Part A
24LC256T-I/SN
Tecnologia Microchip
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6175 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Memória
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The 24LC256T-I/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN are functionally equivalent I²C serial EEPROM devices from the same manufacturer, sharing identical memory density, organization, interface, and package footprint. The primary distinction is the operating temperature grade, with the I-grade rated for industrial ranges and the E-grade rated for extended automotive ranges. Both parts are drop-in compatible for standard industrial applications, while the E-grade variant offers additional thermal headroom for automotive and harsh-environment designs.
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
24LC256T-E/SN
Tecnologia Microchip
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5813 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 | 24LC256T-I/SN | 24LC256T-E/SN | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +125°C | The extended temperature range of the E-grade version allows operation in harsher environments such as automotive or industrial applications, while the I-grade is suited for standard commercial/industrial use. |
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | Identical memory density ensures the same storage capacity for firmware, configuration data, or user data, making them functionally interchangeable in terms of storage. |
| Memory Organization | 32K x 8 | 32K x 8 | Matching organization means the same addressing scheme and byte-level access, so software and memory maps remain compatible. |
| Interface Type | I²C (2-wire) | I²C (2-wire) | Both use the same I²C serial interface, ensuring pin and protocol compatibility with the host controller. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | Identical voltage range allows both parts to operate from the same power rails without level shifting or regulator changes. |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 400 kHz (1.8V–5.5V) | 400 kHz (1.8V–5.5V) | Same maximum clock speed means identical data throughput and timing compatibility with the I²C bus master. |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIC (SOIJ, 3.90mm Width) | 8-SOIC (SOIJ, 3.90mm Width) | Same package footprint and pinout allow drop-in replacement on the same PCB without layout changes. |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Both are surface-mount devices, ensuring compatibility with the same assembly process and board design. |
| Write Cycle Time (Max) | 5 ms | 5 ms | Identical write cycle time ensures the same timing behavior for write operations and polling routines. |
| Endurance (Write Cycles) | 1,000,000 cycles | 1,000,000 cycles | Same endurance rating means equivalent long-term reliability for applications involving frequent data logging or updates. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | 24LC256T-I/SN | 24LC256T-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 24LC256T-I/SN and the 24LC256T-E/SN?
The primary difference is the operating temperature range. The 24LC256T-I/SN is specified for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, while the 24LC256T-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 an 8-lead SOIC package.
Are the 24LC256T-I/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN functionally interchangeable?
Yes, both devices share the same memory density (256 Kbit), organization (32,768 x 8), I²C interface, page size (64 bytes), and 8-lead SOIC (SN) package. They are functionally interchangeable provided the application's operating temperature range does not exceed the limits of the selected variant.
What is the operating temperature range of the 24LC256T-I/SN?
The 24LC256T-I/SN is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, as specified in the Microchip 24LC256 datasheet.
What is the operating temperature range of the 24LC256T-E/SN?
The 24LC256T-E/SN is rated for the extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, as specified in the Microchip 24LC256 datasheet.
What supply voltage range do the 24LC256T-I/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN support?
Both devices operate from a supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 5.5 V, per the Microchip 24LC256 datasheet.
What is the maximum clock frequency of the 24LC256T-I/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN?
Both devices support a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz (Fast mode) across their specified supply voltage range, per the Microchip 24LC256 datasheet.
Do the 24LC256T-I/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN use the same package and pinout?
Yes, both variants are offered in the same 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix) with identical pinout: A0, A1, A2, VSS, SDA, SCL, WP, and VCC. This allows the same PCB land pattern to be used for either variant.
Can the 24LC256T-I/SN be used as a drop-in replacement for the 24LC256T-E/SN?
Yes, if the application's maximum operating temperature does not exceed +85°C. The 24LC256T-I/SN is a direct drop-in replacement for the 24LC256T-E/SN in terms of package, pinout, supply voltage, and I²C protocol, but it must not be used above its +85°C temperature rating.
What is the memory organization of the 24LC256T-I/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN?
Both devices are organized as 32,768 words x 8 bits (256 Kbit) with a 64-byte page write buffer, per the Microchip 24LC256 datasheet.