Microchip Technology 23K256T-E/SN
- Part No.:
- 23K256T-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
23K256T-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC SRAM 256KBIT SPI 20MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,225
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Product details
Overview
23K256T-E/SN from Microchip Technology is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8-bit) low-power SPI serial SRAM with 32-byte page architecture, 20 MHz max clock frequency, 3 mA read current at 1 MHz, and industrial/automotive temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It serves as nonvolatile-adjacent fast-access memory in microcontroller-based data logging, real-time buffering, and configuration storage systems.
For engineers reviewing the 23K256T-E/SN datasheet, 23K256T-E/SN pinout, 23K256T-E/SN application, or 23K256T-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 3.0 V (E-temp), HOLD pin behavior under interrupt latency constraints, standby current ≤4 µA at +85°C, and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 23K256T-E/SN implements a standard SPI-compatible serial interface with separate SI (MOSI) and SO (MISO) lines, requiring only CS, SCK, SI, SO, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal 16-bit address pointer supports byte, page (32-byte), and sequential read/write modes controlled via STATUS register bits 7–6.
Operation is suspended via HOLD pin assertion while maintaining internal state-transitions on SI/SCK/SO are ignored except CS, enabling deterministic interrupt servicing without command retransmission. The device powers up in standby mode and requires CS low-to-high transition to initiate active communication.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 32,768 × 8-bit (256 Kbit); provides sufficient buffer space for multi-sensor timestamped data streams in automotive ECUs. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7–3.6 V; compatible with 3.3 V system rails and automotive 3.0 V nominal supply under load. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz at VCC = 3.0 V (I-temp); enables 2.5 MB/s peak throughput for burst data capture. |
| Read Current | 3 mA at 1 MHz, SO loaded; defines thermal budget for continuous polling in always-on telematics modules. |
| Standby Current | ≤4 µA at +85°C; ensures <1 µA average system sleep current when paired with MCU-controlled CS gating. |
| Data Retention Voltage | 1.2 V minimum; guarantees RAM data integrity during brown-out conditions down to critical supply thresholds. |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-grade); qualified for under-hood and powertrain control unit deployment. |
Pinout & Package
23K256T-E/SN is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant, footprint size 3.0 × 4.4 mm, height 1.1 mm - optimized for space-constrained automotive and industrial PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; drives SO to high-impedance when deasserted, allowing shared SPI bus with other peripherals. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | MISO line; outputs data on falling edge of SCK; tri-stated during HOLD or CS high. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all digital I/O and core logic; must be connected to low-impedance system ground plane. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | MOSI line; latches instruction/address/data on rising edge of SCK; sampled only when CS is low. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Master-generated clock; rising edge clocks input data, falling edge updates output data; timing-critical for AC specs. |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Hold Control Input | Pauses ongoing SPI transaction without reset; requires STATUS register HOLD bit = 0 and SCK low to activate. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply Voltage | Core and I/O power rail; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) required within 5 mm of pin per layout guidelines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 32-byte Page Write | Enables efficient firmware update chunking with automatic address wrap within page boundaries, reducing host CPU overhead. |
| HOLD Pin with State Preservation | Allows microcontroller to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transaction without losing address pointer or command context. |
| Three Operating Modes | Byte (default), Page, and Sequential modes selectable via STATUS register - supports flexible access patterns from single-register config to full-array streaming. |
| Automotive Temperature Grade | Qualified for –40°C to +125°C operation with guaranteed AC timing margins, meeting AEC-Q100 stress test requirements. |
| Pb-Free & Halogen-Free Packaging | TSSOP-8 meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3). |
Applications
| Automotive Telematics Data Buffer | Industrial PLC Configuration Store |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Captures GPS position, CAN bus diagnostics, and sensor events during vehicle ignition cycles for post-crash analysis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed SPI SRAM acting as volatile ring buffer between MCU and flash storage; absorbs burst writes at 20 MHz while host processes prior segments. Use Value: Eliminates write-latency stalls in real-time logging by providing deterministic 32-byte page writes and HOLD-assisted interrupt handling. | Use Scenario: Stores runtime-modified ladder logic parameters, I/O mapping tables, and calibration coefficients in modular control cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile-adjacent working memory accessed via SPI from ARM Cortex-M7 PLC controller; retains values across warm resets. Use Value: Enables zero-downtime parameter updates using sequential write mode and 125°C-rated reliability for cabinet-mounted deployments. |
| Medical Infusion Pump Memory Cache | Smart Energy Meter Event Log |
