Microchip Technology 25LC160C-I/P
- Part No.:
- 25LC160C-I/P
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC160C-I/P.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 10MHZ 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:470
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Product details
Overview
25LC160C-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers 5 mA read/write current at 5.5V - used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC160C-I/P datasheet, 25LC160C-I/P pinout, 25LC160C-I/P application, or 25LC160C-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface timing compliance (TCSS, TSU, TWC), page-write boundary handling, block protection granularity (none/¼/½/all), HOLD pin suspend functionality, and Pb-free 8-lead PDIP package compatibility with legacy through-hole layouts.
Technical Context
The 25LC160C-I/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS connections. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and a STATUS register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by WRITE command and address; CS must go high after final data bit to trigger self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to lock upper ¼ (0600h–07FFh), upper ½ (0400h–07FFh), or full array (0000h–07FFh), while WP pin enables hardware-level write disable when WPEN = 1 and WP = low.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8 bits) - provides sufficient space for firmware configuration, calibration data, or device identity storage in resource-constrained systems. |
| Page Size | 16 bytes - limits contiguous writes to within physical page boundaries; crossing page boundary wraps data to start of same page, requiring software address alignment. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V - enables fast read/write throughput up to 1.25 MB/s (theoretical), compatible with high-speed MCU SPI peripherals. |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms max - defines minimum interval between write commands; STATUS register WIP bit must be polled or interrupt-driven to avoid bus contention. |
| VCC Range | 2.5V to 5.5V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V logic families without level shifting. |
| Data Retention | > 200 years - ensures long-term reliability for infrequently updated settings in industrial control or metering applications. |
| Endurance | > 1 million erase/write cycles - allows frequent logging or counter updates over product lifetime without wear-out risk. |
Pinout & Package
25LC160C-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.300-inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked with dot or notch orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable signal; must be low for all SPI transactions; rising edge initiates internal write cycle after valid write sequence. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state open-drain output; data shifted out on falling edge of SCK; high-impedance when CS high or during HOLD assertion. |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect Input | Hardware lock for STATUS register nonvolatile bits; effective only when WPEN = 1 in STATUS register; low = protection enabled. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all internal circuitry and I/O; requires low-impedance connection to system ground plane. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | CMOS input receiving instructions, addresses, and data; sampled on rising edge of SCK; must meet VIH/VIL thresholds per VCC. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge latches SI, falling edge updates SO; max 10 MHz with specified setup/hold times. |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Communication Suspend | Pauses ongoing SPI sequence without reset; must be asserted while SCK is low; tri-states SO during hold state. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply Voltage | Power input for core and I/O; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) required near pin to suppress switching noise. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect none, upper ¼, upper ½, or entire memory array - enables secure storage of critical boot parameters or calibration constants. |
| HOLD Pin Functionality | Allows host MCU to suspend SPI communication mid-sequence to service higher-priority interrupts, then resume from exact point - eliminates retransmission overhead and timing-critical restart logic. |
| Self-Timed Write Cycle | Internal 5 ms write completion with automatic latch reset - removes need for external delay timers and simplifies firmware implementation of write routines. |
| Built-In Power-On Write Protection | Write enable latch resets at power-up, and WREN must be explicitly issued before any write - prevents accidental corruption during power ramp or brown-out conditions. |
| Industrial Temperature Range | –40°C to +85°C operation - validated for use in factory automation, HVAC controllers, and outdoor instrumentation without derating. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Medical Device Calibration Data |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping tables, PID tuning parameters, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers deployed in manufacturing lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory accessed via SPI during boot and runtime; retains values across power cycles and withstands >1M reprogramming events. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable control logic without requiring external programming hardware; 16-byte page writes reduce update latency versus byte-by-byte writes. | Use Scenario: Saving sensor offset/gain coefficients, patient-specific therapy profiles, and usage logs in portable diagnostic equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, long-life data logger and calibration vault; WP pin and STATUS register protection prevent unauthorized modification of safety-critical parameters. Use Value: Meets >200-year data retention requirement for medical records; block protection isolates calibration data from user-modifiable therapy settings. |
| Automotive Body Control Module Settings | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Parameters |
