Microchip Technology 24AA04-I/P

Overview

24AA04-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 industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It supports page writes up to 16 bytes and hardware write-protection via the WP pin, used in embedded system configuration storage and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA04-I/P datasheet, 24AA04-I/P pinout, 24AA04-I/P application, or 24AA04-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package-confirmed pin functions, I²C timing constraints at 1.7V–5.5V, endurance (1M cycles), and real-world use cases including firmware parameter storage and power-fail-safe settings backup.

Technical Context

The 24AA04-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, address pointer, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - enabling self-timed erase/write cycles without external timing components.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010) with block-select bit B0 and R/W control, supporting byte and page write modes. Acknowledge polling is supported during write cycles, and the WP pin provides hardware-level write inhibition when tied to VCC - all compliant with standard I²C protocol timing requirements across 1.7V–5.5V operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA04-I/P is supplied in an 8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP) with 300 mil body width. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; pins A0–A2 are not internally connected and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without functional impact.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04B-I/P and AT24C04-PU, the 24AA04-I/P uniquely supports 1.7V operation and integrated hardware write protection - making it optimal for battery-backed, low-voltage, and safety-critical applications where voltage margin and fail-safe memory integrity are essential.

Availability

24AA04-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded firmware configuration, and power-fail safe logging requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA04-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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA04-I/P belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, and space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA04-I/P?

The 24AA04-I/P supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At 1.7V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to ensure reliable timing margins. This dual-speed capability allows seamless integration into both 3.3V/5V and ultra-low-voltage 1.8V systems without redesign.

Does the 24AA04-I/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA04-I/P has open-drain SDA and SCL pins and requires external pull-up resistors. Typical values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz. The exact value depends on bus capacitance and rise-time requirements per I²C specification - confirmed in the DS20001708P datasheet Section 2.2.

How does hardware write protection work on the 24AA04-I/P?

When the WP pin of the 24AA04-I/P is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 4-Kbit memory array (addresses 000h–1FFh) are inhibited. Read operations remain fully functional. This hardware lock operates independently of I²C commands and persists through power cycles - a key safety feature for production firmware and calibration data.

Can the 24AA04-I/P be used in automotive applications?

The 24AA04-I/P itself is rated for industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. However, the pin-compatible 24AA04-E/P variant is automotive-qualified. For automotive use, specify the -E suffix part; the -I/P version is intended for industrial, medical, and consumer equipment meeting I-temp requirements.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA04-I/P?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA04-I/P are not connected internally (NC) and serve no functional role. They may be left floating or tied to VSS or VCC without affecting device operation, addressing, or I²C communication - unlike other EEPROM families where these pins configure slave address.