Microchip Technology 24FC04-I/SN

Overview

24FC04-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1 MHz clock frequency at 1.7–5.5 V supply, with 16-byte page write buffer, hardware write-protection via WP pin, and operation across -40°C to +125°C extended temperature range - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in industrial sensor nodes and embedded control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04-I/SN datasheet, 24FC04-I/SN pinout, 24FC04-I/SN application, or 24FC04-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage (1.7 V), extended-temp endurance (>1 million cycles), Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, self-timed 5 ms write cycle, and SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The 24FC04-I/SN implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, internal address pointer, and block-select addressing (B0 bit) enabling access to either 256-word memory block. It uses on-chip HV generator for EEPROM programming and includes dedicated write-protect logic tied to the WP pin.

Its timing architecture supports fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) operation down to 1.7 V, with validated AC parameters including 250 ns minimum SCL high time, 500 ns minimum SCL low time, and 450 ns output valid delay - all specified across -40°C to +125°C with VCC = 1.7–5.5 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04-I/SN is supplied in an 8-lead narrow-body SOIC package (SN), measuring 3.90 mm × 4.90 mm × 1.25 mm, with gull-wing leads and JEDEC-standard pinout. Pins A0–A2 are internally unconnected and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without functional impact.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04-I/SN and 24LC04B-I/SN, the 24FC04-I/SN uniquely delivers 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7 V while maintaining AEC-Q100 qualification and 4 kV ESD protection - making it the only option for high-reliability, low-voltage, high-throughput embedded EEPROM use cases.

Availability

24FC04-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware settings requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24FC04-I/SN 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

The 24FC04 belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems operating across extended industrial and automotive temperature ranges.

FAQ

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

The 24FC04-I/SN supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7–5.5 V supply range and -40°C to +125°C temperature range. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001708P, where FCLK is specified as 1000 kHz for 1.7V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V. The 24FC04-I/SN is the only variant in the 24XX04 family with this 1 MHz capability.

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

Yes, the 24FC04-I/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because these pins are open-drain. Section 2.2 specifies a typical 2 kΩ pull-up for 1 MHz operation. The value must be selected based on bus capacitance and desired rise time - 2 kΩ is recommended for standard 1 MHz I²C buses with ≤ 200 pF total capacitance.

How does the WP pin function on the 24FC04-I/SN?

On the 24FC04-I/SN, the WP pin provides hardware-level write protection: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 000–1FFh memory array are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. When tied to VSS, normal read/write access is enabled. This behavior is documented in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-1 of DS20001708P.

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

The 24FC04-I/SN 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 section and validated in Section 6.2, where page write operations are limited to 16 bytes per Stop condition - improving efficiency over single-byte writes.

Is the 24FC04-I/SN qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24FC04-I/SN is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications, as confirmed in the Features section of DS20001708P. It operates across the extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) and is listed in the Device Selection Table with "I, E" temp grades - meeting Grade 1 requirements for under-hood and cabin electronics.