Microchip Technology 25LC160C-E/ST

Overview

25LC160C-E/ST from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page write capability, and industrial-temperature operation (−40°C to +85°C). It features 10 MHz max clock frequency, 5 µA standby current at 5.5 V, and hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160C-E/ST datasheet, 25LC160C-E/ST pinout, 25LC160C-E/ST application, or 25LC160C-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 2.5–5.5 V supply, page-write boundary handling, HOLD pin behavior during interrupt servicing, and block-protection granularity (none/¼/½/all array).

Technical Context

The 25LC160C-E/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. 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 WRITE command and address; the write enable latch resets automatically after each successful write or power-up. Block protection is controlled via BP0/BP1 bits in the STATUS register, enabling selective write-disable of upper 1/4 (0600h–07FFh), upper 1/2 (0400h–07FFh), or full array (0000h–07FFh).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160C-E/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (ST) with 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, Pb-free and RoHS compliant. Pin 1 is CS (Chip Select), Pin 2 is SO (Serial Output), Pin 3 is WP (Write-Protect), Pin 4 is VSS (Ground), Pin 5 is SI (Serial Input), Pin 6 is SCK (Serial Clock), Pin 7 is HOLD (Hold Input), and Pin 8 is VCC (Supply Voltage).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-E/ST, the 25LC160C-E/ST offers tighter page-write control for small-parameter updates; versus AT25160B-SSHL-T, it provides hardware HOLD support and guaranteed 2.5 V minimum operation - critical for mixed-voltage industrial backplanes.

Availability

25LC160C-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart energy meters, PLC I/O modules, and medical diagnostic devices requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 25LC160C-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160C-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive industrial and automotive-qualified embedded systems.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160C-E/ST 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 rated for 3 MHz. These tiers ensure timing margin compliance across its full 2.5–5.5 V operating range. The 25LC160C-E/ST datasheet specifies AC characteristics including setup/hold times and output valid delays for each voltage band.

Does the 25LC160C-E/ST have built-in write protection, and how is it configured?

Yes, the 25LC160C-E/ST includes dual-layer write protection: a hardware WP pin (Pin 3) and a software-configurable STATUS register with BP0/BP1 bits. Hardware protection activates only when WP is low AND WPEN bit (bit 7) is set high. Block protection levels (none, upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or full array) are set via BP0/BP1. The 25LC160C-E/ST's WRSR instruction writes these bits nonvolatily, and they persist through power cycles.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160C-E/ST, and what are its timing requirements?

The HOLD pin (Pin 7) suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state, allowing the host MCU to service urgent interrupts. To activate HOLD, the pin must be pulled low while SCK is low; releasing HOLD requires it to go high while SCK remains low. During HOLD, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance. The 25LC160C-E/ST specifies HOLD setup/hold times (20–80 ns depending on VCC) and transition-to-output delays (30–160 ns) in its AC characteristics table.

How many write/erase cycles does the 25LC160C-E/ST guarantee, and what is its data retention period?

The 25LC160C-E/ST guarantees more than 1 million erase/write cycles and greater than 200 years of data retention at 25°C. These figures are characterized and specified in the device's Electrical Characteristics table (Param No. D021 and Note 3). Endurance is tested under worst-case conditions (25°C, VCC = 5.5 V), and retention assumes typical storage conditions - both values apply directly to the 25LC160C-E/ST without derating.

Can the 25LC160C-E/ST operate from a 3.3 V supply, and what are its current consumption values at that voltage?

Yes, the 25LC160C-E/ST operates fully across 2.5 V to 5.5 V, including standard 3.3 V systems. At VCC = 3.3 V and FCLK = 5 MHz, typical read current is ≤2.5 mA (D010), write current is ≤3 mA (D011), and standby current is ≤1 µA at +85°C (D012). These values are measured per DC Characteristics Table 1-1 and confirmed for the 25LC160C-E/ST variant in the Device Selection Table.