Part A
24LC256T-I/SM
Tecnologia Microchip
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4207 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Memória
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM are functionally equivalent 256 Kbit I²C serial EEPROM devices sharing identical memory density, interface protocol, and supply voltage range. The primary distinction lies in the operating temperature grade and package form factor, making the 24LC256T-I/SM a viable replacement candidate for the 24LC256-E/SN provided the target application's thermal environment and PCB footprint accommodate the industrial temperature rating and SOIC package.
Memory Density
High match
Interface Protocol
High match
Operating Temperature
Validation required
Package Type
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
24LC256-E/SN
Tecnologia Microchip
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7418 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Memória
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-E/SN | 24LC256T-I/SM | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C (Extended) | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) | The extended temperature version supports harsher environments such as automotive or industrial applications, while the industrial version is limited to standard commercial/industrial conditions. |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIC (SOIC-8, 3.90mm width) | 8-SOIJ (SOIC-8, 5.28mm width) | Different package footprints affect PCB layout and solderability; SOIJ is a wider body variant that is not drop-in compatible with standard SOIC footprints. |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Both are surface-mount devices, so the assembly process is compatible, but the package width difference still requires layout adjustment. |
| Packaging / Ordering Format | Tube | Tape & Reel | Packaging format affects automated pick-and-place assembly and inventory handling; tape and reel is preferred for high-volume production. |
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | Identical memory density ensures the same storage capacity for firmware, configuration, or data logging applications. |
| Memory Interface / Protocol | I²C (2-wire serial) | I²C (2-wire serial) | Both use the same I²C protocol, so the host controller firmware and bus topology remain compatible. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | Identical voltage range allows operation from common 3.3V and 5V rails without level shifting. |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 400 kHz (standard I²C) | 400 kHz (standard I²C) | Same maximum clock speed means equivalent read/write throughput and timing compatibility with the I²C master. |
| Write Cycle Time (Max) | 5 ms | 5 ms | Identical write cycle time ensures the same firmware timing margins for page write operations. |
| Endurance / Data Retention | 1,000,000 write cycles; >200 years retention | 1,000,000 write cycles; >200 years retention | Equivalent endurance and retention ratings confirm both devices are suitable for the same long-life data storage applications. |
Need help validating a replacement?
Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | 24LC256T-I/SM | 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 are the key differences between the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM?
The 24LC256-E/SN is a 256 Kbit I2C serial EEPROM in an 8-lead SOIC package with an extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. The 24LC256T-I/SM is the same 256 Kbit I2C serial EEPROM in an 8-lead SOIJ package with an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The primary differences are the package type and the specified operating temperature range.
Are the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM functionally interchangeable?
Both devices are 256 Kbit I2C serial EEPROMs with the same memory organization, voltage range, and I2C interface. However, they differ in package footprint and temperature grade. Direct substitution requires verifying that the PCB land pattern accommodates the package difference and that the target application's temperature requirements are met by the selected grade.
What is the memory organization of the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM?
Both devices provide 256 Kbits of memory organized as 32,768 words of 8 bits each. They support page write operations with a 64-byte page size and random/sequential read operations via the I2C bus.
What supply voltage range do the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM support?
Both devices operate from a supply voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V, making them suitable for low-voltage and standard 3.3V or 5V systems.
What is the maximum clock frequency of the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM?
Both devices support I2C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz (Fast mode) across the full supply voltage range, and up to 1 MHz for certain voltage conditions as specified in the manufacturer datasheet.
What package types are used for the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM?
The 24LC256-E/SN uses an 8-lead SOIC (150 mil) package. The 24LC256T-I/SM uses an 8-lead SOIJ (208 mil) package. The "T" in 24LC256T-I/SM indicates tape and reel packaging, while the 24LC256-E/SN is typically supplied in tubes unless otherwise specified.
What are the operating temperature ranges for the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM?
The 24LC256-E/SN is rated for the extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. The 24LC256T-I/SM is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The extended grade of the 24LC256-E/SN covers a wider high-temperature range than the industrial grade of the 24LC256T-I/SM.
Do the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-I/SM have the same I2C device address?
Yes. Both devices use the same I2C slave address format with a fixed prefix and three address pins (A0, A1, A2) that allow up to eight devices on the same bus. The device address is identical between the two part numbers.
Which part should be selected for a design requiring operation above +85°C?
The 24LC256-E/SN should be selected for applications requiring operation above +85°C, as it is rated for the extended temperature range up to +125°C. The 24LC256T-I/SM is only specified for operation up to +85°C and should not be used above that limit.