Microchip Technology 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO

Overview

24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO 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, hardware write-protection via WP pin, and 16-byte page write buffer. It supports industrial and extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +125°C) and is used in firmware storage, configuration retention, and calibration data logging in embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO datasheet, 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO pinout, 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO application, or 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5V), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, WP-enabled hardware protection, endurance (>1M cycles), and SOIC-8 package footprint for board-level integration.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO 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 multi-byte writes within physical page boundaries (0x000–0x00F, 0x010–0x01F, etc.).

Write operations are self-timed with a maximum 5 ms erase/write cycle; acknowledge polling allows host systems to detect completion without fixed delays. The device uses no internal connections for A0–A2 pins-these are NC and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC-and relies solely on the R/W bit and block-select bit (B0) in the control byte for addressing its dual 256-word memory blocks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO is supplied 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 wettable flank-compatible leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA04T-I/SN, 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO offers extended temperature range and automotive qualification at the cost of minimum supply voltage headroom; compared with 24FC04T-E/SN, it trades maximum clock speed for broader noise immunity and simpler timing margining in electrically noisy environments.

Availability

24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump calibration, and smart energy meter firmware backup requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO 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 24LC04B family delivers cost-optimized, I²C-compatible EEPROMs designed for robust nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems where reliability, temperature resilience, and hardware write protection are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO?

The 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz under standard-mode conditions (VCC ≥ 2.5V). This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of DS20001708P, where FCLK is specified as 400 kHz for 24LC04B devices. Operation above this frequency is not guaranteed and may violate setup/hold timing margins.

Does the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. The datasheet recommends 10 kΩ for 100 kHz, 2 kΩ for 400 kHz, and lower values for 1 MHz operation - though 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO is rated only for 400 kHz. Pull-ups ensure proper logic high levels and bus arbitration.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO?

Hardware write-protection on the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, the entire memory array (addresses 000h–1FFh) becomes read-only; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This is a hardwired feature independent of software commands and remains active during power transitions, preventing accidental writes during brown-out conditions.

What is the endurance rating of the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO, and how is it tested?

The 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at +25°C and 5.5V in page mode, as specified in Table 1-2 (Param. No. 18) of DS20001708P. This value is ensured by characterization - not 100% tested - and reflects worst-case endurance under accelerated stress conditions, providing design margin for field applications requiring frequent parameter updates.

Is the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO pin-compatible with other members of the 24XX04 family?

Yes, the 24LC04BT-E/SN16KVAO shares identical pinout and package (SOIC-8) with all 24XX04 variants including 24AA04 and 24FC04, as confirmed in Table 2-1 and Package Types section of DS20001708P. A0–A2 are NC across the family, and SDA/SCL/VP/WD/VCC assignments are consistent - enabling direct substitution where voltage and timing requirements align.