Microchip Technology 25C160-E/SN

Overview

25C160-E/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with automotive-grade extended temperature operation (−40°C to +125°C), 3 MHz max clock frequency at 4.5–5.5 V, and 8-pin SOIC package. It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe serial pauses, and 16-byte page write capability. Used in engine control units for calibration storage and fault log retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25C160-E/SN datasheet, 25C160-E/SN pinout, 25C160-E/SN application, or 25C160-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its −40°C to +125°C automotive qualification, 5 ms max internal write cycle time, 1 M endurance cycles, and explicit SOIC-8 (SN) packaging with verified pin mapping per DS21231E.

Technical Context

The 25C160-E/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and optional HOLD/WP control. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits enabling configurable block protection (none/1/2/all segments) and hardware write-enable gating.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed erase-and-write cycles. During active writes, the WIP bit remains asserted; memory reads are blocked until completion, while status register reads remain accessible for polling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25C160-E/SN is housed in an 8-pin narrow SOIC package (JEDEC MS-012, 150 mil width), with lead finish matte tin and RoHS-compliant construction. Pin spacing is 1.27 mm pitch; body dimensions are 4.90 mm × 3.91 mm × 1.55 mm (L × W × H).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160T-I/SN, the 25C160-E/SN delivers higher speed and automotive qualification at the cost of voltage flexibility; versus AT25DF021-SSH-T, it offers deterministic HOLD behavior and simpler SPI protocol but lower density and bandwidth - critical for safety-critical real-time logging where predictability outweighs raw speed.

Availability

25C160-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control, ADAS calibration storage, and industrial motor drive parameter retention requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25C160-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, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.

The 25C160-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding extended temperature operation, deterministic write timing, and hardware-level data protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25C160-E/SN?

The 25C160-E/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when operated at VCC = 4.5 V to 5.5 V, as specified in the AC Characteristics table of DS21231E. This rating applies exclusively within the automotive temperature range (−40°C to +125°C). Operation above 3 MHz may result in timing violations, data corruption, or failed write cycles.

Does the 25C160-E/SN support 3.3 V operation?

No, the 25C160-E/SN does not support 3.3 V operation. Its absolute VCC specification is strictly 4.5 V to 5.5 V, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and DC Characteristics section of DS21231E. Attempting to power the 25C160-E/SN at 3.3 V will result in undefined behavior, including failure to execute instructions or complete write cycles.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25C160-E/SN?

The HOLD pin on the 25C160-E/SN suspends serial communication mid-transaction when pulled low while SCK is low. During HOLD, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states and ignore input transitions except CS. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This behavior is explicitly defined in Section 2.6 and Figure 1-1 of DS21231E.

What is the purpose of the WP pin on the 25C160-E/SN, and how is it enabled?

The WP pin on the 25C160-E/SN provides hardware-level write protection for the Status register when the WPEN bit is set to 1. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to nonvolatile Status register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked. The WP pin has no effect on memory array writes and is disabled entirely when WPEN = 0, as detailed in Section 2.3 and Table 3-3 of DS21231E.

Is the 25C160-E/SN pin-compatible with other devices in the 25XX160 family?

Yes, the 25C160-E/SN shares identical pinout and package dimensions with 25AA160 and 25LC160 variants in SOIC-8 (SN) and PDIP-8 packages, as confirmed in Table 2-1 and Package Outline Drawings (DS21231E pages 13–14). However, electrical specifications - especially VCC range, max clock, and temperature grade - differ significantly between variants and must be verified per application.