Microchip Technology 24FC04T-I/OT

Overview

24FC04T-I/OT 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 1.7V–5.5V supply, with 16-byte page write buffer, hardware write-protect (WP), and industrial/extended temperature operation (-40°C to +125°C). It enables nonvolatile parameter storage in space-constrained embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04T-I/OT datasheet, 24FC04T-I/OT pinout, 24FC04T-I/OT application, or 24FC04T-I/OT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, 5 ms max page write time, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, 1 µA standby current (I-temp), and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with automated assembly.

Technical Context

The 24FC04T-I/OT implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, internal address pointer for sequential reads, and block-select addressing via B0 bit in the control byte. Its EEPROM array uses charge-pump-based HV generation for byte/page erase/write cycles.

It features Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL with 0.05 VCC hysteresis, output slope control to suppress ground bounce, and ACK polling support to detect write completion without fixed delay timing. Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin tied to VCC or VSS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04T-I/OT is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) with wettable flanks for optical solder-joint inspection. Pin 1 is marked with a dot; A0–A2 are no-connects.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04T-I/OT and 24LC04BT-I/OT, the 24FC04T-I/OT delivers 2.5× higher I²C throughput and full 1.7V operation-critical for next-gen ultra-low-power IoT nodes-while maintaining identical footprint and software compatibility.

Availability

24FC04T-I/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC04T-I/OT 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 24FC04T-I/OT belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of I²C EEPROMs, engineered for robust nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained, low-power, and high-reliability applications across industrial, medical, and automotive markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC04T-I/OT?

The 24FC04T-I/OT supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range, verified per DS20001708P AC Characteristics Table 1-2. This exceeds the 400 kHz limit of 24AA04/24LC04B variants and enables faster configuration writes in time-sensitive applications. The 24FC04T-I/OT maintains full timing compliance-including THIGH (260 ns min) and TLOW (500 ns min)-at 1 MHz, unlike lower-speed variants that require reduced clock rates below 2.5V.

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

Yes, the 24FC04T-I/OT requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. For 1 MHz operation, Microchip specifies a 2 kΩ pull-up resistor value (DS20001708P Section 2.2). Using higher values (e.g., 10 kΩ) will violate rise-time specifications and cause communication failures at full speed. The 24FC04T-I/OT's Schmitt-trigger inputs tolerate slow edges but cannot compensate for insufficient pull-up strength.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC04T-I/OT?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC04T-I/OT is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, the entire memory array (addresses 000h–1FFh) becomes read-only; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This is a physical enable signal-not a software register-so it prevents accidental or malicious writes even during MCU reset or brown-out conditions. The 24FC04T-I/OT does not support block-level or software-controlled protection.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24FC04T-I/OT, and how does it affect write performance?

The 24FC04T-I/OT has a 16-byte page write buffer, meaning up to 16 bytes can be loaded into the internal latch before initiating a single 5 ms self-timed write cycle. This reduces I²C bus transactions by up to 16× compared to byte-write mode, significantly lowering host CPU overhead and bus contention. However, page writes must stay within physical page boundaries (aligned to 16-byte addresses); crossing boundaries causes wraparound, not automatic page advancement.

Is the 24FC04T-I/OT qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24FC04T-I/OT is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications, as explicitly stated in the DS20001708P datasheet Features section. It operates across the extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C and meets automotive reliability standards for humidity, thermal cycling, and ESD (>4,000V). Its TSSOP-8 package with wettable flanks supports automated optical inspection required in automotive PCB assembly.