Microchip Technology 24LC16BT-I/SN

Overview

24LC16BT-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit memory blocks, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency, 5 ms max page write time, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write-protection via the WP pin, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and 16-byte page write buffer - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BT-I/SN datasheet, 24LC16BT-I/SN pinout, 24LC16BT-I/SN application, or 24LC16BT-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC min (2.5V), I²C speed grade (400 kHz), SOIC-8 package compatibility, write-protection behavior, and endurance (1 million cycles) under industrial thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BT-I/SN functions as an I²C slave device with fixed 4-bit control code '1010' and 3-bit block-select addressing, supporting up to eight 256-word memory blocks. Its internal Address Pointer auto-increments during sequential reads and page writes, enabling efficient multi-byte transfers without repeated address retransmission.

It implements acknowledge polling to detect write-cycle completion, uses open-drain SDA/SCL with external pull-ups, and incorporates on-chip slope control and Schmitt-trigger inputs to suppress ground bounce and bus noise - critical for reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16BT-I/SN is supplied in an 8-lead narrow SOIC package (SN), 3.90 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC SOIC footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16BT-I/SN, the 24AA16T-I/SN offers lower voltage headroom but identical interface behavior, while the 24LC256T-I/SN provides scalable capacity at the cost of driver complexity - both require no PCB layout change but differ in electrical and firmware integration scope.

Availability

24LC16BT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, smart metering infrastructure, and medical sensor calibration requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 24LC16BT-I/SN 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, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC16B family delivers cost-optimized, I²C-based serial EEPROMs targeting industrial, consumer, and automotive subsystems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and board space.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 24LC16BT-I/SN?

The 24LC16BT-I/SN 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 it at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or loss of I²C communication. Always verify VCC rail stability under load using the 24LC16BT-I/SN's ICCWRITE (3 mA max) and ICCS (1 μA max) specifications.

Does the 24LC16BT-I/SN support 1 MHz I²C clock frequency?

No, the 24LC16BT-I/SN does not support 1 MHz I²C operation. Its maximum clock frequency is 400 kHz, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and AC Characteristics section of the datasheet. The 1 MHz capability is exclusive to the 24FC16 variant. Using a 1 MHz clock with the 24LC16BT-I/SN will cause timing violations, missed ACKs, and unreliable data transfer - design must constrain SCL to ≤400 kHz.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC16BT-I/SN, and what happens when it is left floating?

On the 24LC16BT-I/SN, the WP pin is a dedicated hardware write-protect input: tying it to VCC disables all write operations (byte/page), while tying it to VSS enables full read/write access. The datasheet explicitly states that leaving WP floating is not recommended - it may float to an indeterminate logic level, causing intermittent or complete write inhibition. For robust operation, WP must be actively driven to VSS (write enabled) or VCC (write protected) using a pull-down or pull-up resistor.

Can the 24LC16BT-I/SN be used in automotive applications?

The 24LC16BT-I/SN itself is rated for industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C) and is not individually AEC-Q100 certified. However, the broader 24LC16B family is AEC-Q100 qualified, and many automotive Tier 1 suppliers use the 24LC16BT-I/SN in non-safety-critical body electronics (e.g., seat memory, ambient lighting) where industrial-grade reliability suffices. For ASIL-B or higher systems, consult Microchip's official AEC-Q100 documentation and select the explicitly qualified variant (e.g., 24LC16BT-E/SN for extended temp or automotive-grade marking).

What is the physical page size and boundary alignment requirement for page writes on the 24LC16BT-I/SN?

The 24LC16BT-I/SN has a 16-byte page buffer, meaning physical page boundaries occur every 16 addresses: 0x00–0x0F, 0x10–0x1F, ..., 0x7F0–0x7FF. Page writes crossing these boundaries will wrap around within the current page - e.g., writing 16 bytes starting at 0x0F overwrites 0x0F through 0x1E, not 0x0F through 0x1E plus 0x1F. Host firmware must ensure the starting address AND byte count fit entirely within one 16-byte page to avoid unintended data corruption.