Microchip Technology 24AA16T-E/SN

Overview

24AA16T-E/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, 1 μA standby current (I-temp), and industrial/extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It supports page writes up to 16 bytes and hardware write-protection via the WP pin, used in embedded system configuration storage and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16T-E/SN datasheet, 24AA16T-E/SN pinout, 24AA16T-E/SN application, or 24AA16T-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, extended-temperature reliability, I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-E/SN implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit address pointer, 16-byte page latch buffer, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - all managed by on-chip memory control logic without external high-voltage support.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010) plus 3-bit block-select addressing (B2–B0), enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks. 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 - simplifying PCB routing and eliminating address-pin pull-up/down requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16T-E/SN is supplied in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) package per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN Rev E, with 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and gull-wing leads. The exposed pad is not present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BT-E/SN, the 24AA16T-E/SN enables lower-voltage operation critical for energy-harvesting designs; versus 24FC16T-E/SN, it trades peak speed for lower active current and broader voltage-margin stability in mixed-signal systems.

Availability

24AA16T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical diagnostic device settings, and smart energy meter firmware parameters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16T-E/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 microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 24AA16T-E/SN belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring extended temperature operation and high endurance.

FAQ

What is the minimum V_CC required for reliable operation of the 24AA16T-E/SN?

The 24AA16T-E/SN operates reliably down to 1.7V across its full –40°C to +125°C extended temperature range. At V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum I²C clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to maintain timing margins - verified per DS20001703M AC characteristics Table 1-2. This makes the 24AA16T-E/SN suitable for battery-powered or energy-harvesting applications where supply voltage may dip below 2.5V.

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

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Recommended values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation, 2 kΩ for 400 kHz, and 1 kΩ for 1 MHz (though 24AA16T-E/SN is rated to 400 kHz max). These values ensure proper rise times and noise immunity while minimizing current draw - critical for low-power designs using the 24AA16T-E/SN.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24AA16T-E/SN?

Hardware write-protection on the 24AA16T-E/SN is controlled by the WP pin: tying WP to VCC disables all write operations (including byte and page writes) while allowing unrestricted reads; tying WP to VSS enables full read/write access. No internal pull-up/down is present, so the pin must be actively driven - a feature that prevents accidental writes during power-up transients or noise events, enhancing data integrity in mission-critical 24AA16T-E/SN deployments.

Can the 24AA16T-E/SN be used interchangeably with the 24LC16B in existing designs?

The 24AA16T-E/SN is pin-compatible and functionally equivalent to the 24LC16BT-E/SN in SOIC-8 packaging, but differs in minimum supply voltage: 24AA16T-E/SN supports 1.7V operation while 24LC16B requires ≥2.5V. If the host system operates at or above 2.5V, direct substitution is valid; however, if V_CC dips below 2.5V, the 24AA16T-E/SN provides guaranteed functionality where the 24LC16B would fail - making it a drop-in upgrade for voltage-margin-sensitive 24AA16T-E/SN applications.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA16T-E/SN?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24AA16T-E/SN are not internally connected and serve no functional purpose - they may be left floating or tied to VSS or VCC without affecting operation. Unlike other EEPROM families, the 24XX16 series uses only a fixed 4-bit device code (1010) plus 3-bit block-select bits (B2–B0) for addressing, eliminating the need for hardware address configuration. This simplifies layout and removes risk of address collision in multi-device I²C systems using the 24AA16T-E/SN.