Microchip Technology 25LC040/P
- Part No.:
- 25LC040/P
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC040/P.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 4KBIT SPI 2MHZ 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:555
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
25LC040/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 4 Kbit (512 × 8) SPI-compatible serial EEPROM with 2.5–5.5 V supply range, 2 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection (WP), HOLD suspend functionality, and 16-byte page write capability - deployed in embedded systems for firmware parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC040/P datasheet, 25LC040/P pinout, 25LC040/P application, or 25LC040/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range compatibility, SPI timing margins at 2 MHz, WP/HOLD signal integration, and endurance requirements for field-updatable systems.
Technical Context
The 25LC040/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, auto-incrementing address pointer, and STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits for real-time write status and block protection control.
Write operations are gated by both the volatile write-enable latch (set via WREN) and the hardware WP pin; self-timed internal write cycles complete in ≤5 ms, and sequential reads roll over from address 01FFh to 0000h. Block protection supports four configurations: none, upper 1/4 (0180h–01FFh), upper 1/2 (0100h–01FFh), or full array (0000h–01FFh).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 4 Kbit (512 × 8-bit array), sufficient for small firmware patches or device-specific configuration sets |
| Interface | SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) with dedicated SI/SO lines - no shared bidirectional data line required |
| Max clock frequency | 2 MHz at VCC ≥ 2.5 V - enables fast read/write in microcontroller-based systems with moderate bus loading |
| Write cycle time | ≤5 ms internal self-timed erase/write - eliminates need for external timeout logic or polling overhead beyond WIP bit check |
| Endurance & retention | 1 million write/erase cycles and >200 years data retention - validated for long-life industrial logging and calibration storage |
| VCC range | 2.5–5.5 V - compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains without level shifting |
| Operating temperature | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - qualified for deployment in non-automotive embedded control environments |
Pinout & Package
8-pin PDIP (300 mil) package with through-hole mounting; 0.300" width, 0.373" length, 0.130" thickness; JEDEC MS-001 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select input | Active-low enable: pulls device out of standby; rising edge after write sequence initiates internal write cycle |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Output | Data-out only; tri-states when CS high or HOLD low - enables multi-device SPI bus sharing |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect input | Hardware lock: disables all writes to memory and STATUS register when low; overrides WREN state |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground reference | Return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance connection to system GND plane |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Input | Data-in only; latches instruction/address/data on SCK rising edge - no internal pull-up/pull-down |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock input | Synchronizes all transfers; rising edge clocks SI, falling edge updates SO - requires monotonic edges |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Communication suspend | Pauses ongoing SPI sequence without reset; SO goes high-Z; resumes from exact byte position on HOLD high |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply voltage | 2.5–5.5 V power input; decoupling capacitor (0.1 μF ceramic) required within 10 mm of pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte page write | Enables burst programming of up to 16 contiguous bytes per write cycle - reduces total write time vs. byte-by-byte |
| Block write protection | Configurable via STATUS register (BP1/BP0): protects none, upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or entire 512-byte array |
| Power-on write disable | Write enable latch resets at power-up; prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out or cold-start conditions |
| Low-power operation | 500 nA standby current and 500 μA active read current - suitable for battery-backed or energy-constrained nodes |
| HOLD suspend mode | Allows host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer without losing SPI context or reinitializing sequence |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Node | Medical Device Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing sensor offset/gain coefficients and runtime fault logs in a wireless temperature/humidity node. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration store accessed via SPI during boot and periodic calibration updates. Use Value: 1M endurance ensures >10 years of daily recalibration cycles; 200-year retention guarantees data integrity across product lifetime. |
Use Scenario: Retaining factory-set calibration constants and user-adjusted therapy parameters in portable infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, WP-protected memory for safety-critical settings that must survive power loss and ESD events. Use Value: Hardware WP pin prevents accidental overwrite during firmware updates; >4 kV ESD rating meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 requirements. |
| Smart Energy Meter | PLC I/O Module |
