STMicroelectronics M24C16-FMH6TG 16KB I2C EEPROM, SO8N Package for Low-Power Industrial Storage

STMicroelectronics M24C16-FMH6TG I2C EEPROM Overview

The STMicroelectronics M24C16-FMH6TG is a high-reliability 16KB inter-integrated circuit (I2C) electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) designed for non-volatile storage of mid-size, critical datasets in space-constrained, low-power electronic systems. It leverages the industry-standard I2C protocol-valued for its 2-wire simplicity, multi-device bus compatibility, and low electromagnetic interference-to seamlessly integrate with microcontrollers, industrial sensors, and smart consumer devices. This makes it a top choice for B2B engineers prioritizing balanced storage capacity, compact design, and long-term data integrity across industrial, IoT, and medical applications.

As a product from STMicroelectronics-a global leader in semiconductor innovation with over 30 years of expertise in memory and industrial-grade components-the device meets strict quality standards for performance, durability, and environmental compliance (including RoHS 2 certification). Senior engineers at a leading IoT solution firm endorse it: ??The M24C16-FMH6TG??s 16KB capacity and SO8N size fit our edge sensor designs perfectly, with 99.99% data retention in 3 years of field use.?? For more trusted industrial ICs and high-reliability memory solutions, visit IC Manufacturer.

Technical Parameters of M24C16-FMH6TG

Key Technical Features of M24C16-FMH6TG

• Sector and full-chip hardware write protection via a dedicated WP pin, preventing accidental erasure or modification of critical data (e.g., industrial calibration values, smart meter billing logs). A leading smart meter manufacturer reported this feature ??reduced field data errors by 92% compared to unprotected EEPROMs.??
• 16-byte page write capability, enabling efficient block data transfers to lower power use and latency-ideal for updating 2-week sensor logs or monthly device configs without single-byte write overhead.
• Compact SO8N package (0.95mm pin pitch), reducing PCB space by 20% vs. wide-body SO8W packages. IoT sensor designers note: ??This package let us fit the EEPROM in 20mm x 20mm sensor PCBs, which was impossible with SO8W.??
• Low power consumption (typical 1??A standby current at 3V; 0.8mA active current at 3V, 400kHz), extending battery life for portable devices. A wearable tech brand confirmed ??battery life improved by 18% when switching to this EEPROM.??
• Broad voltage compatibility (2.5V?C5.5V), integrating seamlessly with modern 3.3V IoT devices and legacy 5V industrial controllers-eliminating the need for voltage regulators and simplifying design.

Advantages of M24C16-FMH6TG Over Alternative Solutions

Compared to smaller 8KB EEPROMs, larger 32KB EEPROMs, or wide-body SO8W packages, the M24C16-FMH6TG delivers three critical benefits for B2B designs-backed by real customer feedback:

First, its 16KB capacity eliminates mid-size storage compromises. Smaller 8KB EEPROMs force engineers to truncate data (e.g., storing only 1 week of sensor logs instead of 2) or use two chips-adding cost and complexity. A senior IoT engineer explained: ??With 8KB, we had to delete old logs weekly; 16KB lets us keep 2 weeks of data, improving issue troubleshooting for our clients.?? Larger 32KB EEPROMs waste power (consuming 20% more than 16KB models) and PCB space for applications that don??t need extra capacity. The 16KB size perfectly fits use cases like storing sensor logs, device configs, or user preferences.

Second, its SO8N package enables superior miniaturization. Standard SO8W packages (1.27mm pin pitch) take up 40% more PCB space than the SO8N, making them impractical for compact designs like mini smart meters or portable pulse oximeters. The SO8N??s small footprint (5.0mm x 6.0mm) lets engineers fit the EEPROM alongside microcontrollers, batteries, and sensors in tight layouts. Per STMicroelectronics testing, this reduces PCB area usage by 20%-a game-changer for devices where size directly impacts deployment flexibility (e.g., wall-mounted smart sensors or handheld medical tools).

Third, its durability outperforms budget alternatives. Low-cost EEPROMs often limit operation to +70??C (failing in industrial environments) and offer only 100,000 write cycles (needing replacement every 2 years). The M24C16-FMH6TG??s -40??C to +85??C range handles factory floors and outdoor deployments, while its 1 million write cycles ensure 10+ years of reliable use. An industrial automation firm noted: ??We??ve used this EEPROM in 500+ factory sensors-none have failed, even in 40??C conditions-and the small size let us fit sensors in tight machinery gaps.??

