Microchip Technology 25C160T-E/SN
- Part No.:
- 25C160T-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25C160T-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 3MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,573
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Product details
Overview
25C160T-E/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, 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, battery management systems, and automotive sensor calibration storage.
For engineers reviewing the 25C160T-E/SN datasheet, 25C160T-E/SN pinout, 25C160T-E/SN application, or 25C160T-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (4.5–5.5 V), endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (>200 years), and automotive qualification per E temp grade.
Technical Context
The 25C160T-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, 1/4, 1/2, or full array).
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high to latch enable state; writes are self-timed (≤5 ms) and support byte or page mode (up to 16 bytes within same 16-byte boundary). The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting internal address counters, maintaining state across host interrupt servicing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) - supports firmware parameter storage and calibration tables in automotive ECUs |
| Interface | SPI Mode 0,0 - compatible with PIC, dsPIC, and ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers without bit-banging overhead |
| Max clock frequency | 3 MHz at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V - enables fast configuration reads during boot sequences |
| Write cycle time | ≤5 ms - deterministic timing allows precise scheduling of nonvolatile updates without polling delays |
| Endurance | 1 million erase/write cycles - sufficient for lifetime logging in telematics or ADAS event recorders |
| Data retention | >200 years at +125°C - ensures calibration data integrity over full vehicle service life under hood conditions |
| Operating temperature | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E grade) - qualified for under-hood and transmission control module deployment |
Pinout & Package
25C160T-E/SN uses an 8-pin narrow SOIC (SN) package per JEDEC MS-012, 150-mil body width, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked with dot or notch orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select input | Active-low enable; forces standby mode when high, but completes ongoing write before entering low-power state |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Output | Tri-state open-drain output; data shifted out on SCK falling edge; high-impedance when CS high or HOLD active |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect control | Hardware lock for Status register nonvolatile bits when WPEN=1; no effect if WPEN=0, enabling flexible system-level protection schemes |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground reference | Return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance to minimize noise coupling into SPI signaling |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Input | CMOS input latching data/instructions on SCK rising edge; accepts MSB-first SPI command stream including READ, WRITE, RDSR |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock input | Synchronous timing reference; max 3 MHz at 4.5–5.5 V; requires monotonic rise/fall times ≤2 µs |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Transfer suspend control | Pauses active SPI sequence without resetting address pointer; must be asserted while SCK is low to avoid metastability |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V nominal; internal regulation ensures stable EEPROM operation across automotive battery transients |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Page write (16-byte) | Enables efficient bulk parameter updates without exceeding internal write cycle limits per page boundary |
| Block write protection | Configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or entire array - prevents accidental overwrite of critical calibration sectors |
| HOLD pin functionality | Allows host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer without losing SPI context or reinitializing communication |
| Power-on write disable | Write enable latch resets at power-up, eliminating risk of spurious writes during supply ramp-up or brownout recovery |
| ESD protection | >4 kV HBM - meets automotive component robustness requirements for assembly and field handling |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing adaptive fuel trim values, knock sensor learning offsets, and emission-related calibration maps that persist across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory interfaced directly to ECU's SPI peripheral; accessed during startup and runtime re-calibration. Use Value: Automotive-grade temperature rating and >200-year data retention ensure calibration integrity over 15+ year vehicle lifetime under hood thermal stress. | Use Scenario: Retaining camera lens distortion coefficients, radar object detection thresholds, and lane-marking confidence weights across power cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable parameter store synchronized with ADAS SoC boot sequence; updated only during safe diagnostic windows. Use Value: 1 M cycle endurance supports frequent recalibration during OTA updates without premature wear-out. |
| Battery Management System (BMS) | Transmission Control Module (TCM) |
