Microchip Technology 23LC512-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 23LC512-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
23LC512-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC SRAM 512KBIT SPI/QUAD 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,083
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Product details
Overview
23LC512-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 512-Kbit serial SRAM with SPI/SDI/SQI interface, organized as 64K × 8 bits with 32-byte page size. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports 20 MHz clock (16 MHz at extended temp), delivers 3 mA read current at 5.5V/20 MHz, and features zero write time for real-time data buffering in microcontroller-based systems.
For engineers reviewing the 23LC512-I/SN datasheet, 23LC512-I/SN pinout, 23LC512-I/SN application, or 23LC512-I/SN equivalent, this device is selected for high-speed, low-latency serial memory expansion where unlimited endurance, fast byte/page/sequential access modes, and dual/quad I/O capability are required in space-constrained industrial and embedded designs.
Technical Context
The 23LC512-I/SN implements a true SRAM core accessed via a configurable serial bus supporting three protocols: standard SPI (SI/SO), Serial Dual Interface (SDI using SIO0/SIO1), and Serial Quad Interface (SQI using SIO0–SIO3). Its MODE register (bits 7–6) selects Byte, Page, or Sequential operation - enabling flexible burst-length control without external address latching.
It integrates dedicated HOLD functionality (active-low, synchronous with SCK) for pausing ongoing transfers mid-sequence, and supports dynamic mode switching via EDIO/EQIO/RSTIO commands. The device powers up in Standby mode (CS = high), with SO tri-stated, and requires no initialization sequence before first access.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 512 Kbit (64K × 8-bit organization), enabling compact firmware/data cache in resource-limited MCUs. |
| Interface Modes | SPI (SI/SO), SDI (SIO0/SIO1), SQI (SIO0–SIO3); SQI doubles bandwidth vs SPI, but disables HOLD. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz at Industrial temp (−40°C to +85°C); enables ≤50 ns per bit transfer in SPI mode. |
| Read Current | 3 mA at VCC = 5.5V, fCLK = 20 MHz - defines active power budget for continuous streaming reads. |
| Standby Current | 4 µA at +85°C - ensures ultra-low quiescent draw during MCU sleep cycles. |
| Data Retention Voltage | 1.0 V minimum VCC - guarantees RAM contents survive brown-out down to 1.0 V without backup capacitor. |
| Page Size | 32 bytes - aligns with common MCU DMA buffer sizes and minimizes write overhead in burst writes. |
Pinout & Package
23LC512-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead narrow SOIC (SN) with 1.27 mm pitch, 3.90 mm body width, and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; package meets JEDEC MS-012AA standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; forces Standby mode when high, tri-states SO to allow multi-device SPI bus sharing. |
| SO/SIO1 | Serial Output / SDI/SQI Data Line | Primary data-out in SPI; shares pin with SIO1 for dual/quad modes - requires mode-aware PCB routing. |
| SIO2 | SQI Data Line | Dedicated quad-mode input/output; unused and must be tied low or left floating only in SPI/SDI mode. |
| VSS | Ground Reference | System ground return; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 5 mm of VCC/VSS pins. |
| SI/SIO0 | Serial Input / SDI/SQI Data Line | Primary data-in in SPI; shares pin with SIO0 - same physical trace serves all three interface modes. |
| SCK | Serial Clock Input | Edge-triggered master clock; rising edge latches SI, falling edge updates SO - dictates timing margins. |
| HOLD/SIO3 | Transfer Hold / SQI Data Line | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer without resetting address pointer; disabled in SQI mode (pin repurposed). |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.5V–5.5V operation; supports direct connection to 3.3V or 5V MCU rails without level-shifting. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Read/Write Cycles | Enables use as volatile working memory in logging, buffering, or configuration storage without wear-out concerns. |
| Zero Write Time | Eliminates wait states after write commands - critical for deterministic real-time response in control loops. |
| Three Access Modes (Byte/Page/Sequential) | Allows optimization: single-register update (Byte), sensor array burst (Page), or full-memory dump (Sequential). |
| SDI/SQI Protocol Support | Doubles (SDI) or quadruples (SQI) effective throughput vs SPI - reduces host CPU overhead in high-bandwidth apps. |
| HOLD Function with SCK Synchronization | Permits safe interruption of multi-byte transfers during interrupt servicing without losing state or reinitializing. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Data Buffering | Medical Sensor Fusion Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing real-time analog channel samples from multiple ADCs before batch transmission to host MCU. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed serial scratchpad memory interfacing directly with PIC® MCU SPI port. Use Value: 20 MHz clock and 32-byte page writes reduce sample-to-transmit latency by >40% vs parallel SRAM with address demux. |
Use Scenario: Aggregating synchronized ECG, SpO₂, and temperature readings for local preprocessing prior to BLE upload. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power volatile buffer supporting burst reads/writes during sensor acquisition windows. Use Value: 4 µA standby current extends battery life in portable monitors; zero write time prevents sample loss during interrupts. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | IoT Edge Gateway Cache |
