Microchip Technology AT24C16BN-SH-T

Overview

AT24C16BN-SH-T from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit two-wire serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, featuring hardware write protection via the WP pin, 16-byte page write capability, and 1 MHz (5 V) / 400 kHz (1.8 V) I²C-compatible interface. It is used in industrial control systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16BN-SH-T datasheet, AT24C16BN-SH-T pinout, AT24C16BN-SH-T application, or AT24C16BN-SH-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–5.5 V supply range, 16-byte page write mode, WP-enabled hardware data protection, 1 million write cycles endurance, and compatibility with standard I²C timing at multiple voltage levels.

Technical Context

The AT24C16BN-SH-T implements a two-wire serial interface compliant with I²C protocol, supporting START/STOP conditions, ACK polling, and bidirectional SDA communication using open-drain logic. Its internal address counter enables current-address, random-address, and sequential read modes.

It uses Schmitt-triggered, noise-filtered inputs on SCL and SDA, supports partial page writes, and features an internally timed write cycle (≤5 ms). The device lacks A0/A1/A2 address pins-limiting bus capacity to one AT24C16BN-SH-T per I²C segment-and relies solely on the fixed 7-bit device address with R/W bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16BN-SH-T is supplied in an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package (package code 8S1), measuring 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.75 mm, with NiPdAu lead finish and RoHS-compliant construction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M24C16-WMN6TP and BR24G16FJ-3GE2, the AT24C16BN-SH-T provides verified hardware write protection and industrial-temp-rated reliability at 1.8–5.5 V, making it optimal for cost-sensitive, WP-dependent designs where extended temperature or larger page sizes are not required.

Availability

AT24C16BN-SH-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for AT24C16BN-SH-T 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 components, and nonvolatile memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification coverage.

The AT24C16BN-SH-T belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24Cxx serial EEPROM family, designed for low-voltage, low-power, and high-reliability data logging and configuration storage in space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

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

The AT24C16BN-SH-T supports up to 1 MHz at VCC = 5.0 V and 400 kHz at VCC = 1.8 V. These speeds are specified under industrial temperature conditions (−40°C to +85°C) with CL = 100 pF. Exceeding these frequencies may cause timing violations or ACK failures, especially at lower supply voltages or higher temperatures. Always verify bus rise/fall times and pull-up strength against AC characteristics in Table 4-3 of the AT24C16BN-SH-T datasheet.

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

Yes, the AT24C16BN-SH-T requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its SDA pin is open-drain and SCL is a CMOS input. 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. Incorrect pull-up values can cause bus contention, slow edge rates, or failure to meet tR/tF specifications, directly impacting AT24C16BN-SH-T communication reliability.

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

When the WP pin of the AT24C16BN-SH-T is driven high (to VCC), the entire 16 Kbit memory array is locked against write operations-including byte, page, and erase commands-while reads remain fully functional. When WP is grounded, normal read/write access is enabled. This hardware-level protection operates independently of firmware state, providing fail-safe data integrity in power-loss or software-fault scenarios involving the AT24C16BN-SH-T.

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

No-the AT24C16BN-SH-T has no A0, A1, or A2 device address pins and uses a fixed 7-bit device address (1010xxx), limiting one AT24C16BN-SH-T per I²C bus segment. To support multiple EEPROMs, use variants like AT24C16A (with address pins) or select alternative parts such as 24AA16 with configurable addressing. Attempting parallel connection of multiple AT24C16BN-SH-T devices will cause address collisions and bus arbitration failure.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the AT24C16BN-SH-T?

The AT24C16BN-SH-T guarantees 1,000,000 write cycles per memory location and 100 years of data retention at +25°C. These values are characterized-not 100% tested-and apply under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 1.8–5.5 V, TA = −40°C to +85°C). Retention degrades logarithmically with temperature; at +85°C, expected retention drops to ~30 years. These specs are integral to the AT24C16BN-SH-T's suitability for long-life industrial and medical applications.