Microchip Technology 25LC080C-I/MS

Overview

25LC080C-I/MS from Microchip Technology is an 8 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 1024 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page write capability, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°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 - ideal for firmware storage and configuration data retention in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080C-I/MS datasheet, 25LC080C-I/MS pinout, 25LC080C-I/MS application, or 25LC080C-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface compatibility, hardware write-protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus sharing, and MSOP-8 packaging for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC080C-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring only CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS connections. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and page latches enabling atomic 16-byte writes within fixed physical page boundaries (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.).

It features dual-layer data protection: power-on reset of the write-enable latch, and hardware-based block protection (BP0/BP1) allowing selective write-disable of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial transfers without resetting the internal address pointer, supporting real-time system interrupt handling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080C-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, optimized for high-density PCB layouts where SOIC or TSSOP footprints are unavailable.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA080C-I/MS and AT25080B-MAU-10, the 25LC080C-I/MS provides optimal balance of industrial temperature rating, HOLD support, and robust 2.5V minimum supply margin - making it preferred for deterministic real-time embedded systems where bus arbitration and environmental resilience are prioritized over ultra-low quiescent current or sub-2.5V operation.

Availability

25LC080C-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control, medical instrumentation, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 25LC080C-I/MS 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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC080C-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 25XX080C/D family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, engineered specifically for reliable, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and industrial-grade reliability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC080C-I/MS?

The 25LC080C-I/MS supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, and 3 MHz at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V. Since the 25LC080C-I/MS is specified for 2.5–5.5V operation, its practical maximum is 10 MHz. This allows efficient data transfer - for example, reading the full 1024-byte array takes under 1.05 ms at 10 MHz with sequential read mode.

Does the 25LC080C-I/MS support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25LC080C-I/MS supports hardware write protection via the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in the STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits are disabled - protecting block protection settings. All other operations (read, write to memory, WREN/WRDI) remain functional. This feature is implemented directly in silicon and requires no firmware intervention.

What is the page size of the 25LC080C-I/MS, and why does it matter for firmware updates?

The 25LC080C-I/MS has a 16-byte page size, meaning up to 16 contiguous bytes can be written in a single page-write cycle. Crossing a 16-byte boundary (e.g., writing bytes at 0x000F and 0x0010) causes wraparound to the start of the same page - overwriting prior data. Firmware update routines must align writes to page boundaries or split writes across pages, making page size a critical constraint in flash emulation logic.

How does the HOLD pin function in the 25LC080C-I/MS, and what are its timing requirements?

The HOLD pin pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address pointer or command state. To activate HOLD, the pin must be pulled low while SCK is low; to resume, it must be raised high while SCK remains low. Timing specs require minimum HOLD setup/hold times of 20–80 ns depending on VCC. This enables MCUs to service higher-priority interrupts and resume exactly where the 25LC080C-I/MS transaction left off.

Is the 25LC080C-I/MS pin-compatible with other members of the 25XX080 family?

Yes, the 25LC080C-I/MS shares identical pinout, package (MSOP-8), and SPI interface behavior with 25AA080C-I/MS, 25LC080D-I/MS, and 25AA080D-I/MS. However, differences exist in VCC range (2.5–5.5V vs. 1.8–5.5V), page size (16 vs. 32 bytes), and temperature grade (I vs. E). Substituting across variants requires validation of voltage margins, timing, and protection configuration.