Microchip Technology 25C320/SN
- Part No.:
- 25C320/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25C320/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 32KBIT SPI 3MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:516
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Product details
Overview
25C320/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 32 Kbit (4096 × 8) SPI-compatible serial EEPROM designed for nonvolatile data storage in embedded control and industrial systems. It operates at 4.5–5.5 V, supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency, features 32-byte page write capability, 5 ms max internal write cycle time, and offers hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register. It is commonly used in programmable logic controllers for firmware parameter retention.
For engineers reviewing the 25C320/SN datasheet, 25C320/SN pinout, 25C320/SN application, or 25C320/SN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated SOIC-8 pin mapping, confirmed automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +125°C), and real-world use cases in industrial HMI and sensor calibration systems.
Technical Context
The 25C320/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 transaction suspension without reset. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, auto-incrementing address pointer for sequential reads, and a STATUS register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE or WRSR commands; all writes are self-timed and block-protected across four memory segments (none/¼/½/all). The device powers on in standby mode with write enable latch reset and SO in high-impedance state.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 32 Kbit (4096 × 8 bits); sufficient for storing configuration tables, calibration coefficients, or boot parameters in resource-constrained microcontroller systems. |
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V; compatible with legacy 5 V logic rails and industrial power supplies without level-shifting. |
| Max clock frequency | 3 MHz at VCC = 4.5–5.5 V; enables fast read/write throughput (up to ~300 kB/s theoretical burst read) in time-critical applications. |
| Write cycle time | 5 ms maximum; defines minimum interval between successive page writes; impacts firmware update latency and logging response time. |
| Endurance | 1 million erase/write cycles; supports long-term field deployment in devices requiring frequent parameter updates (e.g., energy meters). |
| Data retention | Greater than 200 years at +25°C; ensures reliable archival storage of critical system settings over full product lifecycle. |
| Temperature range | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E grade); qualified for under-hood, motor drive, and industrial control environments. |
Pinout & Package
25C320/SN is supplied in an 8-pin plastic SOIC package (150 mil body width), RoHS-compliant, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint and 1.27 mm pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select input | Active-low enable; places device in active mode when low; forces SO into high-impedance when high to allow multi-drop SPI bus sharing. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Output | Push-pull output; delivers read data MSB-first on falling edge of SCK; tri-states during HOLD or when CS is high. |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect input | Hardware lock for STATUS register nonvolatile bits when WPEN = 1; grounded to prevent accidental reconfiguration of protection settings. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground reference | Primary return path for all internal circuitry; must be low-impedance and decoupled near VCC pin. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Input | CMOS input; receives instructions, addresses, and write data MSB-first on rising edge of SCK. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock input | Synchronizes all SPI transactions; rising edge latches SI, falling edge updates SO; requires monotonic edges per AC spec. |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Hold input | Pauses ongoing SPI sequence (e.g., mid-read) without resetting state; allows host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V nominal; powers EEPROM array, logic, and HV generator; requires local 0.1 μF ceramic decoupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block write protection | Configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect none, upper 1/4 (0C00h–0FFFh), upper 1/2 (0800h–0FFFh), or entire array (0000h–0FFFh) - enables secure partitioning of firmware vs. user data. |
| Hardware write protection | WP pin + WPEN bit combination prevents unintended STATUS register modification - critical for locking protection settings in deployed systems. |
| Low-power operation | 500 nA typical standby current and 3 mA max write current - extends battery life in always-on industrial sensors and remote monitors. |
| High reliability | 1M E/W cycles and >200-year data retention - meets long-lifecycle requirements for medical devices, utility infrastructure, and aerospace subsystems. |
| HOLD function | Interrupt-safe SPI pausing without command retransmission - simplifies real-time OS integration where deterministic interrupt latency is required. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Automotive Sensor Calibration Data |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping, PID tuning parameters, and alarm thresholds in modular PLC backplanes operating continuously in factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register; accessed infrequently during commissioning or maintenance, but must retain data across uncontrolled power loss. Use Value: Eliminates need for external backup batteries or supercapacitors; withstands 1M+ reprogramming cycles during field firmware upgrades. |
Use Scenario: Retaining temperature-compensated offset/gain coefficients for oxygen and pressure sensors in engine control units (ECUs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration data vault; written once during end-of-line test and read at startup; must survive 15+ year vehicle service life. Use Value: Leverages −40°C to +125°C automotive qualification and >200-year data retention to guarantee accuracy over full vehicle lifetime. |
