Microchip Technology 24FC16T-I/MS

Overview

24FC16T-I/MS 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, 16-byte page write buffer, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It enables nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems such as smart sensors and power management units.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16T-I/MS datasheet, 24FC16T-I/MS pinout, 24FC16T-I/MS application, or 24FC16T-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1 MHz I²C speed at low voltage, 5 ms max page write time, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, WP pin-based hardware protection, and MSOP-8 packaging for high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 24FC16T-I/MS operates as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, enabling access to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while ACK polling allows bus-efficient write-cycle completion detection.

It integrates Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress ground bounce and bus noise, and uses an on-chip HV generator for EEPROM programming. The device implements self-timed erase/write cycles with no external timing components required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16T-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm height), with exposed pad optionally connected to VSS for thermal enhancement. Pin 1 is marked with a dot; pin numbering follows standard MSOP convention (counterclockwise from top-left corner).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/MS and 24LC16BT-I/MS, the 24FC16T-I/MS delivers 2.5× higher I²C bandwidth and full 1.7 V operation - making it the sole option among these three for battery-powered or ultra-low-voltage industrial nodes requiring rapid nonvolatile state capture.

Availability

24FC16T-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor calibration storage, industrial PLC configuration backup, and automotive body control module designs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC16T-I/MS 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 devices, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24FC16T-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in space- and voltage-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24FC16T-I/MS?

The 24FC16T-I/MS supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7 V to 5.5 V supply range. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section (Param. No. 1, FCLK), distinguishing it from the 24AA16 and 24LC16B variants limited to 400 kHz. At VCC < 2.5 V, the 24FC16T-I/MS maintains 1 MHz operation - a key differentiator for low-voltage systems.

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

Yes, the 24FC16T-I/MS requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. The datasheet recommends 2 kΩ for 1 MHz operation. Pull-up values must be selected based on bus capacitance and desired rise time; typical values range from 1 kΩ (low-capacitance, high-speed) to 10 kΩ (high-capacitance, 100 kHz). The 24FC16T-I/MS itself does not integrate pull-ups.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24FC16T-I/MS?

Hardware write-protection on the 24FC16T-I/MS is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 16-Kbit array are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS (or left floating, per datasheet), full read/write access is enabled. This pin-level control provides fail-safe protection independent of firmware state - a critical feature for automotive and industrial applications.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24FC16T-I/MS, and how does it affect write performance?

The 24FC16T-I/MS features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the buffer and written to memory in a single self-timed cycle (max 5 ms). This reduces the number of I²C Start/Stop sequences needed versus byte-wise writes - cutting bus overhead by up to 94% for 16-byte transfers and significantly improving effective write throughput in systems with burst configuration updates.

Is the 24FC16T-I/MS qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24FC16T-I/MS is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. The datasheet explicitly states "Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified" under Features, and the "I" in the part number denotes Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), which satisfies Grade 2 requirements for passenger compartment modules. Its 1 million endurance cycles and >200-year data retention further support long-term automotive deployment in body control, lighting, and sensor subsystems.