Microchip Technology 25LC160CT-I/MS

Overview

25LC160CT-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page size, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, and features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control. It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160CT-I/MS datasheet, 25LC160CT-I/MS pinout, 25LC160CT-I/MS application, or 25LC160CT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz, 16-byte page write capability, industrial-grade temperature operation, hardware/software write protection flexibility, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160CT-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, enabling full-duplex communication with host controllers. 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 cycles (≤5 ms), while HOLD pin allows pausing ongoing transfers without sequence restart. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160CT-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 4.9 mm body, 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 25LC160CT-I/MS, 25AA160CT-I/MS offers broader voltage support at the cost of slightly reduced ESD rating (3 kV vs. 4 kV), while AT25160B-MAU-10UT-A trades HOLD functionality for higher clock speed - making the original part optimal for interrupt-aware, industrial-temperature, 2.5–5.5V designs requiring robust pause capability.

Availability

25LC160CT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160CT-I/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, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 25LC160C/D family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring SPI-compatible, low-power, long-life nonvolatile memory with flexible hardware/software write protection.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160CT-I/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum is 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, it drops to 3 MHz. These limits ensure setup/hold timing compliance per Table 1-2 in DS22150B. The 25LC160CT-I/MS does not support 20 MHz operation - that specification applies to alternative parts like the AT25160B.

Does the 25LC160CT-I/MS have a HOLD pin, and how is it used?

Yes, the 25LC160CT-I/MS includes a dedicated HOLD pin (Pin 7) that allows pausing ongoing SPI communication without resetting the sequence. To activate HOLD, the pin must be driven low while SCK is low; the device enters high-impedance state on SI/SO/SCK and ignores further inputs except CS. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This feature is confirmed in Section 3.6 and Figure 1-1 of DS22150B. The 25LC160CT-I/MS uses this for interrupt handling in real-time systems.

What is the page size of the 25LC160CT-I/MS, and why does it matter for write operations?

The 25LC160CT-I/MS has a fixed 16-byte page size, as specified for 'C' version devices in the Device Selection Table. During page write, all bytes must reside within the same physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0x000–0x00F); crossing the boundary causes wraparound instead of sequential addressing. This constraint affects firmware design - the host must split multi-byte writes across page boundaries. The 25LC160CT-I/MS enforces this at the silicon level, unlike 'D' versions with 32-byte pages.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160CT-I/MS?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160CT-I/MS requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) to be low AND the WPEN bit (STATUS register bit 7) to be set high. When enabled, this configuration blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits only - memory array writes remain permitted unless blocked by BP0/BP1 bits. The 25LC160CT-I/MS allows independent control: WPEN can be cleared to disable hardware protection even if WP is grounded, enabling STATUS register updates in pre-deployed systems.

What temperature range is guaranteed for the 25LC160CT-I/MS?

The 25LC160CT-I/MS is rated for the Industrial temperature range: –40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the 'I' suffix in the part number and confirmed in the Device Selection Table. It is not qualified for Automotive (–40°C to +125°C) operation - that rating applies only to 'E'-suffixed variants like 25LC160CT-E/MS. All electrical characteristics in DS22150B's DC and AC tables are validated across this industrial range at VCC = 2.5V to 5.5V.