Microchip Technology 11LC160-E/P

Overview

11LC160-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2,048 × 8) serial EEPROM with UNI/O® single I/O bus interface, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V across -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range, featuring 16-byte page write buffer, 1 µA max standby current, and built-in block write protection for industrial and automotive control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 11LC160-E/P datasheet, 11LC160-E/P pinout, 11LC160-E/P application, or 11LC160-E/P equivalent, this device serves as a low-pin-count, low-power nonvolatile memory solution where space-constrained designs require reliable data storage with noise-immune Manchester-encoded communication and hardware write protection.

Technical Context

The 11LC160-E/P implements a Manchester-encoded UNI/O® protocol over a single SCIO line, eliminating separate clock lines and reducing PCB routing complexity. It uses internal re-synchronization circuitry tolerant to ±0.50% per byte frequency drift and ±0.06 UI input edge jitter, enabling robust operation in electrically noisy automotive environments.

Its architecture includes a status register with WIP and WEL bits, a 16-byte page latch, Schmitt-triggered SCIO input with 0.05×VCC hysteresis, and slope-controlled output to suppress ground bounce - all supporting deterministic timing with 10–100 kHz bus frequency and 5–10 ms write cycle time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

11LC160-E/P is packaged in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), a through-hole format suitable for prototyping, legacy board assembly, and high-reliability industrial modules. Pin 1 is VSS (ground), Pin 4 is NC (no connect), Pin 5 is VCC (supply), Pin 8 is SCIO (serial clock/data I/O).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 11AA160-I/P, the 11LC160-E/P provides automotive temperature qualification and higher minimum VCC, trading 1.8V support for guaranteed operation at 125°C; compared with 25LC160-I/P, it reduces interface wiring by 75% but requires UNI/O®-capable firmware stack instead of standard SPI drivers.

Availability

11LC160-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and medical infusion systems requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 11LC160-E/P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with broad automotive and industrial qualification expertise.

The 11LCxxx family was designed specifically for space- and pin-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, low-power serial EEPROM with minimal I/O footprint - targeting automotive body electronics, industrial sensors, and medical diagnostics.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus frequency supported by the 11LC160-E/P?

The 11LC160-E/P supports a maximum serial bus frequency of 100 kHz, corresponding to a minimum bit period of 10 µs. This limit is defined by AC timing parameter FBUS in the DS22067J datasheet and applies across the full -40°C to +125°C operating range. Exceeding 100 kHz may cause synchronization failure due to insufficient margin for frequency drift and edge jitter tolerance.

Does the 11LC160-E/P require an external pull-up resistor on the SCIO pin?

Yes, the 11LC160-E/P requires an external pull-up resistor on the SCIO pin - typically 4.7 kΩ to VCC - to ensure proper logic high levels during idle and standby states. The SCIO pin is open-drain capable and relies on this resistor for signal integrity, especially during Manchester decoding and master-slave handshaking sequences like MAK/NoMAK.

How does the 11LC160-E/P handle write protection for critical memory sections?

The 11LC160-E/P implements hardware-based block write protection using two nonvolatile BP0 and BP1 bits in its status register. These bits configure protection for 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the 2,048-byte array - for example, BP0=1/BP1=0 protects the upper quarter (addresses 0x1C00–0x1FFF). Protection is enforced at the silicon level and cannot be overridden during active writes.

Can the 11LC160-E/P be used in a system powered by 3.3V logic?

Yes, the 11LC160-E/P is fully compatible with 3.3V systems: its VCC range is 2.5V to 5.5V, and all DC and AC specifications - including VIH/VIL thresholds, output drive strength, and timing - are guaranteed at 3.3V. No level translation is needed between a 3.3V microcontroller's GPIO and the SCIO pin.

What is the purpose of the STATUS register in the 11LC160-E/P?

The STATUS register in the 11LC160-E/P provides real-time visibility into device state via two read-only bits: WIP (Write-In-Progress) indicates active internal write cycles, and WEL (Write Enable Latch) confirms whether write operations are permitted. Both bits can be polled continuously using the RDSR command without interrupting ongoing operations - essential for deterministic firmware control.