Microchip Technology 25LC080C-E/ST

Overview

25LC080C-E/ST from Microchip Technology is an 8 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 1024 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page size, and industrial-to-automotive temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, and features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control. It is used in automotive body control modules for storing calibration data and configuration parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080C-E/ST datasheet, 25LC080C-E/ST pinout, 25LC080C-E/ST application, or 25LC080C-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive-grade temperature range, 5 ms max write cycle time, block-level write protection (1/4, 1/2, or full array), HOLD pin for interrupt-safe SPI pausing, and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC080C-E/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (MOSI) and SO (MISO) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes a 16-byte page latch, status register with WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1 bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read with automatic address increment, byte/page write with CS-high-triggered internal write cycle, and real-time status polling during writes. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transfers without resetting state, enabling host MCU interrupt servicing while preserving transaction context.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080C-E/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (4.4 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm height), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, with gull-wing leads suitable for automated SMT assembly and reflow profiles per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC080D-E/ST, the 25LC080C-E/ST offers finer-grained write control at the cost of more frequent page-boundary checks; versus AT25DF081A-MAU-T, it provides guaranteed pin- and protocol-compatibility for legacy SPI EEPROM designs without driver rework.

Availability

25LC080C-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial PLC configuration storage, and medical infusion pump settings requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC080C-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, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 25LC080C-E/ST belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in harsh environments including automotive under-hood and industrial control cabinets.

FAQ

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

The 25LC080C-E/ST supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is between 4.5V and 5.5V. At lower supply voltages (2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V), the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz. This graded timing ensures robust operation across automotive battery voltage ranges and eliminates need for clock throttling in host firmware.

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

The 25LC080C-E/ST does not require external pull-ups on SI, SO, or SCK-these pins are actively driven. However, CS, WP, and HOLD are CMOS inputs with no internal pull-ups; external pull-ups (typically 4.7 kΩ to VCC) are recommended for robust noise immunity in automotive harness environments where floating inputs could cause spurious writes or communication hangs.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC080C-E/ST?

When HOLD is pulled low during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC080C-E/ST, the device immediately places SI, SO, and SCK in high-impedance state and pauses internal state machines without resetting the command sequence. Communication resumes from the exact bit position when HOLD returns high while SCK is low-enabling deterministic interrupt servicing in real-time systems without retransmission overhead.

Can the 25LC080C-E/ST be used in place of the 25AA080C-E/ST?

No-the 25LC080C-E/ST and 25AA080C-E/ST differ in minimum VCC: 25LC080C-E/ST requires ≥2.5V, while 25AA080C-E/ST operates down to 1.8V. Substituting 25LC080C-E/ST into a 1.8V system will result in functional failure. Both share identical pinout, instruction set, and 16-byte page size, but voltage range mismatch makes them non-interchangeable.

What happens if a page write crosses a 16-byte boundary on the 25LC080C-E/ST?

If a page write command on the 25LC080C-E/ST attempts to cross a 16-byte physical page boundary, data wraps around to the start of the same page instead of advancing to the next page. This overwrites previously loaded data within that page. Host firmware must validate address alignment before initiating multi-byte writes to prevent unintended corruption-no hardware enforcement exists.