24LC256-E/SM EEPROM Memory IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 24LC256-E/SM is a 256Kbit I2C EEPROM memory IC manufactured by Microchip Technology, packaged in 8-SOIJ surface mount configuration. This non-volatile memory device operates across a wide voltage range (2.5V to 5.5V) and temperature range (-40°C to 125°C), making it suitable for industrial and consumer applications requiring persistent data storage.

The part is currently in active production status with verified programmability through DiGi-Electronics. Due to packaging variations, supply chain considerations, or design evolution, equivalent substitute parts from alternative manufacturers or packaging formats may be required while maintaining functional compatibility.

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
Voltage Supply Range	2.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package Type	8-SOIC/8-SOIJ
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 24LC256-E/SM is determined by the following critical parameters:

Memory Specifications: All substitute parts must maintain 256Kbit capacity with 32K x 8 organization and I2C interface protocol. Memory size and organization are non-negotiable for functional compatibility.

Electrical Compatibility: Supply voltage range must overlap with or exceed the 2.5V to 5.5V specification. Operating temperature range must support the application's thermal requirements. Write cycle time (5ms) and access time specifications establish performance baselines.

Physical Compatibility: Surface mount packaging in 8-SOIC or 8-SOIJ configurations ensures PCB footprint compatibility. Package width variations (0.209" for SOIJ vs. 0.154" for SOIC) may require layout verification.

Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 compliance is mandatory for equivalent substitution. Automotive-grade parts (AEC-Q100 qualified) represent enhanced reliability variants suitable for demanding applications.

Packaging Format: Tube, Cut Tape (CT), Digi-Reel, and Tape & Reel (TR) packaging formats are interchangeable from a functional standpoint but differ in supply chain handling and minimum order quantities.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Memory Size	Clock Frequency	Access Time	Voltage Range	Temp Range	Package	Status
24LC256-E/SM	Microchip Technology	256Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIJ	Active
24LC256T-E/SM	Microchip Technology	256Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIJ	Active
CAV24C256WE-GT3	onsemi	256Kbit	1 MHz	400 ns	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIC	Active
M24256-BWMN6P	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	1 MHz	450 ns	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Not For New Designs
M24256-BWMN6TP	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	1 MHz	450 ns	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Not For New Designs
M24256-DRMN3TP/K	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	1 MHz	450 ns	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIC	Active
M24256-DRMN8TP/K	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	1 MHz	450 ns	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 105°C	8-SOIC	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Preferred): The 24LC256T-E/SM from Microchip Technology is the primary equivalent, differing only in packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tube). Electrical and thermal specifications are identical, ensuring drop-in compatibility with no design modifications required.

Active Production Alternatives: The CAV24C256WE-GT3 (onsemi) and M24256-DRMN3TP/K and M24256-DRMN8TP/K (STMicroelectronics) are currently in active production. The onsemi part offers enhanced clock frequency (1 MHz vs. 400 kHz) and faster access time (400 ns vs. 900 ns), providing performance headroom for timing-critical applications. The STMicroelectronics M24256-DRMN variants include automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q100) and extended voltage range (1.8V minimum), suitable for automotive and industrial environments.

Discontinued/Legacy Status: The M24256-BWMN6P and M24256-BWMN6TP are marked "Not For New Designs" and should be avoided in new product development. These parts have reduced operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) compared to the primary part.

Compliance Verification: All listed substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical regulatory classification (EAR99, HTSUS 8542.32.0051), ensuring no compliance barriers to substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute 24LC256T-E/SM for 24LC256-E/SM without design changes?

A: Yes. Both parts are Microchip Technology 256Kbit I2C EEPROMs with identical electrical specifications, memory organization, and thermal ratings. The only difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tube), which does not affect circuit functionality.

Q: What is the difference between 8-SOIJ and 8-SOIC packages?

A: Both are 8-pin surface mount packages with different body widths: 8-SOIJ is 0.209" (5.30mm) wide, while 8-SOIC is 0.154" (3.90mm) wide. PCB footprints differ and are not interchangeable. Verify your board layout before substituting between these package types.

Q: Can I use CAV24C256WE-GT3 as a substitute?

A: Yes, with performance benefits. The CAV24C256WE-GT3 maintains 256Kbit capacity and I2C interface but operates at 1 MHz clock frequency (vs. 400 kHz) with 400 ns access time (vs. 900 ns). It is automotive-qualified (AEC-Q100) and currently in active production. Package is 8-SOIC, requiring layout verification.

Q: Why are M24256-BWMN6P and M24256-BWMN6TP marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: These STMicroelectronics parts have reduced operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) compared to the primary part (-40°C to 125°C). For new designs, use M24256-DRMN3TP/K or M24256-DRMN8TP/K, which are active production parts with extended temperature support and automotive qualification.

Q: What is the advantage of M24256-DRMN3TP/K over the primary part?

A: The M24256-DRMN3TP/K extends the minimum supply voltage to 1.8V (vs. 2.5V), supports the full operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C), and includes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification. It is suitable for low-power and automotive applications.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, matching the primary part's regulatory status.

Q: Can I mix different manufacturers in the same design?

A: Yes. All listed parts are functionally equivalent 256Kbit I2C EEPROMs with compatible electrical interfaces. However, verify package compatibility (8-SOIJ vs. 8-SOIC) with your PCB layout before mixing manufacturers in production.

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