Microchip Technology 25LC160C-I/SN

Overview

25LC160C-I/SN 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, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and supports HOLD for interrupt-safe bus suspension - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160C-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160C-I/SN pinout, 25LC160C-I/SN application, or 25LC160C-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5V), 16-byte page boundary handling, WPEN-controlled hardware write protection, and SO high-impedance behavior during CS deassertion or HOLD assertion.

Technical Context

The 25LC160C-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=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 an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by WRITE command and address; the device automatically increments the internal address pointer during sequential reads and enforces strict 16-byte page boundaries for page writes - crossing a boundary wraps data to the start of the current page rather than advancing to the next.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160C-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150 mil width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot; package dimensions: 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 25AA160C-I/SN and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25LC160C-I/SN delivers optimal balance of speed (10 MHz), industrial temp rating, HOLD support, and proven Microchip ecosystem integration - making it preferred for deterministic embedded control where bus arbitration and power-domain flexibility matter.

Availability

25LC160C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical calibration systems, automotive body controllers, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

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

The 25LC160C-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 25XX160 serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive industrial and automotive applications.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160C-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, it is rated for 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet and reflect guaranteed timing margins under industrial temperature conditions. The 25LC160C-I/SN does not support 20 MHz operation - that specification applies to other families like AT25xxx.

Does the 25LC160C-I/SN have a HOLD pin, and how is it used?

Yes, the 25LC160C-I/SN has a dedicated HOLD pin (Pin 7) that suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, the device tri-states SO, SI, and SCK inputs are ignored except CS, allowing the host MCU to service urgent interrupts. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This behavior is fully documented in Section 2.8 and Figure 1-1 of the 25LC160C-I/SN datasheet.

How does write protection work on the 25LC160C-I/SN?

Write protection on the 25LC160C-I/SN operates through two independent mechanisms: software-controlled block protection (BP1/BP0 bits in STATUS register) and hardware write protection enabled by the WP pin combined with the WPEN bit. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to the STATUS register are blocked - protecting critical protection settings. The 25LC160C-I/SN supports four protection levels: none, upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or full array, as defined in Table 2-3.

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

The 25LC160C-I/SN uses an 8-lead SOIC package (suffix "SN"), measuring 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm with 1.27 mm lead pitch and 150 mil body width. It is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, with matte tin (Sn) plating per JEDEC J-STD-609. This package is distinct from PDIP (P), TSSOP (ST), MSOP (MS), and TDFN (MN) variants listed in the Device Selection Table - the "SN" suffix explicitly denotes SOIC.

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

The 25LC160C-I/SN is rated for Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), not Automotive (–40°C to +125°C). For automotive use, Microchip specifies the 25LC160D variant (e.g., 25LC160D-E/SN), which shares identical functionality but is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 3. Using the 25LC160C-I/SN in under-hood or other >85°C environments violates its qualified operating range and may result in data retention or timing failures.