Microchip Technology 24LC08B/P

Overview

24LC08B/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, 5 ms max page write time, and industrial/extended temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write-protection via the WP pin and is commonly used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC08B/P datasheet, 24LC08B/P pinout, 24LC08B/P application, or 24LC08B/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.5V minimum VCC, 16-byte page buffer, Schmitt-triggered I²C inputs, 1 µA standby current at I-temp, and compatibility with standard I²C bus timing at 400 kHz.

Technical Context

The 24LC08B/P implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins requiring external pull-ups, internal address pointer for sequential reads, and on-chip page latches enabling 16-byte buffered writes. Its memory array is partitioned into four independent 256-word blocks selectable via B1/B0 bits in the control byte.

Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC to disable all write operations across the full 000–3FF address range; WP functionality is absent in CSP packages but fully supported in the /P (PDIP) variant. The device uses internal high-voltage generation for EEPROM programming and supports acknowledge polling to detect write cycle completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC08B/P is supplied in an 8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP) with 300 mil body width, through-hole mounting, and industry-standard pin spacing (0.100" pitch). Pin 1 is identified by a notch or dot marking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA08-I/P and AT24C08D-PU, the 24LC08B/P delivers the narrowest VCC minimum (2.5V) among the three, ensuring predictable timing at 400 kHz without voltage margin concerns, while maintaining full compatibility with legacy 24C08 software stacks and offering extended temperature qualification up to +125°C.

Availability

24LC08B/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, power supply configuration, and embedded controller bootloader settings requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant through-hole assembly.

Supply support for 24LC08B/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 24XX08 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained, low-power, and thermally demanding embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC08B/P?

The 24LC08B/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). Operation below 2.5V is not specified and may result in timing violations, incomplete writes, or communication failures. This distinguishes it from the 24AA08, which supports down to 1.7V.

Does the 24LC08B/P support page write operations, and what is the maximum number of bytes per page?

Yes, the 24LC08B/P supports page write operations with a 16-byte page buffer. Writes must remain within a single physical page boundary (addresses aligned to 0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, etc.); crossing boundaries causes wraparound. Each page write completes in ≤5 ms, and the internal address pointer auto-increments for sequential access.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24LC08B/P, and is it available in all packages?

On the 24LC08B/P (PDIP package), the WP pin fully supports hardware write protection: tying WP to VCC disables all write operations to the entire memory array (000–3FF), while tying it to VSS enables normal read/write access. This feature is physically implemented in PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, and DFN variants but omitted in the 4-ball CSP package.

What are the supported I²C clock frequencies for the 24LC08B/P, and how do they relate to VCC?

The 24LC08B/P supports up to 400 kHz I²C clock frequency across its full specified VCC range of 2.5V to 5.5V. Unlike some variants (e.g., 24AA08), it has no reduced-speed mode - there is no 100 kHz limitation at lower voltages because its minimum VCC is fixed at 2.5V.

Is the 24LC08B/P qualified for automotive applications, and what temperature grades are available?

The 24LC08B/P is offered in both Industrial (I: –40°C to +85°C) and Extended (E: –40°C to +125°C) temperature grades. While not AEC-Q100 certified as a standalone part, the underlying 24LC08B die is AEC-Q100 qualified, and the /P package variant is widely deployed in automotive subsystems meeting extended temp requirements, such as body control modules and HVAC controllers.