Microchip Technology 25LC160A-E/MS

Overview

25LC160A-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, self-timed erase/write cycles (≤5 ms), and operates across 2.5–5.5 V supply. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160A-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160A-E/MS pinout, 25LC160A-E/MS application, or 25LC160A-E/MS equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, block protection mapping, HOLD functionality details, and real-world use cases for industrial control, sensor calibration, and firmware parameter storage.

Technical Context

The 25LC160A-E/MS 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 support. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read, byte/page write, status register access (RDSR/WRSR), and hardware-controlled write protection enabled only when WP = low and WPEN = 1. Page boundaries are fixed at 16-byte intervals (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.), and crossing boundaries wraps data within the current page.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160A-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 150-mil body width, gull-wing leads, and Pb-free matte tin plating per JEDEC J-STD-609. Pin 1 is marked by a laser dot or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160A-E/MS, the 25LC160B-E/MS offers doubled page capacity for fewer write transactions, while the AT25160B-MAU-10 trades HOLD and enhanced write protection for higher clock rate and SPI mode flexibility - selection depends on whether deterministic pause capability or raw bandwidth dominates the application's timing budget.

Availability

25LC160A-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical calibration storage, smart energy meters, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 25LC160A-E/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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160A-E/MS belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing robust, low-power nonvolatile storage with industrial temperature support.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160A-E/MS?

The 25LC160A-E/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. At 2.5–4.5 V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8–2.5 V it is rated for 3 MHz - though the 25LC160A-E/MS is not specified below 2.5 V. These limits ensure setup/hold timing margins are met per AC Characteristic Table 1-2.

Does the 25LC160A-E/MS support HOLD functionality, and how is it used?

Yes, the 25LC160A-E/MS supports HOLD via Pin 7. When asserted low during SCK low time, it pauses ongoing SPI transfers - preserving internal address and instruction state - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts. Communication resumes upon releasing HOLD while SCK remains low. This behavior is fully documented in Figure 1-1 and Section 2.6 of DS21807D.

How does write protection work on the 25LC160A-E/MS?

Write protection on the 25LC160A-E/MS uses two layers: (1) Software-controlled BP0/BP1 bits in the STATUS register to protect memory blocks (none/1/2/all), and (2) Hardware WP pin that - when low and WPEN=1 - disables writes to the STATUS register itself. The WP pin has no effect on memory array writes unless WPEN is set, enabling flexible field-programmable protection schemes.

What is the page size of the 25LC160A-E/MS, and why does it matter?

The 25LC160A-E/MS has a fixed 16-byte page size. This means up to 16 bytes can be written in a single page write command, provided all addresses fall within the same physical page (e.g., 0000h–000Fh). Crossing a page boundary causes wraparound - overwriting earlier bytes in the page - so host firmware must enforce alignment, unlike devices with larger or variable pages.

Is the 25LC160A-E/MS RoHS compliant and Pb-free?

Yes, the 25LC160A-E/MS is Pb-free and RoHS compliant per Microchip's DS21807D documentation. The MSOP package uses matte tin (Sn) plating per JEDEC J-STD-609, and packaging markings include the "3e" Pb-free designation. Full compliance documentation is available in Microchip's official part declaration files.