Microchip Technology 24AA16-E/ST

Overview

24AA16-E/ST 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), 5 ms max page write time, and industrial/extended temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers, sensor nodes, and power management ICs.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16-E/ST datasheet, 24AA16-E/ST pinout, 24AA16-E/ST application, or 24AA16-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.7V low-voltage operation, hardware write-protect (WP) pin, 16-byte page buffer, Schmitt-triggered I²C inputs for noise immunity, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive use cases.

Technical Context

The 24AA16-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit device address prefix '1010' and 3-bit block-select bits, enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal architecture includes an on-chip 16-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and address pointer auto-increment logic supporting current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin: tied to VSS enables full read/write; tied to VCC disables all writes while preserving read functionality. The device uses Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress ground bounce and tolerate bus noise up to 50 ns spike suppression on SDA/SCL.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16-E/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), with exposed pad optional per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN. Pin 1 is top-left corner (notch-marked), and all A0–A2 pins are unconnected (NC) - 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/ST, the 24AA16-E/ST enables lower-power 1.8V operation but trades off maximum clock speed; versus 24FC16-E/ST, it sacrifices 1 MHz throughput for broader legacy I²C controller compatibility and relaxed rise/fall time constraints.

Availability

24AA16-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive ECU parameter storage, and power supply sequencing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16-E/ST 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

The 24AA16-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-voltage nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications where data integrity and long-term reliability are critical.

FAQ

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

The 24AA16-E/ST supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC ≥ 2.5V, and 100 kHz when V_CC is between 1.7V and 2.49V. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability with both legacy and modern I²C controllers while maintaining timing margin at low supply voltages - a key design feature confirmed in DS20001703M Table 1-2.

Does the 24AA16-E/ST require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA16-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz - values specified in the device's Functional Description section to ensure proper rise time and noise immunity.

Can the A0, A1, and A2 pins of the 24AA16-E/ST be left unconnected?

Yes, the A0, A1, and A2 pins of the 24AA16-E/ST are not internally connected and may be left floating, tied to VSS, or tied to VCC without affecting operation. This is explicitly stated in the Pin Descriptions section (DS20001703M page 7) and distinguishes the 24AA16-E/ST from higher-density EEPROMs that use these pins for address expansion.

How does the write-protect (WP) pin function on the 24AA16-E/ST?

When the WP pin of the 24AA16-E/ST is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are inhibited while read operations remain fully functional. When tied to VSS, normal read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental overwrites during power-up/down sequences or firmware glitches - a feature verified in the Device Addressing and Write Protection sections.

Is the 24AA16-E/ST qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24AA16-E/ST carries AEC-Q100 qualification and is rated for the Extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), making it suitable for under-hood automotive applications such as engine control units, transmission control modules, and body electronics where thermal robustness and long-term data retention are mandatory.