Microchip Technology 25LC010A-I/ST

Overview

25LC010A-I/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8) SPI-compatible serial EEPROM with 2.5–5.5 V supply range, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features write page mode (16-byte pages), hardware write protection via WP pin, and HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension - used in microcontroller-based embedded systems for configuration storage, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC010A-I/ST datasheet, 25LC010A-I/ST pinout, 25LC010A-I/ST application, or 25LC010A-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 2.5 V, page-write boundary handling, block protection granularity (none/¼/½/all), endurance (1M cycles), and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC010A-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI/SO lines and active-low CS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - enabling byte- and page-write operations with self-timed 5 ms max internal write cycles.

Hardware-level data integrity is enforced by power-on reset of the write-enable latch, dedicated WP pin logic that disables writes when low (regardless of WEL state), and HOLD pin support that tri-states SO and pauses serial transfer while preserving internal state - critical for real-time systems requiring deterministic interrupt latency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC010A-I/ST is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) with standard 1.27 mm pitch, pin 1 marked by laser indentation. The package is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, with thermal and mechanical characteristics aligned to JEDEC MS-012.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA010A-I/ST and AT25010B-SSHL-T, the 25LC010A-I/ST provides optimal balance of industrial temperature support, hardware write protection granularity, and proven interoperability with Microchip PIC® and dsPIC® MCUs - making it the preferred choice for safety-critical and long-lifecycle embedded systems.

Availability

25LC010A-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 25LC010A-I/ST 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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC010A belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for reliable nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity, low power, and industrial-grade reliability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC010A-I/ST?

The 25LC010A-I/ST supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, the maximum clock frequency is 5 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS21832H datasheet and ensure reliable setup/hold timing margins across the full industrial temperature range. Exceeding these frequencies may cause read/write failures.

Does the 25LC010A-I/ST support page writes, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25LC010A-I/ST supports page writes with a fixed page size of 16 bytes. Each page spans addresses ending in 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc. Writing across a page boundary causes wraparound to the start of the same page - so application firmware must validate address alignment before initiating multi-byte writes to prevent unintended overwrites.

How does the WP pin function on the 25LC010A-I/ST?

The WP (Write-Protect) pin on the 25LC010A-I/ST is a hardware-level disable for all write operations. When pulled low, it forces the write-enable latch (WEL) to reset and blocks writes to both memory and the STATUS register - even if WREN has been issued. This provides fail-safe protection independent of firmware state, critical for preventing corruption during power transients or software faults.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25LC010A-I/ST?

The 25LC010A-I/ST is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at +25°C. These specifications are validated per Microchip's characterization process and apply across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Retention degrades logarithmically with temperature; actual field life exceeds 10 years under typical embedded operating conditions.

Can the 25LC010A-I/ST be used with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 25LC010A-I/ST operates reliably with 3.3 V microcontrollers. Its VCC range is 2.5–5.5 V, and its input thresholds (VIH = 0.7×VCC, VIL = 0.3×VCC) are fully compatible with standard 3.3 V CMOS logic levels. No level-shifting circuitry is required, and DC/AC timing parameters in the datasheet are specified down to 2.5 V, ensuring robust SPI communication at 3.3 V.