Microchip Technology 25LC160CT-I/SN

Overview

25LC160CT-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, supports hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers >1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160CT-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160CT-I/SN pinout, 25LC160CT-I/SN application, or 25LC160CT-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 5.5V/10 MHz, page-write boundary handling, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus arbitration, and block protection granularity (none/¼/½/all array).

Technical Context

The 25LC160CT-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 CS assertion and SCK synchronization for all operations. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and a STATUS register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate internal 5 ms max self-timed write cycle; reads support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh. HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers while preserving internal state, enabling host CPU to service higher-priority interrupts without reinitializing the SPI sequence.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160CT-I/SN uses an 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160CT-I/SN and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25LC160CT-I/SN provides optimal balance of industrial temperature validation, proven Microchip SPI driver compatibility, and cost-effective 10 MHz performance - making it ideal for mainstream embedded control where 2.5V minimum supply is guaranteed.

Availability

25LC160CT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, smart energy meter firmware patch storage, and automotive body control module settings requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

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

The 25LC160C/D family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in industrial and commercial embedded systems requiring high endurance, long data retention, and robust ESD immunity.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160CT-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz SPI 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 (not applicable to this part), it would be 3 MHz. These limits ensure setup/hold timing margins per AC Characteristics Table 1-2 in DS22150B.

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

No, the 25LC160CT-I/SN does not support page writes across physical page boundaries. With its 16-byte page size, addresses 0000h–000Fh form page 0, 0010h–001Fh page 1, etc. Attempting to write across a boundary (e.g., starting at 000Fh with 2 bytes) causes wraparound to the start of the same page, overwriting prior data. Software must enforce alignment.

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

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160CT-I/SN suspends ongoing SPI communication when pulled low while SCK is low. SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states, and the device retains internal state (address pointer, instruction phase). Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low - then transmission continues from the exact bit position where it paused.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25LC160CT-I/SN?

The 25LC160CT-I/SN implements three layered protections: (1) Power-on reset of the write-enable latch (WEL), (2) Software-controlled block protection (BP0/BP1 bits in STATUS register), and (3) Hardware write protection via WP pin enabled only when WPEN=1. All mechanisms prevent unintended writes but operate independently - e.g., WP pin only blocks STATUS register writes, not memory array writes.

Is the 25LC160CT-I/SN compatible with standard SPI Mode 0,0 interfaces?

Yes, the 25LC160CT-I/SN is fully compatible with SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0): data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK (CPHA=0), and SCK idles low (CPOL=0). Its SI input latches on rising edges, and SO output changes after falling edges - matching standard MCU SPI peripherals without mode configuration changes.