Microchip Technology 24LC04BH-E/MS

Overview

24LC04BH-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as two 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency, 1 µA standby current (I-temp), and hardware write-protect for half-array (100h–1FFh). It supports industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges in an 8-lead MSOP package and is used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BH-E/MS datasheet, 24LC04BH-E/MS pinout, 24LC04BH-E/MS application, or 24LC04BH-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range compatibility (2.5V–5.5V), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, half-array write-protection behavior, and MSOP package thermal and layout constraints.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BH-E/MS implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page write buffer enables efficient bulk writes within physical page boundaries (00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.).

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VCC, it disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh while allowing full read access; tied to VSS, full read/write operation is enabled. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles with no external timing components required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with exposed pad option; body dimensions 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm, pitch 0.5 mm. Pin 1 marked by beveled corner or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04BH-E/MS, the 24AA04H-I/MS offers broader voltage flexibility at the cost of reduced speed below 2.5V, while the AT24C04D-MAHM-T delivers higher bandwidth but requires firmware address adjustments and lacks AEC-Q100 qualification.

Availability

24LC04BH-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control units, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for 24LC04BH-E/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, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC04BH belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding AEC-Q100 qualification and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC04BH-E/MS?

The 24LC04BH-E/MS supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz when VCC is between 2.5V and 5.5V. This is specified in the Device Selection Table and confirmed in AC Characteristics (Table 1-2, Param No. 1). Operation at 100 kHz is not required or supported for this variant - unlike the 24AA04H, the 24LC04BH-E/MS does not operate below 2.5V and therefore has no 100 kHz mode.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC04BH-E/MS?

On the 24LC04BH-E/MS, the WP pin is a hardware write-protect control. When tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 100h–1FFh are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full read/write access to the entire 000h–1FFh address space is enabled. This behavior is documented in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-3 of the datasheet DS20002119C.

Is the 24LC04BH-E/MS AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24LC04BH-E/MS is explicitly listed as "Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified" in the Features section of DS20002119C. The "E" suffix in the part number denotes Extended temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C), which aligns with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements. This qualification applies to the full 24LC04BH family, including the MSOP package variant.

What is the page size and write buffer depth of the 24LC04BH-E/MS?

The 24LC04BH-E/MS has a 16-byte page write buffer and a physical page size of 16 bytes (addresses 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.). Page writes are limited to within a single physical page boundary; attempting to cross a boundary causes wraparound within that page. This is defined in Section 6.2 and Figure 6-2 of DS20002119C.

Are pins A0, A1, and A2 functional on the 24LC04BH-E/MS?

No - pins A0, A1, and A2 are not connected internally on the 24LC04BH-E/MS. As stated in Section 2.1 and Table 2-1 of DS20002119C, these pins are "not used by the 24XX04H" and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without affecting device operation or I²C addressing, which uses a fixed 4-bit control code '1010'.