Microchip Technology 24FC16T-E/SN

Overview

24FC16T-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 industrial sensor nodes, automotive body controllers, and embedded power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16T-E/SN datasheet, 24FC16T-E/SN pinout, 24FC16T-E/SN application, or 24FC16T-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, E-temp qualification, SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility, and hardware WP pin for system-level write protection during power transitions.

Technical Context

The 24FC16T-E/SN 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 8-bit address pointer, 16-byte page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - enabling self-timed erase/write cycles without external timing components.

It supports three read modes (current address, random, sequential) and two write modes (byte and page), with ACK polling for write-cycle completion detection. The device uses fixed 4-bit control code '1010' plus 3-bit block select and R/W bit, limiting system topology to one 24FC16T-E/SN per I²C bus segment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16T-E/SN is supplied in an 8-lead narrow SOIC package (SN), 3.90 mm body width, JEDEC MS-012 compliant, with gull-wing leads and exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is bottom-left corner when notch faces up.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/SN, the 24FC16T-E/SN delivers 2.5× faster configuration load times and extended temperature compliance; versus AT24C16D-SSHM-T, it provides certified automotive reliability and hardware-enforced write protection - critical for fail-safe embedded control.

Availability

24FC16T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for 24FC16T-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 microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 24FC16T-E/SN belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-voltage, high-reliability nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems demanding extended temperature operation and automotive qualification.

FAQ

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

The 24FC16T-E/SN supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range, unlike the 24AA16 (max 400 kHz) or 24LC16B (max 400 kHz, min 2.5V). This allows faster configuration reads during system boot, reducing startup latency in time-critical applications such as motor drives and real-time controllers. The 1 MHz capability is fully characterized and guaranteed per DS20001703M, Table 1-2.

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

Yes, the 24FC16T-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Recommended values are 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation, 10 kΩ for 100 kHz. These resistors ensure proper logic-high levels and meet rise-time specifications (TR ≤ 1000 ns per Table 1-2). No internal pull-ups are provided - omission will result in bus failure.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24FC16T-E/SN?

When the WP pin of the 24FC16T-E/SN is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 16-Kbit memory array are inhibited; read operations remain fully functional. When tied to VSS, normal read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection operates independently of I²C commands and remains active during power transitions - a key safety feature for automotive and medical applications.

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

Yes, the 24FC16T-E/SN is AEC-Q100 qualified per Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C), as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Features section of DS20001703M. This qualification covers stress testing for automotive environments including temperature cycling, humidity bias, and ESD. It is approved for use in body electronics, chassis, and infotainment subsystems - not for safety-critical powertrain applications requiring Grade 0.

What package type does the 24FC16T-E/SN use, and are A0–A2 pins functional?

The 24FC16T-E/SN uses the 8-lead narrow SOIC package (SN), 3.90 mm body width. Pins A0, A1, and A2 are not internally connected - they may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without affecting operation. This simplifies PCB layout and eliminates address conflicts in single-device I²C implementations, as the device uses fixed slave address bits (1010xxx) with no user-selectable addressing.