Microchip Technology 24AA16T-I/CS16K

Overview

24AA16T-I/CS16K 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 industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°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-I/CS16K datasheet, 24AA16T-I/CS16K pinout, 24AA16T-I/CS16K application, or 24AA16T-I/CS16K equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC compatibility down to 1.7V, I²C timing compliance at 100/400 kHz, WP-controlled full-array write protection, 16-byte page buffer depth, and industrial-grade reliability for nonvolatile parameter storage in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-I/CS16K 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 supports 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 operations are self-timed with a maximum 5 ms erase/write cycle, and acknowledge polling is supported to detect completion without fixed delay timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16T-I/CS16K is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package with standard pinout and exposed pad not present. Pin functions are electrically identical across all 8-lead variants of the 24AA16 family.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BT-I/SN, the 24AA16T-I/CS16K supports lower-voltage operation critical for modern ultra-low-power systems; compared with 24AA16T-I/MS, it offers SOIC-8 mechanical compatibility with established pick-and-place and reflow processes while maintaining identical functionality and reliability.

Availability

24AA16T-I/CS16K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor nodes, industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 24AA16T-I/CS16K 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 24AA16T-I/CS16K belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and space-efficient nonvolatile data storage in industrial, automotive, and consumer embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 24AA16T-I/CS16K?

The 24AA16T-I/CS16K supports up to 400 kHz when VCC is 2.5V or higher, and 100 kHz when VCC is between 1.7V and 2.49V. This dual-speed capability ensures reliable I²C communication across wide supply voltage ranges without external clock dividers or protocol adaptation. The 24AA16T-I/CS16K meets standard-mode and fast-mode I²C timing specifications under both conditions.

Does the 24AA16T-I/CS16K require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24AA16T-I/CS16K has open-drain SDA and SCL pins and requires external pull-up resistors to VCC. Recommended values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation, 2 kΩ for 400 kHz, and proportionally lower for 1 MHz (though 24AA16T-I/CS16K does not support 1 MHz). These values ensure proper rise times and noise margin per I²C specification. The 24AA16T-I/CS16K datasheet specifies maximum bus capacitance limits that constrain resistor selection.

How does the WP pin function on the 24AA16T-I/CS16K?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24AA16T-I/CS16K provides hardware-level inhibition of all write operations when tied to VCC; tying it to VSS enables full read/write access. Unlike software-based locks, this protection remains active during power-up/down transients and brown-out conditions. The 24AA16T-I/CS16K does not support partial array protection - the entire 2048-byte memory is either fully writable or fully read-only based on WP state.

What is the page write capability of the 24AA16T-I/CS16K?

The 24AA16T-I/CS16K features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the internal latch before initiating a self-timed write cycle. Writes crossing physical page boundaries (every 16 bytes, starting at addresses 0x000, 0x010, etc.) wrap around within the same page rather than advancing to the next. This behavior requires firmware to align multi-byte writes to page boundaries - a constraint explicitly defined in the 24AA16T-I/CS16K datasheet.

Is the 24AA16T-I/CS16K qualified for automotive applications?

The 24AA16T-I/CS16K is not AEC-Q100 qualified; only the 24LC16B and 24FC16 variants in the same family carry AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification. The 24AA16T-I/CS16K is rated for industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C) and RoHS compliance but lacks automotive-specific stress testing and failure rate validation. For automotive use, Microchip recommends substituting 24LC16BT-I/SN or 24FC16T-I/SN - both explicitly listed as AEC-Q100 qualified in the official 24XX16 device selection table.