Microchip Technology 25LC160CT-E/SN

Overview

25LC160CT-E/SN 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 supporting Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and Automotive (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges. It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles. Used in automotive body control modules for storing calibration data and configuration parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160CT-E/SN datasheet, 25LC160CT-E/SN pinout, 25LC160CT-E/SN application, or 25LC160CT-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz (VCC ≥ 4.5 V), page-write boundary handling, WPEN/WP interaction logic, and automotive-grade endurance (>1M cycles, >200-year data retention).

Technical Context

The 25LC160CT-E/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization on rising edge for input and falling edge for output, and HOLD support for mid-sequence pause/resume. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to latch enable state; writes are blocked unless WEL = 1 and (WP = high OR WPEN = 0). Block protection configures 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array write-protection via BP0/BP1 bits, while hardware write protection engages only when WP = low AND WPEN = 1 - enabling selective nonvolatile register lockdown without affecting memory reads or byte writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160CT-E/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot; orientation follows standard SOIC pin 1 indicator.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-E/SN, the 25LC160CT-E/SN offers tighter page-write control for safety-critical parameter storage; versus AT25160B-MAHL-T, it delivers verified automotive reliability and higher VCC noise margin at 2.5 V minimum, making it suitable for harsher electrical environments.

Availability

25LC160CT-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160CT-E/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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160C/D family was designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in automotive and industrial systems demanding high endurance, long data retention, and hardware-assisted security.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160CT-E/SN 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 (not applicable to this part), it would be 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of DS22150B and ensure reliable setup/hold timing margins across voltage and temperature.

Does the 25LC160CT-E/SN support page write across address boundaries?

No, the 25LC160CT-E/SN does not support page writes across address boundaries. With its 16-byte page size, any page write attempting to cross a 16-byte boundary (e.g., starting at 0x000F and writing 16 bytes) wraps data back to the start of the same page (0x0000), overwriting prior content. Application firmware must enforce page-aligned writes or split multi-page operations manually.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160CT-E/SN?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160CT-E/SN activates only when both conditions are met: the WP pin is driven low AND the WPEN bit (STATUS register bit 7) is set to 1. When active, it prevents writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) but allows normal memory reads, writes, and WREN/WRDI commands. If WP is high or WPEN is 0, hardware protection is disabled.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160CT-E/SN?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160CT-E/SN suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state - allowing the host microcontroller to service higher-priority interrupts and resume transmission from the exact point of suspension. It must be asserted while SCK is low and deasserted while SCK remains low to guarantee correct resumption, preserving data integrity in real-time systems.

Is the 25LC160CT-E/SN qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the 25LC160CT-E/SN is explicitly qualified for automotive use with an E-temp rating (–40°C to +125°C) and is documented in Microchip's DS22150B datasheet as supporting Automotive temperature range. It meets AEC-Q100 stress testing requirements and is intended for under-hood and powertrain applications where extended thermal and reliability performance is mandatory.