Microchip Technology 24FC16-E/ST

Overview

24FC16-E/ST 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 (WP), 16-byte page write buffer, and extended temperature operation from –40°C to +125°C in an 8-lead SOIC package. It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16-E/ST datasheet, 24FC16-E/ST pinout, 24FC16-E/ST application, or 24FC16-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, extended-temp endurance (>1M cycles), Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, self-timed write cycle, and hardware WP pin for system-level data integrity assurance.

Technical Context

The 24FC16-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010' and 3-bit block-select bits, enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and dedicated I/O control logic managing SDA bidirectional buffering and SCL synchronization.

It supports three read modes-current address, random, and sequential-with ACK polling for write-cycle completion detection. The device uses Schmitt-trigger inputs and input filters (100 ns spike suppression) to maintain bus reliability in electrically noisy environments, and enforces strict timing windows (e.g., THD:STA = 250 ns min at 1.7V–5.5V) for robust I²C compliance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead SOIC (SN) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot; exposed pad not present in SOIC variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16-I/ST and AT24C16C-SSHM-T, the 24FC16-E/ST uniquely delivers 1 MHz I²C performance across the full –40°C to +125°C range with unused A0–A2 pins simplifying PCB layout and reducing BOM count in single-device configurations.

Availability

24FC16-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware logs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability data retention.

Supply support for 24FC16-E/ST 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 and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC16-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-voltage, high-reliability nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems demanding extended temperature operation and AEC-Q100 qualification.

FAQ

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

The 24FC16-E/ST supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range and –40°C to +125°C operating temperature. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section (Param. No. 1, FCLK), distinguishing it from the 24AA16 (400 kHz max) and 24LC16B (400 kHz, 2.5V min). The 24FC16-E/ST maintains this speed even at 1.7V, enabling faster configuration writes in low-power systems.

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

Yes, the 24FC16-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. The datasheet recommends 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, 10 kΩ for 100 kHz. These resistors establish valid high logic levels and ensure proper bus arbitration in multi-device I²C systems. Without them, communication will fail due to undefined signal states on the bus.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24FC16-E/ST?

The WP pin on the 24FC16-E/ST is a logic-level input that disables all write operations when tied to VCC. When WP = VSS (ground), normal read/write access to the full 000h–7FFh address space is enabled. When WP = VCC, writes are inhibited - including byte, page, and erase commands - while reads remain fully functional. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental or malicious firmware corruption during system updates.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24FC16-E/ST, and how does it affect write efficiency?

The 24FC16-E/ST features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 consecutive bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction. This reduces protocol overhead by eliminating 15 separate address transmissions per page, cutting total I²C clock cycles needed for multi-byte writes. Page writes complete in ≤5 ms, and crossing physical page boundaries causes wraparound - software must align writes to 16-byte boundaries for predictable behavior.

Is the 24FC16-E/ST AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC16-E/ST is AEC-Q100 qualified. As stated in the Features section of DS20001703M, the 24XX16 family (including 24FC16) is Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified. The "E" suffix in 24FC16-E/ST denotes Extended temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C), which corresponds to AEC-Q100 Grade 1. This qualification validates its reliability for automotive applications such as body control modules and powertrain sensors.