Microchip Technology 24FC16T-E/ST

Overview

24FC16T-E/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 clock support, 5 ms max page write time, and extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers, sensor nodes, and power management ICs.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16T-E/ST datasheet, 24FC16T-E/ST pinout, 24FC16T-E/ST application, or 24FC16T-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at 1.7V, hardware write-protect (WP) pin, 16-byte page buffer, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive use.

Technical Context

The 24FC16T-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 independent 256-byte memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It uses on-chip charge-pump HV generation for EEPROM programming, features self-timed erase/write cycles, and incorporates input filtering (100 ns spike suppression) and output slope control to suppress ground bounce - critical for reliable operation in noisy industrial and automotive bus environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16T-E/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package (3.90 mm body width), RoHS-compliant, with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC MO-002AC footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/ST and AT24C16D-SSHM-T, the 24FC16T-E/ST uniquely delivers 1 MHz I²C performance across the full –40°C to +125°C range with AEC-Q100 validation - making it the only drop-in option for automotive and high-reliability industrial designs requiring both speed and extended temperature operation.

Availability

24FC16T-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial sensor nodes, medical device configuration storage, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 24FC16T-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 microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated design and manufacturing.

The 24FC16T-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for robust, low-voltage I²C data storage in space-constrained, noise-prone environments where reliability and extended temperature operation are mandatory.

FAQ

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

The 24FC16T-E/ST supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V to 5.5V supply range and –40°C to +125°C temperature range. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of DS20001703M, where FCLK = 1000 kHz is specified for 24FC16 under extended temperature conditions. The 24FC16T-E/ST achieves this while maintaining valid timing margins including THIGH ≥260 ns and TLOW ≥500 ns.

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

Yes, the 24FC16T-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. For 1 MHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up resistor to VCC is recommended per Microchip's AC characteristics table and application guidance in DS20001703M. Values must be adjusted downward for higher bus capacitance or faster rise-time requirements.

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

On the 24FC16T-E/ST, the WP pin is a logic-level input: when tied to VCC, the entire 2048-byte memory array (addresses 000h–7FFh) is write-protected and only read operations are permitted; when tied to VSS (or left floating, though not recommended), full read/write access is enabled. This hardware lock operates independently of I²C commands and persists across power cycles.

Is the 24FC16T-E/ST pin-compatible with other 24XX16 family members like the 24AA16T-I/ST?

Yes, the 24FC16T-E/ST is pin-compatible with all 24XX16 family variants in the same package, including 24AA16T-I/ST and 24LC16BT-I/ST in SOIC-8 (ST). Pin functions (VSS, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC) and physical layout match exactly per Table 2-1 and package drawings in DS20001703M - enabling direct PCB substitution where voltage, speed, and temperature requirements align.

What is the endurance specification for the 24FC16T-E/ST, and how is it validated?

The 24FC16T-E/ST is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.5V under page-mode operation, as specified in Table 1-2 (Param. No. 18) of DS20001703M. This endurance is ensured by characterization (not 100% tested per note 4), and Microchip provides the Total Endurance™ Model for application-specific lifetime estimation - accessible via www.microchip.com.