Microchip Technology 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO

Overview

24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO 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 1.7–5.5V supply, with hardware write-protect (WP), 16-byte page write buffer, and extended temperature operation to +125°C - used for configuration storage in automotive infotainment control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO datasheet, 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO pinout, 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO application, or 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, E-temp grade qualification, WP pin functionality, 5 ms max page write time, and SOIC-8 packaging with industry-standard pinout.

Technical Context

The 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO implements a 2-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and address pointer logic enabling current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It supports full I²C protocol compliance including Start/Stop condition generation, ACK polling for write-cycle completion detection, and block-select addressing via the B0 bit in the control byte. The device uses no-connection A0–A2 pins and requires external pull-up resistors on SDA/SCL lines per bus speed requirements (e.g., ~2 kΩ for 1 MHz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with standard 150-mil body width and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or notch; the exposed pad is not present in this package variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04T-I/ST and AT24C04D-SSHM-T, the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO uniquely delivers 1 MHz I²C performance down to 1.7V with factory-qualified E-temp operation and integrated WP - making it the only drop-in option for automotive and industrial designs demanding both speed and ruggedness.

Availability

24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO 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, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and high-reliability nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications where data integrity and extended temperature operation are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO?

The 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when VCC is between 1.7V and 5.5V. At lower voltages (<2.5V), the maximum clock rate drops to 100 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows flexible integration across 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V systems while maintaining compatibility with legacy 400 kHz controllers. The 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO datasheet specifies timing parameters like THIGH (260 ns min) and TLOW (500 ns min) explicitly for 1 MHz operation.

Does the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 1 MHz operation, a typical value is 2 kΩ to VCC; for 400 kHz, 4.7 kΩ is common; and for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ suffices. The exact value depends on bus capacitance and rise-time requirements. The 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO does not include internal pull-ups, so omission will result in bus failure.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO?

When the WP pin of the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 4-Kbit memory array are inhibited; reads remain fully functional. When tied to VSS (or left floating, though not recommended), normal read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection operates independently of I²C commands and remains active during power transitions - a key safety feature in automotive and medical applications using the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO.

Is the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO is AEC-Q100 qualified for Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C ambient), as confirmed in Microchip's official documentation. This qualification covers stress tests including temperature cycling, high-temperature operating life (HTOL), and electrostatic discharge (HBM ≥4 kV). The "E" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes Extended temperature grade compliance, distinguishing it from Industrial-grade variants like the 24AA04T-I/ST.

What is the page write buffer size and maximum write time for the 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO?

The 24FC04T-E/ST36KVAO features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction. The maximum self-timed write cycle time - whether for one byte or a full 16-byte page - is 5 ms. This fixed worst-case duration enables deterministic firmware timing without polling, and the device does not respond to I²C addresses during this period, requiring ACK polling or fixed-delay handling in host code.