Microchip Technology 24AA16T-E/ST

Overview

24AA16T-E/ST 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), 1 μA standby current, and 16-byte page write buffer. It features hardware write-protection via the WP pin and supports industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges in an 8-lead SOIC package.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16T-E/ST datasheet, 24AA16T-E/ST pinout, 24AA16T-E/ST application, or 24AA16T-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C bus compatibility at 100/400 kHz, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, page-write timing ≤5 ms, and ESD protection >4 kV - all critical for embedded control, sensor calibration storage, and power-constrained IoT node designs.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 4-bit device code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks (total 2048 bytes). Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

Write operations include byte-write and page-write (up to 16 bytes per page), both self-timed with internal erase/write cycles completing in ≤5 ms. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion, and the WP pin provides hardware-level write-protection for the full 000h–7FFh address space when tied to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead SOIC (SN) package, 3.90 mm body width, RoHS-compliant, with exposed pad not present (unlike DFN/TDFN variants). Pin 1 is top-left corner, marked by notch or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/ST, the 24AA16T-E/ST adds 1.7V operation and extended temperature support; compared with 24AA16T-I/ST, it delivers guaranteed functionality up to +125°C - making it the sole choice for under-hood automotive or high-ambient industrial deployments requiring full spec compliance.

Availability

24AA16T-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and low-voltage conditions.

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

The 24AA16T-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained, cost-sensitive embedded systems requiring robustness across wide voltage and temperature ranges.

FAQ

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

The 24AA16T-E/ST supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is ≥2.5V, and 100 kHz when VCC is between 1.7V and <2.5V. This dual-speed capability ensures interoperability with legacy 100 kHz I²C masters while enabling faster throughput in modern 3.3V/5V systems. The device automatically adapts - no configuration register is required.

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

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL because its I/O pins are open-drain. Recommended values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz. These values ensure proper rise times while limiting bus current - critical for maintaining signal integrity and meeting I²C specification timing requirements.

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

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24AA16T-E/ST is a hardware-level enable/disable control: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the full 000h–7FFh memory space are inhibited; reads remain fully functional. When tied to VSS (or left floating, though not recommended), normal read/write access is enabled. This provides fail-safe protection against firmware corruption.

What is the page write size and timing for the 24AA16T-E/ST?

The 24AA16T-E/ST has a 16-byte page write buffer and completes each page or byte write in ≤5 ms. During this time, the device does not acknowledge I²C commands - enabling "acknowledge polling" to detect completion. Page writes must stay within physical page boundaries (addresses 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.); crossing boundaries causes wraparound within the same page.

Is the 24AA16T-E/ST AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24AA16T-E/ST is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. Its extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), 4 kV HBM ESD rating, and robust I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs meet the reliability requirements for under-hood and cabin electronics. Qualification applies specifically to the E-temp grade version, including the -E/ST suffix variant.