Microchip Technology 24LC08B-I/P

Overview

24LC08B-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as four 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 supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and is packaged in 8-lead PDIP.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC08B-I/P datasheet, 24LC08B-I/P pinout, 24LC08B-I/P application, or 24LC08B-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, I²C timing constraints, page-write buffer behavior, WP pin functionality, and real-world use cases in embedded configuration storage and sensor calibration retention.

Technical Context

The 24LC08B-I/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page write buffer, self-timed erase/write cycle, and address pointer logic enabling current-address, random, and sequential read modes.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010b) with 2-bit block select (B1/B0) for accessing four 256-word memory blocks. Write protection is implemented via the dedicated WP pin - tied to VCC to disable all writes while preserving read access - and is not supported in CSP variants but fully functional in PDIP.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP), 300 mil body width, through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is index-marked; leads are tin-plated, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA08-I/P, the 24LC08B-I/P trades ultra-low-voltage operation for tighter manufacturing tolerance and lower unit cost; versus AT24C08C-PU, it maintains Microchip's AEC-Q100 qualification and exact block-addressing compatibility without code modification.

Availability

24LC08B-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical device usage logging requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC08B-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 24LC08B belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications demanding proven I²C interoperability and long-term data retention in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the minimum V_CC required for reliable operation of the 24LC08B-I/P?

The 24LC08B-I/P requires a minimum V_CC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Unlike the 24AA08 variant, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power the 24LC08B-I/P at 1.8V will result in undefined behavior or failure to respond on the I²C bus.

Does the 24LC08B-I/P support 1 MHz I²C clock frequency?

No, the 24LC08B-I/P does not support 1 MHz I²C operation. Its maximum clock frequency is 400 kHz, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of DS20001710M. The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC08 variant; using a 1 MHz clock with the 24LC08B-I/P will cause communication failures.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC08B-I/P in PDIP package?

On the 24LC08B-I/P in PDIP package, the WP pin (Pin 7) provides hardware-level write protection: when tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are inhibited while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This feature is active and verified for PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, and DFN packages per the Pin Descriptions table.

What is the page size and boundary behavior during page write operations for the 24LC08B-I/P?

The 24LC08B-I/P has a 16-byte page buffer and enforces strict physical page boundaries starting at addresses divisible by 16 (e.g., 0x000, 0x010, 0x020). If a page write crosses a boundary - for example, writing 16 bytes starting at 0x00F - data wraps to the start of the same page (0x000), overwriting prior bytes. Application firmware must align page writes to 16-byte boundaries to avoid corruption.

Is the 24LC08B-I/P qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24LC08B-I/P is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications, as explicitly stated in the Features section of DS20001710M. This qualification covers the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and includes stress testing for reliability in automotive subsystems such as body control modules and lighting controllers.