Microchip Technology 24C04AE/P

Overview

24C04AE/P from Microchip Technology is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 512 x 8 bits, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with 1 MHz max clock frequency and write cycle time of 5 ms (typical). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and supports standard and fast I²C modes in an 8-pin PDIP package for embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24C04AE/P datasheet, 24C04AE/P pinout, 24C04AE/P application, or 24C04AE/P equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage range compatibility, I²C speed support, write endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (200 years), and PDIP-8 footprint suitability for legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

This device implements a two-wire I²C interface with slave address decoding (0x50–0x57), supports byte and page write operations (up to 16 bytes per page), and includes an internal address counter that auto-increments during sequential reads. The WP pin enables hardware-level write protection for the entire memory array or upper half only when pulled low.

It uses CMOS technology with Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, operates across industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), and incorporates built-in power-on reset and write-cycle timing control to prevent inadvertent writes during power transitions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24C04AE/P is housed in an 8-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing follows JEDEC MS-001 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C04D-SSHM-T and BR24G04FJ-WE2, the 24C04AE/P provides full 3-bit address configurability and 1 MHz fast-mode support in a through-hole PDIP package-making it uniquely suited for legacy industrial upgrades and multi-node I²C systems requiring mechanical robustness and bus scalability.

Availability

24C04AE/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLC modules, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 24C04AE/P 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog components, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The 24Cxx family of serial EEPROMs was designed for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems requiring simple two-wire interfacing and long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24C04AE/P?

The 24C04AE/P supports up to 1 MHz clock frequency in I²C fast mode, enabling faster data transfers than standard-mode (100 kHz) EEPROMs. This capability reduces write latency during page operations and improves responsiveness in time-critical embedded applications. The 24C04AE/P maintains full electrical compliance with I²C specification revision 3.0 at this speed when used with appropriate pull-up resistors and bus capacitance limits.

Does the 24C04AE/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24C04AE/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and desired rise time. The 24C04AE/P does not integrate internal pull-ups, so omission of external resistors will result in communication failure. Proper termination ensures signal integrity across varying cable lengths and node counts.

How does the WP pin function on the 24C04AE/P?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the 24C04AE/P is an active-low hardware enable that disables all write operations-including byte, page, and write-enable instructions-when held low. When WP is high or floating (with internal pull-up inactive), normal write functionality is restored. This feature prevents unintended data corruption during power-up/down sequences or firmware glitches, and is integral to the 24C04AE/P's role in safety-critical configuration storage.

What is the memory organization of the 24C04AE/P?

The 24C04AE/P contains 4,096 bits of EEPROM memory organized as 512 words of 8 bits each, addressed linearly from 0x000 to 0x1FF. Each word corresponds to a single byte accessible via I²C address byte and data byte transmission. The 24C04AE/P uses an internal address counter that automatically increments during sequential reads, simplifying burst-access implementations in microcontroller firmware.

Is the 24C04AE/P compatible with 1.8V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 24C04AE/P operates down to 1.7V, making it fully compatible with 1.8V logic systems. Its I²C interface meets voltage-level requirements for standard-mode and fast-mode operation at 1.8V supply, provided external pull-up resistors are referenced to the same 1.8V rail. This compatibility allows direct interfacing with low-power MCUs such as PIC16LF or ARM Cortex-M0+ without level-shifting circuitry, preserving signal integrity and board space in the 24C04AE/P implementation.