24AA256/SM

Product Overview

Category

The 24AA256/SM 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 24AA256/SM retains stored data even when power is removed.
• Electrically erasable: Data can be erased and reprogrammed electronically.
• High capacity: This chip has a storage capacity of 256 kilobits (32 kilobytes).
• Low power consumption: It operates at low voltage and consumes minimal power.
• Small form factor: The chip is available in a compact surface mount package.

Package

The 24AA256/SM is packaged in a small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package, which ensures easy integration into electronic circuits.

Essence

The essence of the 24AA256/SM lies in its ability to provide reliable and non-volatile data storage in a compact and energy-efficient form.

Packaging/Quantity

These chips are typically sold in reels or tubes, with each reel or tube containing a specific quantity of chips. The exact packaging and quantity may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 256 kilobits (32 kilobytes)
• Interface: I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)
• Operating Voltage: 1.7V to 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Write Endurance: 1,000,000 cycles
• Data Retention: 200 years

Detailed Pin Configuration

The 24AA256/SM chip has a total of 8 pins, each serving a specific function:

1. VCC: Power supply voltage input
2. SDA: Serial data input/output for I2C communication
3. SCL: Serial clock input for I2C communication
4. WP: Write-protect pin (optional)
5. A0, A1, A2: Address selection pins for device addressing
6. GND: Ground reference

Functional Features

• Random Access: Allows reading and writing of data at any memory location.
• Byte-Level Read/Write: Enables individual byte-level access for efficient data manipulation.
• Hardware Write Protection: The WP pin can be used to protect the stored data from accidental overwriting.
• Sequential Read: Supports sequential read operations for faster data retrieval.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Non-volatile storage ensures data retention even during power loss.
• High storage capacity allows for ample data storage.
• Low power consumption prolongs battery life in portable devices.
• Compact form factor facilitates integration into space-constrained designs.
• I2C interface enables easy communication with microcontrollers.

Disadvantages

• Limited write endurance may pose a constraint in applications requiring frequent data updates.
• Relatively slower write speeds compared to other memory technologies.
• Vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to its small size.

Working Principles

The 24AA256/SM utilizes electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) technology. It consists of a grid of memory cells that can be individually programmed or erased using electrical signals. Data is stored as charge within these cells, and the presence or absence of charge determines the binary state of each memory bit.

During write operations, the chip applies high voltages to specific memory cells, allowing electrons to tunnel through an insulating layer and modify the charge state. Reading data involves sensing the charge levels within the memory cells and converting them back into digital information.

Detailed Application Field Plans

The 24AA256/SM finds applications in various fields, including:

1. Embedded Systems: Used for storing configuration data, firmware updates, and user settings in microcontroller-based systems.
2. Automotive Electronics: Employed for storing critical data such as vehicle identification numbers (VINs), mileage records, and calibration data.
3. Industrial Automation: Utilized for storing production data, sensor calibration values, and system parameters in industrial control systems.
4. Consumer Electronics: Integrated into devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles to store user preferences, channel lists, and application data.

Detailed and Complete Alternative Models

• 24LC256: Similar EEPROM chip with the same storage capacity and I2C interface, manufactured by Microchip Technology.
• AT24C256: EEPROM chip with equivalent specifications, produced by Atmel Corporation.
• M24M02: EEPROM chip with a higher storage capacity of 2 megabits (256 kilobytes), manufactured by STMicroelectronics.

These alternative models offer similar functionality and can be used as substitutes for the 24AA256/SM depending on specific requirements.

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