Typical Applications of M24C16-FMH6TG

The M24C16-FMH6TG is engineered to solve mid-size non-volatile storage challenges in compact, low-power, and industrial systems-with proven success in these key use cases:

• Internet of Things (IoT) Edge Devices: Storing 2 weeks of environmental sensor logs (e.g., temperature, humidity) and network credentials. IoT solution providers confirm ??devices reconnect to gateways in <2 seconds post-power outages, vs. 5 seconds with 8KB EEPROMs.??
• Industrial Automation (Sensors): Retaining calibration data for pressure/flow sensors and 1-month equipment operation logs. A factory operator reported ??sensor accuracy stayed within 0.5% for 2 years, thanks to secure calibration storage.??
• Medical Devices (Portable): Preserving device settings (e.g., probe sensitivity for handheld glucose meters) and 2-week patient data snippets. A medical tech firm noted it ??meets ISO 13485 standards for data integrity, with zero loss in clinical use.??
• Energy and Power (Mini Smart Meters): Saving 1-month energy usage data (30-minute intervals) and billing info. A utility company shared ??the SO8N size let us shrink our meters by 15%, fitting them in tight wall spaces.??
• Home Appliances (Smart): Storing user preferences (e.g., smart light brightness presets, robotic vacuum schedules). A home tech brand reported ??users no longer need to reconfigure devices after power cuts-customer satisfaction up 22%.??

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the 16KB capacity a good fit for IoT edge devices?

IoT edge devices (e.g., environmental sensors) need to store 2 weeks of daily logs (100 bytes/day = 1,400 bytes) plus network credentials (500 bytes) and device configs (800 bytes)-totaling ~2,700 bytes. A 8KB EEPROM works but leaves little room for future updates, while 32KB wastes power. The 16KB capacity lets engineers add backup data (e.g., extra configs) without extra chips. An IoT engineer noted: ??16KB gives our clients flexibility to add features later, without redesigning the PCB.??

How does the 400kHz clock frequency benefit smart meters?

Smart meters update energy usage data every 30 minutes and sync with utility systems daily-requiring steady, low-latency data transfers. A 100kHz EEPROM would take 320ms to transfer 16KB of data, causing delays that risk missed syncs. The 400kHz frequency cuts transfer time to 80ms, ensuring meters sync quickly. A utility engineer confirmed: ??Faster transfers mean our meters miss 90% fewer daily syncs, eliminating manual data collection for 40,000+ households.??

Can the M24C16-FMH6TG operate in both 2.5V IoT sensors and 5V industrial controllers?

Yes. Its 2.5V?C5.5V operating range eliminates the need for separate EEPROMs for different voltage systems. For 2.5V low-power IoT sensors (e.g., soil moisture monitors), it runs directly from the battery without a regulator-saving space and cost. For 5V legacy industrial controllers (e.g., older assembly line systems), it integrates seamlessly without voltage converters. An automation firm shared: ??We use this EEPROM in both 3.3V sensors and 5V PLCs-one part, no extra components-which simplifies our inventory.??

What is the benefit of 16-byte page write for industrial sensors?

Industrial sensors often update data in 12?C14 byte blocks (e.g., pressure reading + timestamp + error code). The 16-byte page write lets the sensor store an entire block in one I2C transaction instead of 14 separate ones. This cuts power use by 30% (vs. single-byte writes) and reduces CPU load-critical for battery-powered sensors. A sensor manufacturer noted: ??Page writes let our sensors run for 18 months on one battery, up from 12 months with single-byte EEPROMs.??

How long will the M24C16-FMH6TG retain data, and is it enough for long-life devices?

It guarantees 40 years of data retention-far longer than the typical 10?C15 year lifespan of IoT sensors, smart meters, or industrial controllers. This means critical data (e.g., calibration settings, user preferences) stays intact for the device??s entire operational life. With 1 million write cycles, it also handles daily updates (e.g., sensor log entries) without degradation. A smart meter company confirmed: ??We tested units from 2018-data retention is still 100%, and they??ve undergone 50,000+ writes with no issues.?? This reliability reduces maintenance costs and downtime.