Microchip Technology 25LC160C-E/SN

Overview

25LC160C-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial/automotive temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and block-level software write protection covering 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory - used in embedded control firmware storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-meter configuration backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160C-E/SN datasheet, 25LC160C-E/SN pinout, 25LC160C-E/SN application, or 25LC160C-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5V), page size (16 bytes), endurance (>1M cycles), data retention (>200 years), and automotive-grade thermal reliability - all critical for industrial metering, automotive body control modules, and medical device parameter storage.

Technical Context

The 25LC160C-E/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring only CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, nonvolatile STATUS register (BP0/BP1/WEL/WIP), and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

Write operations are page-limited (16 bytes), self-timed (≤5 ms), and require explicit WREN before WRITE; read supports sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh. HOLD suspends ongoing transfers while preserving internal state, enabling host CPU to service higher-priority interrupts without reinitializing the transaction.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160C-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150-mil width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and JEDEC-standard footprint (JEDEC MS-012AA). Pin pitch is 1.27 mm; body dimensions are 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.75 mm (max height).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-E/SN, the 25LC160C-E/SN offers tighter page-write control for small-parameter updates, while AT25DF021-SSH-T trades write-protection robustness for higher density and quad-SPI bandwidth - making 25LC160C-E/SN optimal for safety-critical, low-bandwidth, automotive-qualified configuration storage.

Availability

25LC160C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial energy metering, automotive body control modules, and medical infusion pump calibration requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160C-E/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 leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160C-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for reliable, low-power, long-life nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding AEC-Q100 compliance and >200-year data integrity.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160C-E/SN supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5V to <4.5V, and 3 MHz at 1.8V to <2.5V. For the 25LC160C-E/SN specifically, rated VCC is 2.5–5.5V, so its operational maximum is 10 MHz. This enables high-throughput data logging in time-sensitive applications like power quality analyzers.

Does the 25LC160C-E/SN support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25LC160C-E/SN supports hardware write protection using the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to the STATUS register are disabled - protecting block protection settings and write-enable state. Memory array writes remain possible unless BP bits are set, making the 25LC160C-E/SN suitable for field-updatable systems with locked security parameters.

What package type is used for the 25LC160C-E/SN?

The 25LC160C-E/SN uses an 8-lead SOIC package designated "SN" per Microchip's packaging nomenclature. It measures 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm with 1.27 mm lead pitch and complies with JEDEC MS-012AA. This surface-mount package supports automated assembly and is compatible with standard reflow profiles for lead-free soldering.

How many write/erase cycles does the 25LC160C-E/SN guarantee?

The 25LC160C-E/SN guarantees >1 million erase/write cycles per memory location, validated at 25°C and VCC = 5.5V. This endurance rating applies across its full automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments such as engine control units or solar inverter data loggers where frequent parameter updates occur.

Can the 25LC160C-E/SN be used in automotive applications?

Yes, the "E" suffix in 25LC160C-E/SN denotes Automotive temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C), and the part is qualified to AEC-Q100 standards. Its design includes enhanced ESD protection (>4 kV HBM), extended data retention (>200 years), and robust write-cycle timing across voltage and temperature - making the 25LC160C-E/SN appropriate for body control modules, ADAS sensor calibration storage, and telematics unit configuration memory.