Microchip Technology 24AA32A-I/WF16K

Overview

24AA32A-I/WF16K from Microchip Technology is a 32-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 4K × 8-bit, 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 features hardware write-protection via the WP pin, 32-byte page write buffer, and Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-management parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24AA32A-I/WF16K datasheet, 24AA32A-I/WF16K pinout, 24AA32A-I/WF16K application, or 24AA32A-I/WF16K equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to MSOP-8, I²C timing constraints across voltage ranges, and real-world use cases in automotive body control modules, industrial PLC firmware storage, and medical device settings persistence.

Technical Context

The 24AA32A-I/WF16K implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins requiring external pull-ups, supports up to eight devices on one bus via A0–A2 address inputs, and uses internal address pointer logic for sequential read/write operations. Its EEPROM array employs charge-pump-based HV generation for byte/page erase/write cycles without external high-voltage supply.

Write protection is enforced by sampling the WP pin at the Stop bit of each command; tying WP to VCC disables all writes while preserving reads. Page write operations are bounded to 32-byte physical pages aligned at 0x000, 0x020, ..., 0xFF0 addresses - crossing boundaries causes wraparound within the same page, requiring software-level boundary checks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24AA32A-I/WF16K is packaged in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 3 mm × 3 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, and exposed pad optionally connected to VSS. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA32A-I/WF16K, the 24LC32A-I/P excludes sub-2.5V operation but offers identical packaging and interface behavior above its threshold, while the AT24C32D-SSHM-T trades AEC-Q100 compliance and higher endurance for lower unit cost in non-automotive contexts.

Availability

24AA32A-I/WF16K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC configuration storage, and medical infusion pump settings requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24AA32A-I/WF16K 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 24AA32A-I/WF16K belongs to Microchip's 24XX32A family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems demanding AEC-Q100 qualification and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24AA32A-I/WF16K?

The 24AA32A-I/WF16K supports up to 400 kHz when V_CC is 2.5V or higher; at 1.7V ≤ V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock frequency drops to 100 kHz to ensure timing margin. This dual-speed capability allows seamless integration across mixed-voltage systems without protocol translation. The 24AA32A-I/WF16K datasheet specifies THIGH, TLOW, and setup/hold times separately for both ranges to guarantee interoperability.

How does the WP pin function on the 24AA32A-I/WF16K?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24AA32A-I/WF16K is sampled at the Stop bit of every I²C write command: when tied to VCC, it inhibits all write operations (byte/page) while permitting unlimited reads; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. The 24AA32A-I/WF16K does not require continuous WP assertion - only the logic level present at the Stop condition determines protection state for that transaction.

Can the 24AA32A-I/WF16K operate from a 1.8V supply?

Yes, the 24AA32A-I/WF16K is fully specified for operation from 1.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with standard 1.8V logic systems. At 1.8V, it operates at 100 kHz I²C speed with guaranteed DC characteristics including VIH = 0.7×VCC (1.26V min) and VOL = 0.4V max at 2.1 mA sink. This enables direct interfacing with 1.8V FPGAs and ultra-low-power MCUs without level-shifting circuitry.

What package type is used for the 24AA32A-I/WF16K?

The 24AA32A-I/WF16K is supplied in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 3 mm × 3 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and gull-wing leads. This package is documented in Microchip drawing C04-111-MS Rev F and is RoHS-compliant. The WF16K suffix explicitly denotes the MSOP-8 variant, distinguishing it from SOIC-8, PDIP-8, or DFN-8 versions of the same part number.

Does the 24AA32A-I/WF16K support multi-device addressing on the same I²C bus?

Yes, the 24AA32A-I/WF16K supports up to eight devices on a single I²C bus using the A0, A1, and A2 address input pins to configure unique 3-bit chip addresses (1010xxx). Each device responds only when its A0–A2 combination matches the corresponding bits in the master's control byte. The 24AA32A-I/WF16K's MSOP-8 package includes all three address pins, enabling full multi-drop capability unlike the SOT-23 variant.