Microchip Technology 24AA16T-E/OT

Overview

24AA16T-E/OT 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), 5 ms max page write time, and industrial/extended temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write-protection via the WP pin and is commonly used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16T-E/OT datasheet, 24AA16T-E/OT pinout, 24AA16T-E/OT application, or 24AA16T-E/OT equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.7V low-voltage operation, 16-byte page buffer, Schmitt-triggered I²C inputs for noise immunity, and E-temp qualification for automotive and industrial environments.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-E/OT functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, supporting up to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and page writes, enabling efficient multi-byte transfers without repeated address commands.

It implements self-timed erase/write cycles with on-chip charge pump (HV Generator), 16-byte page write buffer, and hardware write-protect logic tied to the WP pin. All I²C pins (SDA, SCL) include Schmitt triggers and input filters (50 ns spike suppression), ensuring robust operation on noisy buses.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16T-E/OT is supplied in an 8-lead SOT-23 package (package code OT), with exposed pad not present. Pin 1 = SCL, Pin 2 = VSS, Pin 3 = SDA, Pin 4 = VCC, Pin 5 = WP. A0–A2 pins are unconnected and may be left floating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/OT, the 24AA16T-E/OT delivers true 1.7V operation for wider supply compatibility; compared with 24FC16T-E/OT, it trades 1 MHz speed for broader legacy I²C controller compatibility while maintaining identical endurance, retention, and packaging.

Availability

24AA16T-E/OT 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 ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16T-E/OT 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, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.

The 24AA16T-E/OT belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems across automotive, industrial, and medical markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA16T-E/OT?

The 24AA16T-E/OT supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At VCC between 1.7V and 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to ensure reliable timing margins. This dual-speed capability allows seamless integration across diverse voltage domains without redesigning the I²C bus interface.

Does the 24AA16T-E/OT require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/OT has open-drain SDA and SCL pins and requires external pull-up resistors. 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; Microchip recommends verifying against I²C specification timing constraints in the target application.

How does the WP pin function on the 24AA16T-E/OT?

When the WP pin of the 24AA16T-E/OT is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire memory array (addresses 000–7FF) are inhibited; read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, normal read/write access is enabled. This provides simple, hardware-level protection against accidental overwrites.

What is the page size and write buffer capacity of the 24AA16T-E/OT?

The 24AA16T-E/OT has a 16-byte page write buffer and enforces strict physical page boundaries (0–15, 16–31, etc.). A page write operation that crosses a 16-byte boundary wraps around within the same page instead of advancing to the next - requiring firmware to align writes or split across pages to avoid unintended overwrites.

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

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/OT carries Extended temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C) and is AEC-Q100 qualified, making it suitable for automotive body electronics, infotainment peripherals, and under-hood sensor interfaces where reliability under thermal stress and long-term data integrity are critical.