Microchip Technology 24AA16T-E/MS

Overview

24AA16T-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit 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 extended temperature (–40°C to +125°C). It is used in industrial sensor calibration storage and embedded system configuration retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16T-E/MS datasheet, 24AA16T-E/MS pinout, 24AA16T-E/MS application, or 24AA16T-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (1.7V–5.5V), I²C timing compliance at target voltage and temperature, page write buffer size (16 bytes), endurance (1M cycles), and E-temp qualification for harsh-environment deployment.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-E/MS 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, supporting current address, random, and sequential read modes.

It implements Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce on shared I²C buses. Write protection is enforced by tying the WP pin to VCC, disabling all write operations while preserving full read functionality across the 000–7FF address space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-Lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional (may be connected to VSS or left floating).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/MS, the 24AA16T-E/MS enables lower-voltage operation critical for energy-harvesting nodes; compared with 24FC16T-E/MS, it trades maximum clock speed for broader legacy I²C controller compatibility and reduced timing margin constraints.

Availability

24AA16T-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for 24AA16T-E/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA16T-E/MS belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained, thermally demanding embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24AA16T-E/MS?

The 24AA16T-E/MS operates down to 1.7V across its full extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). This allows direct interfacing with 1.8V logic families and enables operation during brown-out conditions where supply rails dip below 2.5V - a capability not supported by the 24LC16B variant.

Does the 24AA16T-E/MS support page write operations, and what is the buffer size?

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/MS supports page write operations with a 16-byte on-chip buffer. This allows up to 16 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction, significantly improving write efficiency compared to byte-by-byte writes. The buffer is aligned to physical page boundaries starting at addresses divisible by 16.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24AA16T-E/MS?

When the WP pin of the 24AA16T-E/MS is tied to VCC, the entire memory array (addresses 000–7FF) becomes write-protected - all write commands are ignored while read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS, normal read/write access is enabled. No internal pull-up or pull-down is present, so external biasing is required.

Is the 24AA16T-E/MS qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/MS is AEC-Q100 qualified for Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C) and RoHS compliant. Its extended temperature rating, >4,000V HBM ESD protection, and hardware write-protection make it suitable for under-hood and cabin-mounted automotive ECUs where reliability under thermal stress is mandatory.

What package type is used for the 24AA16T-E/MS, and are the A0–A2 pins functional?

The 24AA16T-E/MS uses an 8-lead MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm). Pins A0, A1, and A2 are not connected internally - they may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC with no effect on operation. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates address-pin routing complexity found in higher-density EEPROMs.