Microchip 24LC08BT-I/SN: A Deep Dive into its 8K I²C Serial EEPROM
The Microchip 24LC08BT-I/SN is a highly integrated 8Kbit serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) designed for a vast array of applications requiring reliable non-volatile data storage. This device, organized as 1024 x 8 bits, utilizes the ubiquitous I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol for communication, making it an ideal choice for designers seeking a simple, two-wire interface to manage configuration data, calibration constants, or other critical information in embedded systems.
A key feature of this memory chip is its low-power operation, which is critical for battery-powered and portable devices. It supports a wide voltage range from 1.7V to 5.5V, ensuring compatibility with various logic levels and enabling operation down to 1.8V for power-sensitive designs. The 24LC08BT-I/SN also includes hardware write-protection. When the WP (Write Protect) pin is tied to VCC, the entire memory array is locked, preventing inadvertent writes and safeguarding stored data from corruption.

Internally, the 8Kbit capacity is segmented into four 256-byte blocks. Each block is selectable via user-programmable hardware address pins (A1 and A2), allowing up to four of these devices to be connected on the same I²C bus, effectively expanding the available memory to 32Kbits without address conflicts. This hardware addressing flexibility simplifies system design for scalability. The device is specified for the industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), denoted by the "-I" in its part number, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.
The chip's packaging is an 8-lead SOIC (SN), which is a compact and surface-mountable form factor suitable for modern PCB assembly processes. Its page write capability allows for writing up to 16 bytes of data in a single operation, increasing the efficiency of data storage routines. With its proven reliability and endurance, supporting 1 million erase/write cycles and 200 years of data retention, the 24LC08BT-I/SN stands as a robust and trustworthy solution for data storage needs.
ICGOODFIND: The Microchip 24LC08BT-I/SN is a quintessential serial EEPROM, offering a perfect blend of low-power consumption, a simple I²C interface, hardware data protection, and flexible addressing. Its industrial temperature rating and high endurance make it a go-to component for designers across consumer electronics, industrial systems, and IoT devices.
Keywords: I²C Interface, Low-Power Operation, Hardware Write-Protection, Non-Volatile Memory, Industrial Temperature Range
