Microchip Technology 11LC160T-I/TT

Overview

11LC160T-I/TT from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2,048 × 8) serial EEPROM using the UNI/O® single I/O bus interface. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports 100 kbps bit rate (100 kHz clock equivalent), features 16-byte page-write buffering, and delivers 1 µA max standby current at industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C). It is used in space-constrained embedded systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and firmware configuration.

For engineers reviewing the 11LC160T-I/TT datasheet, 11LC160T-I/TT pinout, 11LC160T-I/TT application, or 11LC160T-I/TT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3-lead SOT-23 (TT) package, UNI/O® protocol compatibility, 16-byte page buffer size, block write protection options (none/1/4/1/2/all), and guaranteed 1,000,000 erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention.

Technical Context

The 11LC160T-I/TT implements Manchester-encoded serial communication over a single SCIO line, extracting clock and data from one bidirectional signal. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP and WEL bits, a 16-byte page latch, and Schmitt-triggered SCIO input with slope-controlled output to suppress ground bounce.

It uses a master-slave UNI/O® protocol requiring start headers, MAK/NoMAK handshaking, and re-synchronization on each MAK edge. Timing tolerances include ±0.06 UI input jitter, ±0.5% per byte frequency drift, and ±5% per command frequency deviation - all validated for reliable operation across –40°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

11LC160T-I/TT is housed in a 3-lead SOT-23 package (TT suffix), with leads arranged as SCIO (serial clock/data I/O), VSS (ground), and VCC (supply voltage). No NC pins are present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 11AA160T-I/TT, the 11LC160T-I/TT trades 1.8V operation for tighter VCC regulation and identical industrial temp performance; versus 24LC16B-I/OT, it saves two pins and reduces active power but requires UNI/O®-capable firmware - making it optimal for new ultra-compact, low-power designs.

Availability

11LC160T-I/TT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart sensor calibration, industrial PLC configuration, and medical device settings requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 11LC160T-I/TT 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 a focus on embedded control and connectivity solutions.

The 11LC160T-I/TT belongs to Microchip's 11XX UNI/O® serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for ultra-low-pin-count, low-power embedded systems where minimizing I/O usage and board area is critical.

FAQ

What is the UNI/O® interface used by the 11LC160T-I/TT, and how does it differ from I²C or SPI?

The 11LC160T-I/TT uses Microchip's patented UNI/O® interface - a single-wire, Manchester-encoded serial bus that combines clock and data on one SCIO line. Unlike I²C (2-wire) or SPI (3–4 wires), UNI/O® eliminates dedicated clock lines and address pins, reducing routing complexity and PCB footprint. It requires bit-banged GPIO control and specific handshaking (MAK/NoMAK), but enables memory access in designs with only one available I/O.

Does the 11LC160T-I/TT support write protection, and how is it configured?

Yes, the 11LC160T-I/TT supports hardware block write protection via two nonvolatile BP0 and BP1 bits in its STATUS register. These bits can be set using the WRSR (Write Status Register) command to protect 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array. Protection is active immediately after write and persists through power cycles, preventing accidental overwrites during firmware updates or field service.

What is the maximum write speed and page size for the 11LC160T-I/TT?

The 11LC160T-I/TT has a fixed page size of 16 bytes and supports up to 100 kbps serial bus speed (100 kHz equivalent). A full page write completes in ≤10 ms (TWC), while individual byte writes take ≤5 ms. The 16-byte page buffer allows burst writes without reissuing the entire command, improving efficiency - but crossing physical page boundaries causes wraparound, requiring firmware to align writes.

Can the 11LC160T-I/TT operate at 1.8V, and what is its minimum supply voltage?

No, the 11LC160T-I/TT requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V and operates over 2.5V to 5.5V. It is not rated for 1.8V operation. For 1.8V-compatible alternatives, Microchip offers the pin-compatible 11AA160T-I/TT, which shares the same 3-lead SOT-23 package and UNI/O® interface but extends down to 1.8V. Using 11LC160T-I/TT below 2.5V may result in unreliable reads, failed writes, or undefined behavior.

How does the 11LC160T-I/TT handle power-loss during a write cycle?

The 11LC160T-I/TT includes built-in power-loss protection circuitry that monitors VCC and aborts write operations if supply drops below safe threshold. Combined with the write-enable latch (WEL), this prevents partial or corrupted writes during brown-out conditions. Additionally, the STATUS register's WIP bit allows host firmware to poll completion before power-down, ensuring data integrity without external capacitors or supervisors.