Microchip Technology 24FC08-E/P

Overview

24FC08-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as four 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1 MHz clock frequency at 1.7–5.5 V supply, with hardware write-protection (WP), 16-byte page write buffer, and extended temperature operation from –40°C to +125°C in 8-lead PDIP package. It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC08-E/P datasheet, 24FC08-E/P pinout, 24FC08-E/P application, or 24FC08-E/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, extended-temp endurance (>1 million cycles), WP-enabled secure configuration storage, and compatibility with legacy 24AA08/24LC08B firmware interfaces while offering higher throughput.

Technical Context

The 24FC08-E/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slew-rate-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 supporting current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010) with 2-bit block select (B1/B0) and R/W bit for addressing four 256-word memory blocks. Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin tied to VCC, disabling all write operations while preserving read access - a feature absent in CSP variants but fully supported in the PDIP package.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP), 300 mil body width, through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is index-marked; exposed pad not present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA08-I/P and 24LC08B-E/P, the 24FC08-E/P delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth at full extended temperature range and 1.7 V minimum supply - making it optimal for next-generation battery-powered industrial nodes requiring fast, robust configuration storage.

Availability

24FC08-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware parameters requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC08-E/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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24FC08 belongs to Microchip's 24XX08 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-voltage, high-speed I²C configuration storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring extended temperature operation and hardware write protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC08-E/P?

The 24FC08-E/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7 V to 5.5 V supply range and –40°C to +125°C operating temperature. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of DS20001710M, distinguishing it from the 400 kHz limit of 24AA08 and 24LC08B variants. The 24FC08-E/P maintains this speed even at 1.7 V, enabling faster parameter updates in battery-powered systems.

Does the 24FC08-E/P support hardware write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the 24FC08-E/P supports hardware write protection via the dedicated WP pin. When WP is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are inhibited while read operations remain fully functional. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-3 of DS20001710M. The PDIP package fully supports this feature, unlike the Chip Scale Package (CSP) variant which omits WP functionality.

What memory organization does the 24FC08-E/P use, and how is addressing handled?

The 24FC08-E/P organizes its 8 Kbit memory as four independent 256 × 8-bit blocks (000–0FF, 100–1FF, 200–2FF, 300–3FF). Addressing uses a 4-bit device code (1010), two block-select bits (B1/B0), and an R/W bit - forming a 7-bit client address. The word address byte selects the specific location within the chosen block. This structure is defined in Section 5.0 and Figure 5-1 of DS20001710M.

What is the page write capability of the 24FC08-E/P, and what happens if more than 16 bytes are sent?

The 24FC08-E/P features a 16-byte page write buffer. When more than 16 bytes are transmitted before a Stop condition, the address pointer rolls over and overwrites earlier bytes in the same page - not the next page. This wraparound behavior is explicitly warned in Section 6.2 and Figure 6-2 of DS20001710M. Applications must ensure page boundaries (every 16 bytes) are respected to avoid unintended data loss.

Is the 24FC08-E/P qualified for automotive applications, and what standards does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC08-E/P is Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified (Grade 1), as stated in the Features section of DS20001710M. It operates across the extended temperature range of –40°C to +125°C and meets stringent reliability requirements for automotive electronics, including >1 million endurance cycles and >200 years data retention - validated per AEC-Q100 test conditions.