Microchip Technology 24LC16BH-E/SN

Overview

24LC16BH-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency, 5 ms max page write time, and hardware write-protect for half-array (400h–7FFh). It supports industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges in 8-lead SOIC (SN) package and is used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BH-E/SN datasheet, 24LC16BH-E/SN pinout, 24LC16BH-E/SN application, or 24LC16BH-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range compatibility (2.5V–5.5V), I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz, half-array write-protection behavior, SOIC-8 thermal and layout constraints, and endurance/data retention specs under extended temperature operation.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BH-E/SN 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-block EEPROM array, 16-byte page write buffer, address pointer, and HV generator for erase/write cycles.

It uses a fixed 7-bit slave address prefix '1010' with 3 block-select bits (B2–B0) and R/W bit, supporting only one device per I²C bus. Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin state: tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 400h–7FFh while permitting full read access.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN), 3.90 mm body width, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, surface-mountable with 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BH-E/SN, the 24AA16HT-I/SN enables lower-voltage operation but sacrifices extended temperature capability, while the AT24C16C-SSHM-T offers higher clock speed but lacks AEC-Q100 validation and high-temp support - making 24LC16BH-E/SN optimal for automotive and extended-range industrial use cases.

Availability

24LC16BH-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor calibration systems, medical infusion pump parameter backup, and smart energy meter firmware configuration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for 24LC16BH-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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC16BH belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications where extended temperature operation and hardware write protection are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC16BH-E/SN?

The 24LC16BH-E/SN requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full temperature range. Unlike the 24AA16H variant, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power it at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or incomplete ACK responses. Always verify VCC remains ≥2.5V under worst-case load and temperature conditions when using the 24LC16BH-E/SN.

Does the 24LC16BH-E/SN support 1 MHz I²C clock frequency?

No, the 24LC16BH-E/SN supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz across its entire VCC range (2.5V–5.5V). The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC16H variant. Attempting to run the 24LC16BH-E/SN at 1 MHz will violate AC timing specifications - specifically THIGH (min 600 ns) and TLOW (min 1300 ns) - resulting in communication failures or corrupted data transfers.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC16BH-E/SN, and what happens when it is left floating?

On the 24LC16BH-E/SN, the WP pin is a dedicated input: tying it to VCC write-protects memory addresses 400h–7FFh (half-array), while tying it to VSS enables full read/write access. The datasheet explicitly states WP must be connected to either VSS or VCC - leaving it floating creates an undefined logic state and may cause intermittent or complete failure of write protection functionality. Always terminate WP with a solid rail connection in production designs using the 24LC16BH-E/SN.

Can the 24LC16BH-E/SN be used as a direct replacement for the 24LC16B in existing designs?

Yes, the 24LC16BH-E/SN is a drop-in replacement for the legacy 24LC16B, sharing identical pinout, electrical specifications, timing, and command set. The "H" suffix denotes enhanced reliability features including improved ESD protection (>4 kV vs. 3 kV), tighter AC parameter tolerances, and extended temperature validation. No PCB or firmware changes are required when upgrading from 24LC16B to 24LC16BH-E/SN.

What is the purpose of the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24LC16BH-E/SN, and how should they be handled?

The A0, A1, and A2 pins on the 24LC16BH-E/SN are not internally connected and serve no functional purpose. They may be safely left floating, tied to VSS, or tied to VCC without affecting device operation. This differs from larger-density EEPROMs (e.g., 24LC256) where these pins encode slave address bits - the 24LC16BH-E/SN uses a fixed 7-bit address (1010xxx) but ignores A0–A2, making them true no-connects per Microchip's DS20002118B datasheet.