Microchip Technology 24AA16-I/SN

Overview

24AA16-I/SN 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-protection via the WP pin. It supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and is commonly used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16-I/SN datasheet, 24AA16-I/SN pinout, 24AA16-I/SN application, or 24AA16-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, page-write capability (16-byte buffer), Schmitt-trigger noise immunity on SDA/SCL, self-timed erase/write cycle (5 ms max), and RoHS-compliant 8-lead SOIC (SN) packaging.

Technical Context

The 24AA16-I/SN functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and supports current address, random, and sequential read modes.

Write operations include byte-write and page-write (up to 16 bytes per page), with wrap-around behavior at page boundaries. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write-cycle completion, and the WP pin provides hardware-level write protection for the full 000–7FF address space when tied to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) body (3.90 mm width), with exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or bevel; pin numbering follows standard SOIC convention (counterclockwise from top-left corner).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/SN, the 24AA16-I/SN enables lower-voltage operation critical for energy-harvesting or battery-backed systems; versus AT24C16C-SSHM-T, it lacks AEC-Q100 certification but offers identical electrical performance at lower cost for commercial-grade applications.

Availability

24AA16-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and medical device settings backup requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 24AA16-I/SN 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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing infrastructure.

The 24AA16-I/SN belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 24AA16-I/SN?

The 24AA16-I/SN supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V–5.5V, and 100 kHz when VCC is 1.7V–2.5V. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability across mixed-voltage I²C buses while maintaining signal integrity at lower supply levels. The 24AA16-I/SN does not support 1 MHz operation - that capability is exclusive to the 24FC16 variant.

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

Yes, the 24AA16-I/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL because its I/O pins are open-drain. Typical values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz. The exact value depends on bus capacitance and desired rise time; insufficient pull-up strength causes communication failures or timing violations in the 24AA16-I/SN.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24AA16-I/SN?

Hardware write-protection on the 24AA16-I/SN is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 000–7FF memory space are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, full read/write access is enabled. This feature is implemented entirely within the 24AA16-I/SN silicon and requires no firmware intervention.

Can the 24AA16-I/SN be used in automotive applications?

The 24AA16-I/SN is qualified for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) but is not AEC-Q100 certified. While it may operate reliably in some automotive cabin environments, Microchip explicitly qualifies the 24AA16-I/SN for industrial, commercial, and medical applications - not automotive. For automotive use, consider the AEC-Q100-qualified 24AA16T-I/SN or AT24C16C-SSHM-T instead of the 24AA16-I/SN.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA16-I/SN?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA16-I/SN are not internally connected and serve no functional role. They may be left floating or tied to VSS or VCC without affecting device operation. This differs from higher-density EEPROMs (e.g., 24AA64) where these pins encode I²C slave addresses - the 24AA16-I/SN uses a fixed 4-bit control code (1010) and block-select bits only, making A0–A2 redundant.