Microchip Technology 25LC1024-E/SM

Overview

25LC1024-E/SM 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–5.5V, supports up to 20 MHz clock at 4.5–5.5V, features 256-byte pages, 1M endurance cycles, and >200-year data retention - deployed in industrial control firmware storage and automotive infotainment configuration memory.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC1024-E/SM datasheet, 25LC1024-E/SM pinout, 25LC1024-E/SM application, or 25LC1024-E/SM equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at extended temperature (−40°C to +125°C), deep power-down current ≤2 µA at +125°C, sector-level write protection granularity, and HOLD pin support for interrupt-safe bus arbitration.

Technical Context

The 25LC1024-E/SM implements a true SPI Mode 0,0/1,1 interface with separate SI/SO lines, CS-controlled device selection, and HOLD-driven pause/resume capability. 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.

It supports four erase granularities - byte (implicit), page (6 ms max), sector (10 ms), and chip (10 ms) - all self-timed and requiring no external erase voltage. Write protection is enforced both by nonvolatile BP bits (configurable 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array lock) and hardware WP pin gating when WPEN=1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC1024-E/SM uses an 8-lead SOIJ (Small Outline Integrated Circuit, J-bend) package with 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, and rated for extended temperature operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT25DF041A-SSH-T and M95M04-DRMN6TP/K, the 25LC1024-E/SM uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, HOLD pin support, deep power-down <2 µA at +125°C, and sector-level write protection - making it optimal for safety-critical, interrupt-sensitive, and thermally demanding embedded designs.

Availability

25LC1024-E/SM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive ECUs, medical infusion devices, and smart metering systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC1024-E/SM 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 25LC1024 belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in harsh environments where data integrity, endurance, and extended temperature operation are mission-critical.

FAQ

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

The 25LC1024-E/SM supports up to 20 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V–5.5V and ambient temperature is within −40°C to +85°C. At VCC = 2.5V–4.4V or at +125°C, the maximum clock rate is reduced to 10 MHz to ensure reliable timing margins per AC specifications in DS20002064E.

Does the 25LC1024-E/SM require external erase before writing new data?

No, the 25LC1024-E/SM does not require external erase before writing. Its architecture performs automatic, self-timed erase during each write operation - whether byte, page, or page-erase mode - eliminating pre-erase overhead and simplifying firmware design compared to traditional Flash devices.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC1024-E/SM?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC1024-E/SM is enabled only when both the WP pin is held low AND the WPEN bit in the STATUS register is set to 1. When active, it blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN); all other operations - including memory reads and writes - remain fully functional.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC1024-E/SM?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC1024-E/SM suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting the internal address pointer or command state. This allows the host MCU to service time-critical interrupts and resume communication exactly where it left off - essential for real-time systems using shared SPI buses with multiple peripherals.

Is the 25LC1024-E/SM qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 25LC1024-E/SM is AEC-Q100 qualified for Extended Temperature Grade (−40°C to +125°C) and is explicitly listed in Microchip's automotive-grade product portfolio. Its qualification covers stress testing, reliability validation, and failure analysis per AEC-Q100 Rev G, making it suitable for under-hood and infotainment ECU use.