Microchip Technology 25LC160B-E/MS

Overview

25LC160B-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI-compatible serial EEPROM with 32-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial-automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and supports HOLD for interrupt-safe bus suspension - used in automotive body control modules for parameter storage and calibration retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160B-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160B-E/MS pinout, 25LC160B-E/MS application, or 25LC160B-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC min/max (2.5–5.5 V), endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (>200 years), and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160B-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 control signals. 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 WRITE command and address; page writes are limited to 32 contiguous bytes within a single physical page boundary (0000h–001Fh, 0020h–003Fh, etc.). The STATUS register provides real-time WIP flag and programmable block protection (BP0/BP1) for 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160B-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-020. This compact surface-mount package measures 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm and supports reflow soldering per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D.2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160B-E/MS, the 25LC160B-I/MS offers identical functionality at lower cost but lacks automotive temperature qualification, while AT25DF021-SSH-T provides greater density and faster read speed but sacrifices hardware write protection and introduces firmware migration complexity.

Availability

25LC160B-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and medical device design requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

Supply support for 25LC160B-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 microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160B-E/MS belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in automotive and industrial applications demanding extended temperature operation and hardware-level data integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160B-E/MS?

The 25LC160B-E/MS supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 10 MHz when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, the maximum clock is 5 MHz, and at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V, it drops to 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing and internal charge pump operation. The 25LC160B-E/MS datasheet specifies these values in Table 1-2 under FCLK parameter.

Does the 25LC160B-E/MS support page write operations, and what is its page size?

Yes, the 25LC160B-E/MS supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size - distinguishing it from the 'A' version (16-byte pages). Each page write must remain within a single physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0000h–001Fh); crossing boundaries causes wraparound. This behavior is explicitly defined in the 25LC160B-E/MS functional description and timing diagrams.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160B-E/MS?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160B-E/MS requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) to be low and the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set high. When enabled, this configuration blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) while allowing normal memory reads and writes. The 25LC160B-E/MS datasheet confirms this interaction in Table 2-1 and Section 2.6.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25LC160B-E/MS?

The 25LC160B-E/MS guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and data retention exceeding 200 years at +25°C. These values are specified in Table 1-3 (Endurance) and Section 1.0 Electrical Characteristics of the official 25LC160B-E/MS datasheet (DS21807D). Retention degrades predictably at elevated temperatures per Arrhenius modeling.

Is the 25LC160B-E/MS pin-compatible with other devices in the 25XX160 family?

Yes, the 25LC160B-E/MS is pin-compatible with all 8-lead variants in the 25XX160 family, including 25AA160A/B, 25LC160A, and 25LC160B in PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and MSOP packages. Pin functions (CS, SO, WP, VSS, SI, SCK, HOLD, VCC) and physical layout are identical across these variants, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Package Types section of the 25LC160B-E/MS datasheet.