Microchip Technology 25LC010AT-E/ST

Overview

25LC010AT-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8) SPI bus serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency at 4.5–5.5V, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write protection (WP pin), HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe pausing, and block-level write protection (none/¼/½/all array). Used in microcontroller-based systems for configuration storage, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC010AT-E/ST datasheet, 25LC010AT-E/ST pinout, 25LC010AT-E/ST application, or 25LC010AT-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5V), page write timing (≤5 ms), endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (>200 years), and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with SPI host interfaces.

Technical Context

The 25LC010AT-E/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/Master-Slave interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, WP, HOLD, and VCC/VSS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generation circuitry for EEPROM programming.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (TWC ≤ 5 ms); status polling via RDSR (WIP bit) is supported during writes. Block protection is controlled nonvolatilely via BP0/BP1 bits in STATUS register, enabling selective write-lock of upper ¼, upper ½, or full memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC010AT-E/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with standard pinout and 0.65 mm lead pitch. The package is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, with body dimensions of 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.2 mm (max height).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA010AT-I/ST, the 25LC010AT-E/ST adds automotive temperature qualification and tighter VCC min (2.5V vs 1.8V), while AT25010B-SSHL-T omits HOLD and automotive rating but offers second-source availability - making 25LC010AT-E/ST optimal for new automotive or high-reliability industrial designs needing full feature parity.

Availability

25LC010AT-E/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 across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC010AT-E/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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC010A family is designed for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in microcontroller-based systems - emphasizing SPI simplicity, robust write protection, and extended temperature operation for automotive and industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC010AT-E/ST, and how does it vary with supply voltage?

The 25LC010AT-E/ST supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5V to <4.5V, and is not rated below 2.5V. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 AC Characteristics and ensure setup/hold timing margins are met across the full automotive temperature range. Exceeding these frequencies may cause read/write failures or data corruption.

Does the 25LC010AT-E/ST require external pull-up resistors on its SO or SI lines?

No, the 25LC010AT-E/ST does not require external pull-ups on SO or SI. The SO pin is internally driven (not open-drain) and transitions actively between logic levels; SI is a CMOS input with negligible leakage. Pull-ups are unnecessary and may interfere with signal integrity or increase power consumption during transitions.

How does the HOLD function behave if asserted mid-byte during an SPI transfer?

When HOLD is pulled low while SCK is low, the 25LC010AT-E/ST immediately pauses the SPI transaction - SI, SO, and SCK are tri-stated, and internal state is preserved. The transfer resumes from the exact bit position upon HOLD returning high (with SCK still low). This behavior is confirmed in Section 2.6 and Figure 1-1 of DS21832H, ensuring no data loss or re-synchronization overhead.

Can the 25LC010AT-E/ST be used with 1.8V microcontrollers?

No, the 25LC010AT-E/ST has a minimum VCC of 2.5V and is not guaranteed to operate correctly at 1.8V. For 1.8V systems, the pin-compatible 25AA010A variant (1.8–5.5V, Industrial grade only) should be selected. Attempting to power the 25LC010AT-E/ST at 1.8V risks undefined behavior, failed writes, or excessive current draw due to internal regulator limitations.

What happens if a page write crosses a 16-byte boundary on the 25LC010AT-E/ST?

If a page write command attempts to write across a 16-byte boundary (e.g., starting at address 0x0F and writing 16 bytes), the 25LC010AT-E/ST wraps the data back to the start of the same page (0x00), overwriting previously written bytes in that page. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 2.3 and Note on DS21832H page 6 - firmware must enforce page alignment to prevent unintended data loss.