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Microchip Technology 25C160/SN
- Part No.:
- 25C160/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25C160/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 3MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:366
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Product details
Overview
25C160/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with automotive-grade temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), 3 MHz max clock frequency at 4.5–5.5 V, 5 ms max write cycle time, and hardware write protection via WP pin. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in engine control units, battery management systems, and automotive sensor modules requiring high-reliability data retention.
For engineers reviewing the 25C160/SN datasheet, 25C160/SN pinout, 25C160/SN application, or 25C160/SN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, automotive-qualified timing behavior, SOIC-8 package details, and real-world use cases aligned with AEC-Q100-adjacent reliability expectations.
Technical Context
The 25C160/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD pin for interrupt-safe pausing of serial sequences. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits, enabling configurable block write protection (none/1/2/all segments) and hardware-enforced write disable when WP is low and WPEN=1.
It uses self-timed erase/write cycles with no external timing components required, supports sequential read across address boundaries with automatic rollover, and features built-in power-on data protection - the write enable latch resets at power-up, and CS must be raised after final data bit to initiate internal write. Endurance is rated at 1 million write/erase cycles with >200 years data retention.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit organization), sufficient for firmware boot flags, calibration tables, or fault logs in compact ECUs. |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - matches 5 V automotive rail systems; not compatible with 3.3 V or 1.8 V logic domains without level shifting. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 3 MHz at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V - enables fast configuration reads in time-critical subsystems like airbag controllers. |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms maximum - deterministic latency for critical parameter updates; no software timeout tuning needed. |
| Temperature Range | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E grade) - qualified for under-hood deployment in powertrain and chassis modules. |
| Endurance & Retention | 1 million write cycles / >200 years data retention - meets long-life requirements for vehicle lifetime logging without refresh. |
| ESD Protection | ≥4000 V HBM - robust against assembly handling and in-vehicle electrostatic events. |
Pinout & Package
25C160/SN is housed in an 8-pin Plastic Small Outline (SOIC-N) package, 150 mil body width, JEDEC MS-012 compliant, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; device orientation follows standard SOIC conventions.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; forces standby mode when high; must be low before any SPI transaction; rising edge after write sequence triggers internal write cycle. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state open-drain output; data shifted out on SCK falling edge; enters high-Z when CS high or HOLD active. |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect Control | Hardware lock: disables Status register writes when WP=low & WPEN=1; no effect on memory reads or if WPEN=0. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance connection to system GND plane. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | CMOS input latching data on SCK rising edge; accepts instruction opcodes, addresses, and write data MSB-first. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all SPI transfers; master-generated clock; timing parameters defined per VCC range (e.g., 150 ns min high/low time at 5 V). |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Serial Bus Pause | Active-low suspend: halts ongoing SPI transfer without resetting state; requires SCK low before assertion; resumes on HOLD high + SCK low. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V nominal; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) required within 10 mm of pin for noise immunity during write cycles. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Page Write Capability | 16-byte page buffer enables burst writes within same 16-byte boundary - reduces SPI overhead vs. byte-by-byte programming. |
| Configurable Block Protection | BP0/BP1 bits allow selective write-lock of upper 1/4, 1/2, or full array - preserves factory calibration or safety-critical parameters. |
| HOLD Functionality | Enables host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer without re-synchronizing - eliminates protocol restart logic in real-time systems. |
| Power-On Write Disable | Write enable latch resets automatically at power-up - prevents spurious writes during supply ramp-up or brownout recovery. |
| High-Reliability EEPROM Core | 1 M endurance cycles and >200-year data retention validated per Microchip characterization - suitable for infrequent but mission-critical updates. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Camera Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing adaptive fuel trim values, misfire counters, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that persist across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration and event logging storage interfaced directly to ECU's SPI master port. Use Value: Automotive temperature rating ensures reliable operation near hot engine blocks; 5 ms write time allows DTC capture within CAN message response windows. | Use Scenario: Holding lens calibration offsets, image sensor gain tables, and firmware update staging data in front-facing camera units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable persistent memory for runtime parameter persistence between camera power cycles. Use Value: HOLD pin support lets the camera SoC pause EEPROM writes during frame capture interrupts - avoids dropped frames or exposure glitches. |
