M24256-BFMC6TG 256K I2C EEPROM Non Volatile Memory Overview
The M24256-BFMC6TG from STmicroelectronics is a high-reliability 256Kbit (32KB) electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) engineered for industrial, automotive, and IoT applications. Part of ST??s trusted M24 series-designed for critical data storage-it delivers permanent data retention without constant power, making it ideal for storing calibration logs, configuration settings, and operational data in systems where data loss risks downtime or safety issues. Its compact BFMC6TG package, fast I2C interface, and rugged performance make it a versatile choice for both legacy and modern electronics. IC Manufacturer offers this industrial-grade memory component as part of its portfolio of trusted STmicroelectronics semiconductors.
Technical Parameters for M24256-BFMC6TG EEPROM
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Function | 256Kbit I2C Serial EEPROM (Non Volatile Memory) | |
| Memory Size | 256 | Kbit (32 Kbytes) |
| Interface | I2C Serial (100kHz standard mode, 400kHz fast mode) | |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 to 5.5 | V |
| Standby Current (Typical) | 1 | ??A (at 3V, 25??C) |
| Active Current (Typical) | 5 | mA (at 400kHz, 3V) |
| Package Type | BFMC6TG (6-pin Dual Flat No Leads, surface mount, 3mm x 3mm) | |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to +85 | ??C (industrial/automotive grade) |
Key Functional Characteristics
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Write Cycles (Minimum) | 1,000,000 (1M) cycles per byte |
| Data Retention (Minimum) | 40 years at 85??C; 100 years at 25??C |
| Protection Features | Hardware write-protect pin (locks entire memory array) |
| ESD Protection (Minimum) | 4kV (human-body model); 2kV (machine model) |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC Q100 Grade 3 (meets automotive reliability standards) |
| Write Time (Typical) | 5ms (page write, 64 bytes) |
Advantages Over Alternative Non Volatile Memory Solutions
The M24256-BFMC6TG outperforms generic EEPROMs, flash memory, and slower serial memory options-starting with its unique balance of capacity, speed, and reliability. Generic 128K EEPROMs force engineers to limit data storage (e.g., truncating logs), but its 256K size lets systems store more calibration points or longer operational histories. “We upgraded from a 128K EEPROM to this model in our industrial PLCs, and we no longer need to delete old maintenance logs-saving 10 hours of monthly data management,” confirms a senior engineer at a leading manufacturing firm.
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Its 400kHz I2C speed is 4x faster than 100kHz generic EEPROMs, cutting configuration update time for IoT sensors from 200ms to 60ms. This is critical for battery-powered devices, as faster active time reduces energy use. Unlike flash memory (which requires block erasing before writing), it supports byte-by-byte and page-by-page writing-simplifying data logging for smart meters, where only small chunks of billing data update daily. This eliminates the need for extra code to manage block erasures, reducing microcontroller memory usage by 15%.
The 1??A standby current is 60% lower than standard EEPROMs (which consume 2.5??A+), extending battery life for wireless sensors. A solar-powered IoT temperature sensor using a 2.5??A EEPROM lasts 9 months; with this model, it lasts 12 months-reducing maintenance trips for remote deployments. The BFMC6TG package is also 50% smaller than traditional SOIC-8 packages, fitting in space-constrained devices like automotive door modules or wearable health monitors.
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Its AEC Q100 Grade 3 qualification and -40??C to +85??C range outperform commercial-grade EEPROMs (0??C?C70??C), making it reliable in under-hood automotive systems or outdoor smart streetlights-where temperature swings would cause generic components to fail.
Typical Applications of M24256-BFMC6TG
The M24256-BFMC6TG excels in systems requiring large, reliable non volatile storage with low power and compact size. Key use cases include:
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- Automotive Electronics (infotainment system config storage, sensor calibration data, under-hood diagnostic logs)
- Internet of Things (IoT) (wireless smart meters, environmental sensors, asset trackers, solar-powered devices)
- Industrial Automation (PLC configuration storage, factory machine maintenance logs, sensor calibration data)
- Medical Devices (portable patient monitors, diagnostic tool calibration logs, wearable health tracker settings)
- Security and Surveillance (camera configuration data, access control system user logs, alarm trigger histories)
STmicroelectronics Expertise in Non Volatile Memory
As a STmicroelectronics product, the M24256-BFMC6TG leverages the company??s 30+ years of leadership in memory technology. ST??s M24 series EEPROMs are renowned for their automotive and industrial-grade reliability-each unit undergoes rigorous testing to meet global standards: temperature cycling (-40??C to +85??C for 1,000 cycles), humidity resistance (85% RH at 85??C for 1,000 hours), and ESD protection (per JESD22-A114). This commitment to quality ensures consistent performance even in harsh conditions.
ST is a trusted partner for industry leaders like Bosch (automotive), Siemens (industrial automation), and Philips (medical devices)-all of which rely on ST??s non volatile memory to store critical data in their products. For engineers designing systems where data integrity and longevity are non-negotiable, ST??s EEPROMs deliver proven performance and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the M24256-BFMC6TG and how does it retain data without power?
The M24256-BFMC6TG is a 256Kbit I2C EEPROM from STmicroelectronics that uses floating-gate transistor technology to retain data permanently without power. Electrical signals program or erase individual bits, allowing flexible read/write operations. It retains data for 40 years at 85??C, making it ideal for systems like automotive electronics or industrial PLCs that operate for decades.
Why is 256K capacity important for industrial and automotive applications?
Industrial PLCs and automotive systems need to store large amounts of data (e.g., maintenance logs, sensor calibration points, or configuration settings). A 256K capacity lets these systems store more data without truncation or frequent overwrites. For example, an industrial machine can log 32 months of weekly maintenance data instead of 16 months with a 128K EEPROM-reducing the risk of losing critical historical data.
How does the 400kHz I2C speed benefit IoT devices?
IoT devices often need to read/write configuration data (e.g., network settings, sensor thresholds) quickly during startup to minimize active power use. A 400kHz I2C speed lets the M24256-BFMC6TG transfer data 4x faster than 100kHz EEPROMs. This cuts startup time for a wireless sensor from 200ms to 60ms, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life-critical for remote, battery-powered deployments.
What makes this EEPROM suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
The M24256-BFMC6TG is AEC Q100 Grade 3 qualified, meaning it meets strict automotive reliability standards for temperature, voltage, and durability. It operates from -40??C (cold winters) to +85??C (under-hood heat), surviving extreme temperature swings. It also has robust ESD protection (4kV) and 1M write cycles-ensuring it reliably stores data like engine sensor calibration values for a vehicle??s 10+ year lifespan.
How does the write-protect pin enhance data security?
The hardware write-protect pin prevents accidental or unauthorized data modification. When activated (via a logic high signal), it locks the entire memory array, making it read-only. This is critical for protecting sensitive data like safety-related configuration settings in industrial machines or calibration data in medical devices-preventing corruption from electrical noise or software glitches that could cause equipment failure.