Microchip Technology 24FC04HT-I/MS

Overview

24FC04HT-I/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 industrial controllers and sensor nodes requiring low-voltage, high-endurance nonvolatile memory.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04HT-I/MS datasheet, 24FC04HT-I/MS pinout, 24FC04HT-I/MS application, or 24FC04HT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7V, industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), MSOP-8 package footprint, and half-array write-protect functionality for firmware parameter partitioning.

Technical Context

The 24FC04HT-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 burst writes without host-side timing constraints.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VCC, it disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh (512 bytes), leaving 000h–0FFh freely writable; tied to VSS, full-array access is enabled. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles with automatic internal timing-no external delay required beyond the 5 ms max write cycle time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04HT-I/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). Pin 1 is marked by a dot or beveled corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24FC04HT-I/MS, the 24AA04HT-I/MS trades 1 MHz speed for lower cost in 400 kHz-limited systems, while the AT24C04D-MAHM-T provides identical performance with dual-sourcing and extended temperature qualification-making it ideal for automotive redesigns requiring supply chain resilience.

Availability

24FC04HT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, smart sensors, medical infusion pumps, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for 24FC04HT-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 vertically integrated design and manufacturing.

The 24FC04HT-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of serial EEPROMs, engineered for ultra-low-voltage operation and high reliability in space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage.

FAQ

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

The 24FC04HT-I/MS supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V to 5.5V supply range-unlike the 24AA04H (400 kHz max) or 24LC04BH (400 kHz, min 2.5V). This allows faster configuration writes in time-sensitive applications such as real-time sensor calibration uploads, with verified timing margins per Table 1-2 of DS20002119C.

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

When the WP pin of the 24FC04HT-I/MS is tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 100h–1FFh (512 bytes) are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; tying WP to VSS enables full-array write access. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental corruption of critical firmware parameters without requiring software locks or additional MCU resources.

Is the 24FC04HT-I/MS compatible with standard I²C protocols and controllers?

Yes, the 24FC04HT-I/MS implements a fully compliant I²C interface with standard start/stop conditions, 7-bit addressing (1010xxxR/W), ACK/NACK signaling, and arbitration support. It interoperates with all I²C masters-including ARM Cortex-M, PIC, and ESP32-without protocol translation or firmware adaptation.

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

The 24FC04HT-I/MS guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention at +25°C, validated per JEDEC standards. These specifications apply under industrial temperature conditions (−40°C to +85°C) and ensure long-term reliability in applications like utility metering and industrial logging where field service intervals exceed 15 years.

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

Yes, the 24FC04HT-I/MS has open-drain SDA and SCL pins requiring external pull-up resistors. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ resistor to VCC is recommended; for 400 kHz, 2.2 kΩ is typical. Pull-up values must be selected based on bus capacitance and rise-time requirements defined in Figure 4-1 and Table 1-2 of the datasheet.