Microchip Technology 25LC160CT-I/ST
- Part No.:
- 25LC160CT-I/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC160CT-I/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
25LC160CT-I/ST 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 in embedded systems for nonvolatile parameter storage, calibration data retention, and firmware configuration.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC160CT-I/ST datasheet, 25LC160CT-I/ST pinout, 25LC160CT-I/ST application, or 25LC160CT-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz, 16-byte page write capability, −40°C to +85°C operation, and integrated block write protection covering 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array.
Technical Context
The 25LC160CT-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD for full protocol support. 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), while read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address rollover from 07FFh to 0000h. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting state, enabling interrupt servicing on host microcontrollers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit), sufficient for storing bootloader config, sensor calibration tables, or device ID data |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0), compatible with PIC® and most MCU SPI peripherals without bit-banging |
| Page Size | 16 bytes - limits maximum contiguous write per CS assertion; crossing page boundary wraps data within same page |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V - enables fast read/write bursts in high-throughput embedded logging applications |
| Write Cycle Time | ≤5 ms - determines minimum interval between successive page writes; impacts real-time data logging latency |
| Endurance & Retention | >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention - suitable for long-life industrial equipment with infrequent updates |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V logic domains without level shifting |
Pinout & Package
25LC160CT-I/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and JEDEC-standard footprint (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; must go high after final data bit to trigger internal write cycle; deselects device and tri-states SO |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output driven on falling edge of SCK; allows multiple devices on shared SPI bus |
| WP (Pin 3) | Hardware Write-Protect Input | Low + WPEN=1 disables STATUS register writes only; does not affect memory reads or byte/page writes |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all I/O and core circuitry; requires low-impedance connection to system GND plane |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Latches instruction, address, and data on rising edge of SCK; accepts standard SPI MOSI signals |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks input, falling edge updates SO |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Transfer Pause Control | Low during active CS suspends communication; resumes from exact point when brought high while SCK is low |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5V supply; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required near pin for stable SPI timing and write reliability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Selectable protection of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array via BP0/BP1 bits - prevents accidental overwrites of critical firmware or calibration sectors |
| Power-On Write Disable | Write enable latch resets at power-up - eliminates risk of spurious writes during power ramp or brown-out conditions |
| Hold Function | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer without losing state - enables host MCU to service time-critical interrupts without reinitializing sequence |
| Low Standby Current | 5 µA max at 5.5V and +125°C - minimizes battery drain in always-on IoT sensor nodes and portable medical devices |
| ESD Robustness | >4 kV HBM - enhances reliability in manufacturing, field service, and electrostatic-prone industrial environments |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Automotive ECU Calibration Data |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping, PID tuning parameters, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register holding user-defined operational settings that persist across power cycles and firmware updates. Use Value: Enables field reconfiguration without hardware changes; 2048-byte capacity accommodates multi-channel analog input scaling tables and digital I/O assignment matrices. | Use Scenario: Retaining engine trim values, sensor offset corrections, and adaptive learning coefficients in automotive engine control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated calibration memory accessed during startup and closed-loop control loops; isolated from main flash to avoid corruption during firmware updates. Use Value: Supports AEC-Q100 Grade 3 qualification via −40°C to +85°C operation and >200-year data retention; WP pin prevents runtime corruption during CAN bus fault events. |
| Medical Device Safety Parameters | Smart Meter Firmware Bootloader Settings |
