Microchip Technology 24AA16-E/MS

Overview

24AA16-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency (100 kHz below 2.5V), 1 μA standby current, and industrial/extended temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write-protection via the WP pin and is commonly used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16-E/MS datasheet, 24AA16-E/MS pinout, 24AA16-E/MS application, or 24AA16-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.7V low-voltage operation, 16-byte page write buffer, Schmitt-triggered I²C inputs for noise immunity, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 24AA16-E/MS functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, supporting up to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and page writes, enabling efficient multi-byte access without repeated address transmission.

It implements self-timed erase/write cycles with 5 ms maximum page write time, uses on-chip HV generation for EEPROM programming, and incorporates input filtering (≤100 ns spike suppression) and slope-controlled outputs to minimize ground bounce-critical for mixed-signal systems sharing noisy power domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16-E/MS is supplied in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, and exposed pad option (not electrically connected). Pin 1 is marked with a dot; pins A0–A2 are unconnected 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 serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 24LC16B-E/MS, the 24AA16-E/MS enables lower-voltage operation critical for battery-powered devices; compared with 24FC16-E/MS, it trades maximum speed for broader legacy I²C controller compatibility and reduced EMI sensitivity at 400 kHz.

Availability

24AA16-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, medical device configuration backup, and automotive body control module settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16-E/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA16-E/MS belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems across industrial, automotive, and medical applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA16-E/MS?

The 24AA16-E/MS supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V or higher; at 1.7V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is 100 kHz. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability with both legacy and modern I²C masters while maintaining timing margin under low-voltage conditions. The 24AA16-E/MS does not support 1 MHz operation - that capability is exclusive to the 24FC16 variant.

How does the WP pin function on the 24AA16-E/MS?

On the 24AA16-E/MS, the WP (Write-Protect) pin is a logic-level control: when tied to VCC, the entire 16-Kbit memory array becomes read-only; when tied to VSS (or left floating, though not recommended), full read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection operates independently of I²C commands and remains active during power transitions, making the 24AA16-E/MS suitable for safety-critical parameter storage where software locks are insufficient.

Can the 24AA16-E/MS be used in a 1.8V system?

Yes, the 24AA16-E/MS is fully specified for operation from 1.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with standard 1.8V logic systems. At 1.8V, it operates at 100 kHz I²C speed with guaranteed DC and AC parameters including 1 μA standby current and Schmitt-trigger input thresholds scaled to 0.7×VCC/0.3×VCC. No level-shifting circuitry is required, simplifying design and reducing BOM cost compared to 2.5V-minimum alternatives like the 24LC16B-E/MS.

What is the page write size and boundary behavior of the 24AA16-E/MS?

The 24AA16-E/MS has a 16-byte page write buffer. Page writes must remain within a single physical page - boundaries occur every 16 bytes (addresses 0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, etc.). If a page write crosses a boundary, data wraps to the start of the same page instead of advancing to the next, potentially overwriting prior bytes. Therefore, application firmware must validate address alignment before initiating multi-byte writes - a constraint explicitly documented in the 24AA16-E/MS datasheet and distinct from larger-page EEPROMs.

Is the 24AA16-E/MS AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24AA16-E/MS is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. The "E" suffix denotes Extended temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C), and Microchip certifies this variant for Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C) per AEC-Q100 Rev H. This qualification covers stress testing for reliability, including HTOL, TCT, and ESD (>4 kV HBM), confirming suitability for under-hood and body-control modules where thermal cycling and electrical noise are severe.