Microchip Technology 24LC16B-I/P

Overview

24LC16B-I/P 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, 1 μA standby current (I-temp), and hardware write-protection via the WP pin. It supports page writes of up to 16 bytes and delivers >1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16B-I/P datasheet, 24LC16B-I/P pinout, 24LC16B-I/P application, or 24LC16B-I/P equivalent, this device serves as a low-power, industrial-temperature nonvolatile memory for configuration storage, calibration data logging, and firmware parameter retention in embedded control systems where I²C bus simplicity and robustness are critical.

Technical Context

The 24LC16B-I/P functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, enabling access to eight 256-byte memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and supports current address, random, and sequential read modes.

It implements Schmitt-trigger inputs and output slope control to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce on shared I²C buses. Write operations are self-timed with a maximum 5 ms cycle time, and acknowledge polling is supported to detect write completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16B-I/P is supplied in an 8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package (PDIP), 300 mil body width. The package has no internal connection to pins A0–A2; they may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without functional impact.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16-I/P, the 24LC16B-I/P trades sub-2.5V operation for enhanced industrial-temperature stability and tighter DC specs; versus AT24C16C-PU, it offers higher endurance and Microchip's Total Endurance™ modeling support but lacks extended-temp qualification.

Availability

24LC16B-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, medical instrumentation, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for 24LC16B-I/P 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 infrastructure.

The 24LC16B belongs to Microchip's 24XX16 family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC16B-I/P?

The 24LC16B-I/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). Unlike the 24AA16 variant, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V - attempting to power the 24LC16B-I/P at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or loss of I²C acknowledgment. Always verify VCC remains within 2.5V–5.5V during all operational modes, including power-up and brown-out recovery sequences.

Does the 24LC16B-I/P support page writes, and what is the maximum number of bytes per page?

Yes, the 24LC16B-I/P supports page writes with a 16-byte buffer. Each page write operation can transmit up to 16 consecutive bytes in a single I²C transaction before issuing the Stop condition - after which the device initiates an internal self-timed write cycle. Attempting to write more than 16 bytes without a Stop will cause the address pointer to wrap within the same page, overwriting earlier data. This feature reduces bus overhead and improves effective write throughput compared to byte-write-only EEPROMs.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the 24LC16B-I/P?

On the 24LC16B-I/P, the WP pin is a dedicated hardware enable/disable input for write operations. When WP is tied to VCC, the entire 2048-byte memory array (addresses 000h–7FFh) becomes read-only - all write attempts (byte or page) are ignored, though read operations continue normally. When WP is tied to VSS (or left floating, per datasheet), full read/write access is enabled. This provides fail-safe protection against firmware bugs or voltage glitches corrupting critical calibration or security data.

What is the endurance rating and data retention specification for the 24LC16B-I/P?

The 24LC16B-I/P is rated for a minimum of 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and guarantees data retention exceeding 200 years at 25°C. These specifications are validated per JEDEC standards and reflect worst-case conditions across voltage and temperature extremes. Real-world retention may extend beyond 200 years at lower ambient temperatures; Microchip also provides the Total Endurance™ Model for application-specific lifetime estimation based on actual usage patterns and stress conditions.

Are pins A0, A1, and A2 functional on the 24LC16B-I/P?

No - pins A0, A1, and A2 are not internally connected in the 24LC16B-I/P and serve no functional purpose. They may be left unconnected (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 I²C slave addresses; the 24LC16B-I/P uses a fixed 7-bit slave address (1010xxx) with only the upper four bits defined, making A0–A2 redundant and omitted from the internal silicon design.