Microchip Technology 24AA16H-I/P

Overview

24AA16H-I/P 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, 1 μA standby current, and hardware write-protect for half-array (400h–7FFh), used in embedded system configuration storage and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16H-I/P datasheet, 24AA16H-I/P pinout, 24AA16H-I/P application, or 24AA16H-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SOIC-8 pin mapping, industrial temperature (-40°C to +85°C) operation, page write buffer behavior, and real-world substitution guidance for production BOMs.

Technical Context

The 24AA16H-I/P implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while ACK polling enables precise timing of self-timed 5 ms write cycles.

Memory architecture uses an 8-bit word address with 3 block-select bits (B2–B0), limiting system-level addressing to one device per bus. Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin state-tied to VCC to lock addresses 400h–7FFh-and A0/A1/A2 pins are unconnected and may be left floating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16H-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic small outline (SOIC) package, 3.90 mm body width, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; all packages share identical pin functions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BH-I/P, the 24AA16H-I/P supports lower-voltage operation critical for battery-backed systems; compared with AT24C16D-SSHM-T, it provides dedicated hardware write-protection for safety-critical memory segmentation without firmware overhead.

Availability

24AA16H-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, embedded system configuration memory, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

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

The 24AA16H belongs to Microchip's 24XX16H family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained embedded systems needing robust nonvolatile storage with hardware-based data protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA16H-I/P?

The 24AA16H-I/P supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At 1.7V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency drops to 100 kHz to maintain timing margin integrity. This dual-speed capability ensures reliable operation across wide-input-voltage systems like battery-powered sensors or multi-rail industrial controllers. The 24AA16H-I/P does not support 1 MHz operation - that capability is exclusive to the 24FC16H variant.

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

The WP pin on the 24AA16H-I/P controls hardware write-protection: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 400h–7FFh (upper half) are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full-array read/write access is enabled. This is a physical, non-volatile lock - no register programming or I²C command is required. The 24AA16H-I/P implements this entirely in silicon, making it immune to firmware bugs or bus glitches.

Can the 24AA16H-I/P operate from a 1.8V supply, and what are the implications?

Yes, the 24AA16H-I/P is fully specified down to 1.7V, so 1.8V operation is well within its guaranteed range. At 1.8V, the maximum I²C clock frequency is 100 kHz, and the device draws ≤1 μA standby current and ≤1 mA active read current. This makes the 24AA16H-I/P ideal for energy-harvesting or coin-cell-powered devices where ultra-low quiescent current and sub-2V compatibility are mandatory design constraints.

Are the A0, A1, and A2 pins functional on the 24AA16H-I/P?

No - the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA16H-I/P are not internally connected and serve no functional purpose. They may be left floating, tied to VSS, or tied to VCC without affecting device operation, addressing, or I²C communication. This differs from larger EEPROMs (e.g., 24AA64) where these pins configure the device address; the 24AA16H-I/P uses a fixed 7-bit slave address (1010xxx) with only block-select bits B2–B0 active in the control byte.

What is the page write capability of the 24AA16H-I/P, and how does it improve system performance?

The 24AA16H-I/P features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 contiguous bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction with one Stop condition. This reduces bus overhead by up to 16× versus byte-wise writes, cutting total write time from ~80 ms (16 × 5 ms) to just 5 ms. Crucially, page writes must stay within physical page boundaries (00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.); crossing boundaries causes wraparound, so firmware must validate address alignment before initiating.