Microchip Technology 24LC16BHT-I/OT

Overview

24LC16BHT-I/OT 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 is used in embedded systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BHT-I/OT datasheet, 24LC16BHT-I/OT pinout, 24LC16BHT-I/OT application, or 24LC16BHT-I/OT equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature support (–40°C to +85°C), SOT-23-5 package compatibility, I²C bus timing compliance at 400 kHz, and half-array write-protection functionality.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BHT-I/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 architecture includes an 16-byte page write buffer, address pointer auto-increment logic, and a dedicated write-protect circuit that disables writes to addresses 400h–7FFh when WP = VCC.

It supports byte and page write modes, current/random/sequential read operations, and ACK polling for write-cycle completion detection. The device uses on-chip charge pump for EEPROM programming and features self-timed erase/write cycles without external timing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16BHT-I/OT is supplied in a 5-lead SOT-23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with footprint dimensions of 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm (L × W × H), compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16HT-I/OT, the 24LC16BHT-I/OT provides higher minimum V_CC stability for 3.3V systems, while AT24C16C-SSHM-T enables faster throughput but requires PCB redesign due to SOIC-8 footprint and different pin assignment.

Availability

24LC16BHT-I/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, and medical device logging requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16BHT-I/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 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-I/OT belongs to Microchip's 24XX16H family of I²C EEPROMs, designed specifically for industrial and automotive applications requiring robust nonvolatile storage with hardware write protection and extended temperature reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC16BHT-I/OT?

The 24LC16BHT-I/OT supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz across its full operating voltage range (2.5V–5.5V). This is standard-mode I²C compliance - no high-speed mode capability. Timing parameters such as THIGH (600 ns min), TLOW (1300 ns min), and TSU:DAT (100 ns min) are fully characterized at this rate and ensure interoperability with common microcontroller I²C peripherals without additional bus conditioning.

Does the 24LC16BHT-I/OT require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC16BHT-I/OT requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain I/O drivers. For 400 kHz operation, a 2 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended. The device's internal Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope control remain effective only when proper bus termination is applied per I²C specification - omitting pull-ups will result in communication failure or intermittent bus lockup.

How does the hardware write-protect feature work on the 24LC16BHT-I/OT?

The 24LC16BHT-I/OT's WP pin enables hardware write-protection for memory addresses 400h–7FFh (upper half-array) when driven high (VCC). When WP = VSS, full-array read/write is enabled. This protection is active during power-up and persists across write cycles - no software command is needed. The 24LC16BHT-I/OT does not support byte-level or software-controlled write protection; only the fixed half-array scheme is implemented.

What is the page write buffer size of the 24LC16BHT-I/OT, and how does it affect write performance?

The 24LC16BHT-I/OT has a 16-byte page write buffer. This allows up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the buffer and written to memory in a single self-timed cycle (max 5 ms), reducing I²C bus occupation compared to 16 separate byte writes. However, page writes must stay within physical page boundaries (00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.); crossing boundaries causes wraparound. Proper address alignment is required in firmware to avoid unintended overwrites.

Is the 24LC16BHT-I/OT AEC-Q100 qualified, and what does that mean for automotive use?

Yes, the 24LC16BHT-I/OT is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 3, –40°C to +85°C). This qualification confirms that the device has passed stress tests for automotive environments including temperature cycling, humidity bias, ESD, and accelerated life testing. It validates suitability for non-safety-critical automotive applications such as body control modules, infotainment settings storage, and comfort system memory - though functional safety (ASIL) compliance requires system-level validation beyond component qualification.