STMicroelectronics M24256E-FMN6TP 256KB I2C EEPROM, SO8N Package for Non-Volatile Storage

STMicroelectronics M24256E-FMN6TP I2C EEPROM Overview

The STMicroelectronics M24256E-FMN6TP is a high-reliability 256KB electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) engineered for non-volatile data retention in large-scale, space-constrained electronic systems. It integrates an industry-standard I2C (2-wire serial) interface-renowned for low pin count and multi-device compatibility-enabling seamless communication with microcontrollers, industrial PLCs, and smart energy devices. This makes it a trusted solution for B2B engineers prioritizing high storage capacity, miniaturization, and long-term data security across industrial, energy, and medical applications.

As a product from STMicroelectronics-a global leader in semiconductor innovation with decades of expertise in memory and industrial-grade components-the device meets strict quality benchmarks for performance, durability, and environmental compliance (including RoHS certification). For more trusted industrial ICs and high-reliability memory solutions, visit IC-fabrikant.

Technical Parameters of M24256E-FMN6TP

Key Technical Features of M24256E-FMN6TP

• Sector and full-chip hardware write protection via a dedicated WP pin, preventing accidental erasure or modification of critical data (e.g., industrial calibration values, medical device patient records) in high-reliability systems-avoiding costly downtime or data breaches.
• 64-byte page write capability, enabling efficient block data transfers to reduce system latency and lower power consumption during bulk updates (e.g., storing monthly industrial production logs or 6-month energy usage data).
• Multi-speed I2C support (100kHz/400kHz/1MHz), offering flexibility to match system bandwidth needs-using 1MHz for fast firmware updates in IoT gateways or 100kHz for low-power operation in battery-powered sensors.
• Lage stand-by stroom (typisch 1??A bij 3V) en lage actieve stroom (typisch 1mA bij 3V, 1MHz), waardoor de energie-efficiëntie wordt geoptimaliseerd voor apparaten die op batterijen werken, zoals draagbare medische monitors of IoT-sensoren op afstand - waardoor de operationele levensduur wordt verlengd zonder vaak opnieuw te hoeven worden opgeladen.
• Compact SO8N package (0.95mm pin pitch), reducing PCB space usage by 20% vs. wide-body SO8W alternatives-critical for miniaturized designs like wireless IoT gateways or handheld medical tools where board space is limited.

Advantages of M24256E-FMN6TP Over Alternative Solutions

Compared to smaller EEPROMs (64KB/128KB), wide-body SO8W packages, or single-speed I2C memory, the M24256E-FMN6TP delivers three critical benefits for B2B designs:

First, its 256KB capacity eliminates large-scale storage compromises. Smaller 64KB/128KB EEPROMs force engineers to split data (e.g., firmware across multiple chips) or limit functionality-such as truncating 6-month energy logs in smart meters. Larger flash memory chips are overkill, consume 2?C3x more power, and require complex driver support. The 256KB capacity perfectly matches needs for storing full firmware images, extended sensor logs, or multi-device configs, avoiding both data gaps and unnecessary power use.

Second, its SO8N package enables superior miniaturization. Wide-body SO8W packages (1.27mm pin pitch) occupy more PCB space, making them impractical for compact designs like wireless IoT gateways or portable ultrasound probes. The SO8N??s 0.95mm pin pitch lets engineers fit the EEPROM alongside other components (e.g., microcontrollers, extra sensors) in space-constrained layouts-critical for devices deployed in tight industrial enclosures or handheld medical kits.

Third, its flexibility outperforms budget alternatives. Low-cost EEPROMs often restrict operation to 3.3V only (requiring external regulators for 1.8V/5V systems) and offer only single-speed I2C (limiting either speed or power efficiency). The M24256E-FMN6TP??s 1.8V?C5.5V range works with legacy 5V industrial PLCs and modern 1.8V wearables, while its multi-speed I2C support balances speed and power-reducing maintenance costs and inventory complexity for end users like factories, utility companies, or medical facilities.

