Microchip Technology 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO

Overview

24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO 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, 16-byte page write buffer, hardware write-protect (WP), and extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It is used in industrial control modules for nonvolatile parameter storage.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO datasheet, 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO pinout, 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO application, or 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility, I²C timing compliance at extended temperature, WP pin functionality, page write latency (≤5 ms), and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive-adjacent deployments.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO 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 (0–15, 16–31, etc.).

Write protection is implemented via the dedicated WP pin: tied to VSS for full read/write access, tied to VCC to inhibit all write operations across the entire 000h–1FFh memory space. Acknowledge polling is supported to detect write cycle completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN Rev F, with 3.90 mm body width, 1.27 mm pitch, and wettable flank-compatible leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO, the 24AA04T-I/OT offers broader voltage flexibility but lacks extended temperature and automotive qualification, while the AT24C04D-SSHM-T provides higher speed but omits AEC-Q100 validation - making 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO the only option meeting full automotive-adjacent reliability and thermal specs.

Availability

24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive subsystems, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and tools.

The 24LC04B family is designed for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where I²C interface simplicity, write endurance, and extended temperature operation are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO?

The 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz across its full specified VCC range (2.5V–5.5V) and extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of the DS20001708P datasheet under "FCLK" with conditions "2.5V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V". Frequencies above 400 kHz are not guaranteed or characterized for this variant.

Does the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. The datasheet recommends a 2 kΩ pull-up for 400 kHz operation at 5V. Pull-up value must be adjusted based on bus capacitance and desired rise time - typical values range from 1.5 kΩ (fast, low-capacitance) to 10 kΩ (slow, high-noise immunity).

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO is a logic-level control: when tied to VCC, it disables all write operations to the entire memory array (000h–1FFh), allowing only reads; when tied to VSS (or left floating, though not recommended), full read/write access is enabled. This hardware lock prevents accidental overwrites during power-up, reset, or firmware errors.

Is the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO is explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified, as stated in the "Features" section of DS20001708P. This qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, ESD, and other automotive-relevant reliability metrics, confirming its suitability for automotive body electronics and adjacent industrial applications.

What is the page write capability of the 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO?

The 24LC04BT-E/OT16KVAO features a 16-byte page write buffer. During a page write, up to 16 contiguous bytes can be loaded into the buffer and committed to memory with a single Stop condition. Writes crossing physical page boundaries (every 16 bytes) wrap around within the same page - software must align addresses to avoid unintended overwrites.