Microchip Technology 25LC080CT-E/ST

Overview

25LC080CT-E/ST 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 features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control. It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in automotive body controllers and industrial sensor calibration modules.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080CT-E/ST datasheet, 25LC080CT-E/ST pinout, 25LC080CT-E/ST application, or 25LC080CT-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5V), TSSOP-8 package footprint, 16-byte page write limit, HOLD pin interrupt-suspend capability, and automotive-grade endurance (>1M cycles, >200 years retention).

Technical Context

The 25LC080CT-E/ST 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 compliance. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, status register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM cell programming.

It supports sequential read, byte/page write, and status register access with deterministic timing - including 5 ms max internal write cycle time, 50 ns min CS setup at 4.5–5.5V, and 160 ns max output disable time at 1.8V. The HOLD function suspends ongoing transfers while preserving internal state, enabling host CPU servicing of higher-priority interrupts without reinitialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080CT-E/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, with gull-wing leads optimized for automated surface-mount assembly and thermal performance in automotive PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC080DT-E/ST, the 25LC080CT-E/ST offers tighter page-write granularity for fine-grained updates; compared with AT25080B-MAU-T, it delivers automotive qualification and interrupt-safe HOLD support essential for real-time embedded systems.

Availability

25LC080CT-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial sensor calibration modules, medical infusion pump configuration storage, and smart energy meter firmware parameter retention requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC080CT-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 25LC080CT-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 25XX080C/D family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and automotive-grade reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC080CT-E/ST?

The 25LC080CT-E/ST supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, it is rated for 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 AC Characteristics and ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25LC080CT-E/ST must be operated within these bounds to guarantee correct read/write behavior.

Does the 25LC080CT-E/ST require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?

No, the 25LC080CT-E/ST does not require external pull-up resistors on SI, SO, or SCK. Its SO pin is actively driven and tri-stated when CS is high or HOLD is low, and SI/SCK inputs meet TTL-compatible thresholds (VIH1 = 0.7×VCC, VIL1 = 0.3×VCC). Pull-ups may be needed only if shared with other open-drain devices on the same bus - not for basic 25LC080CT-E/ST operation.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC080CT-E/ST?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC080CT-E/ST suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, it places SI, SO, and SCK in high-impedance and freezes the address/data pointer. After returning HOLD high (also while SCK is low), communication resumes from the exact bit position where it paused. This allows the host MCU to service time-critical interrupts without losing transaction context - a key feature confirmed in Section 2.8 and Figure 1-1 of the 25LC080CT-E/ST datasheet.

What memory protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25LC080CT-E/ST?

The 25LC080CT-E/ST implements three layered protections: (1) a write-enable latch (WEL) that must be set via WREN before any write, (2) software-configurable block protection (BP0/BP1 bits) to lock 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory, and (3) hardware write-protection using the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit. All are detailed in Tables 2-3 and 2-4. These mechanisms prevent accidental or malicious overwrites - critical for safety-critical 25LC080CT-E/ST deployments.

Is the 25LC080CT-E/ST pin-compatible with other members of the 25XX080 family?

Yes, the 25LC080CT-E/ST is pin-compatible with all 8-pin variants in the 25XX080C/D family, including 25AA080C/D, 25LC080C/D in PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, TSSOP, and TDFN packages. Pin functions (CS, SO, WP, VSS, SI, SCK, HOLD, VCC) and electrical characteristics are identical across the family. However, differences exist in VCC range (1.8–5.5V vs. 2.5–5.5V) and page size (16 vs. 32 bytes), so functional compatibility requires verifying those parameters for the target 25LC080CT-E/ST application.