Use Scenario: Temporarily holds dosage history, alarm timestamps, and motor control sequences during battery-backed operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power SRAM interfaced to PIC24F MCU; supplies sub-millisecond access to critical therapy data during mains failure. Use Value: Achieves <4 µA standby current at +85°C, extending backup battery life while preserving RAM data down to 1.2 V supply. | Use Scenario: Records grid voltage sags, tamper events, and tariff-switch timestamps for utility billing compliance over 15-year field life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-accessed buffer between metrology ASIC and secure flash; handles concurrent reads/writes via HOLD-synchronized arbitration. Use Value: Supports automotive-grade temperature range and 20 MHz throughput to meet ANSI C12.20 Class 0.2 accuracy logging requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial SRAM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23LCV256-I/SN | Same 256 Kbit SPI SRAM but with extended voltage range (1.7–3.6 V) and lower ICC Read (2.5 mA @ 1 MHz); no HOLD pin. | Lacks HOLD functionality; unsuitable for interrupt-sensitive real-time buffering where transaction pause is required. | Select when wider supply tolerance is needed and HOLD is not used in system design. |
| FM25V20A-G | F-RAM with 256 Kbit density, 40 MHz SPI, 150 µA active current, and infinite endurance; operates at 2.0–3.6 V. | Nonvolatile write capability eliminates need for external backup power; replaces SRAM+capacitor solutions. | Choose for applications requiring instant nonvolatility and >10¹⁴ write cycles, accepting higher cost per bit. |
Compared with 23LCV256-I/SN, the 23K256T-E/SN provides essential HOLD functionality for deterministic interrupt response, while FM25V20A-G trades SRAM's simplicity for true nonvolatility and ultra-high endurance-making it optimal for infrequent-write, long-retention use cases.
Availability
23K256T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive telematics, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for 23K256T-E/SN 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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design, manufacturing, and sales operations.
The 23K256T-E/SN belongs to Microchip's 23X256 SPI Serial SRAM family, designed specifically for low-power, high-reliability embedded systems requiring fast, byte-addressable serial memory with automotive-grade qualification.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 23K256T-E/SN at automotive temperature?
The 23K256T-E/SN supports up to 20 MHz clock frequency at VCC = 3.0 V and TA = –40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-grade). This is confirmed in Table 1-2, AC Characteristics, where FCLK max = 20 MHz under "VCC = 3.0V (I-Temp)" and "VCC = 3.0V (E-Temp)" conditions. The 23K256T-E/SN maintains full timing compliance across its rated temperature range without derating.
Does the 23K256T-E/SN have a built-in HOLD function, and how is it enabled?
Yes, the 23K256T-E/SN features a dedicated HOLD pin (Pin 7) that suspends SPI communication while preserving internal address and command state. To enable HOLD, the STATUS register's HOLD bit (bit 0) must first be cleared to '0' via WRSR instruction; then pulling HOLD low while SCK is low pauses the transaction. The 23K256T-E/SN resumes automatically when HOLD is raised high with SCK low.
What package type and footprint does the 23K256T-E/SN use?
The 23K256T-E/SN uses an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with JEDEC MO-153 compliance, body dimensions 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, lead pitch 0.65 mm, and maximum height 1.1 mm. This matches the "ST" package code in the part number and is documented in DS22100F-page 14–15 and Figure 4-1.
How much current does the 23K256T-E/SN draw in standby mode at +125°C?
At +125°C and VCC = 3.6 V, the 23K256T-E/SN draws ≤10 µA standby current (ICCS), as specified in Table 1-1, Parameter D009. This value is measured with CS = VCC and all inputs tied to VCC or VSS. The 23K256T-E/SN meets automotive thermal requirements while maintaining ultra-low quiescent power.
Can the 23K256T-E/SN be used as a direct replacement for the 23K256-I/SN in existing designs?
Yes - the 23K256T-E/SN is pin-compatible and functionally identical to the 23K256-I/SN, differing only in temperature grade (E-grade: –40°C to +125°C vs. I-grade: –40°C to +85°C) and packaging (Tape & Reel "T" suffix). All electrical, timing, and functional specifications are identical; no PCB or firmware changes are required when upgrading to automotive qualification.
23K256T-E/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Memory Format:
- SRAM
- Technology:
- SRAM
- Memory Size:
- 256Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 20 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- -
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
23K256T-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 23K256T-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 23K256T-E/SN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 23K256T-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 23K256T-E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 23K256T-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 23K256T-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 23K256T-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 23K256T-E/SN?
23K256T-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 23K256T-E/SN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 23K256T-E/SN?
For technical support, including 23K256T-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 23K256T-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 23K256T-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 23K256T-E/SN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 23K256T-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 23K256T-E/SN?
All 23K256T-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 23K256T-E/SN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 23K256T-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 23K256T-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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