| Battery Management System (BMS) | Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Controller |
Use Scenario: Recording cell voltage history, thermal derating thresholds, and pack balancing logs over vehicle lifetime. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability data logger co-located with BMS microcontroller on 5 V rail. Use Value: 1 million write cycles accommodate daily charge/discharge logging for 10+ years; WP pin prevents accidental overwriting during firmware updates. | Use Scenario: Storing torque assist maps, motor phase alignment offsets, and fault recovery states in EPS motor control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-relevant parameter store accessed during startup and runtime recalibration routines. Use Value: −40°C to +125°C operation covers under-hood EPS housing temperatures; block protection isolates critical assist maps from user-modifiable settings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPI Serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA160-I/SN | 1.8–5.5 V supply, 1 MHz max clock, industrial temp only (−40°C to +85°C); identical pinout and instruction set. | Not qualified for under-hood automotive use; suitable for cabin electronics or industrial controls with wider VCC range needs. | Select when 5 V rail stability is uncertain or ambient temperature stays below 85°C. |
| 25LC160-I/SN | 2.5–5.5 V supply, 2 MHz max clock, industrial temp only; shares same SOIC-8 footprint and SPI protocol. | Lacks automotive temperature qualification; lower max clock limits throughput in high-speed logging scenarios. | Choose for cost-sensitive 3.3 V embedded systems where 2 MHz bandwidth suffices and extended temp is unnecessary. |
Compared with 25AA160-I/SN and 25LC160-I/SN, the 25C160/SN uniquely supports the full automotive temperature range and highest 3 MHz SPI speed at 5 V - making it the only option among these three qualified for under-hood engine bay deployment with deterministic write latency.
Availability
25C160/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, battery management systems, and electronic power steering modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for 25C160/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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality systems certified to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
The 25C160 belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding guaranteed data integrity, wide operating temperature, and simple SPI integration without external timing components.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25C160/SN?
The 25C160/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when operated within its specified VCC range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V. This timing is validated across the full automotive temperature range (−40°C to +125°C). At lower supply voltages, the device is not rated - the 25C160/SN is not functional below 4.5 V, unlike the 25AA160 or 25LC160 variants.
Does the 25C160/SN support hardware write protection?
Yes, the 25C160/SN supports hardware write protection via the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its status register. When WP is held low and WPEN=1, writes to the nonvolatile status register bits are disabled. Memory array writes remain enabled unless block protection bits (BP0/BP1) are also set. This dual-layer protection prevents accidental corruption of critical configuration data.
What package type does the 25C160/SN use?
The 25C160/SN uses an 8-pin Plastic Small Outline (SOIC-N) package with 150 mil body width, JEDEC MS-012 compliant, and 1.27 mm lead pitch. The "/SN" suffix explicitly denotes this narrow SOIC variant - distinct from the PDIP ("/P") version. Pin 1 is identified by a notch or dot adjacent to the package marking.
Can the 25C160/SN be used in 3.3 V systems?
No, the 25C160/SN is not rated for 3.3 V operation. Its absolute minimum VCC is 4.5 V, and all AC/DC specifications - including 3 MHz clock support and timing parameters - are guaranteed only between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 25LC160-I/SN (2.5–5.5 V, 2 MHz) or 25AA160-I/SN (1.8–5.5 V, 1 MHz), both offered in identical SOIC-8 packaging.
What is the write endurance and data retention specification for the 25C160/SN?
The 25C160/SN is characterized for 1 million write/erase cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at maximum operating temperature (125°C). These figures are based on Microchip's Total Endurance™ Model and apply across the full automotive temperature range. No periodic refresh is required, and endurance is not derated for temperature in published specifications.
25C160/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:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 16Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 2K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 3 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
25C160/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25C160/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25C160/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 25C160/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25C160/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25C160/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25C160/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25C160/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25C160/SN?
25C160/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25C160/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 25C160/SN?
For technical support, including 25C160/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25C160/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25C160/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25C160/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 25C160/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25C160/SN?
All 25C160/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25C160/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 25C160/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25C160/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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