Microchip Technology AT24C16C-XHM-B

Overview

AT24C16C-XHM-B 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 industrial temperature range. It supports 100 kHz standard mode, 400 kHz fast mode, and 1 MHz fast mode plus (FM+) I²C communication, with hardware write protection via dedicated WP pin and ultra-low standby current of ≤6 μA - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-fail-safe parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16C-XHM-B datasheet, AT24C16C-XHM-B pinout, AT24C16C-XHM-B application, or AT24C16C-XHM-B equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 1.7V operation, FM+ support at ≥2.5V, 16-byte page write capability, 1,000,000 write endurance, and VFBGA-8 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The AT24C16C-XHM-B implements a true I²C slave interface with open-drain SDA/SCL pins, integrated Schmitt triggers and noise-filtered inputs, and bidirectional data transfer protocol compliant with I²C specification revisions. Its internal architecture includes an address register and counter, high-voltage generation circuit for EEPROM programming, and Power-on Reset (POR) circuit ensuring reliable initialization at VCC ≥1.5V with tPUP ≥100 µs delay before command acceptance.

Memory is partitioned into 128 pages of 16 bytes each; page writes are restricted to same-row addresses (A10–A4 identical), with automatic lower-4-bit address increment and wraparound within page boundaries. Write protection is implemented via dedicated WP pin: tied to VCC disables all writes, tied to GND enables full-array writes, and floating state defaults to GND via internal pull-down.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16C-XHM-B is supplied in an 8-ball Very Thin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (VFBGA) package with 0.4 mm pitch and 2.0 mm × 1.6 mm footprint. The exposed pad is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal and EMI performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C16C-XHM-B, AT24C16D-XHM-B extends low-voltage operation marginally but shares identical pinout and timing; M95128-DFMN6TP offers 8× more memory and faster interface but requires SPI hardware redesign and larger PCB area - making AT24C16C-XHM-B optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained I²C-based embedded systems requiring proven 1.7V–5.5V interoperability.

Availability

AT24C16C-XHM-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, medical device configuration backup, and smart meter firmware revision tracking requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant green packaging.

Supply support for AT24C16C-XHM-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions, with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing and global distribution.

The AT24C16C-XHM-B belongs to Microchip's AT24Cxx family of I²C serial EEPROMs, engineered for ultra-low-power, wide-voltage industrial and commercial applications where reliability, small footprint, and guaranteed write endurance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the AT24C16C-XHM-B?

The AT24C16C-XHM-B supports 100 kHz standard mode across 1.7–5.5V, 400 kHz fast mode across 1.7–5.5V, and 1 MHz fast mode plus (FM+) only at 2.5–5.5V. Operation above 400 kHz requires VCC ≥2.5V and strict adherence to AC timing parameters including tLOW ≥500 ns and tHIGH ≥400 ns per Table 4-3 of DS20006051A. The AT24C16C-XHM-B does not support FM+ below 2.5V.

Does the AT24C16C-XHM-B require external pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines?

Yes, the AT24C16C-XHM-B requires external pull-up resistors on both SDA and SCL lines because its I²C interface uses open-drain outputs. Recommended values are ≤10 kΩ for 100 kHz, ≤4 kΩ for 400 kHz, and ≤1.3 kΩ for 1 MHz FM+ operation, with total bus capacitance limited to 100 pF. The AT24C16C-XHM-B itself does not integrate pull-up resistors.

How does the Write-Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C16C-XHM-B?

The WP pin on the AT24C16C-XHM-B is an active-high hardware lock: when driven to VCC (≥0.7×VCC), it disables all write operations to the entire memory array; when tied to GND, normal writes are permitted. If left floating, the AT24C16C-XHM-B internally pulls WP down to GND, but Microchip recommends hard-wiring WP to a defined state to prevent noise-induced protection failure.

What is the write cycle time for the AT24C16C-XHM-B, and does it vary with voltage or temperature?

The AT24C16C-XHM-B has a maximum self-timed write cycle time of 5 ms, specified across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and VCC range (1.7–5.5V). This value is constant and does not scale with supply voltage or ambient temperature - all writes complete within this bound regardless of operating conditions, enabling deterministic firmware timeout handling.

Is the AT24C16C-XHM-B compatible with standard I²C protocol implementations in common microcontrollers?

Yes, the AT24C16C-XHM-B is fully compliant with standard I²C protocol specifications, supporting START/STOP conditions, 7-bit addressing with R/W bit, ACK/NACK handshaking, and repeated START. It operates correctly with STM32, PIC, AVR, and ARM Cortex-M series MCUs using their native I²C peripherals - confirmed by Microchip's interoperability testing and documented in Application Note AN229.