Part A
24LC256-E/SN
Mikrochip-Technologie
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7418 Stückzahl
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Speicher
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO is a functionally compatible replacement candidate for the 24LC256-E/SN, sharing identical memory density, interface protocol, and supply voltage range. The primary distinction is the automotive-grade qualification of the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO, which exceeds the standard industrial-grade rating of the 24LC256-E/SN. Designers should validate the extended temperature operation and confirm that the automotive qualification documentation meets their specific application requirements before finalizing the substitution.
Memory Density
High match
Interface Protocol
High match
Supply Voltage Range
High match
Operating Temperature Range
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO
Mikrochip-Technologie
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 8061 Stückzahl
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Speicher
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | 24LC256-E/SN | 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Type | EEPROM | EEPROM | Both are serial EEPROM devices, so the fundamental storage technology is the same. |
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | 256 Kbit (32K x 8) | Identical density ensures the same storage capacity for firmware, calibration data, or user settings. |
| Interface | I2C (2-wire) | I2C (2-wire) | The same I2C interface allows drop-in compatibility with existing bus designs and firmware. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | Matching voltage ranges means both parts work in the same 3.3 V or 5 V systems without level shifting. |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 400 kHz (standard) / 1 MHz (high-speed) | 400 kHz (standard) / 1 MHz (high-speed) | Identical bus speed support ensures the same read/write timing and throughput in the target application. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | Both are rated for extended industrial/automotive temperature ranges, so they suit the same harsh environments. |
| Package / Mounting | 8-SOIC (SOIC-8), surface mount | 8-SOIC (SOIC-8), surface mount, tape and reel | The package footprint is the same, but the tape-and-reel option affects automated assembly and ordering quantity. |
| Automotive Qualification | Not AEC-Q100 qualified | AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive grade) | The automotive-qualified version is required for under-hood or safety-critical automotive designs, while the standard version is not. |
| Product Status / Lifecycle | Active | Active, automotive-focused variant | Both are active, but the automotive variant may have different long-term supply and change-notification policies. |
Need help validating a replacement?
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | 24LC256-E/SN | 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Microchip Technology |
| Series | - | Automotive, AEC-Q100 |
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Memory Type | Non-Volatile | Non-Volatile |
| Memory Format | EEPROM | EEPROM |
| Technology | EEPROM | EEPROM |
| Memory Size | 256Kb (32K x 8) | 256Kb (32K x 8) |
| Memory Interface | I²C | I²C |
| Clock Frequency | 400 kHz | 400 kHz |
| Write Cycle Time - Word Page | 5ms | 5ms |
| Access Time | 900 ns | 900 ns |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.5V ~ 5.5V | 2.5V ~ 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 125°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 125°C (TA) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the 24LC256-E/SN and the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO?
The 24LC256-E/SN is a standard 256 Kbit I²C serial EEPROM in an 8-lead SOIC package, supplied in tube or tray. The 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO is the same 256 Kbit I²C serial EEPROM die in the same 8-lead SOIC package, but it is delivered in tape and reel and is qualified to the automotive AEC-Q100 standard with a specific automotive-grade flow. The "T" designates tape and reel, and "VAO" indicates the automotive qualification variant.
Are the 24LC256-E/SN and 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO electrically and functionally interchangeable?
Yes. Both devices share the same 256 Kbit density, I²C interface, 1.8 V to 5.5 V operating voltage range, 400 kHz maximum clock frequency at 5 V, and 8-lead SOIC pinout. The memory organization, page size, and command set are identical. The primary differences are the shipping format and the automotive qualification level of the VAO variant.
What does the "VAO" suffix indicate on the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO?
The "VAO" suffix denotes that the device is qualified to the automotive AEC-Q100 standard and is manufactured under an automotive-specific quality and reliability flow. This includes extended temperature operation, typically -40°C to +125°C, and compliance with automotive-grade change control and traceability requirements. The standard 24LC256-E/SN is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.
Can the 24LC256-E/SN be used as a drop-in replacement for the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO in an automotive application?
No. The 24LC256-E/SN is not AEC-Q100 qualified and is only specified for the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Automotive applications requiring the VAO qualification and the extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range must use the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO or another AEC-Q100 qualified equivalent. Substitution without validating the qualification and temperature requirements against the target design is not recommended.
What is the difference in packaging between the two part numbers?
The 24LC256-E/SN is supplied in standard tube or tray packaging for the 8-lead SOIC. The 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO is supplied in tape and reel, as indicated by the "T" in the part number. Tape and reel is typically required for high-volume automated pick-and-place assembly lines, while tubes are often used for prototyping or lower-volume production.
Do both devices support the same I²C clock frequency and voltage range?
Yes. Both the 24LC256-E/SN and the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO operate from 1.8 V to 5.5 V and support I²C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz at 5.0 V and up to 100 kHz at 1.8 V. The AC and DC characteristics are identical because both are based on the same 24LC256 silicon design.
Which part number should be selected for a non-automotive industrial design?
For non-automotive industrial designs operating within -40°C to +85°C, the 24LC256-E/SN is the appropriate choice. It provides the same 256 Kbit I²C EEPROM functionality without the additional cost and documentation associated with the automotive AEC-Q100 qualification of the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO.
Are the datasheet specifications identical for both part numbers?
The core datasheet parameters, including memory density, I²C protocol, page write size, endurance, and data retention, are identical because both devices use the same 24LC256 die. However, the 24LC256T-E/SN16KVAO datasheet or qualification report includes additional automotive-specific parameters, such as the extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range and AEC-Q100 compliance data, which are not specified for the 24LC256-E/SN.