Microchip Technology AT24C16N-10SC-2.5

Overview

AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit (2048 × 8) two-wire serial EEPROM operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, featuring 100 kHz I²C bus compatibility, 16-byte page write capability, and hardware write protection via the WP pin. It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in embedded controllers, power management units, and sensor calibration modules.

For engineers reviewing the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 datasheet, AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 pinout, AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 application, or AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5V minimum supply, 10 ms max write cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, 100-year data retention, and JEDEC SOIC-8 package with no-connect address pins.

Technical Context

The AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 implements a standard I²C-compatible 2-wire interface with open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL inputs for noise immunity. Its internal architecture organizes memory as 128 pages of 16 bytes each, requiring an 11-bit word address for random access.

Unlike smaller family members, the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 disables A0–A2 address pins (NC), limiting bus addressing to a single device per I²C segment. Write protection is controlled solely by the WP pin state, and acknowledge polling is supported during internal write cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 uses an 8-lead JEDEC-standard SOIC package (8S1), 0.150" wide, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked with a bevelled corner or dot; all address pins (A0–A2) are no-connects.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C16N-10SC-2.5, the AT24C16D-SSHM-T offers identical electrical behavior in a smaller TSSOP package, while the M95160-WMN6TP trades I²C simplicity for higher-speed SPI access and removes hardware write protection - making it unsuitable for safety-critical overwrite prevention.

Availability

AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded power management units, and medical device configuration requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 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 AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 belongs to Microchip's legacy AT24C serial EEPROM product line, designed for cost-sensitive, low-power, and space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable parameter storage.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5?

The AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 operates down to 2.5V, as indicated by the "-2.5" suffix in its part number. This allows direct interface with 2.5V logic families and eliminates the need for level-shifting circuitry in mixed-voltage systems. The device maintains full I²C functionality and 100 kHz timing compliance across the entire 2.5V–5.5V range. Operation below 2.5V is not guaranteed and may result in data corruption or communication failure.

Does the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 support multi-device I²C bus configurations?

No, the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 does not support multi-device addressing on a shared I²C bus. Its A0, A1, and A2 pins are no-connects, and the device address is fixed. This limits one AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 per I²C segment. For multiple EEPROMs, use smaller variants like AT24C02 (with address pins) or isolate segments using I²C multiplexers. The fixed address simplifies firmware but requires careful bus topology planning.

How does the Write Protect (WP) pin function on the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5?

On the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5, the WP pin enables hardware-level write protection: when pulled high to VCC, all write operations (byte and page) are blocked, though reads remain fully functional. When grounded, normal read/write access is restored. This provides fail-safe protection against firmware bugs or power glitches that might corrupt stored data. Unlike software locks, WP remains active even during reset or brown-out conditions.

What is the maximum write cycle time for the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5?

The AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 has a maximum write cycle time of 10 ms, as specified in its ordering code ("-10"). This is the duration from the STOP condition of a write command until the device accepts the next I²C transaction. During this period, the EEPROM ignores all bus activity. Applications must implement timeout handling or use acknowledge polling to detect completion before issuing subsequent commands.

Is the AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 qualified for automotive applications?

The AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 is rated for commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and is not automotive-qualified. For automotive use, select the industrial-grade variant AT24C16N-10SI-2.5 (–40°C to +85°C) or automotive-grade equivalents such as the AT24C16C series. The "N" in AT24C16N-10SC-2.5 denotes the SOIC package but does not imply AEC-Q100 qualification - always verify the full part number's temperature grade and qualification status before deployment in vehicle systems.