Microchip Technology 24AA08T-I/MS

Overview

24AA08T-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 24AA08T-I/MS datasheet, 24AA08T-I/MS pinout, 24AA08T-I/MS application, or 24AA08T-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C bus compatibility at 400 kHz, WP-enabled hardware memory protection, 16-byte page write capability, and MSOP-8 packaging for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 24AA08T-I/MS implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins requiring external pull-ups, supports standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) timing, and uses a fixed 4-bit device address (1010b) with 2-bit block select for accessing its four 256-byte memory blocks. Its internal architecture includes a page latch buffer, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and address pointer auto-increment logic for sequential reads.

Write operations are self-timed with ≤5 ms maximum cycle time; read operations support current-address, random, and sequential modes. The WP pin enables full-array hardware write-protection when tied to VCC, and Schmitt-trigger inputs plus input filtering suppress noise spikes on SDA/SCL lines - critical for reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA08T-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body size, and exposed pad option (connected to VSS or left floating per design).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC08BT-I/MS, the 24AA08T-I/MS adds 1.7V operation for ultra-low-power designs; compared with 24FC08T-I/MS, it trades 1 MHz speed for broader legacy I²C controller compatibility and identical WP functionality in MSOP-8.

Availability

24AA08T-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24AA08T-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 automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 24AA08T-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 24XX08 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with stringent qualification requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA08T-I/MS?

The 24AA08T-I/MS supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency under standard operating conditions (VCC ≥ 2.5V). At VCC between 1.7V and 2.5V, maximum clock rate drops to 100 kHz per Microchip DS20001710M specification. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability with both legacy and modern I²C masters while maintaining signal integrity at low voltages. The 24AA08T-I/MS does not support 1 MHz operation - that feature is exclusive to the 24FC08 variant.

Does the 24AA08T-I/MS require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA08T-I/MS requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain outputs. For 400 kHz operation, Microchip recommends a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. These values ensure proper rise times and noise margin while avoiding excessive current draw. The 24AA08T-I/MS itself contains no internal pull-ups, and omitting external resistors will prevent I²C communication entirely.

How does the WP pin function on the 24AA08T-I/MS?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24AA08T-I/MS provides hardware-level inhibition of all write operations when pulled high to VCC - protecting the full 1024-byte memory array from accidental or malicious modification. When WP is tied to VSS (ground), full read/write access is enabled. This pin operates independently of software commands and remains active during power-up sequences, making it essential for fail-safe configuration storage in safety-critical systems using the 24AA08T-I/MS.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24AA08T-I/MS, and how does it improve efficiency?

The 24AA08T-I/MS features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the internal latch and written to memory in a single I²C transaction after the Stop condition. This reduces the number of required I²C start/stop sequences by up to 16× versus byte-write mode, cutting total write time from ~80 ms (16 × 5 ms) to ≤5 ms and minimizing bus contention in multi-master systems. The 24AA08T-I/MS enforces page boundaries - crossing them causes wraparound, so firmware must align writes accordingly.

Is the 24AA08T-I/MS AEC-Q100 qualified, and what does that mean for automotive use?

Yes, the 24AA08T-I/MS is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications, specifically Grade 2 (–40°C to +105°C ambient) - exceeding its rated industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. This qualification includes stress testing for thermal cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and ESD, ensuring reliability in under-hood and cabin modules. While the 24AA08T-I/MS part number denotes Industrial temp grade, its AEC-Q100 qualification confirms suitability for automotive body electronics, ADAS sensors, and infotainment subsystems where extended lifetime and fault tolerance are mandatory.