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Microchip Technology 25AA256T-I/MF
- Part No.:
- 25AA256T-I/MF
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
25AA256T-I/MF.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT SPI 10MHZ 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,017
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Product details
Overview
25AA256T-I/MF from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 256 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 32,768 × 8-bit organization, 64-byte page size, and 1.8–5.5 V supply range. It supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers 1 million erase/write cycles with >200-year data retention - deployed in industrial control modules for firmware parameter storage.
For engineers reviewing the 25AA256T-I/MF datasheet, 25AA256T-I/MF pinout, 25AA256T-I/MF application, or 25AA256T-I/MF equivalent, key selection criteria include its extended temperature support (−40°C to +125°C), low standby current (1 µA), self-timed 5 ms write cycle, and compatibility with standard SPI interfaces on PIC® and other microcontrollers.
Technical Context
The 25AA256T-I/MF implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/1,1 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD for full protocol control. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate TWC (5 ms max); read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address rollover at 7FFFh. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 32,768 × 8-bit (256 Kbit) nonvolatile EEPROM array |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 supported) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V; enables fast configuration loading in real-time systems |
| Page Size | 64 bytes - constrains burst writes to single-page boundaries to avoid wraparound corruption |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms max self-timed internal write - eliminates need for external timing control |
| Endurance & Retention | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; >200 years data retention at 25°C - suitable for long-life industrial deployments |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - interoperable with both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller I/O domains |
Pinout & Package
25AA256T-I/MF is housed in an 8-lead DFN package (MF suffix), measuring 2 mm × 3 mm × 0.75 mm, with wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection. Pin 1 is marked via top-side laser etch; package is RoHS-compliant and AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive-grade reliability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: selects device for SPI communication; rising edge triggers internal write cycle |
| SO | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output: drives data on falling edge of SCK; high-impedance when CS high or HOLD active |
| WP | Write-Protect Pin | Hardware lock: disables STATUS register writes when WP = low and WPEN = 1 in STATUS register |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all digital and analog circuitry; must be low-impedance connection |
| SI | Serial Data Input | Latches instructions, addresses, and data on rising edge of SCK; MSB-first protocol |
| SCK | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all SPI transfers; requires stable duty cycle and monotonic edges per AC specs |
| HOLD | Hold Input | Pauses ongoing SPI sequence without reset; must be asserted while SCK = low to avoid metastability |
| VCC | Supply Voltage | Power input: supports 1.8–5.5 V operation; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 10 mm |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory - prevents accidental overwrites in field-upgradable systems |
| Power-On Write Protection | Write enable latch resets at power-up; requires explicit WREN before any write - eliminates spurious writes during brown-out |
| HOLD Functionality | Halts SPI transfer mid-sequence and maintains internal state - enables interrupt servicing without reinitializing communication |
| Low-Power Operation | 1 µA standby current at 5.5 V and 125°C - extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes and telemetry devices |
| Extended Temperature Range | Rated for −40°C to +125°C (E grade) - validated for under-hood automotive and industrial motor drive applications |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Automotive ECU Calibration Data |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing runtime-configurable I/O mapping and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter repository accessed via SPI during boot and runtime reconfiguration. Use Value: Enables field updates without firmware reflashing; 1M endurance supports daily recalibration cycles over 10+ years. |
Use Scenario: Holding engine calibration tables (fuel maps, spark timing) that persist across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-connected EEPROM providing deterministic read latency (<160 ns output valid) for real-time lookup tables. Use Value: AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability at 125°C ambient; block protection prevents corruption during CAN-based OTA updates. |
| Medical Device Safety Parameters | Smart Meter Firmware Metadata |
|
Use Scenario: Archiving device-specific safety limits (e.g., maximum infusion rate, temperature cutoffs) in Class II medical pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage with hardware WP pin and STATUS register lock. Use Value: >200-year data retention meets IEC 62304 long-term archival requirements; ESD rating >4 kV protects against handling damage. |
