CAT24C03WI-G EEPROM Memory IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CAT24C03WI-G is a 2Kbit EEPROM memory IC manufactured by onsemi, featuring I2C interface operation at 400 kHz with 8-SOIC surface mount packaging. This component is classified as obsolete product status. Due to its obsolete designation, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts from active manufacturers is essential for design continuity, procurement reliability, and long-term system support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	CAT24C03WI-G
Manufacturer	onsemi
Memory Size	2Kbit
Memory Organization	256 x 8
Memory Interface	I2C
Clock Frequency	400 kHz
Access Time	900 ns
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Voltage Supply Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the CAT24C03WI-G are selected based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching. The following criteria determine substitution eligibility:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Memory Size: 2Kbit (256 x 8 organization)
Memory Interface: I2C protocol
Clock Frequency: 400 kHz operation
Package / Case: 8-SOIC form factor
Access Time: 900 ns
Write Cycle Time: 5ms
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Voltage Supply Compatibility: The main part operates at 1.8V ~ 5.5V. Substitute parts must support this range or a subset thereof. Parts with narrower voltage ranges (e.g., 4.5V ~ 5.5V) are listed but require circuit design verification for compatibility.

Temperature Range Consideration: The main part operates -40°C ~ 85°C. Substitute parts with identical or extended temperature ranges are acceptable. Parts with narrower ranges (e.g., 0°C ~ 70°C) are noted for application-specific evaluation.

Product Status Priority: Active product status substitutes are preferred over obsolete or unverified alternatives for long-term availability and support.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Memory Size	Clock Frequency	Access Time	Write Cycle Time	Voltage Supply	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status
CAT24C03WI-G	onsemi	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Obsolete
24AA02-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
24AA024-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
24AA024H-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
24AA025-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
24AA02H-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
24C02C-E/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	100 kHz	4.6 µs	1.5ms	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIC	Active
24C02C/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	4.6 µs	1.5ms	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active
24C02CT-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	1ms	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
24C02CT/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	4.6 µs	1.5ms	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active
24LC024-I/SN	Microchip Technology	2Kbit	400 kHz	900 ns	5ms	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Preferred Substitutes (Full Parameter Match):

24AA02-I/SN, 24AA024-I/SN, 24AA024H-I/SN, 24AA025-I/SN, and 24AA02H-I/SN from Microchip Technology are direct functional equivalents. All feature 2Kbit capacity, 400 kHz I2C operation, 900 ns access time, 5ms write cycle time, and 8-SOIC packaging. These parts operate across -40°C ~ 85°C temperature range with voltage supply from 1.7V ~ 5.5V, meeting or exceeding the original specification. All are active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Tier 2 - Conditional Substitutes (Parameter Deviations):

24C02CT-I/SN matches all critical parameters except write cycle time (1ms vs. 5ms original specification). This represents improved performance and is compatible with designs tolerating faster write operations. Voltage supply range is 4.5V ~ 5.5V, requiring circuit verification for low-voltage applications below 4.5V.

24LC024-I/SN provides full parameter matching with extended low-voltage capability (2.5V ~ 5.5V), beneficial for battery-powered applications. All other electrical and timing parameters align with the original part.

Tier 3 - Limited Compatibility (Significant Deviations):

24C02C-E/SN and 24C02C/SN operate at 100 kHz clock frequency and feature different access/write timing (4.6 µs / 1.5ms). These are suitable only for applications where reduced I2C speed is acceptable. Voltage range is restricted to 4.5V ~ 5.5V.

Compliance and Certification:

All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, matching the original part's regulatory standing. Moisture sensitivity levels range from 1 (unlimited) to 3 (168 hours), with Tier 1 substitutes offering superior moisture protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 24AA02-I/SN directly replace CAT24C03WI-G without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The 24AA02-I/SN matches all critical electrical and mechanical parameters: 2Kbit capacity, 400 kHz I2C interface, 900 ns access time, 5ms write cycle time, and 8-SOIC packaging. Voltage supply range (1.7V ~ 5.5V) encompasses the original specification (1.8V ~ 5.5V). Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) is identical. No circuit redesign is required.

Q: What is the difference between 24AA024-I/SN and 24AA025-I/SN?

A: Both parts are functionally identical in electrical specifications and timing parameters. The difference lies in internal memory organization or addressing schemes designated by the part number suffix. For I2C EEPROM applications, both are interchangeable when the original design uses CAT24C03WI-G addressing.

Q: Why do some substitutes show 4.5V ~ 5.5V voltage range instead of 1.8V ~ 5.5V?

A: Parts like 24C02C/SN and 24C02CT/SN are designed for standard industrial voltage operation (4.5V ~ 5.5V) rather than extended low-voltage operation. These are suitable for 5V logic systems but not for applications requiring operation below 4.5V. Verify your circuit's minimum supply voltage before selecting these alternatives.

Q: Is 24C02CT-I/SN compatible if my design requires 5ms write cycle time?

A: 24C02CT-I/SN features 1ms write cycle time, which is faster than the original 5ms specification. This represents improved performance and is backward compatible with designs expecting 5ms timing. No circuit modification is necessary; write operations will complete faster.

Q: What does "Active" product status mean compared to "Obsolete"?

A: Active product status indicates the part is currently manufactured and supported by the supplier with ongoing availability and technical support. Obsolete status means the part is no longer manufactured. All Tier 1 and Tier 2 substitutes carry active status, ensuring long-term procurement reliability and design continuity.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification, matching the original CAT24C03WI-G regulatory status. This ensures compatibility with environmental and regulatory requirements across global markets.

Q: Can I use 24LC024-I/SN in a 2.5V application where CAT24C03WI-G cannot operate?

A: Yes. The 24LC024-I/SN supports 2.5V ~ 5.5V voltage range, enabling operation at 2.5V where the original part (1.8V ~ 5.5V) may have marginal performance. This makes 24LC024-I/SN suitable for low-power battery applications. All other parameters remain compatible.

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