Microchip Technology 25LC160BT-E/MS

Overview

25LC160BT-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 32-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 functionality for bus arbitration, and operates across 2.5V–5.5V supply. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160BT-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160BT-E/MS pinout, 25LC160BT-E/MS application, or 25LC160BT-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), temperature grade (Industrial), MSOP-8 package compatibility, and SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz.

Technical Context

The 25LC160BT-E/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI and SO lines, supporting byte and page writes up to 32 bytes within a single physical page boundary. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It integrates power-on reset logic that clears the write enable latch, built-in write-protection circuitry (WPEN bit + WP pin), and HOLD input that suspends ongoing serial transfers while preserving internal state-enabling host MCU interrupt servicing without sequence restart.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160BT-E/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. The package measures 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm (L × W × H) with 0.65 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160AT-E/MS, the 25LC160BT-E/MS offers double the page buffer (32 vs. 16 bytes), improving write efficiency in parameter-heavy applications; versus AT25160B-MAU-10, it retains HOLD functionality for deterministic interrupt handling but trades peak clock speed for broader ecosystem support and proven industrial qualification.

Availability

25LC160BT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical diagnostics, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 25LC160BT-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, manufacturing, and sales operations.

The 25LC160B series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and long-term data integrity are essential.

FAQ

What is the page size of the 25LC160BT-E/MS and why does it matter?

The 25LC160BT-E/MS has a 32-byte page size, meaning up to 32 bytes can be written in a single page write operation-as long as all addresses fall within the same physical page boundary (aligned to multiples of 32). This improves write efficiency compared to 16-byte-page variants, reducing SPI transaction overhead and total programming time for multi-byte updates. Exceeding the page boundary causes wraparound, so firmware must validate address alignment before initiating page writes.

Does the 25LC160BT-E/MS support HOLD functionality, and how is it used?

Yes, the 25LC160BT-E/MS supports HOLD via Pin 7. When asserted low during an active SPI transaction (with CS low and SCK low), it pauses communication without resetting internal state-preserving the current address pointer and command context. This allows the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts and resume exactly where it left off. HOLD must be deasserted while SCK is low to ensure clean resumption.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160BT-E/MS?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160BT-E/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 the nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked-preventing accidental modification of memory protection settings. Memory array writes remain unaffected unless BP bits are configured to restrict access.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160BT-E/MS at 3.3 V supply?

At VCC = 3.3 V, the 25LC160BT-E/MS supports a maximum clock frequency of 5 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) for the 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V range. This ensures reliable timing margins for setup/hold times and output validity, especially under industrial temperature extremes. Operating above 5 MHz at 3.3 V violates AC specifications and may result in read/write errors.

Is the 25LC160BT-E/MS pin-compatible with other 25LC160x variants in MSOP-8 package?

Yes, the 25LC160BT-E/MS is fully pin-compatible with all 25LC160A/B and 25AA160A/B variants offered in the MSOP-8 package (e.g., 25LC160AT-E/MS, 25AA160BT-I/MS), sharing identical pin functions, electrical characteristics, and footprint. However, differences in page size (16 vs. 32 bytes), voltage range (1.8–5.5 V vs. 2.5–5.5 V), and temperature grade (Industrial vs. Automotive) require verification against target application requirements before substitution.