FT24C256A-ESR-T Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The FT24C256A-ESR-T is a 256Kbit EEPROM memory IC manufactured by Fremont Micro Devices Ltd, designed for I2C serial communication applications operating at 1 MHz. This non-volatile memory device is actively produced and widely used in embedded systems, IoT devices, and industrial applications requiring persistent data storage. The part is supplied in tape and reel packaging with 8-SOP surface mount configuration.

Substitute parts become necessary due to inventory constraints, regional availability, manufacturing discontinuation, or supply chain optimization. Alternative devices meeting identical electrical and mechanical specifications ensure design continuity and system compatibility.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Memory Size	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8
Memory Interface	I2C
Clock Frequency	1 MHz
Access Time	550 ns
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Voltage Supply Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the FT24C256A-ESR-T is determined by strict alignment of the following parameters:

Memory capacity: 256Kbit (32K x 8 organization)
Interface protocol: I2C serial communication
Clock frequency: 1 MHz operation
Package footprint: 8-SOIC with 0.154" width (3.90mm)
Supply voltage range: Minimum 1.8V, maximum 5.5V
Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
Non-volatile EEPROM technology
Surface mount configuration
RoHS3 compliance

The substitute part 24FC256T-I/SN from Microchip Technology meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters. Differences in access time (400 ns vs. 550 ns) and packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tape & Reel) do not affect functional compatibility, as the substitute provides superior or equivalent performance characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	FT24C256A-ESR-T (Main)	24FC256T-I/SN (Substitute)
Manufacturer	Fremont Micro Devices Ltd	Microchip Technology
Memory Size	256Kbit	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8	32K x 8
Memory Interface	I2C	I2C
Clock Frequency	1 MHz	1 MHz
Access Time	550 ns	400 ns
Write Cycle Time	5ms	5ms
Voltage Supply Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V	1.7V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Product Status	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	3 (168 Hours)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the FT24C256A-ESR-T and 24FC256T-I/SN are active production devices with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for industrial and commercial applications.

The 24FC256T-I/SN substitute provides improved access time performance (400 ns vs. 550 ns), delivering faster read operations without compromising system compatibility. The minimum supply voltage specification of 1.7V (versus 1.8V for the main part) provides marginally broader low-voltage operation capability.

Moisture sensitivity level differs between the two devices: the main part carries MSL 1 (unlimited shelf life), while the substitute carries MSL 3 (168-hour limit). This distinction affects storage and handling protocols but does not impact functional performance in deployed applications.

Both devices are verified as active products with established supply chains and are suitable for direct substitution in I2C EEPROM applications requiring 256Kbit non-volatile memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 24FC256T-I/SN directly replace the FT24C256A-ESR-T on existing PCBs?

A: Yes. Both devices use identical 8-SOIC package footprints with 0.154" width (3.90mm). Pin configuration and I2C protocol compatibility are maintained. No PCB redesign is required.

Q: What is the significance of the different access times (550 ns vs. 400 ns)?

A: Access time defines the delay between address presentation and data availability. The 24FC256T-I/SN's 400 ns access time is faster than the FT24C256A-ESR-T's 550 ns specification. This represents improved performance and does not create compatibility issues in systems designed for the slower specification.

Q: Does the moisture sensitivity level difference affect application suitability?

A: Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) governs storage and handling requirements before soldering. MSL 1 allows unlimited shelf life, while MSL 3 requires use within 168 hours of package opening under specified humidity conditions. In deployed applications, both devices perform identically. Selection depends on supply chain and inventory management practices.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the FT24C256A-ESR-T and 24FC256T-I/SN are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards for industrial electronics.

Q: What is the minimum supply voltage difference between these parts?

A: The FT24C256A-ESR-T operates from 1.8V minimum, while the 24FC256T-I/SN operates from 1.7V minimum. Both support the full 5.5V maximum. This difference is negligible for most applications and does not affect substitution compatibility.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in production?

A: Yes. Both devices are active production parts with identical memory capacity, organization, interface protocol, clock frequency, package footprint, and operating temperature range. They are suitable for interchangeable use in manufacturing and design applications.

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