Microchip Technology 24LC04BH-E/P

Overview

24LC04BH-E/P 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, and hardware write-protect for the upper half-array (100h–1FFh). It supports industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges in PDIP-8 packaging and is used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BH-E/P datasheet, 24LC04BH-E/P pinout, 24LC04BH-E/P application, or 24LC04BH-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5V), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, half-array write-protection behavior, endurance (>1 million cycles), and PDIP-8 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BH-E/P 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 enables current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page buffer supports efficient burst writes within physical page boundaries (00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.).

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VSS enables full-array writes; tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh only. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write-cycle completion without fixed delays, and the device does not generate ACK during internal erase/write operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04BH-E/P is supplied in an 8-lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP) with 300-mil body width, standard through-hole mounting, and JEDEC MS-001AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or bevel on the package top edge.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04BH-E/P, the 24AA04H-I/P offers wider voltage range but sacrifices extended temperature capability, while the AT24C04-PU replaces hardware write-protection with software control - increasing design complexity but enabling dynamic lock/unlock of arbitrary memory regions.

Availability

24LC04BH-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, medical instrumentation, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC04BH-E/P 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with a focus on high-reliability embedded solutions.

The 24LC04BH belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of I²C EEPROMs designed for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in space-constrained and thermally demanding applications where data integrity and long-term retention are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 24LC04BH-E/P?

The 24LC04BH-E/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full temperature range. Unlike the 24AA04H variant, it is not rated for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power the 24LC04BH-E/P at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or loss of I²C communication. This specification is explicitly defined in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics section of DS20002119C.

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

On the 24LC04BH-E/P, the WP pin provides hardware-level write protection for the upper half of memory (addresses 100h–1FFh). When WP is tied to VCC, writes to that 256-byte block are inhibited; reads remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS, full-array write access is enabled. This behavior is fixed and cannot be overridden by software commands - ensuring protection even if firmware is compromised. The 24LC04BH-E/P datasheet confirms this in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-3.

Can the 24LC04BH-E/P be used in place of the 24AA04H-I/P on the same PCB?

No - although both share identical PDIP-8 pinout and 4-Kbit capacity, the 24LC04BH-E/P and 24AA04H-I/P differ in VCC range (2.5–5.5V vs. 1.7–5.5V) and temperature qualification (E-grade up to +125°C vs. I-grade only to +85°C). Substituting them without verifying system voltage margins and thermal environment risks functional failure. The 24LC04BH-E/P is not a drop-in replacement for the 24AA04H-I/P unless the design operates strictly within 2.5–5.5V and requires extended temperature support.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page write operation for the 24LC04BH-E/P?

The 24LC04BH-E/P supports a maximum of 16 bytes per page write operation, as defined by its on-chip 16-byte page buffer. Attempting to write more than 16 bytes before issuing a Stop condition causes address wraparound within the current page - overwriting earlier bytes rather than advancing to the next page. Physical page boundaries align to 16-byte intervals (e.g., 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh), and crossing these boundaries during a single page write is not supported. This is documented in Section 6.2 and Figure 6-2 of DS20002119C.

Does the 24LC04BH-E/P support 1 MHz I²C clock frequency?

No - the 24LC04BH-E/P is rated for a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz under all valid operating conditions (2.5V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V). While the 24FC04H variant in the same family supports 1 MHz, the 24LC04BH-E/P does not. Using SCL frequencies above 400 kHz violates AC timing specifications (Table 1-2, Param. No. 1), risking data corruption, missed ACKs, or bus lockup. This limitation is explicitly stated in the Device Selection Table and confirmed in the AC Characteristics section.