Microchip Technology 25LC160C-E/MS

Overview

25LC160C-E/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, operating across 2.5–5.5V supply and -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD suspend functionality, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in engine control units, battery management systems, and automotive sensor calibration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160C-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160C-E/MS pinout, 25LC160C-E/MS application, or 25LC160C-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100-qualified automotive temp grade, 10 MHz SPI clock support at 4.5–5.5V, 16-byte page boundary constraint, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160C-E/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/Master-Slave interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and optional HOLD 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 followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate internal 5 ms erase/write cycle; STATUS register (WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1) enables real-time monitoring and configurable 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array block protection without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160C-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and Pb-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-E/MS and AT25160B-MAHL-T, the 25LC160C-E/MS provides deterministic 16-byte page boundaries and integrated HOLD functionality - critical for deterministic real-time logging in automotive ECUs where interrupt latency must be bounded.

Availability

25LC160C-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, ADAS sensor calibration, and battery management systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160C-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, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 25LC160C-E/MS belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 automotive EEPROM family, designed specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant nonvolatile data storage in harsh-temperature embedded systems where SPI simplicity and write robustness are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC160C-E/MS?

The 25LC160C-E/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5V. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of DS22150B and reflect guaranteed AC timing margins across the full automotive temperature range. The 25LC160C-E/MS must be operated within these bounds to ensure reliable read/write sequencing.

Does the 25LC160C-E/MS require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?

No external pull-ups are required on CS, SI, SCK, or SO for normal operation - all inputs meet TTL-compatible thresholds (VIH1 ≥ 0.7VCC, VIL1 ≤ 0.3VCC), and SO is actively driven or tri-stated. However, pull-ups may be added on CS or WP in noisy automotive environments to prevent floating states during power-up or EMI events, per system-level EMC design practices.

How does the HOLD function behave during an active write cycle in the 25LC160C-E/MS?

The HOLD pin has no effect during an internal write cycle (TWC phase); once initiated by CS high transition, the 5 ms erase/write proceeds autonomously. HOLD only suspends ongoing SPI communication (read/write instructions, address/data transfer) - it cannot pause or abort an active write. The 25LC160C-E/MS remains unresponsive to new commands until TWC completes and WIP clears.

Can the 25LC160C-E/MS be used in systems powered by 3.3V logic without level shifters?

Yes - the 25LC160C-E/MS operates natively from 2.5V to 5.5V and specifies full DC and AC performance at 3.3V (VCC = 3.3V falls within 2.5–4.5V range, supporting 5 MHz max clock). Its input thresholds scale with VCC, and SO output drives valid logic levels compatible with 3.3V MCU I/O, eliminating need for external level translation circuitry.

What happens if a page write crosses the 16-byte boundary in the 25LC160C-E/MS?

If a page write command attempts to write across a 16-byte boundary (e.g., starting at address 0x000F and writing 4 bytes), the 25LC160C-E/MS wraps the excess data to the start of the same page (0x0000), overwriting prior content. This behavior is documented in Section 2.3 and requires firmware to enforce page-aligned writes - the 25LC160C-E/MS does not auto-segment or reject misaligned transfers.