Use Scenario: Recording tariff schedules, demand-response commands, and tamper-event timestamps in ANSI C12.20-compliant meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM interfaced to metering SoC for secure, timestamped event logging and firmware patch storage. Use Value: 2 MHz SPI speed enables rapid log writes during peak load events; industrial temp range supports outdoor meter enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Holding module identification, channel configuration, and diagnostic history in DIN-rail mounted I/O expansion units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configuration memory mapped to controller's SPI peripheral for plug-and-play module recognition. Use Value: HOLD pin allows PLC CPU to pause EEPROM access during cyclic interrupt servicing - maintains deterministic scan times. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA040T-I/P | 1.8–5.5 V VCC range; 1 MHz max clock; same 8-pin PDIP package and pinout | Better suited for mixed-voltage systems with 1.8 V logic; lower speed margin acceptable for infrequent config writes | Select when wider supply flexibility is needed and 2 MHz timing is not required |
| AT25040B-PU | 4 Kbit SPI EEPROM; 1.8–5.5 V; 20 MHz max clock; same PDIP-8 footprint but different pin mapping (SO/SI swapped) | Higher-speed interface available; requires PCB layout change due to SI/SO pin swap vs. 25LC040/P | Choose only if board redesign is feasible and >2 MHz throughput is critical |
Compared with 25AA040T-I/P and AT25040B-PU, the 25LC040/P offers optimal balance of 2 MHz performance, 2.5–5.5 V compatibility, and drop-in PDIP-8 placement - making it ideal for legacy 3.3 V/5 V industrial controllers where pinout stability and proven reliability are prioritized over ultra-high speed or ultra-low voltage operation.
Availability
25LC040/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, smart energy metering, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for 25LC040/P 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.
The 25LC040/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 25XX040 serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive industrial and commercial equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC040/P?
The 25LC040/P supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 2 MHz when VCC is ≥2.5 V. This specification is validated across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and enables efficient data transfer in microcontroller-based systems without requiring external clock dividers or timing compensation.
Does the 25LC040/P require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?
The 25LC040/P does not integrate internal pull-up or pull-down resistors on SI, SO, SCK, CS, WP, or HOLD pins. External pull-ups are recommended on CS and WP for robust noise immunity in noisy industrial environments, while SO may require a pull-up if driving long traces or multiple loads - per Microchip's layout guidelines in DS21204E.
How does the HOLD function operate during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC040/P?
When HOLD is pulled low during an active SPI sequence, the 25LC040/P immediately suspends communication: SO enters high-impedance, and SI/SCK inputs are ignored. The device retains full context (address pointer, instruction state) and resumes precisely where it left off upon HOLD returning high - enabling deterministic interrupt handling in real-time systems using the 25LC040/P.
Can the 25LC040/P be used in a 1.8 V system?
No - the 25LC040/P has a minimum VCC rating of 2.5 V and is not specified for operation below that threshold. For 1.8 V systems, Microchip recommends the 25AA040 series (e.g., 25AA040T-I/P), which is explicitly characterized down to 1.8 V and shares identical pinout and instruction set with the 25LC040/P.
What is the purpose of the Write-Protect (WP) pin on the 25LC040/P?
The WP pin on the 25LC040/P provides hardware-level write inhibition: when held low, it disables all writes to both memory array and STATUS register regardless of WREN state or software commands. This ensures fail-safe protection against corruption during power transitions, firmware bugs, or ESD events - a critical feature for safety- and mission-critical deployments of the 25LC040/P.
25LC040/P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 4Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 512 x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 2 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
25LC040/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC040/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC040/P 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 25LC040/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC040/P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC040/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC040/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC040/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC040/P?
25LC040/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC040/P 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 25LC040/P?
For technical support, including 25LC040/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC040/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC040/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC040/P 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 25LC040/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC040/P?
All 25LC040/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC040/P, 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 25LC040/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC040/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
25LC040/P Tags

-
M24C02-WMN6TP
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24C02C-XHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
AT21CS01-STUM10-T
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C02C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
24LC01BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
M24C02-FMC6TG
STMicroelectronics

-
AT24CS02-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
93LC46BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C04C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
24LC01BT-I/SN
Microchip Technology

-
24AA02UIDT-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C08C-STUM-T
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

