My Inquiry
My Account
Microchip Technology 25LC160C-I/ST
- Part No.:
- 25LC160C-I/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC160C-I/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,299
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
25LC160C-I/ST from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, operating across 2.5–5.5 V and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD suspend functionality, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in embedded control systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and firmware configuration backup.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC160C-I/ST datasheet, 25LC160C-I/ST pinout, 25LC160C-I/ST application, or 25LC160C-I/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints at multiple VCC levels, package-specific pin mapping for ST (TSSOP), endurance/reliability metrics, and real-world use cases in industrial controllers and sensor nodes.
Technical Context
The 25LC160C-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) with separate SI/SO lines and active-low CS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - enabling byte- and page-write operations without external high-voltage supply.
Write enable logic requires explicit WREN command before each write sequence; the WEL bit resets automatically after WRITE or WRSR execution. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits (00 = no protection, 11 = full array protection), and hardware write protection engages only when WP = low AND WPEN = 1 in STATUS register.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) - supports up to 2 KB of nonvolatile configuration or logging data |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0) - interoperable with PIC, ARM Cortex-M, and ESP32 SPI peripherals |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V - enables fast read/write bursts in time-critical bootloaders |
| Page Size | 16 bytes - limits contiguous writes to single physical page boundaries (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.) |
| Write Cycle Time | ≤ 5 ms - deterministic erase-and-write latency critical for fail-safe state saving |
| Endurance | > 1 million erase/write cycles - validated at 25°C, 5.5 V; suitable for daily firmware update logging |
| Data Retention | > 200 years - ensures long-term reliability in unattended industrial deployments |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5–5.5 V - compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains without level shifting |
Pinout & Package
25LC160C-I/ST is packaged in 8-lead TSSOP (ST), with 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, and Pb-free/RoHS-compliant finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: drives device into standby when high; initiates all commands on falling edge |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output: data shifted out MSB-first on SCK falling edge during READ/RDSR |
| WP (Pin 3) | Hardware Write-Protect | Blocks STATUS register writes when WP = low AND WPEN = 1; no effect on memory reads or SO tri-state |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for VCC current and signal references; must be low-impedance |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Accepts instructions, addresses, and data MSB-first on SCK rising edge |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all SPI transfers; max 10 MHz at 5.5 V; requires monotonic rise/fall ≤ 2 µs |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Communication Suspend | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer when pulled low (SCK must be low); resumes on rising edge |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V operation; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 10 mm of pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Selectively protects 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array via BP0/BP1 bits - prevents accidental overwrites in field-upgraded devices |
| Power-On Write Disable | WEL latch resets at power-up - eliminates risk of spurious writes during brown-out or reset sequences |
| HOLD Functionality | Halts SPI transaction mid-sequence without reinitialization - enables host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts |
| Low Standby Current | 5 µA at 5.5 V, +125°C - extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes and portable instrumentation |
| ESD Robustness | > 4 kV HBM - withstands handling and board-level ESD events in industrial assembly environments |
| RoHS Compliance | Pb-free construction with matte tin plating - meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and J-STD-609A Class 1 |
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. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed during boot and runtime via SPI polling. Use Value: Enables field reconfiguration without firmware reload; 200-year data retention guarantees integrity across 15+ year product lifecycles. |
Use Scenario: Holding factory-calibrated sensor offsets and gain coefficients in portable blood glucose meters and infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage for FDA-regulated calibration constants accessed at power-on. Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 software safety requirements; hardware WP prevents runtime corruption during clinical use. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Settings |
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and door lock configurations in 12 V automotive BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI slave storing user preferences with automatic write-protection during ignition cycling. Use Value: Industrial temp grade (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliability under hood thermal stress; 5 ms write time avoids CAN bus timeout violations. |
