/MS is a 256 Kbit (32K x 8) I2C serial EEPROM with a 400 kHz bus speed, operating from a 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply with up to 1,000,000 write/erase cycles and 200-year data retention. It features hardware write protection and a 64-byte page write buffer in an 8-pin MSOP package. Available worldwide from authorized distributors.

ACTIVEIntegrated CircuitVerified Jun 2026
Package / Visual Reference
24LC256-I/MSSmall Outline Packages
Quick Facts
Manufacturer
Microchip
Package
Small Outline Packages
Pin Count
8
Lifecycle
ACTIVE
Category
Integrated Circuit
Price
From $0.4260(MOQ 1)
Temp Range
-40.0°C to 85.0°C
RoHS
Compliant
Lead Time
3–7 business days
Shipping
DHL Express · Worldwide

Key Features

  • 256 Kbit (32K x 8) I2C EEPROM with 400 kHz fast-mode support and 64-byte page write buffer for fast sequential writes
  • 1,000,000 minimum write/erase cycle endurance with 200-year data retention for reliable long-life non-volatile storage
  • Hardware write-protect pin (WP) and three address pins (A0/A1/A2) allowing up to 8 devices on a single I2C bus

Applications

The 24LC256-I/MS is widely used for storing configuration data, calibration tables, and event logs in embedded systems such as industrial controllers, medical instruments, and automotive telematics units where compact 8-pin MSOP packaging saves board space. Its 400 kHz I2C interface connects directly to microcontrollers like PIC, AVR, and ARM Cortex-M without any additional glue logic. The hardware write-protect pin and address selection allow multiple EEPROMs to share a single I2C bus, enabling scalable non-volatile storage expansion.

Specifications

Pbfree CodeYes
Manufacturer Package CodeMSOP-8
Factory Lead Time11Weeks
YTEOL8
Clock Frequency-Max (fCLK)0.4MHz
Data Retention Time-Min200
Endurance1000000 Write/Erase Cycles
I2C Control Byte1010DDDR
JESD-30 CodeS-PDSO-G8
JESD-609 Codee3
Memory Density262144bit
Memory IC TypeEEPROM
Memory Width8
Number of Functions1
Number of Ports1
Number of Words32768words
Number of Words Code32000
Operating ModeSYNCHRONOUS
Organization32KX8
Output CharacteristicsOPEN-DRAIN
Package Body MaterialPLASTIC/EPOXY
Package Equivalence CodeSOP8,.19
Package ShapeSQUARE
Package StyleSMALL OUTLINE
Parallel/SerialSERIAL
Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel)260
Programming Voltage4.5V
Qualification StatusNot Qualified
Reverse PinoutNO
Screening LevelAEC-Q100
Serial Bus TypeI2C
Standby Current-Max0.000005A
Supply Current-Max0.003mA
Supply Voltage-Max (Vsup)5.5V
Supply Voltage-Min (Vsup)2.5V
Supply Voltage-Nom (Vsup)4.5V
Surface MountYES
TechnologyCMOS
Temperature GradeINDUSTRIAL
Terminal FinishMatte Tin (Sn)
Terminal FormGULL WING
Terminal Pitch0.65mm
Terminal PositionDUAL
Write Cycle Time-Max (tWC)5ms
Write ProtectionHARDWARE
PackageSmall Outline Packages

Compliance & Regulatory

RoHS StatusCompliant
Lead-FreeYes (Pb-Free)
Moisture Sensitivity LevelMSL 1
ECCNEAR99
HTS Code8542.32.00.51
Country of OriginThailand

Datasheet

24LC256-I/MS Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Microchip

Alternate & Equivalent Parts

Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for 24LC256-I/MS:

24LC256-E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc EEPROM, 32KX8, Serial,

CMOS, PDSO8

View Part →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full 256 Kbit sequential write take on 24LC256-I/MS at 400 kHz I2C?

At 400 kHz I2C clock speed, transferring 32,768 bytes of data requires approximately 820 ms of bus time including address and ACK overhead. However, the 24LC256-I/MS uses an internal 5 ms write cycle per 64-byte page, so a full-device write across 512 pages takes around 2.56 seconds of actual EEPROM write time, regardless of bus speed. Firmware must poll the ACK or use a fixed 5 ms delay between consecutive page writes.

How many 24LC256-I/MS devices can share one I2C bus and how are they addressed?

Up to 8 devices can be connected to a single I2C bus simultaneously using the three hardware address pins (A0, A1, A2), which set the lower 3 bits of the I2C control byte 1010DDDR. Each device responds to a unique 7-bit address from 0x50 to 0x57, enabling a total of 256 Kbit x 8 = 2 Mbit (256 KB) of addressable EEPROM storage on one bus without any external multiplexing.

For a medical device design, how does the 24LC256-I/MS meet data integrity requirements?

The 24LC256-I/MS provides 1,000,000 minimum write/erase cycle endurance per byte location and 200-year data retention at 25°C, meeting the long-life requirements of medical and industrial calibration data. The hardware write-protect pin (WP) locks the entire array when asserted high, preventing accidental overwrites during manufacturing or field use. Combined with I2C bus arbitration, it supports reliable multi-master configurations found in smart sensor and data-logger architectures.

What is the minimum supply voltage for 24LC256-I/MS and does it support 1.8 V microcontroller I/O?

The 24LC256-I/MS operates from a 2.5 V minimum supply, which does not directly support 1.8 V microcontroller I/O without level translation. For 1.8 V systems, Microchip offers the 24AA256 variant with a 1.7 V minimum supply. The -I/MS industrial-grade version is rated for -40°C to +85°C operation in the 8-pin MSOP package, suitable for most non-automotive environments at 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply rails.

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AvailabilityIn Stock
Reference Price (USD)
From $0.4260
Buy from 1pc · Factory-direct pricing
Qty.Unit PriceExt. Price
1+$1.1200$1.12
2+$0.9208$1.84
25+$0.4260$10.65
pcs
Unit price: $1.1200 · Total: $1.12

In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping

Lead Time3-7 business days
MOQFrom 1 piece
ShippingDHL / FedEx / UPS
OriginChina (Authorized)

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Thomas Mueller
Hardware Lead, SensorTech GmbH, Germany