Microchip Technology 24AA16T-I/MC

Overview

24AA16T-I/MC 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 of 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/MC datasheet, 24AA16T-I/MC pinout, 24AA16T-I/MC application, or 24AA16T-I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, I²C bus compatibility at 100/400 kHz, 16-byte page buffer size, hardware write-protect functionality, and 8-lead DFN (MC) package footprint compatibility.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-I/MC implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs for noise immunity and ground-bounce suppression. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit address pointer, 16-byte page latch buffer, and self-timed erase/write cycle with no external timing components required.

It uses a fixed 4-bit control code (1010b) plus 3-bit block-select bits (B2–B0) for device addressing, supporting only one device per I²C bus due to protocol limitations. Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC to inhibit all write operations while permitting full read access.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA16T-I/MC is supplied in an 8-lead DFN (Dual Flat No-lead) package with exposed thermal pad (Microchip package code MC), measuring 2 mm × 3 mm × 0.75 mm, lead-free and RoHS compliant. The exposed pad may be connected to VSS or left floating for thermal or grounding flexibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BT-I/MC, the 24AA16T-I/MC enables 1.7V operation critical for ultra-low-power designs; compared with 24AA025E48T-I/MC, it delivers 8× more memory for complex parameter sets while omitting MAC functionality - making it optimal for general-purpose industrial configuration storage.

Availability

24AA16T-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16T-I/MC 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, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24AA16T-I/MC belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with hardware write protection and AEC-Q100 qualification.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA16T-I/MC?

The 24AA16T-I/MC supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC is 2.5V or higher; at 1.7V ≤ V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to maintain timing margin integrity. This dual-speed capability ensures reliable operation across wide supply ranges without external clock dividers or firmware adaptation. The 24AA16T-I/MC datasheet specifies these limits in Table 1-2 under AC Characteristics.

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

Yes, the 24AA16T-I/MC requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values are 10 kΩ for 100 kHz operation and 2 kΩ for 400 kHz, as specified in Section 2.2 of the 24AA16T-I/MC datasheet. These resistors ensure proper logic-high levels and meet rise-time requirements defined in I²C specification.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24AA16T-I/MC?

Hardware write-protection on the 24AA16T-I/MC is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are inhibited while read operations remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This pin-level control operates independently of I²C commands and provides fail-safe protection against firmware bugs or malicious writes. The 24AA16T-I/MC pin function table confirms this behavior in Section 2.4.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24AA16T-I/MC, and why does it matter?

The 24AA16T-I/MC has a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 sequential bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction before initiating the internal write cycle. This reduces bus overhead by up to 16× versus byte-write mode, significantly improving firmware update throughput and minimizing bus contention in multi-device systems. The 24AA16T-I/MC datasheet confirms this in Section 6.2 and Feature list.

Is the 24AA16T-I/MC AEC-Q100 qualified, and what temperature grades does it support?

Yes, the 24AA16T-I/MC is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications and supports the Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), as indicated by the "I" suffix in its part number. It is also available in Extended grade (–40°C to +125°C) variants, though the 24AA16T-I/MC specifically is rated for I-temp operation. This qualification ensures reliability in harsh automotive environments including engine control and body electronics.