Microchip Technology 23LC512T-I/ST

Overview

23LC512T-I/ST from Microchip Technology is a 512-Kbit SPI Serial SRAM with SDI/SQI interface, organized as 64K × 8-bit with 32-byte page size. It operates at up to 20 MHz (16 MHz for extended temperature), supports byte/page/sequential read/write modes, and delivers 3 mA read current at 5.5 V - ideal for microcontroller-based data buffering in industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 23LC512T-I/ST datasheet, 23LC512T-I/ST pinout, 23LC512T-I/ST application, or 23LC512T-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual/quad I/O capability, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, TSSOP-8 package, and zero write time with unlimited endurance - critical for real-time logging and firmware overlay applications.

Technical Context

The 23LC512T-I/ST implements a serial SRAM architecture with three configurable operation modes (Byte, Page, Sequential) controlled via a writable MODE register. Its SPI-compatible bus supports standard single-I/O, dual-I/O (SDI), and quad-I/O (SQI) protocols - with SQI mode disabling HOLD functionality.

It features separate SI/SO lines for full-duplex SPI mode, shared SIO0–SIO3 pins for SDI/SQI, and hardware HOLD for transaction suspension. Power management includes 4 µA standby current at +85°C and RAM data retention down to 1.0 V, enabling low-power wake-up and brown-out resilience.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

23LC512T-I/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (ST) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, and exposed pad optional per Microchip drawing C04-057-ST. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; leads are matte tin-plated and RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with CY14V104L-ZSP25XI and IS66WV51216EBLL-100B1LI, the 23LC512T-I/ST offers optimal balance of SPI simplicity, industrial temperature support, and low-power operation - making it preferred for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing frequent, reliable short-burst data writes.

Availability

23LC512T-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 23LC512T-I/ST 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 23LC512T-I/ST belongs to Microchip's serial SRAM product line, designed specifically for embedded systems requiring fast, reliable, low-power serial memory expansion with minimal MCU resource usage.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 23LC512T-I/ST in industrial temperature range?

The 23LC512T-I/ST supports a maximum clock frequency of 20 MHz when operating within its industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. This specification is confirmed in the AC Characteristics table (Param. No. 1, FCLK) of the official Microchip datasheet DS20005155C. At extended temperature (-40°C to +125°C), the maximum clock rate reduces to 16 MHz. The 23LC512T-I/ST maintains full functionality and timing compliance at 20 MHz under industrial conditions.

Does the 23LC512T-I/ST support Quad SPI (QSPI) mode, and what happens to the HOLD function in that mode?

Yes, the 23LC512T-I/ST supports Serial Quad Interface (SQI) mode using the EQIO command. In SQI mode, the HOLD/SIO3 pin is repurposed as SIO3 and the HOLD functionality is disabled - this is explicitly stated in Section 3.5 and Section 4.2 of the datasheet. Users must manage transaction suspension via software or host-side flow control when operating in SQI mode, as hardware hold is unavailable.

What is the memory organization and page size of the 23LC512T-I/ST?

The 23LC512T-I/ST is organized as 64K × 8-bit (512 Kbit total) with a fixed page size of 32 bytes. This structure is defined in the "Features" section and confirmed in Section 2.2 (Modes of Operation), which states the device contains "2048 pages of 32 bytes." Page-mode writes allow up to 32 consecutive bytes to be written in a single CS assertion, improving efficiency over byte-mode operations.

Can the 23LC512T-I/ST retain data during power loss, and what is the minimum VCC for data retention?

Yes, the 23LC512T-I/ST retains RAM data down to a minimum VCC of 1.0 V, as specified in Table 1-1 (Param. No. D011, VDR) of the datasheet. This retention voltage is independent of temperature and applies across the full industrial range. However, the device does not include nonvolatile backup - data is lost if VCC falls below 1.0 V or is removed entirely. External capacitors or backup supplies must maintain VCC ≥1.0 V during brown-out events.

Is the 23LC512T-I/ST pin-compatible with other members of the 23x512 family, such as the 23A512?

No, the 23LC512T-I/ST is not pin-compatible with the 23A512 due to differing supply voltage ranges and functional pin behavior. While both share the same 8-lead TSSOP package and pinout mapping, the 23A512 operates from 1.7–2.2 V and lacks guaranteed compatibility with 2.5–5.5 V logic levels. Interchanging them risks overvoltage damage or unreliable communication - the 23LC512T-I/ST must be used where 2.5–5.5 V operation is required.