Microchip Technology 24AA08H-I/P

Overview

24AA08H-I/P from Microchip Technology is an 8 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as four 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), 400 kHz max clock frequency, and hardware write-protect for memory addresses 200h–3FFh. It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA08H-I/P datasheet, 24AA08H-I/P pinout, 24AA08H-I/P application, or 24AA08H-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, 16-byte page write buffer, Schmitt-trigger I²C inputs for noise immunity, and half-array hardware write-protection via the WP pin.

Technical Context

The 24AA08H-I/P implements a slave-only I²C interface compliant with standard and fast-mode protocols (100 kHz at VCC <2.5V, 400 kHz at VCC ≥2.5V), using open-drain SDA/SCL with internal Schmitt triggers and slope control to suppress ground bounce and bus noise. Its address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

Write operations include byte-write and 16-byte page-write with self-timed erase/write cycles (typ. 3 ms, max 5 ms); write protection is enabled by tying WP to VCC, locking addresses 200h–3FFh while allowing full read access and writes to 000h–1FFh.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA08H-I/P uses an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic DIP, 300 mil body) package with 0.3-inch width. Pin 1 is A0 (no internal connection), Pin 4 is VSS (ground), Pin 5 is SDA (bidirectional open-drain I²C data), Pin 6 is SCL (I²C clock input), Pin 7 is WP (write-protect input), and Pin 8 is VCC (1.7–5.5V supply). A1 and A2 are unconnected.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC08BH-I/P and AT24C08D-PU, the 24AA08H-I/P uniquely supports 1.7V operation while maintaining industrial temperature rating and hardware half-array write-protection - making it optimal for battery-powered or mixed-voltage embedded systems requiring robust, low-threshold NVM.

Availability

24AA08H-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, medical device configuration memory, and automotive body control module NVM requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA08H-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 24AA08H belongs to Microchip's 24XX08H family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage nonvolatile data storage in space- and power-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24AA08H-I/P?

The 24AA08H-I/P operates reliably down to 1.7V across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Below this threshold, the internal VCC detector disables write operations to prevent data corruption. This 1.7V minimum enables direct use with 1.8V microcontrollers and energy-harvesting systems without level-shifting circuitry. The 24AA08H-I/P maintains full I²C functionality, including 400 kHz clock support, throughout its 1.7–5.5V operating range.

How does the hardware write-protect feature work on the 24AA08H-I/P?

The 24AA08H-I/P uses the WP pin to enable hardware write-protection for memory addresses 200h–3FFh (half the array). When WP is tied to VCC, writes to that block are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; tying WP to VSS enables full read/write access. This feature is implemented entirely in silicon with no software overhead, providing deterministic protection against accidental or malicious firmware overwrites. The 24AA08H-I/P does not require any command sequence or register configuration to activate this protection.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA08H-I/P?

The 24AA08H-I/P 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. These limits are defined by AC characteristics tables in the datasheet and apply across the full industrial temperature range. The 24AA08H-I/P automatically adapts to the applied VCC level - no configuration or external components are needed to switch between speed modes.

Can the 24AA08H-I/P be used in place of the 24LC08BH-I/P?

The 24AA08H-I/P is not a direct drop-in replacement for the 24LC08BH-I/P due to differing minimum supply voltage requirements: the 24AA08H-I/P operates down to 1.7V, while the 24LC08BH-I/P requires ≥2.5V. All other electrical, timing, and functional characteristics - including pinout, memory organization, I²C protocol, and write-protect behavior - are identical. Substitution is safe only if the host system guarantees VCC ≥2.5V; otherwise, the 24AA08H-I/P provides superior low-voltage capability.

What package type does the 24AA08H-I/P use, and are the address pins functional?

The 24AA08H-I/P uses an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 300-mil body width, designated by the "/P" suffix. Pins A0, A1, and A2 are not internally connected - they serve no functional purpose and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without affecting operation. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates external pull-up/down requirements for unused address lines, distinguishing the 24AA08H-I/P from higher-density EEPROMs that use these pins for device addressing.