Microchip Technology 25LC080CT-I/MS

Overview

25LC080CT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. 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 - used in embedded system configuration storage, firmware parameter retention, and sensor calibration data logging.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC080CT-I/MS datasheet, 25LC080CT-I/MS pinout, 25LC080CT-I/MS application, or 25LC080CT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface timing compliance at 10 MHz, 16-byte page write capability, industrial-grade temperature operation, low standby current (5 µA), and hardware/software write protection granularity (none/1/4/1/2/all array).

Technical Context

The 25LC080CT-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/Master-Slave interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD for full protocol support. Its internal architecture includes a write enable latch, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1 bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM cell programming.

It supports sequential read with automatic address increment, byte/page write with CS-high-triggered internal write cycle (≤5 ms), and HOLD pin–based transaction suspension without sequence reset. Block protection is configurable via nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits to protect 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the 0000h–03FFh memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC080CT-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (150 mil) package - compact surface-mount outline measuring 3.0 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.0 mm (L × W × H), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in industrial controllers and IoT edge nodes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC080DT-I/MS, the 25LC080CT-I/MS offers finer-grained write control and lower risk of unintended data wrap in legacy firmware; versus AT25080B-MAU-10, it provides tighter Microchip toolchain support and identical packaging but at a modest premium.

Availability

25LC080CT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC080CT-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with a focus on embedded control and connectivity.

The 25LC080CT-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 25XX080C/D family of SPI EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in industrial, automotive, and medical systems where deterministic timing and long-term data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC080CT-I/MS?

The 25LC080CT-I/MS 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 3 MHz - though the 25LC080CT-I/MS is not rated for 1.8V operation. These limits ensure setup/hold timing margins are met across temperature and voltage ranges. The 25LC080CT-I/MS datasheet specifies AC characteristics including TCSS, TCSH, and Tsu to validate timing compliance.

Does the 25LC080CT-I/MS require external pull-up resistors on its SO or WP pins?

No, the 25LC080CT-I/MS does not require external pull-ups on SO - it is internally tri-stated and driven actively during reads. The WP pin is CMOS input with rail-to-rail voltage tolerance and no internal pull-up; however, a weak external pull-up (e.g., 10 kΩ to VCC) is recommended in noisy environments to prevent floating states. The 25LC080CT-I/MS STATUS register's WPEN bit determines whether WP pin state affects protection, so proper initialization is essential.

How does page write operation work in the 25LC080CT-I/MS?

The 25LC080CT-I/MS has a 16-byte page buffer. During a page write, up to 16 consecutive bytes can be loaded into the buffer starting at any address divisible by 16 (e.g., 00h, 10h, 20h). If the address or byte count crosses a 16-byte boundary, data wraps to the start of the same page - overwriting prior bytes. The 25LC080CT-I/MS internal write cycle begins only after CS goes high post-last-data-bit, completing in ≤5 ms. Firmware must enforce page alignment.

What happens to the 25LC080CT-I/MS during power-up or brown-out conditions?

At power-up, the 25LC080CT-I/MS enters Standby mode with CS high, SO in high-impedance, and the write enable latch reset - preventing spurious writes. The STATUS register retains its last-written BP0/BP1/WPEN values. During brown-out, if VCC falls below the functional threshold (~2.3V), the device halts operations and holds state until voltage recovers. The 25LC080CT-I/MS built-in power-on protection circuitry ensures the WEL bit remains cleared until an explicit WREN command is issued.

Can the HOLD pin of the 25LC080CT-I/MS be used to pause a write operation?

No - the HOLD pin of the 25LC080CT-I/MS cannot pause an active internal write cycle (TWC). It only suspends SPI communication during read or write instruction phases, before CS is raised to trigger the write. Once CS rises after the final data bit, the 25LC080CT-I/MS begins its self-timed 5 ms write cycle, during which HOLD has no effect. Status polling via RDSR (WIP bit) is the only way to monitor write progress.