Microchip Technology 25LC160CT-E/MS

Overview

25LC160CT-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page size, and industrial-temperature (–40°C to +85°C) operation. It features 10 MHz max clock speed, 5 µA standby current at 5.5 V, and hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register. Used for nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160CT-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160CT-E/MS pinout, 25LC160CT-E/MS application, or 25LC160CT-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface timing compliance (T_CSS, T_SU, T_HD), page-write boundary handling, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus arbitration, and block protection granularity (none/¼/½/all array).

Technical Context

The 25LC160CT-E/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion for device selection and SCK synchronization. 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 CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms). The HOLD pin suspends serial communication while preserving internal state, enabling host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without sequence restart.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160CT-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.9 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-E/MS, the 25LC160CT-E/MS offers finer-grained page control for small-parameter updates; versus AT25160B-MAHL-T, it provides guaranteed Microchip firmware ecosystem integration and documented HOLD timing behavior.

Availability

25LC160CT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 25LC160CT-E/MS 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/D family delivers cost-optimized, SPI-compatible EEPROMs targeting embedded systems needing reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage for configuration, calibration, and event logging.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC160CT-E/MS?

The 25LC160CT-E/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when V_CC is between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. At lower supply voltages (2.5 V ≤ V_CC < 4.5 V), the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8 V ≤ V_CC < 2.5 V, it is limited to 3 MHz. These limits ensure setup/hold timing margins are met across voltage and temperature ranges per Table 1-2 in DS22150B.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC160CT-E/MS?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160CT-E/MS suspends serial communication while preserving internal state: when pulled low during SCK low time, SI/SO/SCK inputs are ignored and SO enters high-impedance. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This allows the host MCU to service urgent interrupts without restarting the entire SPI sequence - a capability confirmed in Section 3.6 and Figure 1-1 of DS22150B.

What page size does the 25LC160CT-E/MS use, and why does it matter for firmware design?

The 25LC160CT-E/MS uses a 16-byte page size, meaning up to 16 contiguous bytes can be written in a single page-write command. Crossing a 16-byte boundary causes wraparound within the same page instead of advancing to the next. Firmware must validate address alignment before initiating page writes - a constraint explicitly documented in Section 2.3 and Note under Table 2-1 of DS22150B.

Can the 25LC160CT-E/MS be used in automotive applications requiring operation up to +125°C?

No. The 25LC160CT-E/MS is rated for Industrial temperature range only (–40°C to +85°C). For automotive applications requiring +125°C operation, the 'E' suffix variant - such as 25LC160ET-E/MS - must be selected. This distinction is clearly defined in the Device Selection Table on page 1 of DS22150B, where 'T' denotes Industrial grade and 'E' denotes Automotive grade.

How is hardware write protection implemented on the 25LC160CT-E/MS?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160CT-E/MS requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) driven low AND the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) set high. When both conditions are met, writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits are blocked - protecting critical BP0/BP1 protection settings. This dual-control mechanism is detailed in Table 2-4 and Section 2.6 of DS22150B, ensuring robust prevention of accidental configuration corruption.