The 24AA16T-I/OT: A Robust 16K I2C Serial EEPROM Solution from Microchip

In the realm of embedded systems and data storage, reliable non-volatile memory is a cornerstone for countless applications. The Microchip 24AA16T-I/OT stands out as a premier choice, offering designers a robust and highly efficient 16-kilobit (2K x 8) Serial EEPROM memory chip. This device leverages the ubiquitous I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) serial communication protocol, making it an ideal solution for storing critical data in space-constrained and power-sensitive designs.

Engineered for performance and durability, this EEPROM supports both standard (100 kHz) and fast (400 kHz) I2C modes, providing flexibility in communication speed to match various microcontroller capabilities. Its 16-byte page write buffer significantly enhances efficiency by allowing multiple bytes of data to be written in a single operation, minimizing protocol overhead and accelerating firmware execution. A key feature of the 24AA16T is its hardware write-protect pin, which safeguards the entire memory array from unintended writes, ensuring data integrity in the most demanding environments.

The chip's low-power consumption is critical for battery-operated devices, boasting a standby current of just 1 μA (max.) and an active current of 1 mA (max.). Housed in a miniature SOT-23-5 package, it offers an exceptional density-to-footprint ratio, perfect for modern portable electronics, smart sensors, and IoT nodes. Furthermore, it is endowed with exceptional endurance and data retention, capable of supporting 1 million erase/write cycles and retaining data for over 200 years.

Operating across an extensive voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V, the 24AA16T-I/OT guarantees functionality from a single-cell battery to standard USB power, providing unparalleled design flexibility. Its built-in sequential read function allows for rapid data streaming, while its noise-filtering Schmitt trigger inputs ensure signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip 24AA16T-I/OT is a quintessential component for designers seeking a compact, reliable, and high-performance non-volatile memory solution. Its combination of I2C compatibility, low-voltage operation, robust data protection, and miniature form factor makes it an indispensable part of the embedded designer's toolkit.

Keywords: I2C EEPROM, Low-Power Memory, Non-Volatile Storage, Hardware Write-Protect, SOT-23 Package.