Microchip Technology 24FC04H-E/P

Overview

24FC04H-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1.7V–5.5V operation, 1 MHz clock frequency (at full V_CC), and extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write-protection for half-array (100h–1FFh), 16-byte page write buffer, and >1 million erase/write cycles - deployed in automotive infotainment control modules requiring nonvolatile parameter storage under thermal stress.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04H-E/P datasheet, 24FC04H-E/P pinout, 24FC04H-E/P application, or 24FC04H-E/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to PDIP-8, I²C timing compliance at 1 MHz, endurance and retention data, and validated alternative parts for design continuity and supply resilience.

Technical Context

The 24FC04H-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 counter supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while ACK polling enables precise write-cycle completion detection without fixed delays.

It uses a self-timed erase/write architecture with a 5 ms maximum page write time and integrates hardware write-protection logic tied to the WP pin - enabling selective locking of the upper 2 Kbits (100h–1FFh) while leaving lower memory (000h–0FFh) fully writable when WP = V_SS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04H-E/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) with 300-mil body width, standard through-hole mounting, and RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04H-I/P, the 24FC04H-E/P delivers higher temperature resilience and 2.5× faster I²C throughput; versus AT24C04D-SSHM-T, it offers unique hardware-based half-array write protection critical for safety-critical parameter segregation.

Availability

24FC04H-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial PLCs, and medical infusion pumps requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-qualified nonvolatile memory.

Supply support for 24FC04H-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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 24FC04H belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, high-reliability nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding extended temperature operation and hardware write protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04H-E/P?

The 24FC04H-E/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when V_CC is between 1.7V and 5.5V. At V_CC < 2.5V, the maximum clock rate drops to 100 kHz. This dual-speed capability ensures compatibility with both high-performance hosts and ultra-low-voltage systems - a key differentiator from the 400 kHz-limited 24AA04H-I/P. The 24FC04H-E/P datasheet specifies THIGH and TLOW timing windows optimized for 1 MHz operation.

Does the 24FC04H-E/P require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC04H-E/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to V_CC is recommended; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. These values ensure proper rise times (≤1000 ns) and noise margin per I²C specification. The 24FC04H-E/P itself does not integrate internal pull-ups, unlike some newer EEPROM families.

How is hardware write protection implemented on the 24FC04H-E/P?

Hardware write protection on the 24FC04H-E/P is controlled by the WP (Write-Protect) pin: when tied to V_CC, the upper 2 Kbits (addresses 100h–1FFh) are locked against write operations while reads remain enabled; when tied to V_SS, full memory access is permitted. This half-array protection is implemented in silicon and requires no firmware intervention - a feature absent in alternatives like AT24C04D-SSHM-T.

What package type does the 24FC04H-E/P use, and is it through-hole or surface-mount?

The 24FC04H-E/P uses an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package) with 300-mil body width, designated by the "P" suffix in the part number. It is a through-hole package with gull-wing leads, intended for wave soldering or manual insertion. This contrasts with surface-mount variants like 24FC04H-I/MS (MSOP-8) or 24FC04H-I/SN (SOIC-8), making the -E/P variant ideal for prototyping, repair, and legacy board upgrades.

Is the 24FC04H-E/P AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC04H-E/P is AEC-Q100 qualified and certified for Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C), matching its Extended (E) temperature rating. This qualification covers stress testing for automotive reliability, including HTOL, TC, and ESD. The "E" in 24FC04H-E/P explicitly denotes Extended temperature grade, distinguishing it from Industrial-grade variants like 24FC04H-I/P - confirming its suitability for under-hood and transmission-control applications.