Microchip Technology 25LC1024-E/P

Overview

25LC1024-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1-Mbit (131,072-byte) SPI serial EEPROM with byte/page write, page/sector/chip erase, and hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 20 MHz clock at 4.5–5.5V, features 256-byte pages, and delivers 1 million erase/write cycles with >200-year data retention - used in industrial control firmware storage and automotive infotainment configuration memory.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC1024-E/P datasheet, 25LC1024-E/P pinout, 25LC1024-E/P application, or 25LC1024-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 2.5V/10 MHz and 5.5V/20 MHz, deep power-down current (1 µA at 2.5V), sector-level write protection granularity (32 KB per sector), and AEC-Q100 qualification for extended temperature operation (-40°C to +125°C).

Technical Context

The 25LC1024-E/P implements a true SPI Mode 0,0/1,1 interface with separate SI/SO lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD pin for transaction suspension without reset. Its internal architecture includes a 256-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits enabling flexible hardware/software write protection.

It supports four erase granularities - byte/page (no pre-erase), page (6 ms), sector (10 ms), and chip (10 ms) - all self-timed and interruptible only by CS deassertion. The device enters Deep Power-Down mode via DPD instruction (1 µA standby), exiting only via RDID command, which also outputs its electronic signature (0x2014) for identification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC1024-E/P uses an 8-lead PDIP package (0.300" wide), with pins arranged in dual-in-line format and standard through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is CS, pin 8 is VCC; all pins are electrically and functionally identical to SOIJ and DFN-S variants.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT25DF041A-SSH-T and BR25H128FJ-WE2, the 25LC1024-E/P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, HOLD pin support, and sector-level hardware write protection - making it optimal for automotive and industrial systems requiring robust, interruptible, and protected configuration storage.

Availability

25LC1024-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive infotainment systems, medical diagnostic devices, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC1024-E/P 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, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC1024-E/P belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding AEC-Q100 compliance and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC1024-E/P?

The 25LC1024-E/P supports up to 20 MHz clock frequency when VCC is between 4.5V and 5.5V, and up to 10 MHz when VCC is between 2.5V and 5.5V. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS20002064E datasheet and reflect guaranteed AC timing performance across the full industrial and extended temperature ranges. Exceeding these frequencies may result in read/write failures or timing violations.

Does the 25LC1024-E/P support hardware write protection, and how is it configured?

Yes, the 25LC1024-E/P supports hardware write protection using 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. The BP0/BP1 bits further enable sector-level protection (none, 1/4, 1/2, or all of the 1-Mbit array). Configuration is performed via the WRSR instruction, and protection remains active after power cycles.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC1024-E/P, and how does it behave?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC1024-E/P suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the sequence. When pulled low while SCK is low, SO immediately goes high-impedance and all inputs except CS are ignored. Resuming requires pulling HOLD high while SCK is low. This allows microcontrollers to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer - a critical feature in real-time industrial and automotive systems using the 25LC1024-E/P.

How does the 25LC1024-E/P enter and exit Deep Power-Down mode?

The 25LC1024-E/P enters Deep Power-Down mode by asserting CS low, sending the DPD instruction (0xBB), then raising CS high - reducing current to 1 µA at 2.5V. It exits only via the RDID instruction (0xAB), which releases the device and outputs the electronic signature (0x2014) on SO before returning to Standby mode. No other commands are recognized during Deep Power-Down, enhancing software write security.

Is the 25LC1024-E/P pin-compatible with other Microchip serial EEPROMs like the 25LC512?

No, the 25LC1024-E/P is not pin-compatible with the 25LC512. While both are 8-pin SPI EEPROMs with identical pin functions (CS, SO, WP, VSS, SI, SCK, HOLD, VCC), the 25LC512 lacks the HOLD pin - it uses pin 7 as NC. Therefore, direct PCB replacement is not possible without layout modification. The 25LC1024-E/P requires all eight pins to be connected as specified in Table 2-1 of its datasheet.