Microchip Technology 24FC08-I/P

Overview

24FC08-I/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, 16-byte page buffer, and industrial/extended temperature operation (–40°C to +125°C). It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring low-power, noise-immune bus communication.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC08-I/P datasheet, 24FC08-I/P pinout, 24FC08-I/P application, or 24FC08-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SOIC-8 package details, I²C timing constraints, endurance/reliability metrics, and real-world use cases for firmware parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup in automotive and industrial control units.

Technical Context

The 24FC08-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress ground bounce and bus noise. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page write buffer enables efficient bulk writes without host-side buffering.

It features a dedicated Write-Protect (WP) pin that disables all write operations when tied to VCC, and includes on-chip high-voltage generation for EEPROM programming. The device uses acknowledge polling to signal write-cycle completion, eliminating fixed delay requirements in time-critical firmware.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC08-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package, 3.90 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA08-I/P, the 24FC08-I/P delivers 2.5× higher I²C throughput and extended temperature support, while AT24C08D-SSHM-T trades automotive qualification for broader distributor availability-making 24FC08-I/P optimal for performance-critical, thermally demanding designs.

Availability

24FC08-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC configuration storage, medical infusion pump calibration, and smart energy meter firmware parameters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC08-I/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, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design, manufacturing, and sales operations.

The 24FC08-I/P belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding extended temperature operation and high reliability.

FAQ

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

The 24FC08-I/P supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7 V to 5.5 V supply range. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of the official datasheet (DS20001710M), distinguishing it from the 24AA08 (400 kHz) and 24LC08B (400 kHz) variants. At 1.7 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V, the 24FC08-I/P maintains 1 MHz operation-unlike the 24AA08, which drops to 100 kHz in that range.

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

Yes, the 24FC08-I/P implements hardware write protection via the WP (Write-Protect) pin. When WP is tied to VCC, all write operations-including byte and page writes-are inhibited across the entire memory array (addresses 000–3FF), while read operations remain fully functional. This feature is active in all supported packages except the 4-ball CSP. The 24FC08-I/P's SOIC-8 package fully supports WP functionality as documented in the Pin Function Table.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC08-I/P?

The 24FC08-I/P guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per memory location and greater than 200 years of data retention at +25°C. These values are specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 5) and are validated under industrial and extended temperature conditions. The 24FC08-I/P meets these specs at both –40°C to +85°C (I-temp) and –40°C to +125°C (E-temp), making it suitable for long-life embedded deployments.

Which packages are available for the 24FC08-I/P, and what does the 'I/P' suffix indicate?

The 'I/P' suffix in 24FC08-I/P denotes Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C) in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-Line Package). Per the Device Selection Table, 24FC08 is offered in MSOP, PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and TDFN packages-but not DFN, UDFN, SOT-23, or CSP. The 'P' explicitly identifies the PDIP variant, and the 'I' confirms industrial temperature qualification, distinct from the extended-grade 'E' versions.

How does the 24FC08-I/P handle page boundaries during write operations?

The 24FC08-I/P enforces strict 16-byte page boundaries: page writes cannot cross physical page edges (e.g., writing from address 0x0F to 0x10 wraps to 0x00 instead of advancing to the next page). This behavior is documented in Figure 6-1 and the Page Write section. Applications must ensure word addresses and byte counts align within a single 16-byte page-failure causes silent data overwrite. The 24FC08-I/P does not auto-segment writes across pages.