Microchip Technology 24AA16H-I/MS

Overview

24AA16H-I/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 hardware write-protect for the upper half-array (400h–7FFh). It is used in industrial sensor calibration storage and embedded system configuration retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16H-I/MS datasheet, 24AA16H-I/MS pinout, 24AA16H-I/MS application, or 24AA16H-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C timing compliance at extended temperature (−40°C to +85°C), MSOP-8 package footprint compatibility, and half-array hardware write-protection functionality.

Technical Context

The 24AA16H-I/MS implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit address pointer, 16-byte page write buffer, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports byte and page write operations with self-timed erase/write cycles (max 5 ms), acknowledges only after successful address/data reception, and suspends ACK during internal write cycles-enabling reliable acknowledge polling for bus efficiency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead MSOP package with exposed pad (optional VSS connection), 0.65 mm pitch, and JEDEC-standard pinout. Pin 1 is SDA; pin numbering follows standard MSOP top-view orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BH-I/MS, the 24AA16H-I/MS enables true 1.8V operation and shares identical packaging and timing, while AT24C16D-MAHM-T offers faster 1 MHz I²C but sacrifices hardware write-protect granularity-making 24AA16H-I/MS optimal for safety-critical low-voltage industrial storage.

Availability

24AA16H-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, embedded system configuration retention, and smart meter firmware metadata requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16H-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA16H belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications demanding extended temperature operation and high reliability.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24AA16H-I/MS?

The 24AA16H-I/MS operates reliably down to 1.7V across its full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Below 2.5V, the maximum I²C clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to ensure timing margin; at 2.5V and above, it supports up to 400 kHz. This makes the 24AA16H-I/MS suitable for direct integration into 1.8V systems without level-shifting circuitry.

How does the hardware write-protect feature work on the 24AA16H-I/MS?

The WP pin on the 24AA16H-I/MS controls hardware write-protection: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 400h–7FFh (upper 8 Kbit) are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full-array read/write access is enabled. This protection is active immediately upon power-up and requires no software initialization-ensuring deterministic security for critical calibration or configuration data stored in the protected region.

Can the 24AA16H-I/MS be used in place of the 24LC16BH-I/MS without board changes?

Yes-the 24AA16H-I/MS is pin-compatible and functionally identical to the 24LC16BH-I/MS in MSOP-8 packaging, including identical pinout, I²C protocol, and timing specifications at 2.5V–5.5V. However, the 24AA16H-I/MS adds 1.7V–2.5V operation capability, making it a drop-in upgrade for existing 24LC16BH-I/MS designs where low-voltage support is desired.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page write operation for the 24AA16H-I/MS?

The 24AA16H-I/MS supports a 16-byte page write buffer. A single page write operation can transfer up to 16 bytes of data in one I²C transaction before issuing a Stop condition. Writes crossing physical page boundaries (every 16-byte aligned address) will wrap within the current page-so software must ensure word addresses do not cross 16-byte boundaries to avoid unintended overwrites during page writes.

Is the 24AA16H-I/MS qualified for automotive applications?

The base 24AA16H device is AEC-Q100 qualified, but the 24AA16H-I/MS variant is specified for Industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and is not explicitly certified for automotive Grade 2 (−40°C to +105°C) or Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C). For automotive body control or infotainment applications requiring extended temperature validation, Microchip's 24AA16H-E/MS (Extended temp) or automotive-specific variants should be selected instead of the 24AA16H-I/MS.