Microchip Technology 24FC04T-I/SN

Overview

24FC04T-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 hardware write-protection, 16-byte page buffer, and industrial/extended temperature operation (–40°C to +125°C). It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC04T-I/SN datasheet, 24FC04T-I/SN pinout, 24FC04T-I/SN application, or 24FC04T-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C interface speed, 1.7 V minimum operating voltage, extended-temperature endurance (1M cycles, >200 years retention), Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, and SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.

Technical Context

The 24FC04T-I/SN implements a two-wire I²C bus protocol with fixed 4-bit device identifier '1010', block-select addressing (B0 bit), and R/W bit control. Its internal architecture includes an EEPROM array, page latches, HV generator, and I/O control logic synchronized to SCL.

It supports byte and page write modes with self-timed erase/write cycles (≤5 ms), acknowledge polling for bus efficiency, and hardware-based write protection via the WP pin. Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control suppress ground bounce and bus noise across wide VCC and temperature ranges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC04T-I/SN is supplied in an 8-lead narrow SOIC package (SN), measuring 3.90 mm × 4.90 mm × 1.25 mm (max height), with gull-wing leads and JEDEC-standard pinout. The package is RoHS-compliant and compatible with standard reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04T-I/SN and 24LC04BT-I/SN, the 24FC04T-I/SN uniquely delivers 1 MHz I²C performance at 1.7 V while maintaining AEC-Q100 qualification - making it the sole option for high-speed, low-voltage, automotive-grade EEPROM applications in the 4 Kbit class.

Availability

24FC04T-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump calibration, smart energy meter firmware parameters, and other applications requiring stable component supply with extended-temperature reliability and AEC-Q100 compliance.

Supply support for 24FC04T-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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC04T-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 24XX04 family of serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for high-reliability, low-power, and automotive-grade data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

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

The 24FC04T-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 the DS20001708P datasheet, distinguishing it from the 400 kHz limit of 24AA04 and 24LC04B variants. The 24FC04T-I/SN achieves this using optimized internal timing and slope-controlled outputs.

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

Yes, the 24FC04T-I/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended per Section 2.2 of the datasheet. Incorrect pull-up values cause timing violations or bus lockup, especially at higher frequencies.

How does the WP pin function on the 24FC04T-I/SN?

On the 24FC04T-I/SN, the WP pin is an active-high hardware write-protect input. When tied to VCC, it disables all write operations (including byte and page writes) across the entire 000h–1FFh memory space; reads remain fully functional. Tying WP to VSS enables normal read/write access. This behavior is documented in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-1 of the datasheet.

Is the 24FC04T-I/SN pin-compatible with other 24XX04 family members in SOIC-8 (SN) packages?

Yes, the 24FC04T-I/SN is pin-compatible with 24AA04T-I/SN and 24LC04BT-I/SN in the SOIC-8 (SN) package, sharing identical pin assignments (A0–A2, VSS, SDA, SCL, WP, VCC) and footprint. However, electrical differences - notably 1 MHz vs. 400 kHz clock support and 1.7 V vs. 2.5 V minimum VCC - require validation in the target system before substitution.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC04T-I/SN?

The 24FC04T-I/SN guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at +25°C, as specified in Table 1-2 (Param. No. 18) and Feature list of the DS20001708P datasheet. These values are measured under standard conditions (5.5 V, +25°C) and represent minimum guaranteed performance across the extended temperature range.