Microchip Technology 25LC160BT-E/ST

Overview

25LC160BT-E/ST 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 delivers >1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention - used for firmware parameter storage in automotive engine control units.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160BT-E/ST datasheet, 25LC160BT-E/ST pinout, 25LC160BT-E/ST application, or 25LC160BT-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 B), VCC min/max (2.5–5.5 V), HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe SPI pausing, and E-grade temperature qualification for under-hood deployment.

Technical Context

The 25LC160BT-E/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS low and SCK edge-aligned timing for instruction/address/data transfer. 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 WRITE command and address; page writes are limited to 32 bytes within a single physical page boundary (0000h–001Fh, 0020h–003Fh, etc.). The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transactions without resetting the sequence, enabling host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts while preserving bus state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160BT-E/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix), 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160BT-I/ST, the 25LC160BT-E/ST adds automotive temperature qualification and tighter AC timing margins; compared with AT25160B-MAHL-T, it offers faster 10 MHz operation and larger 32-byte page buffer, reducing SPI overhead in high-frequency parameter logging.

Availability

25LC160BT-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) configuration, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160BT-E/ST 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160B series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems requiring guaranteed data integrity across wide temperature ranges and long service intervals.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160BT-E/ST?

The 25LC160BT-E/ST supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At lower supply voltages (2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V), the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz. This specification is defined in Table 1-2 of the DS21807D datasheet and directly impacts SPI throughput during firmware updates or parameter reads in the 25LC160BT-E/ST.

How does the HOLD pin function in the 25LC160BT-E/ST?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160BT-E/ST pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance, allowing the host MCU to service interrupts. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This behavior is documented in Section 1.0 and Figure 1-1 of the 25LC160BT-E/ST datasheet.

What page size does the 25LC160BT-E/ST use, and why does it matter?

The 25LC160BT-E/ST uses a 32-byte page size, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Section 2.3 of the datasheet. This enables efficient burst writes within a single page boundary - critical for minimizing SPI overhead in applications like automotive ECU calibration logging. Crossing page boundaries causes wraparound, so firmware must enforce 32-byte alignment for reliable 25LC160BT-E/ST operation.

Is the 25LC160BT-E/ST qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 25LC160BT-E/ST is Automotive (E-grade) qualified for operation from –40°C to +125°C, as specified in the Device Selection Table and Section 1.0. It meets AEC-Q100 stress testing requirements for reliability, including 1,000,000 endurance cycles and >200-year data retention at elevated temperatures - making it suitable for engine control, transmission, and ADAS modules where the 25LC160BT-E/ST is deployed.

How is write protection implemented on the 25LC160BT-E/ST?

The 25LC160BT-E/ST implements dual-layer write protection: hardware-level via the WP pin (active-low) combined with the WPEN bit in the STATUS register, and software-level via BP0/BP1 bits that configure 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array protection. Section 2.6 and Table 2-3 detail how these features interact - for example, WP low + WPEN high disables STATUS register writes, while BP bits define protected memory segments. This layered scheme ensures robust safeguarding of critical data in the 25LC160BT-E/ST.