Microchip Technology 47C04-I/WF16K

Overview

47C04-I/WF16K from Microchip Technology is a 4 Kbit I²C serial EERAM combining 512 × 8-bit SRAM with integrated EEPROM backup, operating at 4.5–5.5 V and supporting up to 1 MHz I²C clock. It enables automatic power-loss data retention via external VCAP capacitor, manual store/recall via hardware HS pin or software commands, and offers software-configurable write protection. It is used in industrial control systems requiring nonvolatile memory with high endurance and zero-delay reads.

For engineers reviewing the 47C04-I/WF16K datasheet, 47C04-I/WF16K pinout, 47C04-I/WF16K application, or 47C04-I/WF16K equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (4.5–5.5 V), auto-store trip voltage (4.0–4.4 V), 8 ms max store time, 2 ms recall duration, and I²C interface compatibility with legacy and new microcontroller host designs.

Technical Context

The 47C04-I/WF16K implements a dual-memory architecture where SRAM provides fast volatile read/write access while EEPROM preserves data across power cycles. Store and recall operations are triggered either automatically on VCC fall below VTRIP (4.0–4.4 V) or manually via HS pin pulse or software command (0x55 + 0x33 for Store, 0x55 + 0xDD for Recall).

Its I²C interface supports standard (100 kHz), fast (400 kHz), and fast-plus (1 MHz) modes with Schmitt-trigger inputs, zero-cycle-delay transfers, and cascading support for up to four devices. The STATUS register (address 0x00) controls ASE (Auto-Store Enable), BP<2:0> (block protection), and AM (Array Modified) flag, enabling precise data integrity management.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

47C04-I/WF16K is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (WF16K suffix denotes TSSOP-8), with 1.27 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, and exposed pad for thermal performance. Pin functions are validated per DS20005371E.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 47C04-I/WF16K, 47L04-I/SN requires voltage rail redesign and offers different trip behavior, while FM24V04-G trades EEPROM reliability and auto-recall for F-RAM endurance and simplicity-neither is pin-compatible, and both demand interface and power architecture review.

Availability

47C04-I/WF16K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control, automotive body electronics, and medical device applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

Supply support for 47C04-I/WF16K 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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.

The 47C04-I/WF16K belongs to Microchip's EERAM product line, designed specifically to replace battery-backed SRAM and discrete EEPROM+SRAM combinations in space-constrained, high-reliability applications.

FAQ

What is the function of the VCAP pin on the 47C04-I/WF16K?

The VCAP pin on the 47C04-I/WF16K connects to an external 3.5–4.7 µF capacitor that supplies energy to complete automatic SRAM-to-EEPROM store operations during power loss. When VCC drops below the trip voltage (4.0–4.4 V), the stored charge enables the 47C04-I/WF16K to finish the 8 ms store cycle without host involvement. If VCAP is unconnected, Auto-Store must be disabled via the ASE bit to prevent data corruption.

How does the 47C04-I/WF16K differ from standard I²C EEPROMs?

Unlike standard I²C EEPROMs, the 47C04-I/WF16K integrates SRAM and EEPROM in one die with seamless recall/store logic. It delivers zero-cycle-delay reads/writes to SRAM while retaining EEPROM-level nonvolatility. Standard EEPROMs require explicit page writes and suffer from write latency; the 47C04-I/WF16K behaves like fast SRAM during normal operation and only invokes EEPROM storage when needed-making it ideal for real-time data buffering.

Can the 47C04-I/WF16K be used without an external capacitor?

Yes, the 47C04-I/WF16K can operate without an external capacitor if Auto-Store is disabled (ASE = 0) and the VCAP pin is tied to VCC. In this mode, store operations rely solely on the Hardware Store (HS) pin or Software Store command. However, power-loss protection is forfeited-data in SRAM will be lost unless manually stored before shutdown. This configuration is acceptable in controlled-power environments where host firmware manages store timing.

What I²C addresses does the 47C04-I/WF16K support?

The 47C04-I/WF16K supports I²C client addresses determined by A1 and A2 pin states, using op-code 1010 for SRAM access and 0011 for control registers. Valid addresses are 1010 A2 A1 0 R/W, yielding eight possible combinations (e.g., 0xA0 for write, 0xA1 for read when A2=A1=0). Up to four 47C04-I/WF16K devices can share one I²C bus using unique A1/A2 configurations-no address conflict occurs if pins are hardwired distinctly.

Is the 47C04-I/WF16K AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the 47C04-I/WF16K is AEC-Q100 qualified for Automotive Grade 2 (–40°C to +105°C) and Industrial Grade (–40°C to +85°C). Its qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, ESD (>4 kV), and electrical robustness-making it suitable for under-hood and body-control applications where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is mandatory. Full qualification evidence is documented in Microchip's AEC-Q100 report for the 47Cxx family.