Microchip Technology 24LC08BH-I/P

Overview

24LC08BH-I/P 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 industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), 400 kHz max clock frequency, and hardware write-protect for the upper half-array (200h–3FFh). It is used in embedded systems for storing configuration data, calibration parameters, and firmware boot flags.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC08BH-I/P datasheet, 24LC08BH-I/P pinout, 24LC08BH-I/P application, or 24LC08BH-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CC minimum (2.5V), page write buffer size (16 bytes), write cycle time (5 ms max), endurance (1 million cycles), and WP pin functionality for selective memory protection.

Technical Context

The 24LC08BH-I/P implements a slave-only I²C interface with fixed 4-bit device code (1010b) and 3-bit block-select addressing, enabling access to one of four 256-byte memory blocks per transaction. Its internal address pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and page writes, supporting efficient bulk data access without repeated address retransmission.

It integrates Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL with 50 ns spike suppression and output slope control to minimize ground bounce. The WP pin enables hardware-level write-protection of addresses 200h–3FFh when pulled high, while read operations remain fully functional across the full 8 Kbit array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC08BH-I/P uses an 8-lead plastic DIP (PDIP) package with 300 mil body width. 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 (power supply).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC08BH-I/P, the 24LC08B-I/SN offers identical functionality in a surface-mount package, while the AT24C08D-PU trades hardware half-array write-protection for broader V_CC range and unified vendor support - neither is pin-compatible due to differing package types and WP implementation.

Availability

24LC08BH-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC08BH-I/P 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 legacy I²C serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with industrial-grade temperature performance and hardware security features.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the 24LC08BH-I/P?

The 24LC08BH-I/P requires a minimum V_CC of 2.5V, as specified in the Device Selection Table. This distinguishes it from the 24AA08H variant (1.7V min). Operating below 2.5V will disable write functionality and may cause unpredictable read behavior. The 24LC08BH-I/P datasheet confirms this limit applies across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Does the 24LC08BH-I/P support page write operations, and what is the buffer size?

Yes, the 24LC08BH-I/P supports page write operations with a 16-byte buffer. This allows up to 16 contiguous bytes to be loaded into the on-chip buffer and written to memory in a single internal cycle. Physical page boundaries align to 16-byte offsets (e.g., 00h–0Fh), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound - a constraint explicitly documented in the 24LC08BH-I/P datasheet Figure 4-2 and Section 4.2.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC08BH-I/P?

On the 24LC08BH-I/P, the WP pin provides hardware write-protection for memory addresses 200h–3FFh (upper 4 Kbit) when pulled high to V_CC. When WP is low (tied to V_SS), full read/write access is enabled across the entire 8 Kbit array. This selective protection is implemented entirely in hardware and does not require firmware intervention - a key feature confirmed in Section 6.0 of the 24LC08BH-I/P datasheet.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC08BH-I/P?

The 24LC08BH-I/P supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz under standard operating conditions (V_CC = 2.5V to 5.5V, T_A = –40°C to +85°C). This is explicitly stated in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics table (Param. No. 1, FCLK). Frequencies above 400 kHz are not supported and may result in communication failures or data corruption.

Is the 24LC08BH-I/P RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 24LC08BH-I/P is RoHS compliant and lead-free, as confirmed in the Features section of the official datasheet (DS20002084B). The "P" suffix denotes plastic DIP packaging, and Microchip's packaging documentation verifies matte tin (Sn) finish per JEDEC standards. Compliance is maintained across all authorized manufacturing lots and distribution channels.