Typical Applications of M24256E-FMN6TP

The M24256E-FMN6TP is engineered to solve large-scale non-volatile storage challenges in industrial, energy, and medical systems. Its key use cases include:

• Energie en stroom (slimme meters): Storing 6-month energy usage logs (4,320 data points for 30-minute intervals), billing information, and meter calibration data-ensuring accurate tracking even during power disruptions and simplifying utility billing for thousands of households.
• Industriële Automatisering: Retaining complex PLC operational parameters (e.g., multi-step assembly line setpoints) and 6-month production logs in factory machinery-withstanding industrial temperatures and electrical noise to ensure uninterrupted production and easy troubleshooting.
• Medische apparaten (draagbaar): Preserving 3-month patient diagnostic data (e.g., blood pressure trends, ECG readings) and full device firmware backups in handheld tools (e.g., portable defibrillators, pulse oximeters)-complying with healthcare standards for data integrity and supporting continuity of care during power outages.
• Internet of Things (IoT) gateways: Storing firmware update images, network credentials for 100+ connected sensors, and 60-day environmental logs-enabling over-the-air updates and continuous monitoring without data loss in remote industrial or agricultural deployments.
• Huishoudelijke apparaten (High-End Smart): Saving complex user profiles (e.g., smart oven cooking presets for 50+ recipes, robotic vacuum cleaning maps for multi-floor homes) and full appliance firmware-delivering personalized experiences and seamless updates for premium home devices like smart refrigerators.

Veelgestelde vragen (FAQ)

Why is the 256KB capacity a good fit for smart meters?

Smart meters need to store large, continuous datasets: 6-month energy usage logs (30-minute intervals equal 4,320 data points), billing cycle information, and calibration values. 64KB/128KB EEPROMs can??t hold all this data without truncation, leading to billing errors. The 256KB capacity ensures meters track usage accurately for full semi-annual billing cycles, avoiding customer disputes and reducing utility company support costs.

How does the 64-byte page write feature benefit industrial PLCs?

Industrial PLCs update process parameters (e.g., motor speed, temperature setpoints) in blocks of 32?C48 bytes to maintain production precision. The 64-byte page write lets the PLC store an entire parameter set in one I2C transaction instead of 48 separate ones. This cuts power use by 45% (vs. single-byte writes) and reduces latency to 1ms per update-critical for time-sensitive processes like assembly line monitoring, where delays cause product defects.

Can the M24256E-FMN6TP operate in both 1.8V IoT sensors and 5V industrial PLCs?

Yes. Its 1.8V?C5.5V operating range eliminates the need for separate EEPROMs for different voltage platforms. For 1.8V IoT humidity sensors, it runs directly from the battery without a regulator, saving space and cost. For 5V legacy industrial PLCs, it integrates seamlessly with older microcontrollers, avoiding the need to redesign PCBs or add voltage converters. This flexibility simplifies inventory management for engineers working across multiple projects.

Waarom is het kleine formaat van het SO8N-pakket belangrijk voor draagbare medische apparaten?

Draagbare medische apparaten (bijvoorbeeld handheld ECG-monitoren) moeten compact en licht zijn voor gebruik in klinieken of noodsituaties. De 0,95 mm pin pitch van het SO8N-pakket vermindert de PCB-ruimte met 20% in vergelijking met SO8W-pakketten met brede behuizing, waardoor ontwerpers de totale afmetingen van het apparaat kunnen verkleinen. Hierdoor is het medische hulpmiddel gemakkelijker mee te nemen, verbetert het comfort van de patiënt tijdens het gebruik en past het in krappe ruimtes zoals medische kits voor ambulances.

How long will the M24256E-FMN6TP retain data, and is it enough for long-life industrial equipment?

Het garandeert een gegevensbehoud van 40 jaar, wat veel langer is dan de typische levensduur van 20 tot 25 jaar van industriële apparatuur (bijv. PLC's in fabrieken, omvormers voor zonne-energie). Dit zorgt ervoor dat kritieke gegevens (zoals productielogs en kalibratie-instellingen) intact blijven gedurende de volledige operationele levensduur van het product. Met 1 miljoen schrijfcycli verwerkt het ook dagelijkse updates (bijvoorbeeld procesaanpassingen) zonder verslechtering, zodat het voldoet aan de industriële betrouwbaarheidsnormen en de uitvaltijd voor 24/7 fabrieksactiviteiten vermindert.