Microchip Technology 24FC04HT-E/MS

Overview

24FC04HT-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with 1 MHz clock support, 16-byte page write buffer, and hardware half-array write-protection (100h–1FFh). It targets embedded system configuration storage in automotive and industrial controllers requiring extended temperature operation.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04HT-E/MS datasheet, 24FC04HT-E/MS pinout, 24FC04HT-E/MS application, or 24FC04HT-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.7V minimum V_CC, -40°C to +125°C extended temperature grade, MSOP-8 package, 1 MHz I²C interface, and half-array write-protect functionality.

Technical Context

The 24FC04HT-E/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 bulk writes within physical page boundaries (00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.).

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to V_CC, it disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh while allowing full read access; tied to V_SS, full read/write operation is enabled. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write cycle completion without fixed timing delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04HT-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, and exposed pad option (not connected per datasheet). The package is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04HT-I/MS, the 24FC04HT-E/MS delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth and extended temperature capability; versus AT24C04D-MAHM-T, it provides integrated hardware-level memory partitioning for enhanced functional safety compliance.

Availability

24FC04HT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, extended temperature operation, and hardware write-protect functionality.

Supply support for 24FC04HT-E/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC04H family is designed specifically for high-reliability, low-voltage embedded systems requiring fast, secure, and long-life nonvolatile storage - with emphasis on automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding extended temperature and AEC-Q100 compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04HT-E/MS?

The 24FC04HT-E/MS supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V V_CC range. This is a key differentiator from the 24AA04H (max 400 kHz) and 24LC04BH (max 400 kHz below 2.5V), enabling faster configuration reads and writes in time-sensitive applications. The 1 MHz capability is explicitly specified in Table 1-2 of DS20002119C for the 24FC04H variant.

Does the 24FC04HT-E/MS require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC04HT-E/MS requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Typical values are 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, 10 kΩ for 100 kHz. The device's Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope control ensure signal integrity even with these discrete components, eliminating need for active buffers in most designs.

How does the hardware write-protect feature work on the 24FC04HT-E/MS?

When the WP pin of the 24FC04HT-E/MS is tied to V_CC, write operations to memory addresses 100h–1FFh are inhibited; reads remain fully functional. When WP is tied to V_SS, full read/write access to the entire 000h–1FFh array is enabled. This hardware-level protection is immune to firmware corruption and provides deterministic security for calibration or security-critical data.

Is the 24FC04HT-E/MS pin-compatible with other 24XX04H family members in MSOP-8?

Yes, the 24FC04HT-E/MS shares identical MSOP-8 pinout and electrical interface with 24AA04HT-I/MS and 24LC04BHT-E/MS, including A0–A2 (no-connect), V_SS, SDA, SCL, WP, and V_CC. However, functional differences - such as 1 MHz vs. 400 kHz clock support and extended temperature rating - require validation in the target application before substitution.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC04HT-E/MS?

The 24FC04HT-E/MS guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at 25°C, as confirmed in Table 1-1 (Parameter D18) and Section 1.0 of DS20002119C. These figures are measured under standard conditions (5.5V, page mode) and represent minimum rated performance - actual field lifetime typically exceeds specifications under typical operating voltages and temperatures.