Microchip Technology 25LC080C-E/SN

Overview

25LC080C-E/SN from Microchip Technology is an 8 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 1024 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page size, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, and delivers 5 mA read/write current at 5.5V - used for nonvolatile parameter storage in automotive control modules, industrial PLCs, and embedded sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080C-E/SN datasheet, 25LC080C-E/SN pinout, 25LC080C-E/SN application, or 25LC080C-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance (TCSH ≥100 ns @2.5–4.5V), hardware write protection via WP pin + WPEN bit, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus arbitration, and automotive-grade reliability (1M endurance, >200-year data retention).

Technical Context

The 25LC080C-E/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD for full protocol control. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and page latches enabling 16-byte burst writes within aligned physical pages.

It features dual-level write protection: software-controlled BP0/BP1 bits for 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array block protection, and hardware-based WP pin gating enabled only when WPEN = 1. The device enters high-impedance SO state during HOLD assertion or CS deassertion, supporting multi-device SPI bus sharing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080C-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150 mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and JEDEC-standard footprint (pitch = 1.27 mm). Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA080C-I/SN, the 25LC080C-E/SN provides guaranteed operation at +125°C and tighter VCC min (2.5V), making it mandatory for automotive engine compartments; versus AT25080B-MAHL-T, it trades speed for robustness - retaining HOLD, 1M endurance, and AEC-Q100 alignment at the expense of peak clock rate.

Availability

25LC080C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, industrial PLCs, and medical infusion pumps requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC080C-E/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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO/TS 16949.

The 25LC080C-E/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX080C/D family of SPI EEPROMs, designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding high reliability, extended temperature operation, and robust write-protection features.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC080C-E/SN?

The 25LC080C-E/SN supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is between 4.5V and 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V (not applicable to this part), it would be 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing compliance across voltage and temperature ranges specified in the DS22151B datasheet.

Does the 25LC080C-E/SN require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?

The 25LC080C-E/SN does not require external pull-ups on SI, SO, or SCK - these pins are actively driven. However, CS, WP, and HOLD are active-low inputs with internal weak pull-ups disabled by default; external 10 kΩ pull-ups to VCC are recommended for robust noise immunity in electrically noisy automotive or industrial environments where floating inputs could trigger unintended operations.

How does the HOLD function work on the 25LC080C-E/SN during an ongoing SPI transfer?

When HOLD is pulled low while SCK is low, the 25LC080C-E/SN immediately tri-states SO and ignores further SI/SCK transitions, pausing the transfer mid-sequence. The internal address pointer and instruction state are preserved. Upon returning HOLD to high while SCK remains low, communication resumes from the exact bit position where it was interrupted - no reinitialization or restart is needed, enabling seamless host interrupt handling.

Can the 25LC080C-E/SN be used as a direct replacement for the 25LC080D-E/SN?

No - the 25LC080C-E/SN has a 16-byte page size, while the 25LC080D-E/SN uses a 32-byte page. Attempting to write more than 16 consecutive bytes to the 25LC080C-E/SN will cause wraparound within the same page, corrupting prior data. Firmware must be modified to enforce 16-byte boundaries when migrating from 'D' to 'C' version, making them not drop-in replacements despite identical pinout and voltage specs.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25LC080C-E/SN?

The 25LC080C-E/SN implements three layered protections: (1) Power-on reset clears the write-enable latch (WEL), blocking writes until WREN is issued; (2) Software-configurable BP0/BP1 bits lock 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory; (3) Hardware WP pin disables STATUS register writes when WPEN = 1 and WP = low - all verified in DS22151B Sections 2.4–2.6 and Table 2-4.