Microchip Technology 24LC16BHT-E/ST

Overview

24LC16BHT-E/ST 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 Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-fail-safe parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BHT-E/ST datasheet, 24LC16BHT-E/ST pinout, 24LC16BHT-E/ST application, or 24LC16BHT-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5V min), extended-temp operation up to +125°C, SOIC-8 package footprint, half-array write-protection behavior, and I²C timing compliance at 400 kHz under 2.5V–5.5V.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BHT-E/ST implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with fixed 1010xxx0/1 control code, supporting byte and page write modes (up to 16 bytes per page) and three read types: current address, random, and sequential. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments across operations, enabling seamless memory traversal without external address management.

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VSS enables full-array writes; tied to VCC disables writes to addresses 400h–7FFh while permitting reads across the entire 16-Kbit array. The device uses on-chip charge pump for EEPROM programming and includes acknowledge polling to detect write cycle completion without fixed delay timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16BHT-E/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, 3.90 mm body width, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, with standard gull-wing lead form and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by notch or bevel; leads are matte tin plated.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BHT-E/ST, the 24LC16B-I/ST offers identical functionality at lower cost but sacrifices extended-temperature capability, while the 24AA16HT-E/ST trades higher minimum voltage tolerance for broader low-power applicability - neither is pin-compatible drop-in replacement due to differing VCC constraints and qualification scope.

Availability

24LC16BHT-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor calibration storage, and smart energy meter firmware parameter tables requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16BHT-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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

The 24LC16BHT-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 24XX16H family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, extended-temperature nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications where reliability and long-term data integrity are critical.

FAQ

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

The 24LC16BHT-E/ST 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 does not support operation below 2.5V - attempting to power it at 1.8V or 2.2V will result in undefined behavior or functional failure. This specification is explicitly defined in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics section of DS20002118B.

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

No, the 24LC16BHT-E/ST does not support 1 MHz I²C operation. Its maximum clock frequency is 400 kHz across the full 2.5V–5.5V VCC range. The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC16H variant. Attempting to run the 24LC16BHT-E/ST at 1 MHz will violate AC timing parameters (e.g., THIGH, TLOW) and cause communication failures or data corruption.

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

On the 24LC16BHT-E/ST, the WP pin enables hardware write-protection for the upper half of the memory array (addresses 400h–7FFh) when tied to VCC; full-array write access is restored when WP is tied to VSS. Read operations remain enabled across the entire 16-Kbit space regardless of WP state. This protection is implemented at the silicon level and requires no firmware intervention - confirmed in Section 2.4 and Figure 6-3 of DS20002118B.

Is the 24LC16BHT-E/ST pin-compatible with other 8-lead SOIC EEPROMs such as the 24LC256?

No, the 24LC16BHT-E/ST is not pin-compatible with the 24LC256 or other higher-density EEPROMs. While both use 8-lead SOIC packages, the 24LC16BHT-E/ST has unused A0–A2 pins (no internal connection), whereas the 24LC256 uses A0–A2 for device addressing. Connecting them interchangeably would result in incorrect addressing or bus contention - verified by comparing Pin Function Tables in DS20002118B and DS20002195.

What is the page write buffer size and boundary behavior of the 24LC16BHT-E/ST?

The 24LC16BHT-E/ST features a 16-byte page write buffer. Physical page boundaries align to 16-byte intervals (e.g., 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh). If a page write crosses a boundary - for example, starting at address 0Fh and writing 16 bytes - the excess data wraps to the start of the same page (00h), overwriting prior content. This behavior is documented in Section 6.3 and Figure 6-2 of DS20002118B and must be managed in firmware.