Microchip Technology 24AA16-I/W16K

Overview

24AA16-I/W16K from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit memory blocks. It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V, supports up to 400 kHz clock frequency (100 kHz below 2.5V), features hardware write-protection via the WP pin, and delivers ≤1 μA standby current at industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It is used in embedded system configuration storage where low-voltage operation and noise-immune two-wire interface are required.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16-I/W16K datasheet, 24AA16-I/W16K pinout, 24AA16-I/W16K application, or 24AA16-I/W16K equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC min (1.7V), page write buffer size (16 bytes), endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (>200 years), and I²C timing compliance across voltage and temperature grades.

Technical Context

The 24AA16-I/W16K 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 page writes, and it implements Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress bus noise and eliminate ground bounce.

Write operations are self-timed: byte writes complete in ≤5 ms, and page writes (up to 16 bytes within a single 16-byte-aligned physical page) also require ≤5 ms. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion without fixed delay, and the WP pin provides hardware-level protection of the full 000h–7FFh address space when tied to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16-I/W16K is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN. The exposed pad is not present in this variant; all pins are surface-mount leads with standard 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/P, 24AA16-I/W16K enables lower-voltage operation and broader system compatibility; compared with 24AA16-I/MS, it offers easier hand-soldering and legacy board compatibility via SOIC packaging.

Availability

24AA16-I/W16K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, medical device configuration memory, and automotive body control module NVM requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16-I/W16K 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24AA16-I/W16K belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-voltage, noise-immune nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24AA16-I/W16K?

The 24AA16-I/W16K operates reliably down to 1.7V across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). At VCC < 2.5V, the maximum I²C clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to maintain timing margins. This makes the 24AA16-I/W16K suitable for direct integration with 1.8V microcontrollers without level-shifting circuitry.

Does the 24AA16-I/W16K support page write operations, and what is the buffer size?

Yes, the 24AA16-I/W16K supports page write operations with a 16-byte on-chip buffer. Writes must remain within a single 16-byte-aligned physical page (e.g., addresses 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh); crossing page boundaries causes wraparound. Each page write completes in ≤5 ms, and the internal address pointer increments automatically for sequential access.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24AA16-I/W16K?

When the WP pin is tied to VCC, the entire 2048-byte memory array (addresses 000h–7FFh) is write-protected - all write commands are ignored while read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS (or left floating, though not recommended), normal read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental firmware or configuration corruption.

What is the endurance rating and data retention specification for the 24AA16-I/W16K?

The 24AA16-I/W16K is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and guarantees data retention exceeding 200 years at +85°C. These specifications are validated per JEDEC standards and apply across the full industrial temperature range. Endurance is measured in page mode, and retention assumes typical storage conditions without excessive thermal stress.

Is the 24AA16-I/W16K AEC-Q100 qualified, and which grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24AA16-I/W16K is AEC-Q100 qualified for Automotive Grade 2 (–40°C to +105°C ambient), though its specified industrial temperature range is –40°C to +85°C. This qualification confirms robustness against automotive-grade thermal cycling, humidity, and mechanical stress - making it suitable for body electronics, infotainment, and ADAS subsystems where extended reliability is required.