Microchip Technology 24LC16B-E/SN

Overview

24LC16B-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit memory blocks. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 400 kHz clock frequency, features hardware write-protection via the WP pin, and delivers ≤1 μA standby current (I-temp) and ≤1 mA read current - enabling reliable nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial sensor nodes and embedded control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16B-E/SN datasheet, 24LC16B-E/SN pinout, 24LC16B-E/SN application, or 24LC16B-E/SN equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, SOIC-8 package mapping, I²C timing compliance (THD:STA ≥600 ns, TAA ≤900 ns), endurance (1M cycles), and real-world use context for firmware parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup in automotive-grade designs.

Technical Context

The 24LC16B-E/SN functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, supporting byte and 16-byte page writes. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and maintains state across operations.

It implements Schmitt-trigger inputs on SDA/SCL for noise immunity, output slope control to suppress ground bounce, and a self-timed erase/write cycle with 5 ms maximum page write time. The WP pin enables hardware-level write protection of the full 000–7FF address range when tied to VCC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16B-E/SN is supplied in an 8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (SN) package - narrow body, 3.90 mm width, 1.27 mm pitch - compliant with JEDEC MS-012AA and RoHS. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot; exposed pad is not present in SN variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-E/SN, the 24AA16-I/SN trades extended temperature capability for lower-voltage operation, while the AT24C16C-SSHM-T offers higher bandwidth but omits Microchip's endurance prediction tools and automotive qualification documentation.

Availability

24LC16B-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, automotive body control modules, medical device configuration backup, and smart energy meter firmware parameters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16B-E/SN 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The 24LC16B belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems demanding extended temperature operation and high endurance.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC16B-E/SN?

The 24LC16B-E/SN supports up to 400 kHz clock frequency when VCC is 2.5V or higher. At voltages below 2.5V, the maximum clock rate drops to 100 kHz - a limitation explicitly defined in the AC characteristics table of the official datasheet (DS20001703M, page 4). This ensures reliable timing margin across the full operating voltage range.

Does the 24LC16B-E/SN require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC16B-E/SN requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain outputs. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ resistor is recommended per line; for 100 kHz, 10 kΩ is typical. These values ensure proper rise times (TR ≤300 ns) and bus noise immunity as specified in the AC characteristics section of the 24LC16B-E/SN datasheet.

How does hardware write-protection work on the 24LC16B-E/SN?

Hardware write-protection on the 24LC16B-E/SN is controlled by the WP pin: when tied to VCC, the entire memory array (addresses 000–7FF) becomes read-only; when tied to VSS, full read/write access is enabled. This function operates independently of I²C commands and requires no firmware intervention - making it ideal for safeguarding critical calibration data in field-deployed 24LC16B-E/SN devices.

What is the endurance rating of the 24LC16B-E/SN, and how is it validated?

The 24LC16B-E/SN is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.5V, measured in page mode. This value is ensured by characterization (not 100% tested per unit) and supported by Microchip's Total Endurance™ Model - a physics-based reliability tool available on their website. Real-world endurance scales inversely with operating voltage and temperature, as documented in the 24LC16B-E/SN datasheet (page 5, Note 4).

Is the 24LC16B-E/SN pin-compatible with other members of the 24XX16 family, such as the 24AA16 or 24FC16?

Yes, the 24LC16B-E/SN shares identical pinout and package dimensions with the 24AA16-I/SN and 24FC16-I/SN in SOIC-8 (SN) packaging - all feature VSS, WP, SCL, SDA, VCC, and no-connect A0–A2 pins in the same physical layout. However, voltage range, clock speed, and temperature grade differ; substitution requires verification of system-level VCC and timing compliance before drop-in replacement.