Microchip Technology 24AA16/P

Overview

24AA16/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit memory 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 page writes of up to 16 bytes and is rated for >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16/P datasheet, 24AA16/P pinout, 24AA16/P application, or 24AA16/P equivalent, this device serves as a low-voltage, industrial-temperature nonvolatile memory solution for embedded configuration storage, calibration data logging, and firmware parameter retention in space-constrained designs using standard two-wire I²C bus infrastructure.

Technical Context

The 24AA16/P functions exclusively as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, enabling access to eight independent 256-byte memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and after each byte write, supporting current-address, random, and sequential read modes without external address latching.

It implements Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control on SDA/SCL pins to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC (full-array lock) or VSS (enabled), with no internal connection to A0–A2 pins - all three are NC and may be left floating or tied to rail.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16/P is supplied in an 8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP), 300 mil body width, with standard through-hole mounting and 0.100" pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; package meets JEDEC MS-001.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B/P, the 24AA16/P extends voltage range to 1.7V for ultra-low-power compatibility; compared with 24AA025E48/P, it provides 8× more memory at the cost of embedded MAC address - making it optimal for general-purpose configuration storage where capacity and voltage margin are primary concerns.

Availability

24AA16/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart meter calibration storage, industrial PLC configuration memory, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24AA16/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA16/P belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems across industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 24AA16/P?

The 24AA16/P supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC is 2.5V or higher; at 1.7V ≤ V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to maintain AC timing compliance. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability across mixed-voltage I²C buses while preserving data integrity.

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

Yes, the 24AA16/P has open-drain SDA and SCL outputs and requires external pull-up resistors. Typical values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz - selected based on bus capacitance and rise-time requirements per I²C specification.

How does the write-protection feature work on the 24AA16/P?

The 24AA16/P uses the WP pin for hardware write-protection: tying WP to VCC disables all write operations (including byte and page writes) across the entire 16-Kbit array, while reads remain fully functional. Tying WP to VSS enables normal read/write access - no software command is needed to activate protection.

Are the A0, A1, and A2 pins functional on the 24AA16/P?

No - the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA16/P are not internally connected and serve no functional purpose. They may be left floating or tied to VSS or VCC without affecting device operation, memory addressing, or I²C communication behavior.

What is the endurance rating and data retention period for the 24AA16/P?

The 24AA16/P is rated for more than 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and guarantees data retention exceeding 200 years at +25°C. These specifications are validated per Microchip's characterization methodology and apply across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).