Microchip Technology 25C160/P

Overview

25C160/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +125°C), 3 MHz max clock frequency, 5 ms max write cycle time, and 8-pin PDIP package. It provides nonvolatile storage for configuration data, calibration parameters, and firmware patches in engine control units, body electronics, and industrial controllers requiring high-reliability memory at 4.5–5.5 V.

For engineers reviewing the 25C160/P datasheet, 25C160/P pinout, 25C160/P application, or 25C160/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive temperature rating, hardware write-protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe SPI pauses, and page-write capability with 16-byte boundaries - all critical for safety-critical and field-upgradable embedded systems.

Technical Context

The 25C160/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, CS-controlled device selection, and dedicated HOLD input to suspend ongoing transfers without resetting the sequence. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits enabling configurable block protection and hardware write lock.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE or WRSR commands, and CS must be raised after final data bit to trigger self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle. During writes, memory reads are blocked but status register remains readable for WIP polling, supporting deterministic timing in real-time applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin PDIP (300 mil) package with through-hole mounting, JEDEC MS-001 compliant, suitable for prototyping and high-vibration automotive PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160-I/P and 25LC160-I/P, the 25C160/P uniquely supports automotive temperature range and 3 MHz operation at 4.5–5.5 V, making it the only option qualified for under-hood deployment and high-speed 5 V SPI buses - essential where reliability under thermal stress and deterministic write latency are mandatory.

Availability

25C160/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body electronics modules, industrial motor drives, and medical infusion pumps requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25C160/P 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 25C160/P belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding robust nonvolatile storage with hardware write protection and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25C160/P?

The 25C160/P supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when operated within its specified VCC range of 4.5–5.5 V. This timing is validated per AC Characteristics Table on DS21231E-page 3 and enables faster configuration reads and writes compared to lower-voltage variants like the 25AA160 or 25LC160. The 25C160/P maintains this speed across its full automotive temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), ensuring consistent performance in under-hood environments.

Does the 25C160/P support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25C160/P supports hardware write protection via the WP (Write-Protect) pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its Status register. When WP is held low and WPEN = 1, writes to nonvolatile bits in the Status register are disabled - preventing accidental modification of block protection settings or WPEN itself. This feature is explicitly documented in Section 2.3 and Table 3-3 of the DS21231E datasheet and is active across the full −40°C to +125°C temperature range.

What package type does the 25C160/P use?

The 25C160/P uses an 8-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) with 300 mil body width, per JEDEC MS-001 outline. This through-hole package is confirmed in the Product Identification System section (DS21231E-page 19) and detailed in Package Drawing C04-018. It is distinct from the SOIC (SN) variant and provides mechanical robustness for prototyping, repair, and high-vibration automotive applications.

How many bytes can be written in a single page write operation for the 25C160/P?

The 25C160/P supports 16-byte page writes, as stated in the Features section (DS21231E-page 1) and functional description (Section 3.3). All bytes in a page write must reside within the same 16-byte boundary (e.g., addresses 0000h–000Fh), and exceeding the page limit causes wraparound and overwrite. This page size reduces SPI transaction count versus byte-wise writes and is fixed for the 25C160/P - not configurable.

Is the 25C160/P recommended for new designs?

No, the 25C160/P is not recommended for new designs, as explicitly noted on DS21231E-page 1: "Not recommended for new designs – Please use 25AA160A/B or 25LC160A/B." These newer variants offer improved reliability, enhanced ESD performance, and updated packaging. However, the 25C160/P remains fully supported for existing production and legacy automotive programs requiring exact form-fit-function replacement.