Microchip Technology 24FC16-E/SN

Overview

24FC16-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit blocks, supporting 1 MHz clock frequency at 1.7V–5.5V supply, with hardware write-protection, 16-byte page write buffer, and extended temperature operation from –40°C to +125°C. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in automotive body controllers and industrial sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16-E/SN datasheet, 24FC16-E/SN pinout, 24FC16-E/SN application, or 24FC16-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, E-temp qualification, SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility, and WP-enabled hardware memory protection - critical for safety-critical firmware parameter retention.

Technical Context

The 24FC16-E/SN operates as an I²C slave device with fixed 7-bit slave address prefix '1010' and three block-select bits, enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page buffer enables efficient burst writes without host-side timing overhead.

It implements Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress bus noise and eliminate ground bounce, with ACK polling support for precise write-cycle completion detection. The device uses on-chip high-voltage generation for EEPROM programming and includes built-in ESD protection (>4 kV) and >1 million erase/write cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) with 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and gull-wing leads. The exposed pad is not present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16-E/SN, the 24FC16-E/SN delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth for faster configuration loads, while AT24C16D-SSHM-T offers comparable speed but lacks extended temperature qualification - making 24FC16-E/SN the sole option meeting both 1 MHz and +125°C requirements in SOIC-8.

Availability

24FC16-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor nodes, medical diagnostic equipment, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC16-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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 24FC16 belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-voltage, high-speed nonvolatile storage in safety-critical and thermally demanding embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC16-E/SN?

The 24FC16-E/SN supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range, unlike the 24AA16-E/SN (400 kHz max) or 24LC16B-E/SN (400 kHz, minimum 2.5V). This enables faster configuration reads and writes in time-sensitive applications such as automotive boot sequences. The 24FC16-E/SN maintains full AC timing compliance at 1 MHz, including THIGH ≤260 ns and TLOW ≥500 ns.

Does the 24FC16-E/SN require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC16-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain outputs. Recommended values are 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, 10 kΩ for 100 kHz, and 2–4.7 kΩ for 400 kHz - selected based on bus capacitance and rise-time requirements. The 24FC16-E/SN's Schmitt-trigger inputs tolerate slow-rising edges, but proper pull-ups remain essential for reliable bus arbitration and ACK signaling.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC16-E/SN?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC16-E/SN is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, the entire 2048-byte memory array (addresses 000h–7FFh) becomes read-only; writes are inhibited regardless of command sequence, while reads remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, normal read/write operation is enabled. This feature is implemented entirely in hardware and remains active during power transitions - a key reliability advantage over software locks.

Is the 24FC16-E/SN pin-compatible with other 24XX16 family members in SOIC-8 packaging?

Yes, the 24FC16-E/SN is pin-compatible with 24AA16-E/SN and 24LC16B-E/SN in the SOIC-8 (SN) package: all share identical pin assignments (VSS, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC, and no-connect A0–A2). However, electrical differences exist - notably the 24FC16-E/SN's 1 MHz capability and lower 1.7V minimum VCC - so firmware timing and voltage design must be verified for drop-in replacement.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC16-E/SN?

The 24FC16-E/SN guarantees a minimum of 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at +25°C, validated per JEDEC standards. Endurance is specified under worst-case conditions (25°C, 5.5V, page-mode writes), and retention scales inversely with temperature - e.g., ~100 years at +85°C. These figures apply to the 24FC16-E/SN specifically and are confirmed in Microchip's DS20001703M datasheet revision M.