Microchip Technology 24AA16T-I/SN

Overview

24AA16T-I/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 (100 kHz below 2.5V), 1 μA standby current, and hardware write-protection via the WP pin. It supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA16T-I/SN datasheet, 24AA16T-I/SN pinout, 24AA16T-I/SN application, or 24AA16T-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.7V, page-write capability (up to 16 bytes), self-timed erase/write cycle (≤5 ms), >1 million endurance cycles, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive use.

Technical Context

The 24AA16T-I/SN 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 on SDA and SCL for noise suppression, output slope control to minimize ground bounce, and ACK polling to detect write-cycle completion. 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 per Microchip Drawing C04-057-SN Rev E: 3.90 mm body width, 1.27 mm pitch, 1.75 mm molded thickness, lead finish matte tin.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/SN, the 24LC16B-I/SN trades low-voltage capability for marginally lower cost in 2.5V+ systems, while the 24FC16T-I/SN delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth with identical footprint and reliability-making it ideal for real-time data capture where bus speed is limiting.

Availability

24AA16T-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, automotive body control, industrial PLC I/O modules, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA16T-I/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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24AA16T-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with industrial-grade reliability and automotive qualification.

FAQ

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

The 24AA16T-I/SN supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC is 2.5V or higher. At V_CC between 1.7V and 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 100 kHz to ensure timing compliance. This dual-speed capability allows the 24AA16T-I/SN to operate reliably across a wide voltage range without external clock scaling logic.

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

Yes, the 24AA16T-I/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up is recommended; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. These resistors establish valid high logic levels and ensure proper I²C bus signaling integrity per specification.

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

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24AA16T-I/SN is a dedicated hardware control: when tied to VCC, it disables all write operations to the entire memory array (000h–7FFh), while read operations remain fully functional. When tied to VSS or left floating, normal read/write access is enabled. This provides deterministic, firmware-independent memory protection.

What is the page write capacity of the 24AA16T-I/SN?

The 24AA16T-I/SN features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 contiguous bytes to be loaded into the on-chip latch and written to memory with a single STOP condition. Page writes must not cross 16-byte boundaries; attempting to do so causes wraparound within the current page, which is a known architectural constraint of the 24AA16T-I/SN.

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

Yes, the 24AA16T-I/SN is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications and rated for the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Its qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, and electrical robustness-making it suitable for use in body control modules, infotainment systems, and other non-powertrain automotive subsystems.