Microchip Technology 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO

Overview

24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO 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 1.7–5.5 V supply, with hardware write-protection and 16-byte page write buffer. It operates across –40°C to +125°C and is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO datasheet, 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO pinout, 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO application, or 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include extended-temperature operation, 1 MHz I²C speed, low 1 μA standby current, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, and SOIC-8 packaging with verified WP/SCL/SDA/VCC/VSS pin mapping.

Technical Context

The 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010' and three block-select bits, enabling access to 2 Kbytes of memory across eight 256-word blocks. Its internal Address Pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It features on-chip page latches for 16-byte buffered writes, self-timed erase/write cycles (max 5 ms), and hardware write-protection via the WP pin - tied high to disable all writes while permitting full read access. Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control suppress ground bounce and bus noise.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package - narrow-body, 3.90 mm width, 1.27 mm pitch - with standard JEDEC-compliant pinout and exposed pad not present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/OT and AT24C16D-SSHM-T, the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO uniquely delivers 1 MHz speed *plus* –40°C to +125°C operation *plus* AEC-Q100 qualification - making it the only drop-in option for automotive Tier-1 ECU designs requiring both performance and qualification compliance.

Availability

24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy metering systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO/TS 16949 and AEC-Q200.

The 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding extended temperature operation, high-speed I²C communication, and robust data retention.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO?

The 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7–5.5 V supply range and –40°C to +125°C temperature range. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001703M, where FCLK is specified as 1000 kHz for 24FC16 at 1.7V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V. The 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO achieves this higher speed versus 24AA16/24LC16B due to optimized internal timing architecture.

Does the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended per Section 2.2 of DS20001703M. Incorrect pull-up values cause timing violations or bus lockup - especially critical in high-speed or noisy environments.

How does the WP pin function on the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO is a logic-level input: when tied to VCC, it disables all write operations to the entire memory array (000h–7FFh), while reads remain fully functional. When tied to VSS or left floating, normal read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection is active regardless of I²C command state.

Is the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO AEC-Q100 qualified, and what grade does it meet?

Yes, the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO is AEC-Q100 qualified per the "Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified" feature list in DS20001703M. It meets Grade 1 requirements (–40°C to +125°C ambient), validated through stress tests including HTOL, TCT, and ESD. This qualification is explicitly assigned to the 24FC16 variant in the Device Selection Table.

What is the page write buffer size and maximum write cycle time for the 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO?

The 24FC16T-E/OT36KVAO has a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded before initiating an internal write cycle. The maximum write cycle time - whether for byte or page writes - is 5 ms, as specified in Parameter D17 (TWC) of DS20001703M. This value is guaranteed across voltage and temperature ranges.