Microchip Technology 24FC04-E/SN

Overview

24FC04-E/SN 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 1.7V–5.5V supply, with hardware write-protection, 16-byte page buffer, and extended temperature operation (–40°C to +125°C). It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04-E/SN datasheet, 24FC04-E/SN pinout, 24FC04-E/SN application, or 24FC04-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, E-temp qualification, SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility, and hardware WP pin for system-level write lockout in automotive and industrial firmware update paths.

Technical Context

The 24FC04-E/SN 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 the 16-byte page write buffer enables efficient bulk writes without host-side timing overhead.

It uses an on-chip high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming and features acknowledge polling to detect write-cycle completion. The device ignores A0–A2 pins-no external address selection-and relies solely on the fixed 4-bit control code '1010' with block-select bit B0 for memory access.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) with 3.90 mm body width and standard 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is top-left corner (notch-marked), and all packages share identical pin function mapping.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04-I/SN and 24LC04B-I/SN, the 24FC04-E/SN uniquely delivers 1 MHz speed at 1.7V and extended temperature support-enabling single-part consolidation across automotive, industrial, and battery-powered designs where performance, voltage headroom, and thermal resilience are jointly critical.

Availability

24FC04-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive ECU parameter storage, and medical device configuration requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for 24FC04-E/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 microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC04 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems demanding extended temperature operation and high-speed I²C interfacing.

FAQ

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

The 24FC04-E/SN supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range. This is higher than the 400 kHz limit of the 24AA04 and 24LC04B variants, making it suitable for time-sensitive configuration loads. At VCC < 2.5V, the 24FC04-E/SN maintains 1 MHz operation-unlike the 24AA04, which drops to 100 kHz below 2.5V. This capability is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001708P.

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

Yes, the 24FC04-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because these pins are open-drain. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended per Microchip's AC characteristics guidance. The device's Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope control ensure signal integrity even with these discrete components, eliminating need for additional filtering in most layouts.

How does the hardware write-protect (WP) pin function on the 24FC04-E/SN?

On the 24FC04-E/SN, the WP pin provides hardware-level write inhibition: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are blocked while reads remain fully functional. When tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This pin operates independently of software commands and remains effective during power transitions-critical for preventing corruption during brown-out conditions in automotive and industrial applications.

Is the 24FC04-E/SN pin-compatible with other 24XX04 family members in SOIC-8 (SN) package?

Yes, the 24FC04-E/SN is pin-compatible with 24AA04-I/SN and 24LC04B-I/SN in the 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, sharing identical pinout, footprint, and solder-reflow profile. However, electrical differences-including VCC range, clock speed, and temperature rating-require validation in the target application. The A0–A2 pins are unconnected in all variants, ensuring no layout conflict arises from their presence.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC04-E/SN?

The 24FC04-E/SN is specified for more than 1 million erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at +25°C. These values are measured under standard conditions (5.5V, +25°C, page-mode writes) and represent minimum guaranteed performance. The extended temperature rating (–40°C to +125°C) does not degrade these figures-retention is validated across the full operating range per Microchip's characterization data in DS20001708P.