Microchip Technology 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO

Overview

24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO 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/extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO datasheet, 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO pinout, 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO application, or 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5V–5.5V), 400 kHz I²C timing compliance, extended-temperature operation (–40°C to +125°C), 16-byte page write buffer, and hardware write-protect functionality.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO 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 on-chip logic.

It uses a fixed 4-bit control code (1010) followed by 3 block-select bits (B2–B0) and R/W bit for addressing - supporting only one device per bus. Write operations are acknowledged only after completion; during active write cycles, the device ignores all I²C commands until internally timed programming finishes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO is supplied in an 8-lead SOT-23 package (package code OT), measuring 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm. The exposed pad is not electrically connected and may be left floating or grounded for thermal enhancement.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24AA16T-I/OT and 24FC16T-E/OT, the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO offers optimal balance of speed (400 kHz), extended-temperature robustness, and 2.5V–5.5V supply compatibility - making it ideal for industrial and automotive applications where voltage stability and environmental resilience outweigh ultra-low-VCC or maximum-speed needs.

Availability

24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical diagnostics equipment, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO 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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 24LC16B family is designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage - particularly where extended temperature operation and hardware write protection are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO?

The 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 400 kHz when operated within its specified VCC range of 2.5V to 5.5V. This is defined in the AC Characteristics table of the DS20001703M datasheet. Frequencies above 400 kHz are not supported - unlike the 24FC16 variant, which supports 1 MHz. The 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO does not operate at 100 kHz minimum; that limit applies only to 24AA16 below 2.5V, which does not apply here.

Does the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because it uses open-drain outputs. Typical values are 2 kΩ for 400 kHz operation and 10 kΩ for 100 kHz. The exact value depends on bus capacitance and desired rise time - the datasheet specifies maximum rise times (TR ≤ 300 ns at 2.5V–5.5V) to ensure I²C compliance. Without pull-ups, the bus cannot transition high, and communication fails.

Can the A0, A1, and A2 pins of the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO be used to configure device addressing?

No, the A0, A1, and A2 pins of the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO are not internally connected and serve no addressing function. As confirmed in Section 2.1 and Table 2-1 of DS20001703M, these pins are NC (no-connect) and may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC without affecting operation. Device addressing uses only the fixed 4-bit control code '1010' plus 3 block-select bits (B2–B0) - limiting the bus to one 24LC16B per system.

How does hardware write protection work on the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO?

Hardware write protection on the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO is controlled by the WP (Write-Protect) pin. When WP is tied to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) to the entire memory array (000h–7FFh) are inhibited; read operations remain fully functional. When WP is tied to VSS, normal read/write access is enabled. This is a physical, non-volatile lock - independent of software state - and is active immediately upon power-up if WP is asserted.

Is the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 24LC16BT-E/OT16KVAO carries AEC-Q100 qualification and is rated for the Extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), making it suitable for automotive applications such as body control modules, infotainment subsystems, and ADAS sensor interfaces. Its 1 million endurance cycles and 200-year data retention further support automotive lifecycle requirements. The "E" in the part number explicitly denotes Extended temperature grade, and Microchip's official documentation confirms AEC-Q100 qualification for the 24LC16B family.