Microchip Technology 25LC080C-I/ST

Overview

25LC080C-I/ST 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 features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control. It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080C-I/ST datasheet, 25LC080C-I/ST pinout, 25LC080C-I/ST application, or 25LC080C-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface timing compliance at 10 MHz, 16-byte page write capability, industrial-grade temperature operation, VCC range compatibility, and hardware/software write-protection flexibility.

Technical Context

The 25LC080C-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD-enabled transaction suspension. Its internal architecture includes a 1024-byte EEPROM array, page latches, HV generator for write/erase, and a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE, and CS must be raised after final data bit to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms). Block protection allows selective write-disable of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory via BP0/BP1 bits, while WP pin enables hardware-level lock when WPEN = 1 and WP = low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080C-I/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are gull-wing with 0.19–0.30 mm width and 0.45–0.75 mm foot length.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA080C-I/ST and AT25080B-SSHL-T, the 25LC080C-I/ST provides optimal balance of industrial temperature support, robust HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe operation, and proven interoperability with Microchip PIC® MCUs - making it preferred for deterministic embedded control designs.

Availability

25LC080C-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device configuration storage, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 25LC080C-I/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 microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 25LC080C-I/ST belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems interfacing via SPI.

FAQ

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

The 25LC080C-I/ST 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 AC Characteristics and ensure reliable setup/hold timing for SI/SO data sampling. The 25LC080C-I/ST must be operated within these bounds to guarantee correct SPI communication - exceeding them risks data corruption during read or write sequences.

Does the 25LC080C-I/ST have built-in power-on write protection?

Yes, the 25LC080C-I/ST resets its write enable latch (WEL) on power-up, preventing unintended writes during power ramp-up or brown-out conditions. This feature is documented in Section 2.8 "Power-On State" and eliminates the need for external POR circuitry to safeguard memory contents. The 25LC080C-I/ST remains write-disabled until the host issues a WREN instruction - ensuring safe boot behavior in all system configurations.

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

The HOLD pin on the 25LC080C-I/ST suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address pointer or command state. When pulled low while SCK is low, SI/SO/SCK inputs are ignored and SO enters high-impedance - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This behavior is verified in Figure 1-1 and Section 3.6, and is fully supported in the 25LC080C-I/ST's TSSOP package.

What memory organization does the 25LC080C-I/ST use, and how does it affect page writes?

The 25LC080C-I/ST uses a 1024 × 8-bit (8 Kbit) organization with 16-byte pages. Page writes are restricted to addresses within the same physical page boundary (e.g., 0x000–0x00F, 0x010–0x01F); crossing boundaries wraps data to the start of the current page. This constraint is explicitly stated in Section 2.3 and applies to all 25LC080C-I/ST operations - requiring firmware to validate address alignment before initiating multi-byte writes.

Can the 25LC080C-I/ST be used in automotive applications requiring −40°C to +125°C operation?

No, the 25LC080C-I/ST is rated only for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), as indicated by the "I" suffix in its part number and confirmed in the Device Selection Table. For automotive-grade operation up to +125°C, Microchip specifies the 25LC080D-E/ST variant - which shares identical functionality but is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2. Using 25LC080C-I/ST beyond +85°C violates its specified operating limits and voids reliability guarantees.