Microchip Technology AT24C16C-CUM-T

Overview

AT24C16C-CUM-T from Microchip Technology is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as 2,048 × 8 bits, operating from 1.7V to 5.5V across -40°C to +85°C. It supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and Fast Mode Plus (1 MHz) I²C speeds, features hardware write protection via WP pin, and delivers ultra-low standby current (6 μA max) for battery-backed data logging and configuration storage in embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16C-CUM-T datasheet, AT24C16C-CUM-T pinout, AT24C16C-CUM-T application, or AT24C16C-CUM-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin UDFN package, 16-byte page write capability, self-timed 5 ms max write cycle, Schmitt-triggered noise-immune inputs, and full-array hardware write protection - all critical for reliable nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive control modules.

Technical Context

The AT24C16C-CUM-T implements a true I²C slave interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, integrated spike suppression filters and Schmitt triggers on both inputs, and a dedicated WP pin that disables writes when pulled high. Its memory array is partitioned into 128 pages of 16 bytes each, enabling partial-page writes without address rollover beyond page boundaries.

Internally, it uses a high-voltage generation circuit for EEPROM programming, a POR circuit requiring ≥100 µs delay after stable VCC ≥1.7V, and an automatic standby mode entry after Stop conditions or write completion. The device responds to 7-bit slave address 0xA0–0xA7 (with A10–A8 bits selecting memory block), supporting random and sequential reads with ACK/NACK protocol compliance per I²C specification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16C-CUM-T is supplied in an 8-pad UDFN (Ultra Thin Dual Flat No-lead) package, 2.0 mm × 1.6 mm × 0.55 mm body, with exposed pad (recommended connected to GND). Pin 1 is marked by a dot; pin numbering follows standard UDFN top-view orientation.

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 AT24C16C-CUM-T uniquely combines 1 MHz Fast Mode Plus support, guaranteed -40°C to +85°C operation, and 6 μA max standby current in a space-saving UDFN package - making it optimal for next-generation compact, high-speed, and thermally demanding embedded systems.

Availability

AT24C16C-CUM-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for AT24C16C-CUM-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 leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and AEC-Q200 for automotive-grade components.

The AT24C16C-CUM-T belongs to Microchip's AT24Cxx family of I²C serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power, and high-reliability nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the package type and dimensions of the AT24C16C-CUM-T?

The AT24C16C-CUM-T uses an 8-pad UDFN (Ultra Thin Dual Flat No-lead) package measuring 2.0 mm × 1.6 mm × 0.55 mm with an exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; the package is RoHS-compliant, halide-free, and moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1), allowing standard reflow soldering without pre-baking. This compact footprint makes the AT24C16C-CUM-T ideal for wearables, sensor nodes, and other area-constrained PCBs.

Does the AT24C16C-CUM-T support 1 MHz I²C communication?

Yes, the AT24C16C-CUM-T supports Fast Mode Plus (FM+) at up to 1 MHz - but only when VCC is between 2.5V and 5.5V. At 1.7V to 2.4V, it operates in Standard (100 kHz) or Fast (400 kHz) mode. This dual-voltage speed grading allows the AT24C16C-CUM-T to maintain compatibility with both legacy and modern high-speed I²C masters while preserving low-voltage functionality.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C16C-CUM-T?

The WP pin on the AT24C16C-CUM-T is an active-high hardware lock: when pulled to VCC, it disables all write operations to the entire memory array. If left floating, it is internally pulled down to GND, enabling writes - but Microchip recommends tying it explicitly to GND or VCC to avoid noise-induced glitches. This feature ensures data integrity during power transitions and prevents firmware bugs from corrupting critical configuration data in the AT24C16C-CUM-T.

What is the maximum write endurance and data retention for the AT24C16C-CUM-T?

The AT24C16C-CUM-T guarantees 1,000,000 write cycles and 100 years of data retention at 55°C - validated per JEDEC standards. These figures apply across its full operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and supply voltage range (1.7V to 5.5V). This endurance and retention performance makes the AT24C16C-CUM-T suitable for mission-critical applications such as industrial control logs and medical device calibration records.

Can the AT24C16C-CUM-T perform partial page writes?

Yes, the AT24C16C-CUM-T fully supports partial page writes: up to 16 bytes can be written in a single cycle, and fewer than 16 bytes may be written starting at any byte offset within a 16-byte page boundary (defined by address bits A10–A4). The internal address counter increments automatically, and crossing a page boundary causes rollover to the start of the same page - ensuring predictable behavior without host-side address wrap logic in the AT24C16C-CUM-T.