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

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,476
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Product details
Overview
25C160T/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 4.5–5.5 V supply. It features 16-byte page write, hardware write protection via WP pin, and HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe serial communication - used in engine control units, battery management systems, and automotive sensor calibration storage.
For engineers reviewing the 25C160T/SN datasheet, 25C160T/SN pinout, 25C160T/SN application, or 25C160T/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its extended-temperature SOIC-8 packaging, 5 ms max internal write cycle time, block-level write protection (0/¼/½/all array), and compatibility with standard SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 interfaces.
Technical Context
The 25C160T/SN implements a standard SPI-compatible serial interface with separate SI (data in), SO (data out), SCK (clock), CS (chip select), HOLD (suspend), and WP (write-protect) signals. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, X/Y decoders, and high-voltage generation circuitry for EEPROM programming.
It supports sequential read, byte/page write, status register access (RDSR/WRSR), and write-enable latch control (WREN/WRDI). The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles and provides hardware-based data protection during power transitions via built-in power-on/off circuitry and write-enable latch reset behavior.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit organization), sufficient for firmware patch storage or configuration tables in automotive ECUs |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1), enabling direct connection to MCU SPI peripherals without bit-banging |
| Max Clock Frequency | 3 MHz at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, allowing ~384 KB/s theoretical throughput for page reads |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms maximum internal write time per page, deterministic timing for system-level timeout handling |
| Endurance & Retention | 1 million write/erase cycles and >200 years data retention, validated for long-life automotive deployments |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +125°C (Automotive E grade), qualified for under-hood and transmission control module environments |
| VCC Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V, compatible with 5 V automotive power rails and tolerant of nominal 5.0 V ±10% variation |
Pinout & Package
25C160T/SN is supplied in an 8-pin narrow SOIC package (SN), 150 mil body width, JEDEC MS-012 compliant, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; places device in Standby when high, forces SO to high-impedance to support multi-drop SPI buses |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output; data shifted out on falling edge of SCK, high-Z when CS high or HOLD active |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect Input | Hardware lock for Status register nonvolatile bits when WPEN = 1; enables field-programmable block protection |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance for noise immunity in automotive harnesses |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Accepts instructions, addresses, and data on rising edge of SCK; supports standard SPI command set (READ/WRITE/RDSR/etc.) |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all data transfers; timing-critical for setup/hold compliance across temperature and voltage ranges |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Communication Suspend | Pauses ongoing SPI sequence without resetting state; allows host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply Voltage | 4.5–5.5 V power input; internal regulation ensures stable EEPROM programming voltage independent of rail fluctuations |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Page Write Capability | 16-byte page buffer enables burst writes within same page boundary, reducing total write cycles vs. byte-by-byte programming |
| Block Write Protection | Selectable protection of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array via BP1/BP0 bits, preventing accidental overwrites in critical zones |
| HOLD Functionality | Real-time suspension of SPI communication without losing internal address pointer or command state, essential for deterministic interrupt response |
| Power-On Data Protection | Automatic write-enable latch reset and standby mode entry at power-up prevents spurious writes during supply ramp-up |
| ESD Robustness | 4 kV HBM ESD rating on all pins, meeting automotive component requirements for assembly and field reliability |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Calibration Storage | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Sensor Configuration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing trim values, fuel map coefficients, and adaptive learning parameters that persist across ignition cycles in gasoline/diesel ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration storage accessed via SPI during boot and runtime re-calibration; supports fast read and infrequent page writes. Use Value: Enables field-updatable calibration without requiring external microcontroller flash resources or complex wear-leveling firmware. | Use Scenario: Holding camera lens alignment offsets, radar beamforming coefficients, and thermal compensation tables in front-facing ADAS modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-connected parameter store with HOLD support to pause reads during CAN message processing interrupts. Use Value: Guarantees atomic access to sensor metadata during real-time vehicle dynamics computation without bus contention. |
| Electric Vehicle Battery Management System (BMS) | Automotive Infotainment System Settings |