Use Scenario: Recording tariff schedules, demand response flags, and meter ID in ANSI C12.22-compliant smart electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power EEPROM interfaced to metrology SoC for secure, infrequent parameter updates. Use Value: 5 µA standby current minimizes battery drain in AMI mesh networks; >1M endurance supports 10+ years of biweekly firmware patches. |
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/ST | 1.8–5.5 V VCC range; identical 16-byte page size and pinout - but wider voltage tolerance enables direct replacement in 1.8 V microcontroller systems | Supports ultra-low-voltage MCUs (e.g., MSP430FRxx, nRF52833) where 25LC160C-I/ST cannot operate below 2.5 V | Select 25AA160C-I/ST only if system VCC may drop below 2.5 V; otherwise 25LC160C-I/ST offers same functionality at lower cost |
| AT25160B-SSHL-T | Same 16 Kbit density and TSSOP-8 package; 5 MHz max clock at 2.5 V; 10 µA standby current vs. 5 µA | Lacks HOLD pin - requires software-managed transaction restart on interrupt; not suitable for real-time deterministic systems | Choose AT25160B-SSHL-T only for cost-sensitive, non-real-time applications where HOLD is unused and 5 µA standby is noncritical |
Compared with 25LC160C-I/ST, 25AA160C-I/ST extends voltage compatibility downward without sacrificing speed or endurance, while AT25160B-SSHL-T trades HOLD functionality and lower standby current for marginally lower unit cost in less demanding environments.
Availability
25LC160C-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body controllers, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 25LC160C-I/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-I/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive applications where reliability and long-term data integrity are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC160C-I/ST?
The 25LC160C-I/ST supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These values are specified in Table 1-2 of DS22150B and apply directly to the 25LC160C-I/ST variant in TSSOP package. Exceeding these limits risks setup/hold timing violations and data corruption.
Does the 25LC160C-I/ST require external high-voltage programming circuitry?
No, the 25LC160C-I/ST integrates an on-chip charge pump (HV generator) that generates the necessary programming voltage internally. This eliminates the need for external high-voltage supplies or dedicated programming hardware - all write operations are executed using only the standard 2.5–5.5 V VCC rail and SPI commands.
How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC160C-I/ST?
When the HOLD pin is pulled low while SCK is low, the 25LC160C-I/ST immediately suspends SPI communication: SI, SO, and SCK inputs are ignored, SO enters high-impedance, and the internal state is preserved. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low - the transaction continues from the exact bit position where it paused, without retransmission.
Can the 25LC160C-I/ST be used in automotive applications requiring -40°C to +125°C operation?
No - the 25LC160C-I/ST is rated for Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) only. For automotive-grade operation up to +125°C, Microchip specifies the 25LC160D-E/ST variant ('E' suffix). Using 25LC160C-I/ST beyond +85°C violates its qualified operating conditions and may cause accelerated data retention loss or write failure.
What happens to the write enable latch after a successful WRITE command on the 25LC160C-I/ST?
After a successful WRITE command completes (including internal 5 ms write cycle), the write enable latch (WEL bit) is automatically reset to '0'. This means every subsequent write operation - whether byte, page, or STATUS register - must begin with an explicit WREN instruction to set WEL again, preventing unintended writes during power glitches or software errors.
25LC160C-I/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
25LC160C-I/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC160C-I/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC160C-I/ST 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/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC160C-I/ST 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/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC160C-I/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC160C-I/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC160C-I/ST?
25LC160C-I/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC160C-I/ST 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/ST?
For technical support, including 25LC160C-I/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC160C-I/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC160C-I/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC160C-I/ST 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/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC160C-I/ST?
All 25LC160C-I/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC160C-I/ST, 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/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC160C-I/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
25LC160C-I/ST Tags
-
M24C02-WMN6TP
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24C02C-XHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
AT21CS01-STUM10-T
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C02C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
24LC01BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
M24C02-FMC6TG
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24CS02-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
93LC46BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C04C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
24LC01BT-I/SN
Microchip Technology
-
24AA02UIDT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C08C-STUM-T
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
