Microchip Technology 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO

Overview

25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO 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, 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/SM16KVAO datasheet, 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO pinout, 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO application, or 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO equivalent, key selection considerations include SPI timing compliance at extended temperature (−40°C to +125°C), deep power-down current (1 µA at 2.5V), sector-level write protection granularity (32 KB/sector), and DFN-S package footprint compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO implements a full SPI Mode 0,0/Master-Slave interface with separate SI/SO lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD-enabled transaction suspension. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1/WPEN bits.

It supports four erase granularities - byte/page write (no pre-erase), page erase (6 ms), sector erase (10 ms), and chip erase (10 ms) - all self-timed and interruptible only by CS deassertion. Write enable latch (WEL) must be set via WREN before any write/erase, and hardware protection requires both WPEN=1 and WP=low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO uses an 8-lead DFN-S package (3×3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed pad (VSS or floating). Pin numbering follows top-view orientation: Pin 1 = CS, Pin 2 = SO, Pin 3 = WP, Pin 4 = VSS, Pin 5 = SI, Pin 6 = SCK, Pin 7 = HOLD, Pin 8 = VCC.

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/SM16KVAO uniquely balances 1 Mbit density, HOLD functionality, −40°C to +125°C operation, and DFN-S packaging - making it optimal for automotive and industrial designs demanding compact, robust, and interrupt-aware EEPROM storage.

Availability

25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO 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 for embedded control applications.

The 25LC1024 belongs to Microchip's SPI serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, and AEC-Q100-qualified nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems requiring extended temperature operation and hardware write protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO?

The 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO supports up to 20 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V and ambient temperature is within −40°C to +85°C. At lower voltages (2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V) or extended temperature (−40°C to +125°C), the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 10 MHz per AC Characteristics Table 1-2. This ensures timing margin compliance across all operating conditions specified in the DS20002064E datasheet.

Does the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO support hardware write protection, and how is it configured?

Yes, the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO supports hardware write protection using the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in the STATUS register. Protection is active only when WPEN = 1 (set via WRSR) and WP pin is driven low. When enabled, it prevents writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN), while allowing normal memory reads and writes. The 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO datasheet confirms this behavior in Section 2.3 and Table 3-4.

What package type does the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO use, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?

The 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO uses an 8-lead DFN-S (Dual Flat No-lead Small Outline) package measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm with 0.5 mm lead pitch and an exposed thermal pad (pin 9, optional VSS connection). This package is explicitly listed in the Device Selection Table and Pin Function Table of the DS20002064E datasheet. Its compact footprint supports high-density PCB layouts common in automotive ECUs and portable medical devices.

How does the HOLD function operate on the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO during an active SPI transaction?

The HOLD function on the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO suspends an ongoing SPI sequence without resetting the internal state. When HOLD is pulled low while SCK is low, SO immediately enters high-impedance, and SI/SCK transitions are ignored - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK is low; communication continues from the exact bit position where it paused. This behavior is defined in Section 2.6 and Figure 1-1 of the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO datasheet.

What is the endurance rating and data retention specification for the 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO?

The 25LC1024-E/SM16KVAO is rated for 1 million erase/write cycles and guarantees >200 years of data retention at +25°C, as stated in the Features section and Table 1-2 (Param. No. D25) of the DS20002064E datasheet. These values are measured under standard conditions (page mode, 5.5V, +25°C) and apply to the entire memory array. Endurance is specified per page due to refresh behavior during partial-page writes.