Microchip Technology 24LC08BH-E/MS

Overview

24LC08BH-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8 Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as four 256 × 8-bit memory blocks, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency, 16-byte page write buffer, and hardware write-protect for addresses 200h–3FFh. It supports industrial and automotive temperature ranges (–40°C to +125°C) and is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC08BH-E/MS datasheet, 24LC08BH-E/MS pinout, 24LC08BH-E/MS application, or 24LC08BH-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC min (2.5V), WP-enabled half-array protection, I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, endurance (>1 million cycles), and automotive-grade thermal reliability.

Technical Context

The 24LC08BH-E/MS implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 7-bit address prefix '1010', block-select addressing (B1/B0), and no internal connection to A0/A1/A2 pins. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page buffer, self-timed erase/write cycle, and Schmitt-triggered SDA/SCL inputs with 50 ns spike suppression.

Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin: tied to VCC disables writes to 200h–3FFh; tied to VSS enables full-array access. The device uses a threshold detector to inhibit write operations below 1.5V VCC and supports acknowledge polling to detect write completion without fixed delay timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The 24LC08BH-E/MS is supplied in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch and exposed pad option not specified. Pin 1 is A0 (no internal connection), Pin 4 is VSS (ground), Pin 5 is SDA (open-drain bidirectional data line requiring external pull-up), Pin 6 is SCL (clock input), Pin 7 is WP (active-high write-protect control), and Pin 8 is VCC (2.5–5.5V supply).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC08BH-E/MS, the 24LC08BHT-I/MS offers identical functionality at lower cost for non-automotive use, while the AT24C08D-MAHM-T trades hardware WP for broader VCC flexibility and software-configurable protection - both require layout validation due to differing package footprints (MSOP vs. 8-lead TSSOP).

Availability

24LC08BH-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control modules, infotainment systems, industrial PLCs, and medical diagnostics equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC08BH-E/MS 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 24LC08BH belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications where data integrity and extended temperature operation are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC08BH-E/MS?

The 24LC08BH-E/MS requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). Unlike the 24AA08H variant, it is not rated for 1.7V operation. Below 2.5V, the device may fail to execute write cycles or respond to I²C commands, and the internal voltage detector will inhibit programming to prevent data corruption. Always verify VCC stability during brown-out conditions in automotive power domains.

Does the 24LC08BH-E/MS support standard I²C clock stretching or multi-master arbitration?

No, the 24LC08BH-E/MS does not support clock stretching or multi-master arbitration. It operates strictly as an I²C slave with fixed 7-bit address '1010xxx' (where xxx are ignored), and relies entirely on the master to control SCL timing. The device generates no clock pulses and cannot hold SCL low. Multi-master bus contention must be managed externally by the system master controller, as the 24LC08BH-E/MS lacks arbitration logic or bus busy detection beyond standard START/STOP monitoring.

How is write protection implemented on the 24LC08BH-E/MS, and can it be disabled dynamically?

Write protection on the 24LC08BH-E/MS is implemented exclusively via the WP pin: tying WP to VCC disables writes to memory addresses 200h–3FFh, while tying WP to VSS enables full-array access. There is no software register or command to modify this behavior - it is purely hardware-enforced. Dynamic disabling requires changing the WP pin voltage level in real time, which is electrically valid but must be synchronized with I²C bus idle periods to avoid partial writes or bus glitches.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single I²C transaction to the 24LC08BH-E/MS?

The 24LC08BH-E/MS supports up to 16 bytes per page write operation, constrained by its on-chip 16-byte page buffer. Attempting to write more than 16 bytes before issuing a STOP condition causes the address pointer to roll over within the same physical page (addresses aligned to 0h, 10h, 20h, etc.), overwriting earlier bytes. To write across page boundaries, the host must issue separate page write commands - for example, writing 0x0F–0x1F requires two transactions: one for 0x0F–0x1E and another for 0x1F alone.

Is the 24LC08BH-E/MS RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 24LC08BH-E/MS is RoHS compliant and lead-free. Per Microchip's packaging documentation, the MSOP package uses matte tin (Sn) finish on leads, meeting JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 requirements. The device carries the "e3" marking per JEDEC standards, confirming lead-free construction. Full compliance documentation, including substance declarations and test reports, is available through Microchip's Quality Portal upon customer registration.