Microchip Technology 25LC160A-E/P

Overview

25LC160A-E/P 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, HOLD suspend functionality, and built-in power-on data protection - used in microcontroller-based embedded systems for nonvolatile parameter storage, calibration data retention, and firmware configuration.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160A-E/P datasheet, 25LC160A-E/P pinout, 25LC160A-E/P application, or 25LC160A-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), page size (16 bytes), endurance (1,000,000 cycles), data retention (>200 years), and Pb-free PDIP package compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The 25LC160A-E/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and optional HOLD/WP control. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms); read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address wraparound at 07FFh. Block protection is configurable via STATUS register BP0/BP1 bits to lock 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160A-E/P is supplied in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.300-inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, and through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160B-E/P and AT25160B-PU, the 25LC160A-E/P offers optimal balance of page-size predictability, full SPI feature set (HOLD/WP), and 10 MHz performance - making it preferred for new designs requiring deterministic write timing and interrupt-safe operation.

Availability

25LC160A-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

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

The 25LCxxxA/B family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, low-power serial EEPROM with industrial temperature range and robust SPI interoperability.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160A-E/P supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, maximum clock drops to 5 MHz; below 2.5 V, it is rated for 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges per DS21807D AC characteristics Table 1-2.

Does the 25LC160A-E/P require external pull-up resistors on its SO pin?

Yes, the 25LC160A-E/P SO pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ to VCC) to ensure valid logic-high levels during read operations. This is specified in the DC characteristics table (D007 VOH) and functional description section of the datasheet.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC160A-E/P?

When HOLD is pulled low during an active SPI transaction, the 25LC160A-E/P immediately suspends communication: SI, SO, and SCK are tri-stated, and internal state (address pointer, instruction decode) is preserved. Operation resumes from the exact point upon HOLD return to high, provided SCK remains low during deassertion - enabling interrupt-safe host operation.

What memory protection options are available on the 25LC160A-E/P?

The 25LC160A-E/P provides two-tier protection: (1) hardware write protection via WP pin (active-low, enabled only when WPEN=1 in STATUS register), and (2) software-configurable block protection using BP0/BP1 bits to lock 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the 2048-byte array - both implemented in nonvolatile STATUS register.

Is the 25LC160A-E/P pin-compatible with the 25AA160A-E/P?

No, the 25LC160A-E/P is not pin-compatible with the 25AA160A-E/P in terms of voltage operation: although both share identical pinout and package, 25AA160A-E/P operates down to 1.8 V while 25LC160A-E/P requires minimum 2.5 V VCC. Interchangeability is limited to systems with VCC ≥ 2.5 V and confirmed timing margin at lower frequencies.