Microchip Technology 24FC16HT-E/OT

Overview

24FC16HT-E/OT from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V with 1 MHz maximum clock frequency, 5 ms max page write time, and hardware half-array write-protection (400h–7FFh). It targets embedded system configuration storage in automotive and industrial controllers requiring extended temperature operation.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16HT-E/OT datasheet, 24FC16HT-E/OT pinout, 24FC16HT-E/OT application, or 24FC16HT-E/OT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.7V low-voltage operation, AEC-Q100 qualification, E-temp (−40°C to +125°C) rating, 1 MHz I²C speed, and SOT-23-5 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 24FC16HT-E/OT implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes an 16-byte page write buffer, self-timed erase/write cycle, and address pointer for sequential/current address reads.

It supports three read modes (current address, random, sequential) and two write modes (byte and page), with acknowledge polling enabling bus efficiency during write cycles. The WP pin enables hardware-level protection of the upper 8 Kbits (addresses 400h–7FFh) when tied to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16HT-E/OT is supplied in a 5-lead SOT-23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with 1.6 mm × 2.9 mm footprint and 1.1 mm height - optimized for high-density PCBs in space-constrained modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16HT-E/OT and AT24C16D-SSHM-T, the 24FC16HT-E/OT delivers higher throughput via 1 MHz I²C, maintains identical SOT-23-5 mechanical compatibility, and adds AEC-Q100 validation - making it the sole option for space-constrained, high-speed, automotive-grade EEPROM use cases.

Availability

24FC16HT-E/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC16HT-E/OT 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 24FC16H family was designed specifically for high-reliability, low-voltage I²C EEPROM applications in automotive and extended-temperature industrial systems - emphasizing speed, robustness, and qualification compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC16HT-E/OT?

The 24FC16HT-E/OT supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V VCC range, as confirmed in DS20002118B Table 1-2. This is double the 400 kHz limit of the 24AA16H/24LC16BH variants and enables faster configuration writes in time-sensitive applications. The 24FC16HT-E/OT maintains valid timing margins (e.g., THIGH ≥ 260 ns, TLOW ≥ 500 ns) at 1 MHz, unlike lower-voltage variants that throttle to 100 kHz below 2.5V.

Does the 24FC16HT-E/OT require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC16HT-E/OT requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Microchip recommends 2 kΩ pull-ups for 1 MHz operation (DS20002118B Section 2.2). These resistors establish defined high states during bus idle periods and ensure signal integrity across varying bus capacitance and noise conditions.

How does the hardware write-protect feature work on the 24FC16HT-E/OT?

The WP pin on the 24FC16HT-E/OT enables hardware write-protection of the upper half of memory (addresses 400h–7FFh) when driven high (VCC). When WP is low (VSS) or floating, full memory access is permitted. This protection is active during all write operations - including page writes - and cannot be overridden by software commands, ensuring robust data integrity for calibration or security-critical regions.

Is the 24FC16HT-E/OT pin-compatible with other 24XX16H family members in SOT-23-5 package?

Yes, the 24FC16HT-E/OT shares identical pinout, footprint, and terminal functions with 24AA16HT-E/OT and 24LC16BHT-E/OT in the SOT-23-5 package (DS20002118B Table 2-1). All three use pins 1=SCL, 2=VSS, 3=SDA, 4=VCC, 5=WP. However, electrical differences - especially 1 MHz vs. 400 kHz clock support - require firmware validation when substituting.

What temperature range and qualifications does the 24FC16HT-E/OT support?

The 24FC16HT-E/OT is rated for Extended temperature range (−40°C to +125°C) and is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1), as stated in DS20002118B Section "Features" and Table "Device Selection". This certification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock - confirming suitability for automotive under-hood and industrial edge applications where ambient extremes are routine.