Microchip 24LC04BH-I/SN: A Deep Dive into the 4-Kbit I2C Serial EEPROM

In the realm of embedded systems and electronics, reliable non-volatile memory is a cornerstone for data storage and configuration. The Microchip 24LC04BH-I/SN stands as a prominent solution in this space, offering designers a robust and versatile memory IC. This serial EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) provides 4 kilobits (512 bytes) of storage, communicating via the ubiquitous I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol.

A key feature of this device is its two-wire serial interface, which drastically reduces the number of I/O pins required for communication compared to parallel alternatives. This makes it exceptionally suitable for space-constrained PCB designs and applications where microcontroller pins are a precious resource. The 24LC04BH is organized as two blocks of 256 bytes each, featuring internally organized with a 16-byte page write buffer. This allows for more efficient writing of small data packets, enhancing overall system performance.

The part number suffix -I/SN denotes specific critical characteristics: it operates over the industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and is delivered in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, a common and easily manufacturable form factor. The chip supports a wide voltage range (1.7V to 5.5V), ensuring compatibility with various logic levels, from modern low-power microcontrollers to legacy 5V systems.

Device addressing is handled with a clever scheme. The 24LC04BH incorporates a hardwired address pin (A2) and uses two additional address bits configured by the user via the memory block select. This allows for up to eight 24LC04 devices to be connected on the same I2C bus, effectively expanding the available memory to 32 Kbits without bus contention. Furthermore, it boasts high reliability with an endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles and data retention exceeding 200 years.

Typical applications are vast and include storing calibration data, system configuration parameters, security keys, and small data logs in products ranging from consumer electronics and medical devices to industrial automation and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. Its low power consumption is ideal for battery-powered applications.

ICGOOODFIND: The Microchip 24LC04BH-I/SN is a quintessential serial EEPROM, prized for its simplicity, reliability, and I2C bus compatibility. It remains a go-to component for designers needing a small, dependable, and easy-to-implement non-volatile memory solution.

Keywords: I2C Interface, Non-Volatile Memory, Serial EEPROM, Page Write Buffer, Industrial Temperature Range.