24AA256-E/SM EEPROM Memory IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 24AA256-E/SM is a 256Kbit I2C EEPROM memory integrated circuit manufactured by Microchip Technology. This non-volatile memory device is designed for applications requiring persistent data storage with I2C serial interface communication. The part is currently in active production status with verified programmability through DiGi-Electronics. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility allow direct replacement in circuit designs, particularly when addressing supply chain availability, performance requirements, or specific qualification standards.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Memory Size	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8
Memory Interface	I2C
Clock Frequency	400 kHz
Access Time	900 ns
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Supply Voltage Range	1.7V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C
Package Type	8-SOIC
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The M24256-DRMN8TP/K from STMicroelectronics qualifies as a substitute based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Matching Electrical Specifications:

Memory capacity: 256Kbit with identical 32K x 8 organization
Interface protocol: I2C serial communication
Write cycle time: 5ms (identical)
Supply voltage range: 1.8V ~ 5.5V (overlaps with 1.7V ~ 5.5V requirement)
Package format: 8-SOIC surface mount configuration

Performance Differences:

Clock frequency: 1 MHz (higher than 400 kHz specification)
Access time: 450 ns (faster than 900 ns specification)
Operating temperature: -40°C ~ 105°C (narrower than -40°C ~ 125°C)

The substitute part exceeds or meets the functional requirements of the primary part across all critical parameters. The higher clock frequency and faster access time represent performance improvements. The narrower temperature range requires verification against application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	24AA256-E/SM (Microchip)	M24256-DRMN8TP/K (STMicroelectronics)
Memory Size	256Kbit	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8	32K x 8
Memory Interface	I2C	I2C
Clock Frequency	400 kHz	1 MHz
Access Time	900 ns	450 ns
Write Cycle Time	5ms	5ms
Supply Voltage Range	1.7V ~ 5.5V	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 105°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.209", 5.30mm Width)	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part (24AA256-E/SM):

Select when Microchip Technology supply chain preference is established
Suitable for applications requiring extended temperature operation to 125°C
DiGi-Electronics programmability verification provides additional process assurance
Standard I2C clock frequency of 400 kHz meets typical embedded system requirements

Substitute Part (M24256-DRMN8TP/K):

Select when STMicroelectronics supply availability is preferred or primary part is unavailable
Automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q100) supports automotive and harsh environment applications
Enhanced performance specifications (1 MHz clock, 450 ns access time) benefit timing-critical designs
Verify application compatibility with -40°C ~ 105°C operating temperature range
Physical package dimensions differ (3.90mm vs 5.30mm width); confirm PCB layout compatibility

Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical memory organization, supporting direct functional replacement in I2C-based memory applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the M24256-DRMN8TP/K directly replace the 24AA256-E/SM on existing PCBs?

A: Electrical substitution is supported. However, physical package dimensions differ: the STMicroelectronics part measures 3.90mm width versus 5.30mm for the Microchip part. PCB layout and footprint compatibility must be confirmed before implementation.

Q: What is the significance of the 1 MHz clock frequency on the substitute part?

A: The M24256-DRMN8TP/K operates at 1 MHz I2C clock speed compared to 400 kHz on the primary part. This higher frequency reduces data transfer time and improves system throughput. The substitute part is backward compatible with 400 kHz I2C bus speeds through standard I2C protocol operation.

Q: Does the narrower operating temperature range of the substitute part affect compatibility?

A: The M24256-DRMN8TP/K operates from -40°C to 105°C, while the 24AA256-E/SM extends to 125°C. Applications requiring operation above 105°C must use the primary part. For standard industrial and commercial temperature ranges, the substitute part is suitable.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, both the 24AA256-E/SM and M24256-DRMN8TP/K are ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for lead-free manufacturing.

Q: What is the difference between the 8-SOIC package variants?

A: Both parts use 8-SOIC surface mount packaging. The primary difference is physical size: Microchip's 8-SOIJ measures 5.30mm width, while STMicroelectronics' 8-SOIC measures 3.90mm width. Pin pitch and electrical connections remain compatible with standard I2C interface requirements.

Q: Is the substitute part suitable for automotive applications?

A: The M24256-DRMN8TP/K carries AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, making it suitable for automotive-grade applications. The primary part does not specify automotive qualification.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message