Microchip Technology 25LC080C-I/SN

Overview

25LC080C-I/SN from Microchip Technology is an 8 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 1024 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page size, 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 - used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080C-I/SN datasheet, 25LC080C-I/SN pinout, 25LC080C-I/SN application, or 25LC080C-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface compatibility, write-protection flexibility (BP0/BP1 bits), HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus sharing, and Pb-free SOIC-8 packaging suitable for industrial-grade PCBs.

Technical Context

The 25LC080C-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI and SO lines, CS-controlled selection, and hardware-assisted HOLD suspension. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, nonvolatile STATUS register (WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1/WPEN), and page-write logic enforcing strict 16-byte boundary alignment.

It integrates power-on write protection, automatic write-cycle timing (≤5 ms), and dual-layer data security: software-configurable block protection (none/¼/½/all array) plus hardware write-protection via WP pin when WPEN=1. Endurance exceeds 1 million erase/write cycles with >200-year data retention at 25°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080C-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. The package measures 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.75 mm (L × W × H) and supports reflow soldering per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA080C-I/SN and AT25080B-SSHL-T, the 25LC080C-I/SN provides optimal balance of industrial temperature support, hardware HOLD capability for deterministic interrupt handling, and robust dual-layer write protection - making it preferred for safety-critical or real-time embedded deployments where bus arbitration and data integrity are non-negotiable.

Availability

25LC080C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical device design requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 25LC080C-I/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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC080C-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX080C/D serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in industrial and automotive control systems where SPI simplicity and data integrity are essential.

FAQ

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

The 25LC080C-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22151B datasheet and ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25LC080C-I/SN does not support 20 MHz operation - that specification applies to alternative parts like the AT25080B.

Does the 25LC080C-I/SN have a HOLD pin, and how is it used?

Yes, the 25LC080C-I/SN has a dedicated HOLD pin (Pin 7) that suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address pointer. To activate HOLD, the pin must be driven low while SCK is low; resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This feature is critical for interrupt-driven systems, allowing the host MCU to service urgent tasks and resume EEPROM access seamlessly - a capability not present in many competing 8 Kbit SPI EEPROMs.

How does write protection work on the 25LC080C-I/SN?

The 25LC080C-I/SN implements two independent write protection mechanisms: software-configurable block protection (via BP0/BP1 bits in the STATUS register) and hardware write-protection (via WP pin enabled by WPEN bit). Block protection locks memory segments (none/¼/½/all), while hardware protection disables STATUS register writes when WP is low and WPEN=1. Both mechanisms coexist and can be used simultaneously - for example, locking calibration data with BP bits while preventing STATUS corruption via WP.

What is the page size of the 25LC080C-I/SN, and why does it matter?

The 25LC080C-I/SN has a fixed 16-byte page size, meaning up to 16 bytes can be written in a single page-write command - but all addresses must reside within the same physical page (e.g., 0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh). Crossing a page boundary causes data to wrap around within the current page, potentially overwriting prior content. Firmware must enforce page-aligned writes or split multi-page operations - a constraint absent in 'D'-suffix variants (32-byte pages) or larger-density EEPROMs.

Is the 25LC080C-I/SN RoHS compliant and Pb-free?

Yes, the 25LC080C-I/SN is fully RoHS compliant and Pb-free, with a matte tin (Sn) lead finish conforming to EU Directive 2011/65/EU. The SOIC-8 (SN) package meets JESD97 stress testing standards and supports both SnPb and lead-free reflow profiles. Marking "e3" appears on the package body, and packaging documentation confirms compliance - critical for export-controlled industrial and medical products requiring full substance disclosure.