The component you're asking about, AT24C256C-SSHL-T, is a EEPROM ( Electrical ly Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory ) made by Microchip Technology. Specifically, it is part of the AT24C family of memory ICs.
The part "AT24C256C-SSHL-T" typically refers to the following specifications:
AT: Atmel (now part of Microchip Technology) 24C: Series of EEPROM ICs 256: Memory size (256 Kbit or 32KB) C: I2C interface SSHL-T: Package type and temperature range (SSHL is usually a Thin Shrink Small Outline Package, and T denotes industrial temperature range)Regarding the pin configuration and functions, this component typically comes in the SOIC-8 package for the AT24C256C model, with 8 pins. Since the part number you provided indicates an EEPROM IC, let's focus on this SOIC-8 version and outline its pin functions in detail.
AT24C256C-SSHL-T Pin Function Description
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 8 pins on the SOIC-8 package for the AT24C256C-SSHL-T EEPROM:
Pin # Pin Name Pin Function Description 1 A2 Address Pin 2: Connect to GND or VCC for selecting the address. Used to set the higher address bits in combination with A0 and A1. 2 A1 Address Pin 1: Connect to GND or VCC for selecting the address. Used to set the higher address bits in combination with A0 and A2. 3 A0 Address Pin 0: Connect to GND or VCC for selecting the address. Used to set the lowest address bits in combination with A1 and A2. 4 GND Ground: This is the ground connection for the chip, providing the reference voltage for all operations. 5 SDA Serial Data (SDA): Data input/output pin. This is the bi-directional data line for communication using the I2C protocol. 6 SCL Serial Clock (SCL): Clock signal input for I2C communication. SCL synchronizes the data transmission on the SDA line. 7 VCC Power Supply: This is the power supply pin, typically connected to +5V or +3.3V, depending on your system’s voltage requirements. 8 WP Write Protect (WP): This pin is used to prevent writes to the memory. It can be tied to VCC or GND to enable or disable write protection. If connected to GND, writing to the EEPROM is enabled; if tied to VCC, writing is prevented.Pin Count and Packaging:
Pin Count: 8 pins Package: SOIC-8 (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), which is a surface-mount package suitable for compact designs.Detailed Pin Function List:
A2 (Address Pin 2) - Used to set higher address bits in the address selection. A1 (Address Pin 1) - Used to set the middle address bits. A0 (Address Pin 0) - Sets the lowest address bits in combination with A1 and A2. GND (Ground) - This pin is the reference for the entire chip’s voltage and serves as the ground connection. SDA (Serial Data) - A bidirectional data line used for I2C communication. Data is transmitted and received on this pin. SCL (Serial Clock) - This is the clock line for I2C communication. It synchronizes the data transmission on the SDA line. VCC (Power Supply) - This provides power to the chip. It should typically be connected to +3.3V or +5V, depending on the system's requirements. WP (Write Protect) - Write protection pin. If set to VCC, it prevents writes to the EEPROM, while GND enables writes.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about AT24C256C-SSHL-T
Q: What is the operating voltage of the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The AT24C256C-SSHL-T operates between 2.5V and 5.5V, typically with a supply of 5V or 3.3V.
Q: What is the memory size of the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The AT24C256C-SSHL-T has a memory size of 256 Kbits (32 KB).
Q: What communication protocol does the AT24C256C-SSHL-T use? A: It uses the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication protocol for data transfer.
Q: How many devices can be connected on the I2C bus? A: Up to 8 devices can be connected using the address pins A0, A1, and A2 for address selection.
Q: What is the purpose of the Write Protect (WP) pin? A: The WP pin is used to enable or disable write protection. Tying it to VCC prevents write operations, while tying it to GND enables write operations.
Q: What is the maximum clock frequency for I2C communication with this device? A: The AT24C256C-SSHL-T supports I2C clock frequencies up to 400 kHz (Fast Mode).
Q: Can the AT24C256C-SSHL-T be used in high-speed I2C applications? A: Yes, the AT24C256C-SSHL-T supports I2C Fast Mode (400 kHz).
Q: How is data read from the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: Data is read from the EEPROM by sending a read command via the I2C bus, starting at a specific memory address.
Q: How is data written to the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: Data is written by sending a write command over the I2C bus, along with the memory address and the data to be written.
Q: Can the AT24C256C-SSHL-T be used for both read and write operations? A: Yes, the AT24C256C-SSHL-T supports both read and write operations via I2C.
Q: What happens if the WP pin is connected to VCC? A: When the WP pin is connected to VCC, write protection is enabled, preventing any write operations to the EEPROM.
Q: What happens if the WP pin is connected to GND? A: If the WP pin is connected to GND, the write protection is disabled, and write operations are allowed.
Q: How many bits are required to address a specific memory location in the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The AT24C256C-SSHL-T has a 16-bit addressing scheme, which allows for addressing 32KB of memory.
Q: What is the default state of the WP pin when the device is powered on? A: The WP pin defaults to GND when not connected to any voltage, allowing write operations.
Q: Can the AT24C256C-SSHL-T store data permanently? A: Yes, the AT24C256C-SSHL-T is non-volatile memory, meaning the data is retained even when the power is turned off.
Q: What is the write endurance of the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The AT24C256C-SSHL-T supports at least 1 million write cycles per byte.
Q: What are the temperature specifications for the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The device is rated for an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.
Q: What is the data retention time of the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The AT24C256C-SSHL-T has a data retention time of at least 100 years.
Q: What is the power consumption of the AT24C256C-SSHL-T? A: The typical operating current is 1mA during active mode and less than 1µA in the standby mode.
Q: Is the AT24C256C-SSHL-T compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems? A: Yes, the AT24C256C-SSHL-T can be used in systems operating at both 3.3V and 5V.
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