Use Scenario: Securing dose limit thresholds, alarm hysteresis, and user-access permissions in Class IIa infusion pumps and diagnostic monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tamper-resistant safety-critical parameter store; write-protected via STATUS register and WP pin to meet IEC 62304 software lifecycle requirements. Use Value: Block protection ensures only authorized service tools can modify safety thresholds; >1M endurance supports lifetime recalibration during device servicing. | Use Scenario: Holding secure boot keys, OTA update rollback counters, and metering algorithm version flags in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trusted configuration vault accessed exclusively by bootloader during cold start; isolated from application firmware partition. Use Value: 16-byte page writes align with AES-128 block encryption boundaries; 5 µA standby current extends battery backup life during grid outages. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA160CT-I/ST | Wider VCC range (1.8–5.5V); identical pinout, timing, and memory map; lower 1.8V operation enables direct use with ultra-low-power MCUs | Preferred in battery-powered sensors and wearables where 1.8V operation reduces system power budget | Select 25AA160CT-I/ST when operating below 2.5V; otherwise 25LC160CT-I/ST offers better noise immunity at 3.3V/5V rails |
| AT25160B-SSHL-T | Same 16 Kbit SPI EEPROM; supports 20 MHz clock (vs. 10 MHz); different STATUS register layout and WPEN behavior; not pin-compatible with HOLD function | Used where higher throughput is needed and HOLD functionality is unused; requires firmware adaptation for status polling | Choose AT25160B-SSHL-T only if 20 MHz read speed is critical and HOLD pin is unneeded; verify WP logic compatibility before substitution |
Compared with 25AA160CT-I/ST and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25LC160CT-I/ST provides optimal balance of industrial temperature support, proven SPI interoperability with PIC® and ARM® Cortex-M MCUs, and robust hardware write protection - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, long-lifecycle industrial designs where 2.5V minimum supply is acceptable.
Availability
25LC160CT-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, automotive ECU calibration data retention, and medical device safety parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 25LC160CT-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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.
The 25LC160CT-I/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy 25XX160C/D serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with SPI interfaces.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160CT-I/ST?
The 25LC160CT-I/ST supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V it is 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25LC160CT-I/ST datasheet specifies AC characteristics under industrial conditions (−40°C to +85°C) with these derated frequencies.
Does the 25LC160CT-I/ST support page write operations, and what is the page size?
Yes, the 25LC160CT-I/ST supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size. Up to 16 bytes can be written in a single CS-active transaction, provided all addresses reside within the same physical page boundary (e.g., 0x000–0x00F, 0x010–0x01F). Crossing a page boundary causes wraparound within the current page. This behavior is defined in the 25LC160CT-I/ST functional description and must be handled in firmware.
How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160CT-I/ST?
Hardware write protection on the 25LC160CT-I/ST requires both the WP pin to be low *and* the WPEN bit (STATUS register bit 7) set to 1. When enabled, this combination blocks writes to the nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) only - memory array reads/writes remain fully functional. The 25LC160CT-I/ST datasheet confirms this behavior in Table 2-4 and Section 2.6.
What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25LC160CT-I/ST?
The 25LC160CT-I/ST guarantees >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention at 25°C, with characterization confirming reliability across its full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). These figures are specified in Table 1-3 of the official datasheet DS22150B and apply to the 25LC160CT-I/ST under recommended operating conditions.
Is the 25LC160CT-I/ST pin-compatible with other packages in the 25XX160 family?
Yes, the 25LC160CT-I/ST in TSSOP (ST) package shares identical 8-pin numbering and signal mapping with PDIP (P), SOIC (SN), MSOP (MS), and TDFN (MN) variants of the 25LC160C/D series. Pin functions (CS, SO, WP, VSS, SI, SCK, HOLD, VCC) are consistent across all packages, enabling drop-in replacement based on board space and thermal requirements - confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Package Types diagram of DS22150B.
25LC160CT-I/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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
25LC160CT-I/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC160CT-I/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC160CT-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 25LC160CT-I/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC160CT-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 25LC160CT-I/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC160CT-I/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC160CT-I/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC160CT-I/ST?
25LC160CT-I/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC160CT-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 25LC160CT-I/ST?
For technical support, including 25LC160CT-I/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC160CT-I/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC160CT-I/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC160CT-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 25LC160CT-I/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC160CT-I/ST?
All 25LC160CT-I/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC160CT-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 25LC160CT-I/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC160CT-I/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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