Microchip Technology 24LC04BH-E/SN

Overview

24LC04BH-E/SN 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 an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package and is used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BH-E/SN datasheet, 24LC04BH-E/SN pinout, 24LC04BH-E/SN application, or 24LC04BH-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5V–5.5V), I²C clock compatibility (400 kHz), half-array write-protection behavior, endurance (>1 million cycles), and SOIC-8 thermal/footprint constraints in space-constrained industrial designs.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BH-E/SN implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page write buffer, self-timed erase/write cycle, and address pointer logic supporting current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VSS enables full-array writes; tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh while permitting reads across the entire 000h–1FFh range. The device uses no internal connection for A0/A1/A2 pins-these are NC and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without effect.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04BH-E/SN is housed in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) package per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN Rev F, with 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and recommended land pattern X1 = 1.55 mm, Y1 = 0.60 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04BH-E/SN, the 24AA04H-I/SN trades extended temperature support for sub-2.5V operation, while the AT24C04D-SSHM-T sacrifices hardware write-protection for 1 MHz speed and wider VCC-making 24LC04BH-E/SN optimal where deterministic, pin-controlled memory partitioning is essential in harsh environments.

Availability

24LC04BH-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, medical device calibration data retention, and automotive body control module design requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for 24LC04BH-E/SN 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 manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 24LC04BH belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of I²C EEPROMs designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive, and medical systems where data integrity and long-term retention are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24LC04BH-E/SN?

The 24LC04BH-E/SN requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V, as specified in its electrical characteristics table. Unlike the 24AA04H variant, it is not rated for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power it at 1.8V or lower will result in undefined behavior or failure to respond on the I²C bus. This makes the 24LC04BH-E/SN appropriate for 3.3V and 5V systems but unsuitable for ultra-low-voltage battery applications where the 24AA04H would be preferred.

Does the 24LC04BH-E/SN support 1 MHz I²C communication?

No, the 24LC04BH-E/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 400 kHz across its full VCC range (2.5V–5.5V). The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC04H variant. Attempting to run the 24LC04BH-E/SN at 1 MHz will cause timing violations, failed ACKs, and unreliable data transfer. For designs requiring 1 MHz I²C, the 24FC04H or alternatives like the AT24C04D-SSHM-T should be evaluated instead.

How does the write-protect (WP) pin function on the 24LC04BH-E/SN?

On the 24LC04BH-E/SN, the WP pin provides hardware-level protection: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 100h–1FFh (upper 2 Kbit) are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full-array read/write access is enabled. This behavior is implemented entirely in silicon and requires no firmware intervention - making it ideal for safeguarding critical calibration or safety parameters against accidental overwrite during field updates or debug sessions.

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

No - the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24LC04BH-E/SN have no internal connection and serve no addressing or configuration purpose. They may be safely left floating, tied to VSS, or tied to VCC without affecting device operation. This differs from larger-density EEPROMs (e.g., 24LC256) where these pins determine I²C slave address; the 24LC04BH-E/SN uses a fixed 4-bit device code (1010b) and block-select bit only, eliminating address pin dependency.

What is the endurance rating of the 24LC04BH-E/SN, and how is it measured?

The 24LC04BH-E/SN is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.5V, tested in page mode. This specification reflects guaranteed minimum endurance under worst-case conditions - actual field performance often exceeds this value, especially at lower voltages or temperatures. Endurance applies uniformly across all 512 bytes (000h–1FFh); wear leveling is not implemented internally, so application-level management is required if specific addresses undergo disproportionate write activity.