Microchip Technology 11LC160T-I/MS

Overview

11LC160T-I/MS 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 features 16-byte page-write buffer, 100 kbps max bit rate, Schmitt-trigger SCIO input, and built-in write protection for industrial sensor calibration and embedded configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 11LC160T-I/MS datasheet, 11LC160T-I/MS pinout, 11LC160T-I/MS application, or 11LC160T-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include UNI/O® bus compatibility, 2.5–5.5V supply range, MSOP-8 package footprint, 1 µA standby current, and block write-protection granularity (none/1/4/1/2/all).

Technical Context

The 11LC160T-I/MS implements Manchester-encoded UNI/O® protocol on a single SCIO line, eliminating need for separate clock and data lines. Its internal re-synchronization circuitry tolerates ±0.50% frequency drift per byte and ±0.06 UI edge jitter, enabling robust communication in electrically noisy environments.

It uses an 8-bit instruction register and STATUS register with WIP and WEL flags, supports self-timed write cycles (max 10 ms), and enforces hardware write-enable latch control-requiring explicit WREN before WRITE, WRSR, ERAL, or SETAL commands.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

11LC160T-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (MS) package with exposed pad (not electrically connected). Pin 1 is SCIO, Pin 2 is VSS, Pin 3 is VCC, Pins 4–8 are NC (no connect). The SCIO pin serves as bidirectional serial clock/data line with integrated Schmitt trigger and slope control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 11AA160-I/MS, the 11LC160T-I/MS offers higher minimum supply voltage (2.5V vs. 1.8V) but broader automotive qualification; compared with 24LC16B-I/MS, it reduces pin count and eliminates pull-up resistors but requires UNI/O®-capable firmware.

Availability

11LC160T-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded configuration storage, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 11LC160T-I/MS 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 products, with emphasis on reliability and long-term product availability.

The 11LC160T-I/MS belongs to Microchip's UNI/O® Serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for space- and pin-constrained embedded systems needing simple, robust, single-wire nonvolatile storage.

FAQ

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

The 11LC160T-I/MS uses Microchip's patented UNI/O® bus, a single-wire, Manchester-encoded serial interface that combines clock and data on the SCIO pin. This eliminates the need for a separate clock line, reduces GPIO usage, and simplifies PCB layout versus I²C or SPI. The 11LC160T-I/MS implements full protocol compliance including start headers, MAK/NoMAK handshaking, and re-synchronization for jitter tolerance.

Does the 11LC160T-I/MS support write protection?

Yes, the 11LC160T-I/MS includes hardware-based block write protection controlled by BP0 and BP1 bits in its STATUS register. These bits can be set via the WRSR command to protect none, 1/4, 1/2, or all of the 16 Kbit memory array. Protection is nonvolatile and persists across power cycles. Additionally, built-in power-on/off data protection circuitry prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out conditions.

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

The 11LC160T-I/MS supports a maximum bit rate of 100 kbps (equivalent to 100 kHz), with typical page-write time of ≤10 ms. Its EEPROM array guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles per memory location and >200 years of data retention at 85°C. Endurance is specified per page, and wear leveling must be implemented in firmware if uniform usage across the full array is required.

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

No, the 11LC160T-I/MS is rated for 2.5V to 5.5V operation only. For 1.8V systems, Microchip offers the pin-compatible 11AA160-I/MS variant, which shares the same 16 Kbit density, MSOP-8 package, and UNI/O® interface but extends VCC down to 1.8V. Using 11LC160T-I/MS below 2.5V violates absolute maximum ratings and may result in unreliable read/write behavior or data corruption.

How does the STATUS register function in the 11LC160T-I/MS?

The STATUS register in the 11LC160T-I/MS contains four functional bits: WIP (Write-In-Progress), WEL (Write-Enable Latch), BP1, and BP0. WIP indicates active internal write cycles (read-only); WEL reflects write-enable state (set by WREN, cleared by WRDI/WRSR/POWER-ON); BP1/BP0 configure block protection. The register is readable at any time via RDSR command-even during writes-and supports continuous polling using MAK to repeat reads without issuing new commands.