Microchip Technology 24FC16T-I/OT

Overview

24FC16T-I/OT 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 industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write-protection via the WP pin and is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) surface-mount package for embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24FC16T-I/OT datasheet, 24FC16T-I/OT pinout, 24FC16T-I/OT application, or 24FC16T-I/OT equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1 MHz I²C speed at full VCC range, 1 μA standby current, Schmitt-trigger noise immunity, 16-byte page buffer, and compatibility with legacy 24AA16/24LC16B designs requiring higher throughput.

Technical Context

The 24FC16T-I/OT implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010' and three block-select bits, supporting byte and page write modes. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and memory control logic that enforces self-timed erase/write cycles without external timing constraints.

It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA and SCL with 0.05 VCC hysteresis and input filter spike suppression up to 100 ns, enabling robust operation on electrically noisy buses. The device supports acknowledge polling during write cycles and maintains an internal address pointer for sequential, random, and current-address read operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24FC16T-I/OT is housed in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package per JEDEC MS-012, 3.90 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and standard 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/OT, the 24FC16T-I/OT delivers 2.5× faster I²C throughput and retains full pin compatibility, while AT24C16C-SSHM-T trades hardware write protection for Atmel-brand availability-making 24FC16T-I/OT optimal for new designs prioritizing speed and security.

Availability

24FC16T-I/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware parameters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24FC16T-I/OT 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 24FC16T-I/OT belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring extended temperature operation and high endurance.

FAQ

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

The 24FC16T-I/OT supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency across its full 1.7V–5.5V supply range. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of DS20001703M, distinguishing it from the 24AA16 (max 400 kHz) and 24LC16B (max 400 kHz, min 2.5V). No external speed grade or voltage derating is required to achieve 1 MHz operation with the 24FC16T-I/OT.

Does the 24FC16T-I/OT have hardware write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the 24FC16T-I/OT includes a dedicated Write-Protect (WP) pin (Pin 7 in SOIC-8). When WP is tied to VCC, the entire 16-Kbit memory array (addresses 000–7FF) is write-inhibited; read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, full read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection operates independently of I²C commands and requires no firmware interaction.

What package type is used for the 24FC16T-I/OT, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?

The 24FC16T-I/OT uses an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN: 3.90 mm body width, 4.90 mm length, 1.25–1.75 mm height, and 1.27 mm lead pitch. It conforms to JEDEC MS-012 and is RoHS-compliant. The 'OT' suffix explicitly denotes this narrow SOIC variant, distinct from MSOP, TSSOP, or DFN options listed for other members of the 24XX16 family.

How many erase/write cycles does the 24FC16T-I/OT guarantee, and under what conditions?

The 24FC16T-I/OT guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.5V, as specified in Table 1-2 (Param. No. 18) of DS20001703M. This endurance applies to both byte and page write modes. Endurance is characterized-not 100% tested-but ensured per Microchip's Total Endurance™ Model, which accounts for voltage, temperature, and pattern effects in real-world usage.

Is the 24FC16T-I/OT compatible with existing 24AA16 or 24LC16B designs on the same PCB?

Yes, the 24FC16T-I/OT is pin-compatible and functionally interoperable with 24AA16T-I/OT and 24LC16BT-I/OT in the same SOIC-8 footprint. It shares identical pinout (VSS, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC), memory organization (eight 256 × 8 blocks), I²C addressing scheme, and command set. Firmware written for those parts will operate unchanged, while gaining 1 MHz speed and extended 1.7V operation without layout modification.