Microchip Technology 24FC04-E/P

Overview

24FC04-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1 MHz clock frequency at 1.7–5.5 V supply, with hardware write-protection, 16-byte page write buffer, and extended temperature operation from –40°C to +125°C. It is used in industrial sensor calibration storage and embedded system configuration retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04-E/P datasheet, 24FC04-E/P pinout, 24FC04-E/P application, or 24FC04-E/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package-confirmed terminal roles, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts for design-in and supply continuity planning.

Technical Context

The 24FC04-E/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while ACK polling enables precise timing of write-cycle completion.

It uses a self-timed erase/write cycle with 5 ms maximum page write time and integrates a 16-byte page latch. The device features no internal connection to A0/A1/A2 pins-only SDA, SCL, WP, VCC, and VSS are functional terminals-and operates across 1.7V–5.5V with 1 µA standby current (E-temp) and 1 mA active read current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04-E/P is supplied in an 8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP) with 300 mil body width. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are straight and through-hole mountable.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24FC04-E/P, the 24AA04-I/P trades 2.5× lower speed and reduced thermal range for lower unit cost, while the 24LC04B-E/P maintains thermal capability but sacrifices low-voltage operation and bandwidth-making 24FC04-E/P the sole option meeting 1 MHz, 1.7 V, and 125°C simultaneously.

Availability

24FC04-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical infusion pump settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for 24FC04-E/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 24FC04 belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems where write endurance, data retention, and wide operating voltage are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04-E/P?

The 24FC04-E/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7 V–5.5 V supply range. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001708P, where FCLK = 1000 kHz is specified for 1.7 V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5 V. At lower voltages (<2.5 V), the 24AA04 variant drops to 100 kHz-but the 24FC04-E/P maintains 1 MHz regardless of VCC within spec.

Does the 24FC04-E/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC04-E/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Section 2.2 specifies a typical 2 kΩ pull-up for 1 MHz operation. Values must be selected based on bus capacitance and rise-time requirements-lower resistance improves speed but increases power consumption during low states.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC04-E/P?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC04-E/P is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, the entire memory array (addresses 000h–1FFh) is write-inhibited; reads remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, normal read/write operations are enabled. This is a hardwired feature-no register programming is involved.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24FC04-E/P, and how does it affect write efficiency?

The 24FC04-E/P has a 16-byte page write buffer, meaning up to 16 bytes can be loaded into the internal latch before triggering a single 5 ms self-timed write cycle. This reduces I²C transaction overhead versus byte-write mode-enabling 16× fewer Start/Stop sequences per page, improving bus utilization and host CPU efficiency in burst-write scenarios.

Is the 24FC04-E/P AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC04-E/P is AEC-Q100 qualified per the "Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified" feature listed in DS20001708P. Its Extended (E) temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C) satisfies AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements, making it suitable for passenger compartment and engine bay applications where thermal stress and long-term reliability are critical.