Microchip Technology 24LC04BH-I/MS

Overview

24LC04BH-I/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, and hardware write-protect for half-array (100h–1FFh), used in embedded system configuration storage and sensor calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BH-I/MS datasheet, 24LC04BH-I/MS pinout, 24LC04BH-I/MS application, or 24LC04BH-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), MSOP-8 package compatibility, half-array write-protection logic, and I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz under 2.5V–5.5V supply.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BH-I/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 buffer enables efficient page writes.

Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin: tied to VSS enables full-array writes; tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 100h–1FFh. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles with no external timing components required, and supports acknowledge polling to detect write completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04BH-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body and 0.65 mm pitch, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts while maintaining hand-solderability and thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04H-I/MS and AT24C04D-MAHM-T, the 24LC04BH-I/MS provides deterministic 2.5V–5.5V operation with dedicated hardware-based half-array write protection-critical for safety-critical or regulatory-driven applications where firmware cannot be trusted to enforce memory access policies.

Availability

24LC04BH-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical diagnostic devices, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycle commitments.

Supply support for 24LC04BH-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC04BH belongs to Microchip's 24XX04H family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, and pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the 24LC04BH-I/MS?

The 24LC04BH-I/MS operates from 2.5V to 5.5V. This range ensures compatibility with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems without level translation. Operation below 2.5V is not supported - unlike the 24AA04H variant, which supports down to 1.7V. The 24LC04BH-I/MS datasheet specifies strict 2.5V minimum to guarantee timing compliance and write reliability across the full industrial temperature range.

Does the 24LC04BH-I/MS support page write operations, and what is the buffer size?

Yes, the 24LC04BH-I/MS supports page write operations with a 16-byte page buffer. This allows up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the buffer and written to memory in a single internal cycle, reducing I²C bus occupancy compared to byte-wise writes. Page boundaries align to 16-byte intervals (e.g., 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound within the same page - application firmware must manage address alignment to avoid unintended overwrites.

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

On the 24LC04BH-I/MS, the WP pin enables hardware-based half-array write protection: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 100h–1FFh are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full-array read/write access is enabled. Unlike full-array lock devices, this feature allows separation of immutable factory data (lower block) from field-updatable parameters (upper block), enhancing system security and certification compliance.

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

The 24LC04BH-I/MS supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz when VCC is between 2.5V and 5.5V. This is standard-mode I²C speed, compliant with SMBus timing requirements. It does not support fast-mode (1 MHz) like the 24FC04H variant. Timing parameters including THIGH, TLOW, and setup/hold times are fully characterized at 400 kHz across the industrial temperature range, ensuring robust interoperability with common microcontroller I²C peripherals.

Is the 24LC04BH-I/MS qualified for automotive applications?

The 24LC04BH-I/MS is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While the broader 24XX04H family includes AEC-Q100 qualified variants (e.g., 24LC04BHT-I/MS with 'T' suffix), the 24LC04BH-I/MS carries only industrial temperature grade (−40°C to +85°C) and is intended for commercial and industrial applications. For automotive use, engineers must select the explicitly qualified 24LC04BHT-I/MS or equivalent AEC-Q100 rated part - the 24LC04BH-I/MS lacks the required stress testing, failure analysis, and documentation for automotive qualification.