Use Scenario: Temporarily holding door lock status, window position, and lighting configuration during MCU reset or firmware update. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-volatile-equivalent SRAM with 1.0 V data retention voltage. Use Value: Maintains critical state across 12 V supply dips down to 1.0 V - avoids re-synchronization delays after brown-out recovery. |
Use Scenario: Caching MQTT publish payloads and OTA firmware fragments in constrained-edge gateways with intermittent connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-accessible memory co-located with ESP32 or nRF52 for low-pin-count design. Use Value: SQI mode achieves 80 MB/s effective bandwidth - cuts payload assembly time by 75% vs software-bitbanged SPI. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial SRAM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY14V104L-ZSP25XI | 4-Mbit density, 25 MHz max clock, 3.3 V only, integrated NVSRAM with lithium battery backup. | Used where non-volatility is mandatory without external backup; higher cost and larger footprint. | Select when data retention during total power loss is required - 23LC512-I/SN lacks on-chip non-volatility. |
| IS62WV51216BLL-55TLI | Parallel 512K × 16 interface, 55 ns access, 3.3 V, no serial protocol support. | Requires 16+ data lines, address bus, and control signals - incompatible with SPI-only MCU designs. | Choose only if existing PCB has parallel memory bus; 23LC512-I/SN saves ≥12 pins and simplifies layout. |
Compared with CY14V104L-ZSP25XI and IS62WV51216BLL-55TLI, the 23LC512-I/SN offers optimal balance of SPI compatibility, low pin count, zero-write-time performance, and industrial temperature support - making it ideal for new designs prioritizing integration simplicity and real-time responsiveness over non-volatility or raw speed.
Availability
23LC512-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for 23LC512-I/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 microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.
The 23LC512-I/SN belongs to Microchip's serial SRAM product line, designed specifically to replace parallel SRAMs in space- and pin-constrained embedded systems while maintaining SRAM-level performance and reliability.
FAQ
What is the operating voltage range for the 23LC512-I/SN?
The 23LC512-I/SN operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, supporting direct interface with both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller I/O domains without level shifters. This wide VCC range allows flexible system power architecture design and ensures compatibility across legacy and modern MCU platforms.
Does the 23LC512-I/SN support quad-SPI (QSPI) mode?
Yes, the 23LC512-I/SN supports Serial Quad Interface (SQI) mode using SIO0–SIO3 pins, delivering up to 4× the data rate of standard SPI. However, SQI mode disables the HOLD function, and pin 3 (SIO2) and pin 7 (HOLD/SIO3) must be actively driven per SQI protocol timing - not left floating.
How many write cycles does the 23LC512-I/SN guarantee?
The 23LC512-I/SN guarantees unlimited write cycles - a fundamental characteristic of SRAM technology. Unlike flash or EEPROM, it imposes no endurance limits on repeated writes, making it suitable for applications involving frequent data updates such as real-time buffers or configuration registers.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 23LC512-I/SN at industrial temperature?
At Industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), the 23LC512-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 20 MHz in SPI, SDI, and SQI modes. At Extended temperature (−40°C to +125°C), the maximum clock is reduced to 16 MHz to ensure timing margin compliance across process and voltage corners.
Can the 23LC512-I/SN retain data during power loss?
The 23LC512-I/SN retains data down to VCC = 1.0 V (data retention voltage), meaning it preserves memory contents during brown-out conditions until supply drops below that threshold. However, it is volatile memory and loses data completely when VCC falls below 1.0 V or is removed - no internal non-volatility or battery backup is provided.
23LC512-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Memory Format:
- SRAM
- Technology:
- SRAM
- Memory Size:
- 512Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 64K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI - Quad I/O
- Clock Frequency:
- 20 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- -
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
23LC512-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 23LC512-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 23LC512-I/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 23LC512-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 23LC512-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 23LC512-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 23LC512-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 23LC512-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 23LC512-I/SN?
23LC512-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 23LC512-I/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 23LC512-I/SN?
For technical support, including 23LC512-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 23LC512-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 23LC512-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 23LC512-I/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 23LC512-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 23LC512-I/SN?
All 23LC512-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 23LC512-I/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 23LC512-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 23LC512-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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