Microchip Technology 11LC161T-I/MNY

Overview

11LC161T-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 across -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. It features 16-byte page-write buffer, Schmitt-trigger SCIO input, output slope control, and built-in write protection including power-on/off circuitry and STATUS register control. Used in embedded system configuration storage where minimal pin count and low standby current (<1 µA) are critical.

For engineers reviewing the 11LC161T-I/MNY datasheet, 11LC161T-I/MNY pinout, 11LC161T-I/MNY application, or 11LC161T-I/MNY equivalent, key selection considerations include its UNI/O® bus compatibility, 100 kbps max bit rate, 2.5–5.5V VCC range, I-temp rating, and MNY package (3-lead SOT-23), especially when replacing legacy I²C or SPI EEPROMs in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The 11LC161T-I/MNY implements Manchester-encoded UNI/O® protocol over a single bidirectional SCIO line, eliminating need for separate clock or address lines. Its internal timing recovery circuitry tolerates ±0.50% frequency drift per byte and ±0.06 UI edge jitter, enabling robust communication with microcontroller GPIOs configured as UNI/O® masters.

It integrates a 16-byte page buffer, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and hardware block protection (none/¼/½/all array). Write cycles are self-timed (max 10 ms), with endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles and >200-year data retention - verified at 25°C and 5.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

11LC161T-I/MNY is packaged in 3-lead SOT-23 (MNY), with SCIO, VSS, and VCC terminals. No NC pins - all three leads are functional and electrically defined.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 11AA161-I/MNY, the 11LC161T-I/MNY trades 1.8V support for higher noise immunity above 2.5V; compared with 24LC16B-I/SN, it reduces pin count and eliminates pull-up resistors but requires UNI/O®-capable firmware - making it optimal for new ultra-compact MCU designs prioritizing GPIO conservation.

Availability

11LC161T-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, consumer appliance configuration memory, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 11LC161T-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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 11LCxxx family was designed specifically for ultra-low-pin-count embedded systems needing reliable, low-power serial EEPROM - emphasizing single-wire simplicity, robust noise immunity, and industrial temperature operation without sacrificing endurance or retention.

FAQ

What is the UNI/O® interface used by the 11LC161T-I/MNY, and how does it differ from I²C or SPI?

The 11LC161T-I/MNY uses Microchip's patented UNI/O® interface - a single-wire, Manchester-encoded serial bus that combines clock and data on the SCIO line. Unlike I²C (2-wire with pull-ups) or SPI (4-wire), UNI/O® requires only one I/O pin plus power/ground, reducing MCU pin count and PCB complexity. It operates at up to 100 kbps and includes built-in synchronization, jitter tolerance, and re-synchronization logic - making it suitable for resource-constrained microcontrollers without dedicated hardware peripherals.

Does the 11LC161T-I/MNY support write protection, and how is it configured?

Yes, the 11LC161T-I/MNY supports hardware block write protection via two nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits in its STATUS register. These bits are set using the WRSR (Write Status Register) command and allow protection of none, 1/4, 1/2, or all of the 2,048-byte memory array. Protection is enforced at the hardware level - writes to protected blocks are ignored regardless of WEL state. This provides deterministic, glitch-immune safeguarding of critical configuration data without software overhead.

What is the maximum write speed and page size for the 11LC161T-I/MNY?

The 11LC161T-I/MNY has a 16-byte page buffer and supports page writes of up to 16 bytes per command. The maximum bit rate is 100 kbps, resulting in a typical page-write cycle time of ≤10 ms (including auto-erase and programming). Full 16-byte writes complete faster than 16 individual byte writes due to elimination of inter-byte overhead - improving efficiency in firmware update or calibration data logging scenarios.

Is the 11LC161T-I/MNY pin-compatible with other devices in the 11XX family, such as the 11LC080 or 11LC160?

Yes, the 11LC161T-I/MNY shares identical pinout and package (MNY = 3-lead SOT-23) with all other 11XX family members offered in that package, including 11LC080 and 11LC160. All use SCIO/VSS/VCC pin assignments and UNI/O® protocol. However, device addressing differs: 11LC161 uses hardwired device code '0001' (address 0xA1), whereas 11LC160 uses '0000' (0xA0) - preventing bus conflicts when multiple densities coexist on the same UNI/O® line.

What are the key electrical characteristics of the SCIO pin on the 11LC161T-I/MNY?

The SCIO pin on the 11LC161T-I/MNY features Schmitt-trigger inputs (hysteresis ≥0.05×VCC) for noise suppression, output slope control to limit ground bounce, and current-limited drive (±3 mA at 2.5V, ±4 mA at 5.5V). Input leakage is ≤±1 µA, and internal capacitance is ≤7 pF. These characteristics ensure reliable communication in electrically noisy environments and compatibility with standard CMOS GPIOs without external components.