Microchip Technology 11LC160T-I/MNY

Overview

11LC160T-I/MNY 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 over -40°C to +85°C. It delivers 1 mA typical active current, 1 µA max standby current, 100 kbps bit rate, and supports page-write buffering for up to 16 bytes per cycle in an 8-lead MSOP package.

For engineers reviewing the 11LC160T-I/MNY datasheet, 11LC160T-I/MNY pinout, 11LC160T-I/MNY application, or 11LC160T-I/MNY equivalent, this device is selected for low-pin-count embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with noise-immune Manchester-encoded communication, minimal power budget, and block-level write protection in space-constrained industrial control modules.

Technical Context

The 11LC160T-I/MNY implements a Manchester-encoded UNI/O® protocol on a single SCIO line, extracting clock and data from one bidirectional signal using internal re-synchronization circuitry tolerant to ±0.50% frequency drift per byte and ±0.06 UI input edge jitter. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.

It features Schmitt-trigger SCIO inputs for noise suppression, slope-controlled output to eliminate ground bounce, and built-in power-on/off write protection. The device uses a 3-wire-equivalent protocol (SCIO/VCC/VSS) with no external clock or chip-select lines - all timing and addressing are master-driven via start headers, device address (0xA0), and command sequences.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

11LC160T-I/MNY is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (MS) package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm), pin-compatible with SOIC and TDFN variants. Pin 1 is VSS (ground), Pin 5 is VCC (supply), Pin 8 is SCIO (bidirectional serial clock/data), and Pins 2–4, 6–7 are NC (no connect).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 11AA160-I/MNY, 11LC160T-I/MNY offers higher minimum VCC (2.5V) but eliminates 1.8V design constraints; versus 24LC16B-I/MS, it reduces pin count and eliminates clock-line routing but requires UNI/O®-capable firmware - making it optimal for ultra-low-pin-count, noise-sensitive industrial nodes.

Availability

11LC160T-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, smart meter parameter storage, and embedded system firmware update staging requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 11LC160T-I/MNY 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The 11LCxxx family was designed specifically for ultra-low-pin-count embedded systems needing reliable, low-power serial EEPROM with noise-immune single-wire communication - targeting cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where I²C or SPI overhead is prohibitive.

FAQ

What is the UNI/O® interface used by the 11LC160T-I/MNY?

The 11LC160T-I/MNY uses Microchip's patented UNI/O® bus - a single-wire, Manchester-encoded serial interface that combines clock and data onto the SCIO pin. It requires no external clock or chip-select signals, enabling communication with just three connections: VCC, VSS, and SCIO. This simplifies PCB layout and reduces MCU pin usage compared to I²C or SPI. The 11LC160T-I/MNY implements full protocol compliance including start headers, device addressing (0xA0), and ACK/NACK handshaking.

Does the 11LC160T-I/MNY support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 11LC160T-I/MNY includes hardware-based block write protection controlled by BP0 and BP1 bits in its STATUS register. These nonvolatile bits allow locking 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the 16 Kbit memory array against accidental writes. Protection is enforced independently of software control - even if the write-enable latch is set, protected blocks remain immutable. This feature is critical for safeguarding calibration data or firmware parameters in field-deployed equipment.

What is the maximum write speed and endurance of the 11LC160T-I/MNY?

The 11LC160T-I/MNY supports a maximum bit rate of 100 kbps (equivalent to 100 kHz), with typical page-write cycle time of 5 ms. Its endurance is rated at 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per memory location, verified at 25°C and VCC = 5.5V. This endurance level ensures reliable operation over decades in applications such as programmable logic controllers or industrial HMIs where periodic parameter updates occur throughout product life.

Can the 11LC160T-I/MNY operate at 1.8V?

No, the 11LC160T-I/MNY is specified for 2.5V to 5.5V operation only. For 1.8V compatibility, Microchip offers the pin- and function-compatible 11AA160-I/MNY variant, which shares identical density, packaging, UNI/O® interface, and temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) but extends VCC down to 1.8V. Using 11LC160T-I/MNY below 2.5V may result in unreliable communication or failed write operations.

How does the 11LC160T-I/MNY handle power-loss during write operations?

The 11LC160T-I/MNY incorporates built-in power-on/off write protection circuitry that inhibits writes during brown-out conditions. If VCC drops below the functional threshold during a write cycle, the internal state machine aborts the operation and preserves existing data integrity. Additionally, the write-enable latch resets automatically on power-up, preventing unintended writes after reset. These features ensure data consistency without requiring external power-fail detection circuitry in the host system.