Microchip Technology 24AA08-I/MS

Overview

24AA08-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as four 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 features hardware write-protection via the WP pin, 16-byte page write buffer, and Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity - deployed in embedded system configuration storage and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA08-I/MS datasheet, 24AA08-I/MS pinout, 24AA08-I/MS application, or 24AA08-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, MSOP-8 package footprint compatibility, and hardware-level write protection for firmware parameter safeguarding.

Technical Context

The 24AA08-I/MS implements a two-wire I²C interface with fixed 4-bit device identifier '1010', block-select addressing (B1/B0), and R/W bit control. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and address pointer auto-increment for sequential reads.

It supports byte and page write modes with self-timed erase/write cycles (≤5 ms), ACK polling for bus efficiency, and Schmitt-triggered SDA/SCL inputs with 50 ns spike suppression. The WP pin enables full-array hardware write protection when tied to VCC - active only in packages supporting the pin (MSOP-8 included).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA08-I/MS is supplied in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, and exposed pad (optional VSS connection). Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC08B-I/MS, the 24AA08-I/MS enables lower-voltage operation critical for modern ultra-low-power designs; versus 24FC08-I/MS, it trades peak speed for broader timing margin and proven stability in noise-sensitive industrial I²C buses.

Availability

24AA08-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, smart energy metering, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term data integrity, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

Supply support for 24AA08-I/MS 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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 24AA08-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 24XX08 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems where write-protection and extended voltage range are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA08-I/MS?

The 24AA08-I/MS supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC is 2.5V or higher. At 1.7V ≤ V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to maintain timing margin and signal integrity. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability across diverse supply domains without redesigning the I²C bus interface. The 24AA08-I/MS datasheet specifies these limits in Table 1-1 AC Characteristics.

Does the 24AA08-I/MS support hardware write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the 24AA08-I/MS implements hardware write protection via the WP (Write-Protect) pin. When WP is tied to VCC, all write operations to the entire 8-Kbit memory array (addresses 000–3FF) are inhibited while read operations remain fully functional. This feature is active in the MSOP-8 package and provides deterministic, power-cycle-immune protection against unintended writes. The 24AA08-I/MS pinout and WP behavior are detailed in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-3 of the datasheet.

What is the memory organization of the 24AA08-I/MS, and how does block addressing work?

The 24AA08-I/MS organizes its 8 Kbit (1024 bytes) as four independent 256 × 8-bit blocks. Block selection is controlled by bits B1 and B0 in the I²C control byte (1010 x B1 B0 R/W), allowing the host to access any block without changing physical addressing. This segmentation isolates configuration data, calibration tables, and event logs - enhancing system security and simplifying firmware updates. The 24AA08-I/MS block addressing scheme is defined in Section 5.0 of the datasheet.

Can the 24AA08-I/MS operate reliably at 1.8V, and what are the implications for I²C timing?

Yes, the 24AA08-I/MS is fully specified for operation at 1.8V (within its 1.7V–5.5V range). At this voltage, the maximum I²C clock frequency is 100 kHz, and timing parameters such as THIGH (4000 ns min), TLOW (4700 ns min), and TAA (3500 ns max) scale accordingly to ensure setup/hold compliance. This makes the 24AA08-I/MS suitable for direct integration with 1.8V microcontrollers without level shifters. All 1.8V timing values are tabulated in Table 1-1 of the 24AA08-I/MS datasheet.

How many write/erase cycles can the 24AA08-I/MS endure, and what conditions apply to this specification?

The 24AA08-I/MS guarantees 1,000,000 write/erase cycles at 25°C and 5.5V, measured in page mode. This endurance rating applies to the full memory array and is validated per JEDEC standards. Real-world performance may vary slightly with temperature and voltage, but the 24AA08-I/MS maintains robustness across its industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Endurance data is confirmed in Table 1-1, Parameter D17 of the official 24AA08-I/MS datasheet DS20001710M.