Microchip Technology AT24C16BN-SH-B

Overview

AT24C16BN-SH-B from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit two-wire serial EEPROM IC used for nonvolatile data storage in embedded control, power management, and configuration memory applications. It operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock at 5 V, features hardware write protection via the WP pin, and delivers 1 million write cycles with 100-year data retention.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16BN-SH-B datasheet, AT24C16BN-SH-B pinout, AT24C16BN-SH-B application, or AT24C16BN-SH-B equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-lead SOIC (8S1) package with NiPdAu lead finish, 16-byte page write capability, Schmitt-triggered SCL/SDA inputs for noise immunity, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The AT24C16BN-SH-B implements a standard I²C-compatible two-wire interface with open-drain SDA and edge-triggered SCL, supporting both byte and 16-byte page writes. Its internal architecture includes an 11-bit address counter, 128-page × 16-byte memory organization, and a dedicated write-protect logic block that disables all write operations when WP is tied to VCC.

It uses on-chip high-voltage charge pump and timing circuitry for self-timed erase/write cycles (≤5 ms), requires no external components for bus termination beyond pull-up resistors, and incorporates input filtering and Schmitt-trigger inputs to tolerate slow or noisy signal edges - critical for industrial and automotive-adjacent systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16BN-SH-B is supplied in an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC (8S1) package with NiPdAu lead finish, measuring 4.80–5.00 mm × 3.81–3.99 mm × 1.35–1.75 mm (L × W × H). Pin 1 is marked by a dot at the top-left corner of the top surface.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M24C16-WMN6TP and CAT24C16WI-GT3, the AT24C16BN-SH-B offers the shortest guaranteed write cycle (5 ms), consistent with Atmel/Microchip's legacy timing optimization - advantageous in time-critical firmware where rapid acknowledgment polling is used.

Availability

AT24C16BN-SH-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, power supply configuration, and embedded bootloader data storage requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C16BN-SH-B 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 devices, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification coverage.

The AT24C16BN-SH-B belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24Cxx serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, I²C-based nonvolatile storage in space- and cost-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C16BN-SH-B?

The AT24C16BN-SH-B supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency when operated at VCC = 5.0 V, and 400 kHz at VCC = 1.8 V. These values are specified in Table 4-3 of the datasheet under AC characteristics and reflect guaranteed timing margins across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). The AT24C16BN-SH-B does not support higher speeds such as Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz universal) or High-Speed Mode (3.4 MHz) without risk of timing violation.

Does the AT24C16BN-SH-B require external pull-up resistors on SCL and SDA lines?

Yes, the AT24C16BN-SH-B requires external pull-up resistors on both SCL and SDA lines because its SDA pin is open-drain and SCL is input-only. Recommended values are 1.3 kΩ for 2.5 V/5.0 V operation and 10 kΩ for 1.8 V operation, per Table 4-3 note 2. The AT24C16BN-SH-B itself does not integrate pull-ups, and omission will prevent proper I²C bus signaling and device recognition.

Can the AT24C16BN-SH-B be used in a multi-device I²C bus configuration?

Yes, the AT24C16BN-SH-B can be used on a shared I²C bus with other devices, including multiple AT24C16BN-SH-B units, provided each has a unique 7-bit device address. However, the AT24C16BN-SH-B lacks hardware address pins (A0–A2), so only one unit can reside on a given bus segment unless external multiplexing is implemented. This limitation is explicitly noted in Section 3 ("Pin Description") of the datasheet.

What is the purpose of the NC pins on the AT24C16BN-SH-B SOIC package?

On the AT24C16BN-SH-B in 8-lead SOIC (8S1) packaging, pins 5, 6, and 7 are designated NC (No Connect) - they are internally unconnected silicon terminals with no electrical function. These pins must remain unconnected on the PCB; routing traces to them or tying them to GND/VCC may cause latch-up or parametric failure. Their presence accommodates die pad layout commonality across the AT24Cxx family, not functional expansion.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C16BN-SH-B?

The WP pin on the AT24C16BN-SH-B provides hardware-level write inhibition: when pulled to VCC, it disables all write operations (byte, page, and write-enable instructions) across the entire 16 Kbit array; when tied to GND, full read/write access is enabled. This behavior is defined in Table 3-1 and applies regardless of I²C command sequence - making it a fail-safe mechanism for protecting critical configuration data during system operation or field service.