Microchip Technology AT24C16B-TH-B

Overview

AT24C16B-TH-B 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 for nonvolatile parameter storage in embedded control systems, sensor calibration modules, and power management units.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16B-TH-B datasheet, AT24C16B-TH-B pinout, AT24C16B-TH-B application, or AT24C16B-TH-B equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSSOP-8 package with NiPdAu lead finish, 100-year data retention, 1 million write cycles, and support for partial page writes in industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The AT24C16B-TH-B implements a standard I²C-compatible two-wire interface with open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL inputs for noise immunity. Its internal address counter supports current-address, random-address, and sequential read modes, while the write protect (WP) pin enables full-array hardware lock when tied to VCC.

Internally, it uses high-voltage pump and timing circuitry for byte/page write operations with self-timed 5 ms max write cycle. Memory is organized into 128 pages of 16 bytes each, requiring an 11-bit word address; device addressing uses a fixed 7-bit slave address with 3 programmable MSBs for bus topology flexibility.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16B-TH-B is supplied in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), JEDEC MO-153 compliant, with NiPdAu lead finish for enhanced solderability and corrosion resistance. Pin 1 is marked by a dot at the top-left corner of the package top view.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 24LC16B-I/P and AT24C16D-SSHM-T, the AT24C16B-TH-B offers optimized board area usage in TSSOP-8, superior moisture resistance from NiPdAu plating, and tighter thermal profile for reflow-making it ideal for high-density, automated production of industrial edge devices.

Availability

AT24C16B-TH-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, smart meter configuration storage, and embedded system boot configuration requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C16B-TH-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 nonvolatile memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification coverage.

The AT24C16B-TH-B belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, I²C-based parameter storage in space-constrained industrial and commercial systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C16B-TH-B?

The AT24C16B-TH-B supports up to 1 MHz at VCC = 5.0 V and 400 kHz at VCC = 1.8 V. These frequencies are guaranteed under industrial temperature conditions (−40°C to +85°C) with CL = 100 pF. Exceeding these limits may result in timing violations or data corruption. The AT24C16B-TH-B does not support Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz at 1.8 V) or High-Speed Mode.

Does the AT24C16B-TH-B require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the AT24C16B-TH-B requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its SDA pin is open-drain and SCL input is internally un-driven. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ (for 1 MHz, 5 V) to 10 kΩ (for 400 kHz, 1.8 V), depending on bus capacitance and speed requirements. The AT24C16B-TH-B itself does not integrate pull-ups.

How does the write protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C16B-TH-B?

When the WP pin of the AT24C16B-TH-B is driven high (VCC), all 16K bits are hardware-locked against write or erase operations - including page writes, byte writes, and write-enable commands. When WP is grounded, full read/write access is enabled. No internal pull-up or pull-down is present, so the host system must actively drive WP to a defined logic level.

Can the AT24C16B-TH-B perform partial page writes?

Yes, the AT24C16B-TH-B supports partial page writes: up to 16 bytes can be written in a single transaction, but fewer than 16 bytes may be sent - the internal address counter increments automatically after each byte, wrapping within the current 16-byte page boundary. This avoids unnecessary bus traffic when updating scattered configuration fields.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the AT24C16B-TH-B?

The AT24C16B-TH-B is rated for 1,000,000 write/erase cycles per memory location and guarantees 100 years of data retention at +25°C. These specifications are validated per JEDEC standards and apply across the full operating voltage (1.8–5.5 V) and temperature (−40°C to +85°C) range. Retention degrades predictably at elevated temperatures per Arrhenius modeling.