Microchip Technology 24LC04-I/SL

Overview

24LC04-I/SL from Microchip Technology is a 4 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 512 × 8 bits, operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V with 1 MHz max clock frequency and write cycle time of 5 ms (typical). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and is commonly used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC04-I/SL datasheet, 24LC04-I/SL pinout, 24LC04-I/SL application, or 24LC04-I/SL equivalent, key selection considerations include I²C address flexibility (A0/A1 pins), endurance (1 million erase/write cycles), data retention (200 years), and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The 24LC04-I/SL implements a standard two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL lines, supports standard (100 kHz) and fast (400 kHz) modes, and includes an internal address counter that auto-increments during sequential reads. It uses CMOS technology with EEPROM nonvolatile memory cells and on-chip charge pump for byte-write and page-write operations.

Write protection is controlled by the WP pin tied to V_SS (enabled) or V_CC/floating (disabled), and the device supports single-byte and multi-byte (up to 16-byte page) writes. No external components are required for basic operation beyond pull-up resistors on SDA/SCL.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC04-I/SL is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with 1.27 mm pitch, surface-mount compatible, and footprint-matched to industry-standard EEPROM replacements.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC04-I/SL, AT24C04-PU offers lower cost but reduced endurance and no hardware write protection, while BR24G04FJ-WE2 provides superior voltage flexibility and package density at marginally higher unit cost.

Availability

24LC04-I/SL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer remote control settings, and medical device configuration requiring stable component supply and long-term data integrity.

Supply support for 24LC04-I/SL 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The 24LC04-I/SL belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space- and cost-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC04-I/SL?

The 24LC04-I/SL supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 1 MHz under standard operating conditions (V_CC ≥ 4.5 V). At lower supply voltages (2.5 V to 4.5 V), the maximum clock rate is 400 kHz. This dual-speed capability allows integration with both legacy and high-performance microcontrollers without protocol adaptation. The 24LC04-I/SL maintains full compliance with I²C specification timing requirements across its entire voltage and temperature range.

Does the 24LC04-I/SL require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC04-I/SL requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed requirements. The 24LC04-I/SL does not include internal pull-ups, so omission of external resistors will prevent proper bus communication. Pull-up voltage must match the V_CC level applied to the 24LC04-I/SL.

How many unique I²C addresses can be assigned to the 24LC04-I/SL on a shared bus?

The 24LC04-I/SL supports up to four unique I²C slave addresses using the A0 and A1 address input pins, which configure the two LSBs of the 7-bit address. With both pins grounded, the base address is 0x50; other combinations yield 0x51, 0x52, and 0x53. This allows multiple 24LC04-I/SL devices-or mixed EEPROM densities-to coexist on the same I²C bus without address conflict.

What is the write cycle time for a full page (16 bytes) in the 24LC04-I/SL?

The typical write cycle time for a full 16-byte page in the 24LC04-I/SL is 5 ms, consistent with single-byte writes. Page write mode reduces total I²C transaction time compared to 16 separate byte writes, though the internal EEPROM cell programming time remains unchanged. During this period, the device does not acknowledge I²C START conditions until programming completes, ensuring atomicity. The 24LC04-I/SL includes an internal timer to manage this delay autonomously.

Is the 24LC04-I/SL compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 24LC04-I/SL operates reliably with 3.3 V microcontrollers, as its specified supply voltage range is 2.5 V to 5.5 V. Its I²C interface is voltage-tolerant: SDA and SCL pins accept input levels down to 0.3 × V_CC, and output low levels remain below 0.4 V across the full voltage range. When interfacing with a 3.3 V MCU, pull-up resistors should be connected to 3.3 V, and the 24LC04-I/SL must be powered from the same 3.3 V rail to ensure signal level compatibility.