Microchip Technology AT24C16B-TH-T

Overview

AT24C16B-TH-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 modules for nonvolatile parameter storage with high reliability.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16B-TH-T datasheet, AT24C16B-TH-T pinout, AT24C16B-TH-T application, or AT24C16B-TH-T equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage range compatibility (1.8–5.5 V), page write timing (≤5 ms), endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (100 years), and TSSOP-8 package dimensions (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.2 mm max).

Technical Context

The AT24C16B-TH-T implements a standard I²C-compatible two-wire serial interface with Schmitt-triggered, noise-filtered SCL/SDA inputs. It uses an 11-bit internal address counter for random word access across 128 pages of 16 bytes each.

Write protection is enforced exclusively through the dedicated WP pin: tied to VCC, it locks the full 16K array; tied to GND, normal read/write operations proceed. No device address pins (A0–A2) are present-only one AT24C16B-TH-T can reside per I²C bus segment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16B-TH-T is supplied in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, 4.4 mm body width, and 3.0 mm length. Pin 1 is marked by a dot in the top-left corner of the package.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C16B-TH-T, the 24LC16B-I/ST offers identical electrical behavior and mechanical fit, while the CAT24C16WI-GT3 provides validated second-source assurance with negligible standby current variation - both preserve system-level timing, layout, and firmware without modification.

Availability

AT24C16B-TH-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C16B-TH-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions with broad industrial and automotive qualification.

The AT24C16B-TH-T belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, byte-addressable nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

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

The AT24C16B-TH-T 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 under industrial temperature conditions (−40 °C to +85 °C) with CL = 100 pF. Exceeding these frequencies may result in timing violations or failed ACK responses. The AT24C16B-TH-T does not support Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz universal) across its full voltage range.

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

Yes, the AT24C16B-TH-T requires external pull-up resistors on both SCL and SDA lines because its I/O structure is open-drain. Recommended values are 1.3 kΩ for 2.5 V/5.0 V operation and 10 kΩ for 1.8 V operation, per the official datasheet. Omitting pull-ups will prevent proper bus arbitration and cause communication failure. The AT24C16B-TH-T itself does not integrate internal pull-ups.

Can multiple AT24C16B-TH-T devices share the same I²C bus?

No, the AT24C16B-TH-T lacks device address pins (A0, A1, A2), so only one AT24C16B-TH-T can be placed per I²C bus segment. Its fixed 7-bit device address (1010xxx) has no configurable bits - attempting to connect multiple units causes address collision and bus contention. For multi-device configurations, use variants like AT24C16D (with A0/A1) or select higher-density EEPROMs with address pin support.

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

On the AT24C16B-TH-T, the WP pin provides hardware-level write protection: when pulled to VCC, the entire 16 Kbit array is locked against write or page-write commands; when pulled to GND, full read/write access is enabled. WP has no effect during read operations. The AT24C16B-TH-T does not support partial-array protection - the lock is all-or-nothing, and no software-based write protection is implemented internally.

What is the typical write cycle time for a full 16-byte page on the AT24C16B-TH-T?

The AT24C16B-TH-T specifies a maximum write cycle time of 5 ms for any write operation - whether single-byte or full 16-byte page write. This duration represents the internal clear-and-program time after a valid STOP condition; the host must wait or poll for ACK before initiating subsequent transactions. Typical measured time is ~3.5 ms at 5 V, but firmware must accommodate the worst-case 5 ms bound to ensure data integrity.