Microchip Technology 24LC08BT-I/MC

Overview

24LC08BT-I/MC 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 (I-temp), and hardware write-protection via the WP pin. It supports page writes of up to 16 bytes and delivers >1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention in industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

For engineers reviewing the 24LC08BT-I/MC datasheet, 24LC08BT-I/MC pinout, 24LC08BT-I/MC application, or 24LC08BT-I/MC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.5V minimum VCC, 400 kHz I²C timing compliance, SOIC-8 (MC) package footprint, WP-enabled hardware memory protection, and compatibility with legacy 24XX08-based systems requiring stable low-power nonvolatile storage.

Technical Context

The 24LC08BT-I/MC 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, address pointer logic for sequential/current/random reads, and a high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010) with 2-bit block select (B1/B0) and R/W bit for addressing four independent 256-word memory blocks. Write operations are self-timed with 5 ms maximum cycle time, and acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC08BT-I/MC is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (package code MC), with 3.90 mm body width, 1.27 mm pitch, and JEDEC-standard pinout. The exposed pad is not present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA08T-I/MC, the 24LC08BT-I/MC trades 1.7V operation for tighter VCC regulation tolerance and higher production consistency in 3.3V/5V systems; versus 24LC08B-I/P, it offers surface-mount assembly efficiency and smaller PCB area while maintaining identical functionality and timing.

Availability

24LC08BT-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and consumer appliance preference storage requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 24LC08BT-I/MC 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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design, manufacturing, and support infrastructure.

The 24LC08B family was designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable, byte-addressable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and proven I²C interoperability.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC08BT-I/MC?

The 24LC08BT-I/MC requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°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 variant, which supports down to 1.7V.

Does the 24LC08BT-I/MC support 1 MHz I²C communication?

No, the 24LC08BT-I/MC does not support 1 MHz I²C. Its maximum clock frequency is 400 kHz under all valid operating conditions. The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC08 variant; attempting 1 MHz operation on the 24LC08BT-I/MC will cause bus timeouts or data corruption.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC08BT-I/MC, and what happens if it's left unconnected?

On the 24LC08BT-I/MC, the WP pin must be actively tied to either VSS (enable writes) or VCC (disable all writes). If left floating, behavior is undefined and may result in partial or intermittent write protection due to noise coupling - Microchip specifies that WP must not be left open. The SOIC-8 (MC) package fully supports WP functionality.

Can the 24LC08BT-I/MC be used interchangeably with the 24LC08B-I/SN or other package variants?

Yes - the 24LC08BT-I/MC shares identical electrical specifications, timing, pinout, and functionality with all other 24LC08B variants (e.g., 24LC08B-I/SN, 24LC08B-I/P). Only the package type differs: MC denotes SOIC-8 narrow (3.90 mm), while SN is same-body SOIC and P is PDIP. No schematic or firmware changes are needed for substitution.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24LC08BT-I/MC, and how should they be handled in layout?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24LC08BT-I/MC are not internally connected and serve no functional purpose. They may be left floating, tied to VSS, or tied to VCC - none affects device operation. In PCB layout, they can be omitted from routing or terminated to GND for mechanical stability; no pull-up/down resistors are required.