Serial EEPROMs come is 5-lead, SOT-23 package.
Press Release Summary:
Designed in PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) process technology, I2C(TM) Series EEPROMs support all densities through 16-Kbits. With operating voltage down to 2.5V, active current of 1 milliamp, and standby current of 1 microamp, 24LCXXB devices are suitable for many applications. For battery-powered applications with lower voltage requirements, 24AAXX versions enable operation down to 1.8V.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Debuts World's Smallest Standard Package for Low- and Mid-Density Serial EEPROMs
I2C(TM) Serial EEPROMs in 5-lead, SOT-23 packages support all densities through 16-Kbits
CHANDLER, Ariz. - Jan. 21, 2002 - Microchip Technology Inc. [Nasdaq: MCHP] today announced its new generation of I2C(TM) serial EEPROMs in a tiny, 5-lead package. Designed in Microchip's advanced PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) process technology, these miniaturized versions of Microchip's 24LCXXB and 24AAXX series extend the company's 5-lead SOT-23 package offering with a wider range of densities from 128 bits through 16 kbits. This package offers designers an unprecedented level of flexibility when implementing serial EEPROMs in space-constrained applications, making the devices an ideal choice for a wide range of portable, handheld, computing and automotive
designs.
With a low operating voltage down to 2.5 volts, active current of 1 milliamp and standby current of 1 microamp, the 24LCXXB devices are ideal for most applications. For battery-powered applications with even lower voltage requirements, the 24AAXX versions enable operation down to 1.8 volts.
"With the expansion of the I2C family into this package, Microchip extends its leadership in serial EEPROM innovation, with even higher densities in ant-sized packaging," said Alex Martinez, product marketing manager in the Memory Product Division at Microchip. "PEEC technology enables us to bring to market unique solutions for designers needing to minimize board-space footprint while maintaining or improving the system's electrical specifications." Microchip's high-density serial EEPROMs, announced in April 2001, including 128 kbit through 512 kbit, also utilize PEEC technology, enabling such products as the 24LC256 in 8-lead TSSOP packages.
In remote controls, home alarms, PC-card and peripheral markets, low cost is the driving force for serial EEPROMs; size and weight are additional considerations in the portable and hand-held arena. Microchip designed the series into the smallest packages available in order to meet both key market drivers. Designers currently using Microchip's PICmicro(R) microcontollers and an external EEPROM now have an even smaller and lower cost solution to complete their designs.
This new generation of devices provides an upgrade path, as higher-density EEPROMs now fit into packages previously reserved for today's 128-bit or 1-kbit devices. As a point of reference, the 5-lead SOT-23 is approximately 8.26 mm2 including the leads, which is 72% smaller than the popular 8-lead SOIC package and 56% smaller than an 8-lead TSSOP package.
Applications targeted for these tiny devices include automotive, consumer appliances, remote controls, medical devices, portable/personal electronics, PC peripherals, hand-held and wearable PCs, telecommunications including all phones and pagers, security alarms and sensors.
Pricing in 10,000-unit quantities for the 24LC16B and 24AA16 devices is $0.33 each: for the 24LC08B and 24AA08 devices - $0.29 each; for the 24LC04B and 24AA04 devices - $0.26 each; and the 24LC02B and the 24AA02 devices - $0.22 each. Samples and volume production are available now.
