Microchip Technology 24LC16BHT-E/OT

Overview

24LC16BHT-E/OT from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit blocks, operating at 2.5V–5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency and industrial/extended temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write-protect for half-array (400h–7FFh), 16-byte page write buffer, and 1 μA standby current - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BHT-E/OT datasheet, 24LC16BHT-E/OT pinout, 24LC16BHT-E/OT application, or 24LC16BHT-E/OT equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5V min), I²C timing compliance at extended temperature, half-array write-protection behavior, SOT-23 package footprint constraints, and endurance validation for >1 million cycles in high-write-frequency logging scenarios.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BHT-E/OT implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while page write operations are bounded within 16-byte physical pages without wrap-around across boundaries when properly managed by host firmware.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VSS enables full-array writes; tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 400h–7FFh only. Acknowledge polling is supported during internal write cycles (max 5 ms), allowing bus-efficient synchronization without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16BHT-E/OT uses a 5-lead SOT-23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with 1.6 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is SCL; pins A0–A2 are unconnected (NC) and may be left floating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BHT-E/OT, the 24AA16HT-E/OT enables lower-voltage operation but sacrifices automotive qualification, while the 24LC16B-I/OT reduces thermal margin and cost - making the 24LC16BHT-E/OT optimal for AEC-Q100-compliant designs needing full –40°C to +125°C coverage and 2.5V minimum supply robustness.

Availability

24LC16BHT-E/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor nodes, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16BHT-E/OT 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 family delivers cost-effective, AEC-Q100-qualified serial EEPROMs optimized for automotive and industrial applications demanding extended temperature operation, robust I²C communication, and reliable nonvolatile data storage.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC16BHT-E/OT?

The 24LC16BHT-E/OT requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). Unlike the 24AA16H variant, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power the 24LC16BHT-E/OT at 1.8V will result in undefined behavior or failure to respond on the I²C bus. Always verify supply stability under load, especially during page write cycles where peak current reaches 3 mA.

Does the 24LC16BHT-E/OT support 1 MHz I²C clock frequency?

No, the 24LC16BHT-E/OT does not support 1 MHz I²C operation. Its maximum clock frequency is 400 kHz at VCC = 2.5V–5.5V. The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC16H variant within the same family. Using a 1 MHz clock with the 24LC16BHT-E/OT will cause timing violations, failed ACKs, and unreliable communication - confirm I²C bus speed configuration matches the 400 kHz limit in host firmware.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC16BHT-E/OT, and what memory regions does it protect?

On the 24LC16BHT-E/OT, the WP pin provides hardware-level write protection: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 400h–7FFh (upper 8 Kbits) are inhibited, while reads remain fully functional; when tied to VSS, full-array write access is enabled. Addresses 000h–3FFh (lower 8 Kbits) are never protected by WP. This allows separation of user-modifiable data (e.g., calibration offsets) from factory-set parameters (e.g., sensor gain tables) stored in the upper half.

What is the actual page size and boundary alignment for page writes on the 24LC16BHT-E/OT?

The 24LC16BHT-E/OT has a fixed 16-byte page size, with physical page boundaries aligned to integer multiples of 16: 000h–00Fh, 010h–01Fh, ..., 7F0h–7FFh. A page write initiated at address 00Eh will accept up to 16 bytes but wrap around at the page boundary - writing bytes 00Eh, 00Fh, then 000h, 001h, etc. Host firmware must ensure write start addresses and lengths do not cross boundaries; for example, writing 16 bytes starting at 00Fh writes to 00Fh–00Eh (wrap), not 00Fh–01Eh.

Is the 24LC16BHT-E/OT pin-compatible with other 5-lead SOT-23 EEPROMs like the AT24C16?

No, the 24LC16BHT-E/OT is not pin-compatible with AT24C16 in SOT-23. While both use 5-lead SOT-23 packages, their pinouts differ: 24LC16BHT-E/OT assigns SCL to pin 1, SDA to pin 3, WP to pin 5, VCC to pin 4, and VSS to pin 2; AT24C16 typically places VCC on pin 5 and WP on pin 7 (which doesn't exist in 5-lead variants). Substituting without board revision will cause I²C communication failure and potential bus contention - always validate pin mapping against the specific variant's datasheet before replacement.