Microchip Technology 24FC04H-I/MS

Overview

24FC04H-I/MS 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 industrial/extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write-protection for half-array (100h–1FFh), 16-byte page write buffer, and <1 µA standby current - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-fail-safe parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04H-I/MS datasheet, 24FC04H-I/MS pinout, 24FC04H-I/MS application, or 24FC04H-I/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7V+, extended-temp support, MSOP-8 packaging, half-array write-protect logic, and compatibility with legacy 24AA04H/24LC04BH designs requiring higher throughput or wider voltage range.

Technical Context

The 24FC04H-I/MS 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 the 16-byte page buffer enables efficient multi-byte writes without host-side timing constraints.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to V_CC, it disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh (half-array); tied to V_SS, full-array access is enabled. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles with 5 ms maximum page write time and supports ACK polling to detect write completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04H-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (Microchip drawing C04-057-MS), measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm, with gull-wing leads and exposed pad option (not connected by default). Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04H-I/MS and 24LC04BH-I/MS, the 24FC04H-I/MS delivers higher I²C throughput, broader voltage compatibility, and identical footprint - making it the optimal upgrade path for performance-critical or mixed-voltage embedded systems.

Availability

24FC04H-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration backup, and automotive body control module settings requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24FC04H-I/MS 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 components, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 24FC04H belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring guaranteed data integrity across wide temperature and voltage ranges.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04H-I/MS?

The 24FC04H-I/MS supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V operating range - unlike 24AA04H (400 kHz max, 100 kHz below 2.5V) or 24LC04BH (400 kHz max, 2.5V minimum). This enables faster firmware updates and reduced boot-time latency in time-sensitive applications. The 24FC04H-I/MS achieves this while maintaining full backward compatibility with standard I²C protocol timing requirements.

How does the write-protect function work on the 24FC04H-I/MS?

The 24FC04H-I/MS uses the WP pin to enable hardware-based half-array write protection: when WP is tied to V_CC, writes to memory addresses 100h–1FFh are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when WP is tied to V_SS, full-array read/write access is enabled. This protects critical calibration or security data from accidental overwrite during field firmware updates. The 24FC04H-I/MS implements this logic internally with no software overhead.

Is the 24FC04H-I/MS compatible with 1.8V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 24FC04H-I/MS operates down to 1.7V and is fully compatible with 1.8V I²C masters. Its Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs ensure reliable communication at low voltages, and its 1 MHz capability remains active across the entire 1.7V–5.5V range. Unlike 24LC04BH-I/MS (2.5V minimum), the 24FC04H-I/MS eliminates need for level shifters in 1.8V systems - simplifying design and reducing BOM cost.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC04H-I/MS?

The 24FC04H-I/MS guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and 200 years of data retention at +25°C - verified per JEDEC standards. These specifications apply across its full industrial and extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +125°C), with derating accounted for in accelerated life testing. This makes the 24FC04H-I/MS suitable for mission-critical applications such as medical device calibration storage and automotive BCM personalization where long-term data integrity is non-negotiable.

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

Yes, the 24FC04H-I/MS has open-drain SDA and SCL pins and requires external pull-up resistors. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ resistor to V_CC is recommended; for 400 kHz, 2.2 kΩ is typical; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ suffices. Pull-up value must be selected based on bus capacitance and speed - undersized resistors cause excessive current draw, oversized ones slow rise times and violate I²C timing. The 24FC04H-I/MS itself does not integrate pull-ups.