Microchip Technology 24LC04BH-I/SN

Overview

24LC04BH-I/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 is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

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

Technical Context

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

Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin state: tied to VSS enables full memory access; tied to VCC locks addresses 100h–1FFh against writes while permitting reads. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles with no external timing components required, and supports ACK polling to detect write completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04BH-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead plastic small outline (SOIC-N), 3.90 mm body width, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; leads are gull-wing with 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04BH-I/SN, the 24AA04H-I/SN enables lower-voltage operation at the cost of reduced speed below 2.5V, while the AT24C04D-SSHM-T provides faster clocking but sacrifices the selective 256-byte write-lock capability essential for mixed-read/write configuration storage.

Availability

24LC04BH-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

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

The 24LC04BH belongs to Microchip's legacy 24XX04H EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded applications requiring robust I²C-based nonvolatile storage with hardware-level write protection.

FAQ

What is the I²C address of the 24LC04BH-I/SN and how is it determined?

The 24LC04BH-I/SN uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier '1010' followed by two don't-care bits and a block-select bit (B0), resulting in client addresses 0xA0/0xA1 (write/read) for Block 0 and 0xA2/0xA3 (write/read) for Block 1. Unlike many EEPROMs, pins A0–A2 have no internal connection and do not affect addressing - the 24LC04BH-I/SN supports only these four addresses regardless of A0–A2 state.

Does the 24LC04BH-I/SN support page writes across memory boundaries?

No, the 24LC04BH-I/SN restricts page writes to a single physical page (16-byte boundary). Attempting to write across a page boundary causes wraparound within that page - for example, writing 16 bytes starting at address 0x0F wraps the last byte to 0x00 instead of proceeding to 0x10. Application firmware must align page writes to 16-byte boundaries to avoid unintended overwrites in the 24LC04BH-I/SN.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC04BH-I/SN?

On the 24LC04BH-I/SN, the WP pin enables hardware write-protection for the upper 256-byte block (addresses 0x100–0x1FF) when pulled high to VCC; writes to this region are inhibited while reads remain fully functional. When WP is pulled low to VSS, full memory access (0x000–0x1FF) is enabled. This behavior is implemented entirely in silicon and requires no software configuration.

What is the maximum supported clock frequency for the 24LC04BH-I/SN at 3.3V supply?

At 3.3V supply, the 24LC04BH-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 400 kHz, as specified in its AC characteristics table for VCC ≥ 2.5V. This allows reliable operation on standard 3.3V I²C buses without derating. Timing parameters such as THIGH (≥600 ns), TLOW (≥1300 ns), and TSU:DAT (≥100 ns) must all be met to ensure compliance.

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

Yes, the 24LC04BH-I/SN is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use and rated for the industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). While it does not carry the "A" suffix denoting full automotive qualification level (e.g., Grade 2 or 3), its qualification and extended temperature validation make it suitable for body electronics, infotainment, and other non-safety-critical automotive subsystems where the 24LC04BH-I/SN meets reliability and thermal requirements.