The Microchip 24LC16B-I/ST: A Deep Dive into a 16K I²C Serial EEPROM

In the realm of embedded systems and electronics design, reliable non-volatile memory is a fundamental component for storing configuration data, calibration constants, or event logs. The Microchip 24LC16B-I/ST stands as a robust and versatile solution, offering 16 kilobits (2 Kbytes) of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). This device is engineered for low-power operation and communicates via the ubiquitous I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) serial protocol, making it an ideal choice for a vast array of applications.

Housed in a space-saving TSSOP-8 package, the 24LC16B is designed for efficiency. Its internal memory is organized as eight blocks of 256 bytes each, providing a flexible structure for data management. A key feature of this chip is its sophisticated addressing capability. While the I²C bus uses a 7-bit device address, the 24LC16B utilizes the three most significant bits to allow up to eight individual devices to be connected on the same bus without address conflicts. The remaining bits in the control byte are used for block selection and, combined with the data byte address, provide access to the entire memory array.

Performance and reliability are central to its design. The chip supports sequential reads for faster data throughput and features a page write buffer of 16 bytes, allowing for more efficient writing of small data blocks. It is rated for over 1 million erase/write cycles and can retain data for over 200 years, ensuring long-term integrity of critical information. With an operating voltage range of 1.7V to 5.5V, it is perfectly suited for both 5V and modern low-voltage 3.3V systems, further emphasizing its role as a cornerstone component for data storage tasks.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip 24LC16B-I/ST is a quintessential serial EEPROM, prized for its I²C interface simplicity, high endurance, and tiny form factor. It remains a go-to solution for designers seeking dependable, byte-alterable memory in space-constrained and power-sensitive applications.

Keywords: I²C Interface, Serial EEPROM, Non-Volatile Memory, Low-Power Operation, Data Storage.