Microchip Technology 24LC16B-I/STG

Overview

24LC16B-I/STG from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit blocks. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 400 kHz clock frequency, features hardware write-protection via the WP pin, and delivers ≤1 μA standby current at industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C). It is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16B-I/STG datasheet, 24LC16B-I/STG pinout, 24LC16B-I/STG application, or 24LC16B-I/STG equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5V), I²C timing compliance (400 kHz max), page write buffer size (16 bytes), endurance (1 million cycles), and industrial-temperature qualification with hardware write-protect functionality.

Technical Context

The 24LC16B-I/STG 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-bit address pointer, 16-byte page latches, and a self-timed erase/write cycle controlled by an on-chip HV generator.

It uses a fixed 4-bit device identifier (1010b) followed by 3 block-select bits (B2–B0) and R/W bit for addressing - supporting only one device per bus. Write protection is implemented via a dedicated WP pin tied to VCC to inhibit all write operations while allowing full read access.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16B-I/STG is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN), with dimensions per Microchip drawing C04-057-SN Rev E: 3.90 mm body width, 4.90 mm length, 1.25–1.75 mm thickness. The exposed pad is not present in SOIC; pins A0–A2 are unconnected and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without effect.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/STG, the 24AA16-I/ST offers broader voltage flexibility but no automotive qualification, while the 24LC16B-I/P provides identical performance in a through-hole package - making /STG optimal for surface-mount industrial and automotive applications requiring compact SOIC-8 integration and AEC-Q100 compliance.

Availability

24LC16B-I/STG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24LC16B-I/STG 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 24LC16B belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems across industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

FAQ

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

The 24LC16B-I/STG requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full 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/STG at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior or failure to respond on the I²C bus. Always verify VCC stability within 2.5–5.5V during design validation.

Does the 24LC16B-I/STG support multi-master I²C bus configurations?

Yes, the 24LC16B-I/STG fully supports multi-master I²C buses as a standard slave device. It complies with I²C protocol specifications for arbitration, clock stretching (via ACK polling), and collision detection. However, the 24LC16B-I/STG itself does not generate clock signals or initiate START/STOP conditions - those responsibilities remain with the bus master(s). Its internal logic ensures correct response only when addressed with its fixed 1010xxx slave address.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC16B-I/STG, and can it be left unconnected?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 24LC16B-I/STG must be actively driven to either VSS (to enable writes) or VCC (to disable all writes). Leaving it floating is not recommended, as indeterminate logic levels may cause partial or intermittent write inhibition. When tied to VCC, the entire memory array (000h–7FFh) becomes read-only; reads remain fully functional. This hardware-level protection is independent of software commands and persists across power cycles.

What is the maximum supported I²C clock frequency for the 24LC16B-I/STG, and what timing constraints apply?

The 24LC16B-I/STG supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz when VCC is between 2.5V and 5.5V. At this speed, minimum SCL low time is 1300 ns and minimum high time is 600 ns. Rise/fall times must not exceed 300 ns (with CB ≤ 400 pF). These AC characteristics are validated across the full industrial temperature range and form the basis for reliable timing margin analysis in host controller firmware.

Is the 24LC16B-I/STG qualified for automotive applications, and what evidence supports this claim?

Yes, the 24LC16B-I/STG is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. This qualification is explicitly stated in the official Microchip datasheet DS20001703M (page 1), confirming compliance with stress test requirements for Grade 2 (–40°C to +105°C ambient) or Grade 3 (–40°C to +125°C) depending on temperature grade suffix. The "I" in "24LC16B-I/STG" denotes Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), which falls within AEC-Q100 scope and is commonly deployed in body control, lighting, and infotainment subsystems.