Microchip Technology 24FC04-I/P

Overview

24FC04-I/P 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 write buffer, and >1 million erase/write cycles. It operates across -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range in 8-lead PDIP package and is used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04-I/P datasheet, 24FC04-I/P pinout, 24FC04-I/P application, or 24FC04-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7V–5.5V, WP-enabled hardware write protection, 5 ms max page write time, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, and compatibility with legacy 24AA04/24LC04B firmware interfaces.

Technical Context

The 24FC04-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, internal address pointer, and page latches enabling 16-byte buffered writes. Its architecture includes Schmitt-trigger inputs, output slope control, and an on-chip HV generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports three read modes (current address, random, sequential) and two write modes (byte and page), with acknowledge polling for write-cycle completion detection. The device uses a fixed 4-bit control code (1010) and block-select bit (B0) to access its dual 256-word memory blocks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 300 mil body width, through-hole mounting, and standard 0.100" pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are tin-plated matte finish per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04-I/P, the 24FC04-I/P delivers 2.5× faster I²C writes and broader voltage range, while AT24C04-PU offers lower unit cost but sacrifices automotive qualification and low-voltage capability - making 24FC04-I/P optimal for performance-critical, safety-aware designs.

Availability

24FC04-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical infusion pump settings requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 24FC04-I/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 microcontrollers, analog devices, 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, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, and noise-immune nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04-I/P?

The 24FC04-I/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of DS20001708P, distinguishing it from the 400 kHz limit of 24AA04-I/P and 24LC04B-I/P. At VCC < 2.5V, the 24FC04-I/P maintains 1 MHz operation, unlike 24AA04 which drops to 100 kHz below 2.5V.

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

Yes, the 24FC04-I/P requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because these pins are open-drain. Typical values are 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation and 10 kΩ for 100 kHz, as specified in Section 2.2 of DS20001708P. The absence of internal pull-ups ensures bus flexibility and avoids contention in multi-master configurations.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC04-I/P?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC04-I/P is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 4-Kbit memory array (addresses 000–1FF) are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. This behavior is documented in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-1 of DS20001708P and provides fail-safe configuration locking independent of firmware state.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24FC04-I/P?

The 24FC04-I/P features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the on-chip latch before initiating the internal write cycle. This is explicitly stated in the Features list and Section 6.2 of DS20001708P. Page writes complete in ≤5 ms, and crossing physical page boundaries causes wraparound within the current page - requiring firmware to manage alignment.

Is the 24FC04-I/P AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24FC04-I/P is AEC-Q100 qualified, as confirmed in the Features section of DS20001708P. This qualification applies to the Industrial (I) and Extended (E) temperature grades and validates its reliability for automotive applications including body electronics, infotainment, and ADAS subsystems where component stress testing and failure-mode analysis are mandatory.