Microchip Technology 24AA04T-I/MC

Overview

24AA04T-I/MC 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 24AA04T-I/MC datasheet, 24AA04T-I/MC pinout, 24AA04T-I/MC application, or 24AA04T-I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C bus compatibility at 400 kHz, 16-byte page buffer size, hardware write-protect functionality, and industrial-grade temperature performance.

Technical Context

The 24AA04T-I/MC 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, EEPROM array with self-timed erase/write cycles, and address pointer logic supporting current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It uses open-drain SDA/SCL signaling requiring external pull-ups, supports acknowledge polling for write-cycle completion detection, and enforces strict I²C timing including THD:STA ≥ 600 ns and TAA ≤ 3500 ns at 1.7V–2.5V VCC. The A0–A2 pins are unconnected and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without affecting operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The 24AA04T-I/MC is supplied in an 8-lead DFN package (3 mm × 2 mm, wettable flanks) with exposed pad connected to VSS or left floating. Pin 1 is A0 (NC), Pin 2 is A1 (NC), Pin 3 is A2 (NC), Pin 4 is VSS, Pin 5 is SDA, Pin 6 is SCL, Pin 7 is WP, and Pin 8 is VCC.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04B-I/MC, the 24AA04T-I/MC enables lower-voltage operation critical for energy harvesting and battery longevity; compared with 24FC04T-I/MC, it trades maximum clock speed and extended temperature for optimized cost and proven industrial reliability.

Availability

24AA04T-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical device user preference storage requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 24AA04T-I/MC 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The 24AA04T-I/MC belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage of configuration data and calibration parameters.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA04T-I/MC?

The 24AA04T-I/MC supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At VCC between 1.7V and 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to ensure timing margin compliance. This dual-speed capability allows flexible integration across diverse power domains while maintaining full I²C protocol compatibility. The 24AA04T-I/MC does not support 1 MHz operation - that capability is exclusive to the 24FC04 variant.

Does the 24AA04T-I/MC require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA04T-I/MC requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz. These resistors establish the high logic level and ensure proper signal rise times per I²C specification. The 24AA04T-I/MC itself contains no internal pull-ups, so omission of external resistors will result in bus failure.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24AA04T-I/MC?

Hardware write-protection on the 24AA04T-I/MC is controlled by the WP (Write-Protect) pin: when tied to VCC, the entire 4-Kbit memory array (addresses 000h–1FFh) becomes read-only; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This is a hardwired, non-volatile lock independent of I²C commands. The 24AA04T-I/MC does not support software-based or block-level write protection - protection is global and physical.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA04T-I/MC?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA04T-I/MC are not internally connected and serve no functional purpose. They may be left floating or tied to VSS or VCC without affecting device operation. Unlike higher-density EEPROMs in the same family (e.g., 24AA64), the 24AA04T-I/MC uses a fixed 4-bit device address (1010b) with no address bits allocated to A0–A2, eliminating bus address conflicts but also precluding multi-device addressing on the same I²C segment.

Can the 24AA04T-I/MC be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification?

No, the 24AA04T-I/MC is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While the broader 24XX04 family includes AEC-Q100-qualified variants (e.g., 24AA04T-E/MC for extended temperature), the "I" suffix in 24AA04T-I/MC denotes industrial temperature grade only (–40°C to +85°C), not automotive qualification. For AEC-Q100-compliant designs, engineers must select explicitly qualified parts such as 24AA04T-E/MC or alternative automotive-grade EEPROMs - the 24AA04T-I/MC itself lacks the required stress testing and documentation.