Microchip Technology 24LC04BT-I/SNG

Overview

24LC04BT-I/SNG 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-protection via the WP pin. It is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04BT-I/SNG datasheet, 24LC04BT-I/SNG pinout, 24LC04BT-I/SNG application, or 24LC04BT-I/SNG equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), SOIC-8 package compatibility, I²C bus timing compliance at 400 kHz, and page-write capability with 16-byte buffer.

Technical Context

The 24LC04BT-I/SNG 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 without host intervention between bytes.

Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC to inhibit all write operations across the full 000h–1FFh address space; reads remain fully functional. 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

24LC04BT-I/SNG 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 serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 24LC04BT-I/SNG, the 24AA04T-I/SN extends voltage flexibility at the cost of speed below 2.5V, while AT24C04D-SSHM-T offers higher bandwidth but requires validation of write-protect signal compatibility and timing margin at 1 MHz.

Availability

24LC04BT-I/SNG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for 24LC04BT-I/SNG 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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24LC04B series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring AEC-Q100 qualification and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC04BT-I/SNG?

The 24LC04BT-I/SNG supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz across its full 2.5V–5.5V supply range and industrial temperature grade. This is confirmed in Table 1-2 of the DS20001708P datasheet, which specifies 400 kHz as the upper limit for FCLK under all valid operating conditions for the 24LC04B variant. The 24LC04BT-I/SNG does not support 1 MHz operation - that capability is exclusive to the 24FC04 family.

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

Yes, the 24LC04BT-I/SNG requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain I/O architecture. The datasheet recommends a 2 kΩ pull-up for 400 kHz operation at 5V, scaling inversely with bus capacitance and clock speed. Without these resistors, the 24LC04BT-I/SNG cannot drive the bus high, resulting in communication failure.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24LC04BT-I/SNG?

Hardware write-protection on the 24LC04BT-I/SNG is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire 000h–1FFh memory array are inhibited, while read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS or left floating, normal read/write access is enabled. This is a physical-level lock independent of I²C commands.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24LC04BT-I/SNG?

The 24LC04BT-I/SNG features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the on-chip latch before initiating the internal write cycle. This enables efficient burst writes within a single 16-byte page boundary (e.g., addresses 00h–0Fh), reducing I²C protocol overhead compared to individual byte writes.

Is the 24LC04BT-I/SNG AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 24LC04BT-I/SNG is explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified per the "Features" section of DS20001708P, which states "Automotive AEC-Q100 Qualified" for the 24XX04 family. The "I" suffix denotes Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), meeting Grade 2 requirements for automotive body electronics applications.