Use Scenario: Recording cell balancing history, fault logs, and SOC calibration data across charge/discharge cycles in high-voltage BMS controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Automotive-grade EEPROM interfaced to BMS MCU via isolated SPI; leverages WP pin for factory-locking safety-critical parameters. Use Value: Provides certified data integrity over 15+ year vehicle lifetime with >200-year retention and 1M-cycle endurance. | Use Scenario: Saving user preferences (audio EQ, display brightness, navigation favorites) that survive vehicle power-down in head unit modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power SPI EEPROM accessed during boot and UI interaction; uses standby current <1 µA to minimize parasitic drain. Use Value: Eliminates need for backup capacitors or supercapacitors while maintaining instant recall of personalized settings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPI EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25C160-E/SN | Same silicon, identical electrical specs and pinout; differs only in packaging format (tube vs. tape-and-reel) | No functional difference; 25C160T/SN is optimized for automated SMT placement, while 25C160-E/SN suits manual or low-volume prototyping | Select 25C160T/SN for production PCB assembly; choose 25C160-E/SN for evaluation or small-batch builds |
| 25AA160T-I/SN | 1.8–5.5 V VCC range, 1 MHz max clock, industrial temp (–40°C to +85°C); lower voltage flexibility but reduced speed and temperature grade | Suitable for non-automotive industrial controls or consumer devices where extended temperature is not required | Choose only if 5 V operation and automotive qualification are unnecessary; not drop-in for E-grade designs |
Compared with 25C160T/SN, the 25C160-E/SN offers identical functionality in tube packaging for prototyping, while 25AA160T-I/SN trades automotive qualification and 3 MHz speed for broader voltage range and lower cost in non-automotive applications.
Availability
25C160T/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 automotive production lifecycles.
Supply support for 25C160T/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 25C160 series belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable nonvolatile data storage in harsh-temperature, high-reliability vehicle subsystems.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range specified for the 25C160T/SN?
The 25C160T/SN is rated for the automotive extended temperature range of –40°C to +125°C, validated per AEC-Q100 stress testing requirements for use in under-hood and transmission control applications. This specification applies to the full 4.5–5.5 V VCC operating range and guarantees parametric performance across the entire interval.
Does the 25C160T/SN support SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 simultaneously?
Yes, the 25C160T/SN supports both SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and Mode 1,1 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1) as defined in the Microchip DS21231E datasheet. The device does not auto-detect mode; the host controller must configure its SPI peripheral to match the selected mode before initiating communication with the 25C160T/SN.
How does the HOLD function behave during an active write cycle in the 25C160T/SN?
The HOLD function is disabled during an internal write cycle in the 25C160T/SN. Once a write is initiated (CS high after final data bit), the device ignores HOLD transitions until the write completes. This ensures write integrity; the HOLD pin only suspends read and command sequences, not active programming operations.
Can the 25C160T/SN be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller SPI interface?
No - the 25C160T/SN requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V and is not 3.3 V tolerant. Its input thresholds (VIH1 = 2.0 V min, VIL1 = 0.8 V max at VCC ≥ 2.7 V) are specified only for 4.5–5.5 V operation. Interfacing with a 3.3 V MCU requires level-shifting circuitry or selection of a compatible part like 25AA160T-I/SN.
What is the purpose of the WPEN bit in the Status Register of the 25C160T/SN?
The WPEN (Write-Protect Enable) bit in the 25C160T/SN Status Register controls whether the WP pin actively enforces hardware write protection. When WPEN = 1 and WP = low, writes to nonvolatile Status Register bits are blocked; when WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored, allowing full Status Register modification regardless of WP pin state.
25C160T/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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
25C160T/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25C160T/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25C160T/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/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25C160T/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/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25C160T/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25C160T/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25C160T/SN?
25C160T/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25C160T/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/SN?
For technical support, including 25C160T/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25C160T/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25C160T/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25C160T/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/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25C160T/SN?
All 25C160T/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25C160T/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/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25C160T/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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