Microchip Technology 24LC16B-E/ST

Overview

24LC16B-E/ST 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 at industrial and extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +125°C). It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in embedded controllers and sensor calibration modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16B-E/ST datasheet, 24LC16B-E/ST pinout, 24LC16B-E/ST application, or 24LC16B-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5V–5.5V), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, page write buffer size (16 bytes), endurance (1 million cycles), and SOIC-8 package mechanical fit.

Technical Context

The 24LC16B-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit address pointer, 16-byte page latch buffer, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - all managed by dedicated memory control logic without external timing components.

It uses a fixed 7-bit slave address prefix '1010' followed by three block-select bits (B2–B0) and a R/W bit, enabling access to one of eight 256-word memory blocks. Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC to inhibit all write operations while permitting full read functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16B-E/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN, with standard 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and 4.90 mm length. 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 24LC16B-E/ST, the 24AA16-I/ST offers broader voltage flexibility but sacrifices high-speed I²C capability below 2.5V, while the AT24C16C-SSHM-T provides faster clocking at the cost of reduced thermal robustness - making 24LC16B-E/ST the optimal choice for extended-temperature, 400 kHz–constrained designs.

Availability

24LC16B-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pump settings, and smart energy meter firmware logs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16B-E/ST 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 and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC16B belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems with I²C interface requirements.

FAQ

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

The 24LC16B-E/ST supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz when operated within its specified VCC range of 2.5V to 5.5V. This is explicitly defined in the Device Selection Table and confirmed in AC Characteristics Table 1-2. Frequencies above 400 kHz are not guaranteed and may result in communication failures or data corruption. The 24LC16B-E/ST does not support 1 MHz operation - that capability is reserved for the 24FC16 variant.

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

Yes, the 24LC16B-E/ST requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain outputs. For reliable 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up resistor to VCC is recommended per the datasheet. Using higher values (e.g., 10 kΩ) may cause timing violations or bus lockup at high speeds. The 24LC16B-E/ST itself does not integrate internal pull-ups.

How does the write-protect (WP) pin function on the 24LC16B-E/ST?

On the 24LC16B-E/ST, the WP pin is a logic-level input that globally disables all write operations when pulled high to VCC. When tied to VSS (ground), full read/write access is enabled. WP has no effect on read operations - they remain fully functional regardless of WP state. This hardware-level protection prevents accidental overwrites during power-up, reset, or firmware errors without requiring software intervention.

What is the page write capability of the 24LC16B-E/ST, and how does it affect memory addressing?

The 24LC16B-E/ST features a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be written in a single I²C transaction. However, page boundaries are fixed at 16-byte intervals (addresses 0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, etc.), and crossing a boundary causes wraparound within the same page. To avoid data loss, the host MCU must ensure all bytes in a page write fall within one physical page - the 24LC16B-E/ST does not auto-increment across pages.

Is the 24LC16B-E/ST qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24LC16B-E/ST carries AEC-Q100 qualification and is rated for the extended temperature range of –40°C to +125°C, making it suitable for automotive applications such as body control modules, infotainment backup storage, and ADAS sensor calibration. Its RoHS compliance, 1 million endurance cycles, and hardware write-protection further support automotive reliability requirements - though system-level qualification remains the responsibility of the end customer.