| Smart Energy Meter Firmware Parameters | Medical Infusion Pump Safety Settings |
|
Use Scenario: Holding tariff schedules, pulse constants, and communication protocol keys in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters deployed in outdoor substations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure parameter store; write-protected segments prevent tampering with billing-critical values during field operation. Use Value: Hardware-based BP0/BP1 and WP pin enable certified write-locking per IEC 62056-21 security requirements. |
Use Scenario: Archiving dose limits, occlusion pressure thresholds, and motor calibration offsets in FDA-cleared infusion pumps with dual-redundant safety processors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fail-safe configuration archive; accessed only during self-test or service mode; must survive radiation and thermal stress testing. Use Value: 4 kV ESD rating and 1M endurance ensure integrity during repeated sterilization cycles and 10+ year clinical deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25LC320/SN | 2.5–5.5 V supply, 2 MHz max clock, −40°C to +125°C; lower VCC min enables 3.3 V system compatibility. | Better suited for mixed-voltage designs where 3.3 V MCUs interface with 5 V peripherals. | Select when system VCC may dip below 4.5 V or when interoperability with 3.3 V logic is required. |
| 25AA320/SN | 1.8–5.5 V supply, 1 MHz max clock, −40°C to +85°C; ultra-low 1.8 V operation enables direct connection to Li-ion battery-powered devices. | Targeted at portable instrumentation and battery-backed IoT nodes where extended low-VCC operation is mandatory. | Choose for battery-operated equipment needing >200-year retention at 1.8 V, accepting reduced speed and industrial temp range. |
Compared with 25LC320/SN and 25AA320/SN, the 25C320/SN provides highest clock speed (3 MHz) and strictest 5 V rail compatibility, making it optimal for legacy 5 V industrial controllers where timing headroom and voltage margin are critical.
Availability
25C320/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive ECUs, smart energy meters, and medical infusion pumps requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 25C320/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 25C320 belongs to Microchip's legacy 25XX320 serial EEPROM family, engineered for robust, low-cost nonvolatile storage in 5 V industrial and automotive systems where reliability and long-term data integrity are paramount.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25C320/SN?
The 25C320/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when operated within its specified VCC range of 4.5–5.5 V. This value is explicitly defined in the Device Selection Table and confirmed in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) of the DS21227F datasheet. Operation above 3 MHz is not guaranteed and may result in communication failure or data corruption. The 25C320/SN achieves this speed due to its optimized 5 V core logic and dedicated SPI interface timing.
Does the 25C320/SN support automotive temperature range?
Yes, the 25C320/SN is rated for the Automotive (E) temperature range of −40°C to +125°C, as stated in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics section of the DS21227F datasheet. This qualification applies specifically to the /SN variant when ordered with the 'E' suffix (e.g., 25C320-E/SN), and is validated per AEC-Q100 stress testing protocols for reliability in under-hood and powertrain applications.
How does the HOLD pin function on the 25C320/SN?
The HOLD pin on the 25C320/SN suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, it places SI, SCK, and SO in high-impedance and ignores further input transitions-allowing the host MCU to service urgent interrupts. Communication resumes upon returning HOLD high while SCK remains low. This behavior is fully documented in Section 2.6 and Figure 1-1 of the DS21227F datasheet.
What package type does the 25C320/SN use?
The 25C320/SN uses an 8-pin plastic SOIC package with 150 mil body width (JEDEC MS-012AC), as confirmed in the Package Types diagram (DS21227F-page 1), Pin Descriptions table (page 6), and Packaging Information section (page 12). The '/SN' suffix explicitly denotes this SOIC-8 variant, distinguishing it from PDIP (/P), TSSOP-8 (/ST), and TSSOP-14 (/ST14) options.
Is the 25C320/SN pin-compatible with other members of the 25XX320 family?
Yes, the 25C320/SN shares identical pinout and package dimensions with the 25AA320/SN and 25LC320/SN in the SOIC-8 variant, as shown in the unified pin function table (DS21227F-page 6) and Package Types illustration. All three variants use the same CS/SO/WP/VSS/SI/SCK/HOLD/VCC pin assignments and mechanical footprint, enabling drop-in replacement where voltage and speed requirements align.
25C320/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:
- 32Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 4K 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
25C320/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25C320/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25C320/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 25C320/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25C320/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25C320/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25C320/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25C320/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25C320/SN?
25C320/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25C320/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 25C320/SN?
For technical support, including 25C320/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25C320/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25C320/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25C320/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 25C320/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25C320/SN?
All 25C320/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25C320/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 25C320/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25C320/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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