Microchip Technology 25LC160B-I/SN

Overview

25LC160B-I/SN 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 temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V and features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control, used for nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160B-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160B-I/SN pinout, 25LC160B-I/SN application, or 25LC160B-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 B), VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), endurance (1M cycles), data retention (>200 years), and SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility with SPI bus timing constraints.

Technical Context

The 25LC160B-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD pin for transaction suspension. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE, followed by CS high to trigger self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the 0000h–07FFh address space, with hardware write-protection enabled only when WP = low and WPEN = 1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160B-I/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN), with 150 mil body width, gull-wing leads, and Pb-free matte tin finish per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160B-I/SN, the 25LC160B-I/P offers identical electrical behavior in a through-hole package, while the AT25160B-SSHL-T trades HOLD support and 32-byte pages for broader VCC range and alternate vendor sourcing - both require firmware validation for STATUS register and timing margins.

Availability

25LC160B-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical diagnostics equipment, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 25LC160B-I/SN 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 manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The 25LC160B-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B serial EEPROM family, designed for reliable, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive, space-constrained microcontroller systems with SPI interfaces.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160B-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V it is 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS21807D datasheet and reflect timing margin requirements for reliable data sampling on SI and SO lines. The 25LC160B-I/SN does not support clock rates beyond these values under specified voltage conditions.

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

Yes, the 25LC160B-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size. This means up to 32 bytes can be written in a single SPI transaction, provided all addresses fall within the same physical page boundary (e.g., 0000h–001Fh, 0020h–003Fh, etc.). Attempting to cross a page boundary causes wraparound within the current page. The 25LC160B-I/SN differs from the 'A' version (16-byte pages) and this distinction is confirmed in the Device Selection Table on page 1 of DS21807D.

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

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160B-I/SN requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) to be held low AND the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set to 1. When both conditions are met, writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked. All other operations-including memory reads, writes (if WEL=1), and STATUS register reads-remain functional. The 25LC160B-I/SN defaults to WPEN=0 at power-up, allowing initial STATUS register configuration before enabling hardware lock.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25LC160B-I/SN?

The 25LC160B-I/SN guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and data retention exceeding 200 years at +85°C ambient temperature. These values are specified in Table 1-3 (AC Characteristics) and confirmed in the Features section of DS21807D. Endurance is measured per memory location, and retention assumes storage under bias at rated temperature; actual field performance may exceed these minima based on operating conditions.

Can the 25LC160B-I/SN operate from a 3.3 V supply, and what are the implications?

Yes, the 25LC160B-I/SN operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, fully supporting 3.3 V nominal supplies. At 3.3 V, the maximum SPI clock frequency is 5 MHz (per Table 1-2), VIH1 threshold is 2.0 V min, and ICC Read current is 2.5 mA max at 5 MHz. All DC and AC timing parameters remain valid within spec, and no level shifting is required when interfacing with 3.3 V SPI masters. The 25LC160B-I/SN maintains full functionality including HOLD, WP, and block protection at 3.3 V.