Microchip Technology 24FC08T-E/SN

Overview

24FC08T-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as four 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1 MHz clock operation down to 1.7V supply, with hardware write-protection, 16-byte page write buffer, and 1 million erase/write cycles. It operates across –40°C to +125°C and is used for configuration storage in automotive infotainment control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC08T-E/SN datasheet, 24FC08T-E/SN pinout, 24FC08T-E/SN application, or 24FC08T-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its extended temperature support, 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7V–5.5V, WP-enabled hardware protection, low 1 µA standby current (E-temp), and SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The 24FC08T-E/SN implements a two-wire I²C 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 during write cycles, and 7-bit client addressing with block-select bits (B1/B0). The device uses no internal connection for A0/A1/A2 pins and relies solely on the WP pin for hardware-level memory protection across the full 000h–3FFh address space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (SOIC-N), narrow body (3.90 mm), JEDEC MS-012, RoHS-compliant, marked "24FC08" with temperature grade "E" and date code.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA08T-I/SN, the 24FC08T-E/SN delivers 2.5× faster I²C throughput and extended temperature capability at identical package footprint; versus AT24C08D-SSHM-T, it offers hardware write-protection and native Microchip ecosystem support but requires no address remapping.

Availability

24FC08T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment 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 24FC08T-E/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 devices, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 24FC08T-E/SN belongs to Microchip's 24XX08 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and high-speed configuration storage in harsh-environment applications demanding extended temperature operation and hardware-level data protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC08T-E/SN?

The 24FC08T-E/SN supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range, including at minimum 1.7V - a key differentiator from 24AA08 (400 kHz) and 24LC08B (400 kHz, min 2.5V). This enables faster parameter writes in time-constrained embedded systems. The 24FC08T-E/SN meets AC timing specs including THIGH ≥260 ns and TLOW ≥500 ns at 1.7V.

Does the 24FC08T-E/SN require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC08T-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Recommended values are 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, 10 kΩ for 100 kHz. These resistors ensure proper signal rise times and bus arbitration; omitting them will cause communication failure. The 24FC08T-E/SN does not integrate internal pull-ups.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC08T-E/SN?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC08T-E/SN is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the full 000h–3FFh memory space are inhibited, while reads remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS, normal read/write operation resumes. This pin-level lock provides deterministic, zero-software-overhead protection - critical for safety-critical calibration data stored in the 24FC08T-E/SN.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC08T-E/SN?

The 24FC08T-E/SN is specified for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and data retention exceeding 200 years at +25°C. These values are measured under standard conditions (25°C, 5.5V, page-mode writes) and validated per Microchip's qualification standards. Real-world retention remains >100 years even at +125°C ambient, making the 24FC08T-E/SN suitable for mission-critical infrastructure where field replacement is impractical.

Is the 24FC08T-E/SN pin-compatible with other 8-pin SOIC EEPROMs like the 24AA08T-I/SN?

Yes, the 24FC08T-E/SN is pin-compatible with the 24AA08T-I/SN and 24LC08BT-I/SN in the SOIC-8 (SN) package: VSS, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC occupy identical positions (pins 4–8), and A0–A2 are no-connects on all three. However, firmware must account for the 24FC08T-E/SN's higher 1 MHz clock capability and extended temperature range - no PCB changes are needed, but timing validation is recommended.