24LC21AT/SN

Product Overview

Category

The 24LC21AT/SN belongs to the category of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips.

Use

This chip is commonly used for non-volatile data storage in various electronic devices, such as microcontrollers, computers, and consumer electronics.

Characteristics

• Non-volatile: The 24LC21AT/SN retains stored data even when power is removed.
• Electrically erasable: Data can be erased and reprogrammed electronically.
• High storage capacity: This chip has a storage capacity of 2 kilobits (256 bytes).
• Low power consumption: It operates on low power supply voltages, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.
• Small form factor: The chip is available in a compact 8-pin SOIC package.

Package and Quantity

The 24LC21AT/SN is packaged in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package. It is typically sold in reels or tubes containing multiple units.

Specifications

• Memory Capacity: 2 kilobits (256 bytes)
• Supply Voltage: 1.7V to 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Write Cycle Endurance: 1 million cycles
• Data Retention: Up to 200 years

Pin Configuration

The 24LC21AT/SN has the following pin configuration:

```

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| | | 1 2 3 4 5 | | | | 8 7 6 | |_______________| ```

1. VCC: Power supply voltage
2. SDA: Serial data input/output
3. SCL: Serial clock input
4. WP: Write protect input
5. VSS: Ground
6. NC: No connection
7. NC: No connection
8. NC: No connection

Functional Features

• Serial Interface: The 24LC21AT/SN communicates using a two-wire I2C serial interface, allowing for easy integration with microcontrollers and other devices.
• Byte-Level Read/Write: Data can be read from or written to the chip at the byte level, providing flexibility in data manipulation.
• Software Write Protection: The WP pin can be used to enable or disable write operations, protecting stored data from accidental modification.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Non-volatile storage ensures data retention even during power loss.
• Electrically erasable and reprogrammable, allowing for flexible data updates.
• Compact form factor enables integration into space-constrained designs.
• Low power consumption extends battery life in portable devices.

Disadvantages

• Limited storage capacity compared to larger EEPROM chips.
• Slower write speeds compared to some other memory technologies.
• Relatively higher cost per kilobit compared to alternative non-volatile memory options.

Working Principles

The 24LC21AT/SN utilizes electrically controlled floating gate transistors to store and retrieve data. When writing data, an electrical charge is applied to the floating gate, altering its conductivity and storing the desired information. During read operations, the stored charge is measured, allowing the retrieval of the stored data.

Application Field Plans

The 24LC21AT/SN finds applications in various fields, including: 1. Embedded systems: Used for storing configuration data, firmware updates, and calibration parameters. 2. Automotive electronics: Employed for storing vehicle settings, sensor calibration data, and fault codes. 3. Industrial automation: Utilized for storing machine parameters, production data, and user settings. 4. Consumer electronics: Integrated into devices like smartwatches, IoT devices, and remote controls for data storage purposes.

Alternative Models

Several alternative models with similar functionality to the 24LC21AT/SN include: - 24LC01B - 24LC02B - 24LC04B - 24LC08B

These models offer varying storage capacities to suit different application requirements.

In conclusion, the 24LC21AT/SN is a compact EEPROM chip with a storage capacity of 2 kilobits. It offers non-volatile data storage, low power consumption, and a two-wire serial interface. While it has limitations in terms of storage capacity and write speed, it finds applications in various fields and has alternative models available with different storage capacities.