Microchip Technology 24AA04H-I/SN

Overview

24AA04H-I/SN 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 the upper half-array (100h–1FFh). It is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA04H-I/SN datasheet, 24AA04H-I/SN pinout, 24AA04H-I/SN application, or 24AA04H-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility, and half-array hardware write-protection functionality.

Technical Context

The 24AA04H-I/SN implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page buffer enables efficient burst writes.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VSS for full read/write access; tied to VCC to lock addresses 100h–1FFh. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles with no external timing components required, and supports acknowledge polling to detect write completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA04H-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) with 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and JEDEC MS-012AC compliant footprint. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot; leads are matte tin-plated.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04H-I/SN, the 24LC04BH-I/SN excludes 1.7V operation but maintains identical timing and packaging, while the AT24C04D-SSHM-T omits the WP pin entirely-making it unsuitable where hardware-enforced configuration lockdown is mandatory.

Availability

24AA04H-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA04H-I/SN 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, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 24AA04H belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and secure nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications.

FAQ

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

The 24AA04H-I/SN supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At supply voltages between 1.7V and 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to ensure reliable timing margins. This dual-speed capability allows seamless integration across 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V systems without redesigning the I²C bus interface. The 24AA04H-I/SN datasheet specifies these limits in Table 1-2 under FCLK conditions.

How does the WP pin function on the 24AA04H-I/SN?

On the 24AA04H-I/SN, the WP (Write-Protect) pin enables hardware-level memory protection: when tied to VCC, writes to addresses 100h–1FFh (upper 256-byte block) are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is granted. This feature prevents accidental corruption of critical configuration data during firmware updates or system faults. The 24AA04H-I/SN does not require pull-up/down resistors on WP-it must be actively driven high or low.

Can the 24AA04H-I/SN operate reliably at 1.8V?

Yes, the 24AA04H-I/SN is fully specified to operate at 1.8V, which falls within its 1.7V–5.5V supply range. At 1.8V, it functions at 100 kHz I²C speed with guaranteed 1 µA standby current and proper Schmitt-trigger noise immunity. This makes the 24AA04H-I/SN suitable for direct interfacing with 1.8V microcontrollers and battery-powered IoT edge nodes where rail voltage droop is common.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24AA04H-I/SN?

The 24AA04H-I/SN guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per memory location and greater than 200 years of data retention at 25°C. These values are characterized and tested per Microchip's qualification standards-not estimated or extrapolated. The 24AA04H-I/SN achieves this using proven floating-gate EEPROM technology with robust oxide tunneling characteristics, making it appropriate for applications requiring decades of unattended operation.

Is the 24AA04H-I/SN pin-compatible with other SOIC-8 EEPROMs like the 24LC04BH-I/SN?

Yes, the 24AA04H-I/SN is pin-compatible with the 24LC04BH-I/SN in the SOIC-8 (SN) package: both share identical pinout (A0–A2 unused, VSS, SDA, SCL, WP, VCC), mechanical dimensions, and land pattern. However, the 24LC04BH-I/SN requires a minimum 2.5V supply and does not support 1.7V–2.5V operation. Swapping them requires verifying system rail voltage compliance-but no PCB layout change is needed.