Use Scenario: Storing firmware version, meter ID, and tariff schedule metadata in utility smart meters with 15+ year service life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power (1 µA standby) nonvolatile memory supporting infrequent but critical write events. Use Value: 1.8 V minimum VCC allows direct interfacing with energy-harvesting PMUs; 64-byte page size optimizes partial firmware header updates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25LC256T-I/MF | Same pinout and SPI interface; wider VCC range (2.5–5.5 V) vs. 25AA256's 1.8–5.5 V; no 1.8 V support | Not suitable for 1.8 V microcontroller systems; otherwise identical memory map and protection features | Select when system VCC is guaranteed ≥2.5 V and legacy 25LC256 design reuse is prioritized |
| AT25DF256A-MHN-T | Quad SPI interface (QPI mode), 32 Mbit density, 8-pin SOIC; no HOLD or WP pins; different command set | Requires firmware driver rewrite; higher density but lacks hardware write protection and HOLD pause capability | Choose only if bandwidth >10 MHz or density >256 Kbit is mandatory; not drop-in compatible |
Compared with 25LC256T-I/MF and AT25DF256A-MHN-T, the 25AA256T-I/MF uniquely supports 1.8 V operation and retains dedicated HOLD/WP pins for deterministic real-time control - making it optimal for battery-powered and safety-critical embedded systems where voltage flexibility and hardware-level protection are non-negotiable.
Availability
25AA256T-I/MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive ECUs, medical infusion pumps, and smart meter designs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for 25AA256T-I/MF 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, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 25AA256 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI simplicity, data integrity, and extended temperature operation are essential.
FAQ
What is the operating voltage range for the 25AA256T-I/MF?
The 25AA256T-I/MF operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, enabling direct interface with both 1.8 V and 3.3 V microcontrollers without level shifting. This wide VCC range is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and DC Characteristics section of DS20001822H, where parameters are specified across the full 1.8–5.5 V span for Industrial and Extended temperature grades.
Does the 25AA256T-I/MF support hardware write protection?
Yes, the 25AA256T-I/MF supports dual-layer hardware write protection: the WP pin can disable STATUS register writes when combined with the WPEN bit, and block protection (BP0/BP1) allows selective locking of 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array. These features are fully documented in Tables 2-2 and 2-3 of DS20001822H.
What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25AA256T-I/MF?
The 25AA256T-I/MF supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These values are specified in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) of DS20001822H and apply across the full −40°C to +125°C temperature range.
How many write/erase cycles does the 25AA256T-I/MF guarantee?
The 25AA256T-I/MF guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles, as stated in Table 1-3 (AC Characteristics) and Functional Description Section 2.0 of DS20001822H. This endurance rating is validated at 25°C and 5.5 V, with characterization models available for lifetime estimation under varying conditions.
Is the 25AA256T-I/MF qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the 25AA256T-I/MF is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use and rated for the Extended temperature range (−40°C to +125°C). This qualification is explicitly noted in the Device Selection Table and Packaging Information sections of DS20001822H, confirming suitability for under-hood and chassis-mounted ECUs.
25AA256T-I/MF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 256Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 10 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-DFN-S (6x5)
25AA256T-I/MF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25AA256T-I/MF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25AA256T-I/MF 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 25AA256T-I/MF reliable?
The price and inventory of 25AA256T-I/MF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25AA256T-I/MF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25AA256T-I/MF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25AA256T-I/MF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25AA256T-I/MF?
25AA256T-I/MF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25AA256T-I/MF 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 25AA256T-I/MF?
For technical support, including 25AA256T-I/MF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25AA256T-I/MF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25AA256T-I/MF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25AA256T-I/MF 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 25AA256T-I/MF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25AA256T-I/MF?
All 25AA256T-I/MF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25AA256T-I/MF, 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 25AA256T-I/MF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25AA256T-I/MF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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