Microchip Technology 24FC04-E/ST

Overview

24FC04-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1 MHz clock operation down to 1.7V supply, with hardware write-protection, 16-byte page buffer, and extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It is used in industrial sensor calibration storage and automotive body control modules for nonvolatile parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04-E/ST datasheet, 24FC04-E/ST pinout, 24FC04-E/ST application, or 24FC04-E/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SOIC-8 package terminal mapping, I²C timing constraints at 1.7V–5.5V, endurance and data retention metrics, and validated alternative parts for design-in continuity.

Technical Context

The 24FC04-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce and bus noise. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page write buffer enables burst writes within physical page boundaries (0x000–0x00F, 0x010–0x01F, etc.).

Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin state (VSS = enabled, VCC = full-array locked), and acknowledge polling is supported to detect end-of-write-cycle completion without fixed delay timing. The device uses on-chip charge pump for EEPROM programming and requires no external high-voltage supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04-E/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, 3.90 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04-I/ST and AT24C04-PU, the 24FC04-E/ST delivers 2.5× faster I²C communication, guaranteed operation at 125°C, and superior low-voltage write capability - making it the preferred choice for next-generation embedded systems demanding speed, ruggedness, and long-term data integrity.

Availability

24FC04-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control units, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 24FC04-E/ST 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 24FC04 belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for robust, low-power, and high-reliability nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications where data integrity across wide temperature ranges is critical.

FAQ

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

The 24FC04-E/ST supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V V_CC range, enabling faster configuration reads and writes than legacy 400 kHz EEPROMs. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001708P, where FCLK is specified as 1000 kHz for 1.7V ≤ V_CC ≤ 5.5V. At lower voltages (e.g., 1.8V), timing margins remain compliant per THIGH = 260 ns and TLOW = 500 ns min.

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

Yes, the 24FC04-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to V_CC is recommended per Microchip's datasheet guidance. The device's Schmitt-trigger inputs tolerate slow rise times, but proper pull-up sizing ensures reliable bus timing and noise immunity in electrically noisy environments.

How does the WP pin function on the 24FC04-E/ST?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24FC04-E/ST is a dedicated hardware control: when tied to V_CC, it disables all write operations to the entire 4-Kbit memory array (addresses 0x000–0x1FF), while read operations remain fully functional. When tied to V_SS, full read/write access is enabled. This pin provides deterministic, glitch-immune protection independent of software state - a key safety feature in automotive and medical systems using the 24FC04-E/ST.

What is the page write capacity of the 24FC04-E/ST?

The 24FC04-E/ST has a 16-byte page write buffer, meaning up to 16 bytes can be loaded into the internal latch and written to memory in a single Stop-initiated cycle. Physical page boundaries align every 16 bytes (e.g., 0x000–0x00F), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound within the same page. This architecture reduces host processor overhead and improves write efficiency compared to byte-by-byte programming in the 24FC04-E/ST.

Is the 24FC04-E/ST AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24FC04-E/ST is explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications, as stated in the "Features" section of DS20001708P. Its Extended temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C) and qualification testing ensure reliability in under-hood and chassis-mounted electronic control units. This makes the 24FC04-E/ST suitable for deployment in safety-critical automotive subsystems where the 24FC04-E/ST must retain calibration data across extreme thermal cycling and vibration profiles.