Microchip Technology 24AA04H-I/P

Overview

24AA04H-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency, 1 µA standby current, and hardware write-protect for half-array (100h–1FFh), used in industrial control systems for parameter storage and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA04H-I/P datasheet, 24AA04H-I/P pinout, 24AA04H-I/P application, or 24AA04H-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C bus compatibility at 400 kHz (100 kHz below 2.5V), 16-byte page write buffer, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) in PDIP package.

Technical Context

The 24AA04H-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins requiring external pull-ups, supports byte and page write modes (up to 16 bytes per page), and uses internal address pointer auto-increment for sequential reads. Its memory is split into two independent 256-word blocks selectable via the B0 bit in the control byte.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh while allowing full read access; tied to VSS enables full read/write. The device features Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress ground bounce and bus noise, ensuring robust operation in electrically noisy environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA04H-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), 300 mil body width, with through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are tin-plated, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar EEPROM applications.

Compared with 24LC04BH-I/P, the 24AA04H-I/P supports lower-voltage operation critical for 1.8V designs; compared with AT24C04D-PU, it offers simpler, pin-based write protection ideal for safety-critical or resource-constrained systems where firmware simplicity is prioritized.

Availability

24AA04H-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, smart metering, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 24AA04H-I/P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA04H belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained and thermally demanding industrial and consumer applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA04H-I/P?

The 24AA04H-I/P supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V–5.5V, and 100 kHz when VCC is 1.7V–2.49V. This dual-speed capability ensures compatibility with both standard-mode and fast-mode I²C hosts across its full operating voltage range. The 24AA04H-I/P automatically adapts to the applied VCC without external configuration.

How does the write-protect function work on the 24AA04H-I/P?

The 24AA04H-I/P uses the WP pin for hardware-based write protection: tying WP to VCC disables writes to memory addresses 100h–1FFh (upper 2 Kbit block), while reads remain fully accessible. Tying WP to VSS enables full read/write access. This feature is implemented entirely in hardware, requiring no I²C commands or firmware intervention.

Is the 24AA04H-I/P compatible with 1.8V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 24AA04H-I/P operates from 1.7V to 5.5V and is fully compatible with 1.8V systems. Its I²C interface meets standard-mode and fast-mode voltage thresholds at 1.8V, and its Schmitt-trigger inputs ensure noise-immune signaling. No level-shifting circuitry is required when interfacing with 1.8V MCUs.

What is the endurance rating of the 24AA04H-I/P and how is it validated?

The 24AA04H-I/P is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.5V, verified using page-mode stress testing per JEDEC standards. This endurance applies to both byte and page writes. Real-world wear leveling is unnecessary due to the device's architecture, and the specification is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range.

Does the 24AA04H-I/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA04H-I/P has open-drain SDA and SCL pins and requires external pull-up resistors. Recommended values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz. Pull-up voltage must match the host controller's I²C logic level (e.g., 1.8V, 3.3V, or 5V), and resistor placement should minimize trace capacitance for reliable high-speed signaling.