Microchip Technology AT24C164-10PC

Overview

AT24C164-10PC from Atmel (now Microchip) is a 16-kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, with 100 kHz bus speed, write-protect pin, and 16-byte page write capability. It is used in industrial control modules for nonvolatile parameter storage requiring low-voltage operation and hardware data protection.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C164-10PC datasheet, AT24C164-10PC pinout, AT24C164-10PC application, or AT24C164-10PC equivalent, key selection factors include VCC range (2.7–5.5V), 100 kHz max clock frequency, WP pin functionality, 16-byte page write mode, and SOIC/PDIP package compatibility in commercial temperature grade.

Technical Context

The AT24C164-10PC implements a two-wire I²C interface with open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting cascading up to eight devices via A0–A2 address inputs. Its memory is segmented into 256 pages of 8 bytes each, enabling partial page writes and automatic address incrementing within a page.

It features Schmitt-trigger inputs with noise filtering, acknowledge polling for write-cycle completion detection, and hardware write protection via the WP pin tied to GND. The device enters standby mode after STOP condition receipt and supports current-address, random-address, and sequential read modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C164-10PC is supplied in an 8-pin JEDEC-standard PDIP (8P3) package, 0.300" wide, with 0.100" lead pitch and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; leads are tin-lead plated per JEDEC MS-001BA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95160-WMN6TP and 24LC16B-I/P, the AT24C164-10PC offers native I²C compatibility and hardware WP-critical for legacy MCU platforms and safety-critical write-locking-while 24LC16B-I/P provides direct continuity, and M95160-WMN6TP demands bus architecture changes.

Availability

AT24C164-10PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply and commercial-grade temperature performance (0°C to +70°C).

Supply support for AT24C164-10PC 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 (formerly Atmel) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AT24C164 product line delivers cost-optimized, low-power serial EEPROMs targeting space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, pin-compatible configuration storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT24C164-10PC support?

The AT24C164-10PC supports a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems without level shifting. This dual-voltage capability allows seamless integration into mixed-signal designs and ensures robust operation during brown-out conditions common in industrial power supplies. The AT24C164-10PC maintains full I²C functionality-including 100 kHz clock rate and page write-across this entire range.

Does the AT24C164-10PC have hardware write protection?

Yes, the AT24C164-10PC includes a dedicated Write Protect (WP) pin that provides hardware-level data lockout. When WP is tied to GND, write operations are enabled; when pulled high, all write commands-including byte and page writes-are ignored regardless of I²C address or data content. This feature is implemented entirely in silicon and requires no firmware interaction, making the AT24C164-10PC suitable for safety-critical applications where accidental overwrites must be physically prevented.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C164-10PC?

The AT24C164-10PC supports a maximum I²C clock frequency of 100 kHz under its specified 2.7–5.5V operating range. This is explicitly defined in the AC Characteristics table for the -2.7 variant and aligns with standard-mode I²C timing requirements. While some higher-voltage EEPROMs support 400 kHz, the AT24C164-10PC's 100 kHz limit ensures signal integrity and noise immunity in electrically noisy environments typical of industrial control panels where the AT24C164-10PC is commonly deployed.

Can multiple AT24C164-10PC devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to eight AT24C164-10PC devices can be connected to a single I²C bus using the A0, A1, and A2 address input pins. Each combination of these three pins sets a unique 3-bit device address, resulting in eight possible I²C slave addresses (0x50–0x57). This cascading capability allows modular system design-for example, assigning separate AT24C164-10PC units to sensor banks, actuator groups, or subsystem configurations-without requiring additional I²C buses or multiplexers.

What package type is used for the AT24C164-10PC?

The AT24C164-10PC is packaged in an 8-lead, 0.300" wide plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), designated as 8P3 per Atmel's ordering information. This through-hole package features 0.100" lead pitch, tin-lead plating, and JEDEC MS-001BA mechanical dimensions. It is pin-compatible with the SOIC variant (8S1) but differs in mounting method and thermal profile-making the AT24C164-10PC suitable for prototyping, legacy PCBs, and applications requiring mechanical robustness over surface-mount density.