Microchip Technology 24FC16-I/ST

Overview

24FC16-I/ST 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 industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It supports hardware write-protection via the WP pin and is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (ST) for embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16-I/ST datasheet, 24FC16-I/ST pinout, 24FC16-I/ST application, or 24FC16-I/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, I²C timing constraints at 1 MHz, SOIC-8 package details, endurance (1M cycles), data retention (>200 years), and real-world use cases in power management, sensor calibration, and firmware parameter storage.

Technical Context

The 24FC16-I/ST 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 logic enabling current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It uses a fixed 4-bit control code (1010b) plus 3-bit block-select bits (B2–B0) for device addressing, supporting up to eight 256-word memory blocks. Write protection is implemented via the dedicated WP pin - tied to VCC to disable all writes while preserving read access across the full 000h–7FFh address space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead SOIC (ST) package: 3.90 mm body width, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Exposed pad not present. Compatible with standard SOIC-8 reflow profiles and automated optical inspection (AOI).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16-I/ST, the 24FC16-I/ST delivers 2.5× faster configuration writes and identical industrial temperature support, while AT24C16C-SSHM-T trades hardware write-protection for Atmel's qualification pedigree - making 24FC16-I/ST optimal for new designs demanding speed and physical security.

Availability

24FC16-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical device configuration storage requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence planning, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24FC16-I/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24FC16 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for reliable nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where low voltage, high speed, and hardware-level write security are essential.

FAQ

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

The 24FC16-I/ST supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range, unlike the 24AA16-I/ST (400 kHz max) or 24LC16B-I/ST (400 kHz, minimum 2.5V). This enables faster configuration reads and page writes in time-sensitive applications such as real-time sensor fusion or boot-time parameter loading. The 24FC16-I/ST maintains valid timing margins (e.g., THIGH ≥260 ns, TLOW ≥500 ns) at 1 MHz, verified per DS20001703M-page 4 AC characteristics.

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

Yes, the 24FC16-I/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain I/O drivers. For 1 MHz operation, Microchip recommends a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC; for 400 kHz, 2.2 kΩ is typical; and for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ suffices. These values ensure rise times ≤300 ns (per DS20001703M-page 4, TR) while limiting bus current. The 24FC16-I/ST itself does not integrate pull-ups - relying instead on external discrete resistors for flexibility across voltage and speed configurations.

How does the WP pin function on the 24FC16-I/ST?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24FC16-I/ST is a dedicated hardware enable/disable control: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 000h–7FFh memory array are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is granted. This pin operates independently of I²C commands - no software handshake or register setting is needed. The 24FC16-I/ST datasheet confirms this behavior in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-1, making it ideal for protecting critical calibration data during field firmware updates.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 24FC16-I/ST?

The 24FC16-I/ST is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at 25°C, as specified in DS20001703M-page 5, Table 1-2, Parameter 18 and footnote 4. These values are characterized under worst-case conditions (5.5V, 25°C) and apply across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Endurance is measured in page mode; retention assumes storage at rated temperature with no power applied. Microchip's Total Endurance™ Model is available for application-specific lifetime estimation.

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

Yes, the 24FC16-I/ST is pin-compatible with 24AA16-I/ST and 24LC16B-I/ST in the 8-lead SOIC (ST) package: all share identical VSS, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC, and NC pin assignments per DS20001703M-page 7, Table 2-1. However, functional differences exist - notably the 24FC16-I/ST supports 1 MHz I²C while others are limited to 400 kHz, and the 24LC16B requires minimum 2.5V supply. Thus, direct substitution is electrically safe but requires validation of timing and voltage compliance in the target design.