Microchip Technology 25LC160B-I/MS

Overview

25LC160B-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 32-byte page size, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and supports sequential read, byte/page write, and HOLD suspend functionality - used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160B-I/MS datasheet, 25LC160B-I/MS pinout, 25LC160B-I/MS application, or 25LC160B-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC range (2.5–5.5V), industrial temp rating, MSOP-8 package compatibility, and SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz under 4.5–5.5V conditions.

Technical Context

The 25LC160B-I/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, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms); block protection allows selective locking of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array. HOLD suspends ongoing SPI transfers while preserving internal state, enabling host interrupt servicing without sequence restart.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160B-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.15-inch body width, gull-wing leads, and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating. Pin pitch is 0.5 mm; package dimensions are 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm (L × W × H).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160B-I/MS, the 25LC160B-I/SN offers identical functionality in a larger SOIC package for easier hand-soldering or thermal management, while the AT25DF021-MAHN-T trades pin-compatible simplicity for higher speed and density at the cost of losing HOLD, WP, and fine-grained block protection - making it unsuitable for safety-critical parameter storage.

Availability

25LC160B-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical calibration systems, smart energy meters, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160B-I/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 25LC160B belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B Serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160B-I/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V (not applicable to 25LC160B-I/MS due to its 2.5V min VCC), it would be 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing per AC specifications in DS21807D.

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

Yes, the 25LC160B-I/MS supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size. This means up to 32 bytes can be written in a single WRITE instruction sequence, provided all addresses fall within the same physical page boundary (e.g., 0x000–0x01F, 0x020–0x03F). Crossing boundaries causes wraparound within the current page.

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

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160B-I/MS requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) to be driven low AND the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set high. When both conditions are met, writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked. Memory array writes remain permitted unless additionally restricted by BP0/BP1 settings.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160B-I/MS?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160B-I/MS pauses ongoing SPI communication (read or write) without resetting internal state or requiring retransmission. It must be asserted while SCK is low; during HOLD, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance, allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts and resume exactly where paused.

Is the 25LC160B-I/MS compatible with standard SPI Mode 0,0?

Yes, the 25LC160B-I/MS operates in SPI Mode 0,0: CPOL = 0 (clock idle low) and CPHA = 0 (data sampled on first clock edge, i.e., rising edge of SCK). SI data is latched on the rising edge, and SO data is updated after the falling edge - matching standard SPI master configurations without mode adjustment.