Microchip Technology AT24C16B-TSU-T

Overview

AT24C16B-TSU-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 1 MHz (5 V) / 400 kHz (1.8 V) I²C interface speed, hardware write protection via WP pin, and 16-byte page write capability. It is used in industrial control systems for storing calibration data, configuration parameters, and firmware revision stamps.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16B-TSU-T datasheet, AT24C16B-TSU-T pinout, AT24C16B-TSU-T application, or AT24C16B-TSU-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5-lead SOT23 package footprint, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, 1 million write endurance, 100-year data retention, and compatibility with standard I²C bus timing requirements including tWR ≤ 5 ms.

Technical Context

The AT24C16B-TSU-T implements a standard two-wire (I²C-compatible) serial 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 page write logic enables up to 16 bytes per transaction without address retransmission.

Write protection is enforced exclusively through the dedicated WP pin: tied to VCC, it locks the full 16K array; tied to GND, full read/write access is granted. The device uses no external address pins (A0–A2), limiting bus arbitration to a single device per I²C segment unless externally multiplexed.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16B-TSU-T is packaged in a 5-lead SOT23 surface-mount package (ordering code suffix -TSU-T), measuring 2.90 mm × 1.60 mm × 1.10 mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable and embedded systems.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M24C16-WMN6TP and BR24G16NUX-10, the AT24C16B-TSU-T offers unique space savings via its 5-lead SOT23 package and hardware-based WP pin simplicity-ideal for compact, cost-sensitive designs where fixed protection suffices and layout change is prohibitive.

Availability

AT24C16B-TSU-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer device configuration, medical diagnostic logging, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C16B-TSU-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, FPGA, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification programs.

The AT24C16B-TSU-T belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-voltage, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

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

The AT24C16B-TSU-T supports up to 1 MHz I²C clock frequency at VCC = 5.0 V, and 400 kHz at VCC = 1.8 V. These values are specified in Table 4-3 of the datasheet and reflect guaranteed AC timing compliance across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Exceeding these frequencies may result in setup/hold violations on SDA and SCL lines. The AT24C16B-TSU-T does not support Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz universal) across all voltage ranges.

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

Yes, the AT24C16B-TSU-T requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I/O pins are open-drain. Typical values range from 1.3 kΩ (for 2.5 V/5.0 V operation) to 10 kΩ (for 1.8 V operation), as defined in Note 2 of Table 4-3. Without proper pull-ups, the AT24C16B-TSU-T cannot drive valid logic-high levels, leading to bus communication failure.

How does the WP pin function on the AT24C16B-TSU-T?

The WP (Write Protect) pin on the AT24C16B-TSU-T provides hardware-level write inhibition: when pulled high to VCC, it disables all write operations to the entire 16K memory array; when pulled low to GND, full read/write access is enabled. This behavior is defined in Table 3-1 and requires no firmware interaction. The AT24C16B-TSU-T does not support software-configurable block protection.

Can the AT24C16B-TSU-T be used in a multi-device I²C bus configuration?

No-the AT24C16B-TSU-T lacks device address pins (A0, A1, A2), so only one unit can reside on a given I²C bus segment. To connect multiple 16K EEPROMs, an external I²C multiplexer (e.g., TCA9548A) or separate bus segments are required. This limitation is explicitly stated in Section 3 ("Pin Description") and confirmed in Revision History 5175D (June 2008).

What is the write endurance and data retention specification for the AT24C16B-TSU-T?

The AT24C16B-TSU-T guarantees 1,000,000 write/erase cycles and 100 years of data retention at 25°C, as verified per JEDEC standards and documented in Section 1 ("Features") and Table 4-3. These figures apply to the full memory array under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 1.8–5.5 V, TA = −40°C to +85°C); actual field performance may vary with thermal stress and voltage margin.