Use Scenario: Logging cell voltage imbalance history, pack SOC calibration points, and thermal derating profiles for lithium-ion traction batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant EEPROM storing safety-critical BMS parameters; accessed via isolated SPI bus with CRC-checked read/write sequences. Use Value: Hardware write protection (WP pin + WPEN) prevents unauthorized modification of overvoltage/undervoltage trip thresholds during field service. | Use Scenario: Holding shift map adaptations, torque converter clutch engagement schedules, and gear ratio verification checksums. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated SPI EEPROM co-located with TCM MCU; updated during adaptive learning phases after extended driving cycles. Use Value: 3 MHz SPI interface enables rapid loading of multi-dimensional shift tables during cold-start warm-up sequences. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPI Serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA160T-I/SN | 1.8–5.5 V VCC range; 1 MHz max clock; industrial temp (−40°C to +85°C); same pinout and instruction set | Not qualified for under-hood automotive use; suitable for cabin electronics or industrial controls with wider voltage tolerance | Select when system operates below 4.5 V or requires broader supply flexibility, but does not need E-grade qualification |
| 25LC160T-I/SN | 2.5–5.5 V VCC; 2 MHz max clock; industrial temp; identical SOIC-8 footprint and SPI protocol | Lacks automotive temperature rating; lower max clock limits throughput in high-bandwidth logging scenarios | Choose for cost-sensitive industrial designs where 2.5 V minimum supply and −40°C to +85°C operation suffice |
Compared with 25C160T-E/SN, the 25AA160T-I/SN offers wider voltage range but reduced speed and temperature capability, while the 25LC160T-I/SN trades voltage margin for moderate speed increase-neither matches the E-grade automotive reliability required for powertrain applications.
Availability
25C160T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, battery management systems, and advanced driver assistance systems requiring stable component supply across extended automotive lifecycles.
Supply support for 25C160T-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 25C160T-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding high reliability, long data retention, and robust write protection under harsh environmental conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25C160T-E/SN?
The 25C160T-E/SN supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 3 MHz when operating 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) and enables high-throughput configuration reads during ECU boot sequences. Performance degrades outside this voltage window, and the device will not guarantee 3 MHz operation below 4.5 V.
Does the 25C160T-E/SN support page write operations, and what is the page size?
Yes, the 25C160T-E/SN supports page write operations with a fixed page size of 16 bytes. Writes must remain within the same page boundary (addresses ending in 0000–1111 binary); crossing page boundaries automatically wraps to the start of the current page and overwrites prior data. This constraint requires firmware to align multi-byte writes to 16-byte boundaries for reliable programming.
How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25C160T-E/SN?
The HOLD pin on the 25C160T-E/SN suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting the internal address counter or command state. To activate HOLD, the pin must be pulled low while SCK is low; otherwise, suspension waits until the next SCK high-to-low transition. During HOLD, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states, allowing the host MCU to service interrupts and resume precisely where the transfer left off upon releasing HOLD.
What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25C160T-E/SN?
The 25C160T-E/SN implements dual-layer write protection: software-controlled block protection (BP0/BP1 bits in Status register) and hardware-based WP pin control enabled by the WPEN bit. When WP is low and WPEN=1, nonvolatile Status register bits are locked; all other operations proceed normally. If WPEN=0, the WP pin is ignored, permitting full register access even with WP grounded-a feature useful for factory programming before final system integration.
Is the 25C160T-E/SN pin-compatible with other devices in the 25XX160 family?
Yes, the 25C160T-E/SN is pin-compatible with 25AA160T-I/SN and 25LC160T-I/SN in the same SOIC-8 (SN) package, sharing identical pin assignments, SPI instruction set, and memory organization. However, differences in VCC range, max clock frequency, and temperature grade mean direct substitution requires validation of voltage margins, timing budgets, and environmental qualification for the target application.
25C160T-E/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
25C160T-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25C160T-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25C160T-E/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 25C160T-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25C160T-E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25C160T-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25C160T-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25C160T-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25C160T-E/SN?
25C160T-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25C160T-E/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 25C160T-E/SN?
For technical support, including 25C160T-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25C160T-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25C160T-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25C160T-E/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 25C160T-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25C160T-E/SN?
All 25C160T-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25C160T-E/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 25C160T-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25C160T-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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