Use Scenario: Holding door lock logic states, mirror position presets, and lighting behavior configurations in automotive BCMs operating across –40°C to +85°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM interfaced directly with 8/16-bit automotive MCUs; HOLD pin allows interruption during CAN message processing without losing EEPROM transaction state. Use Value: Eliminates need for external voltage supervisors or write-protection jumpers; built-in ESD protection (>4 kV) enhances robustness in noisy vehicle electrical environments. | Use Scenario: Storing tariff schedules, meter ID, phase calibration factors, and tamper-event timestamps in ANSI C12.20-compliant electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trusted parameter store with hardware write-disable (WP + WPEN); accessed during meter initialization and periodic firmware updates. Use Value: Supports secure field upgrades via encrypted SPI commands; 5.5V VCC tolerance accommodates wide-input DC-DC converters common in meter power supplies. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA160C-I/P | Wider VCC range (1.8–5.5V); identical 16-byte page size, pinout, and instruction set. | Supports 1.8V logic systems (e.g., ultra-low-power sensors); not rated for automotive E-temp. | Select when interfacing with 1.8V MCUs or battery-powered devices requiring extended low-voltage operation. |
| 25LC160D-I/P | 32-byte page size; otherwise identical electrical specs, pinout, and package. | Enables larger burst writes but requires software adjustment to avoid page-boundary wrap-around. | Choose for applications needing faster bulk writes where firmware can manage 32-byte alignment constraints. |
Compared with 25AA160C-I/P, the 25LC160C-I/P offers higher minimum VCC (2.5V vs. 1.8V) but identical timing, protection, and endurance - making it optimal for 3.3V/5V industrial designs. Versus 25LC160D-I/P, its 16-byte page reduces risk of accidental data overwrite at page boundaries, simplifying firmware for small-parameter updates.
Availability
25LC160C-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 25LC160C-I/P 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-I/P belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and industrial-grade reliability are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160C-I/P?
The 25LC160C-I/P supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 10 MHz when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At lower supply voltages (2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V), the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, it is 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup and hold timing margins across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25LC160C-I/P datasheet specifies AC characteristics including TCSS, TSU, and THD to validate timing compliance at each VCC tier.
How does the page write function work in the 25LC160C-I/P?
The 25LC160C-I/P implements a 16-byte page buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be written in a single transaction if they reside within the same physical page (addresses aligned to 00h–0Fh, 10h–1Fh, etc.). If a page write crosses a 16-byte boundary, data wraps to the start of the current page instead of advancing to the next - potentially overwriting prior bytes. The 25LC160C-I/P requires CS to go high after the last data bit to initiate the internal 5 ms write cycle, and the WIP bit must be polled to confirm completion.
What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160C-I/P?
The HOLD pin on the 25LC160C-I/P suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state - enabling the host MCU to service urgent interrupts (e.g., real-time sensor inputs or CAN messages) and then resume transmission from the exact point of suspension. HOLD must be asserted while SCK is low; during hold, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states, and only CS remains active. This feature eliminates the need for complex transaction restart logic in time-critical embedded firmware.
Can the 25LC160C-I/P be used in automotive applications?
The 25LC160C-I/P is rated for Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), not Automotive (–40°C to +125°C). For automotive use, Microchip specifies the 25LC160C-E/P variant - identical functionality but qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 3. Using the 25LC160C-I/P in under-hood or dashboard applications may violate thermal reliability requirements. Always verify ambient temperature exposure and select the E-temp version (e.g., 25LC160C-E/P) for automotive body control, infotainment, or ADAS subsystems.
How is write protection implemented on the 25LC160C-I/P?
Write protection on the 25LC160C-I/P uses dual mechanisms: software-configurable block protection (BP0/BP1 bits in STATUS register) and hardware-enabled pin protection (WP pin + WPEN bit). BP0/BP1 allow locking none, upper ¼, upper ½, or full memory array. WP pin only affects STATUS register writes when WPEN = 1; if WP = low and WPEN = 1, STATUS register nonvolatile bits cannot be modified. The 25LC160C-I/P also resets the write enable latch on power-up and after every successful write, preventing accidental writes.
25LC160C-I/P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 16Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 2K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 10 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
25LC160C-I/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC160C-I/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC160C-I/P on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 25LC160C-I/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC160C-I/P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC160C-I/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC160C-I/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC160C-I/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC160C-I/P?
25LC160C-I/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC160C-I/P order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 25LC160C-I/P?
For technical support, including 25LC160C-I/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC160C-I/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC160C-I/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC160C-I/P products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 25LC160C-I/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC160C-I/P?
All 25LC160C-I/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC160C-I/P, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 25LC160C-I/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC160C-I/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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