Microchip Technology 25LC160D-E/MS

Overview

25LC160D-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 32-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers 1 million erase/write cycles with >200-year data retention - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data logging, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160D-E/MS pinout, 25LC160D-E/MS application, or 25LC160D-E/MS equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, HOLD/CS/WP functional behavior, package-confirmed pin mapping for MSOP-8, and validated alternative parts for design continuity and sourcing flexibility.

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-E/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI (MOSI) and SO (MISO) lines, requiring CS assertion for device selection and supporting HOLD-based transaction suspension without sequence reset. 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; page writes are limited to 32 bytes within a single physical page boundary (0000h–001Fh, 0020h–003Fh, etc.), and crossing boundaries causes wraparound - not automatic page advancement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 150-mil body width, Pb-free and RoHS-compliant. Pin 1 is marked with a dot or beveled corner; leads are gull-wing, surface-mount compatible.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160D-E/MS, the 25LC160D-E/MS trades wider VCC compatibility for improved noise immunity at 2.5V minimum, while AT25DF021-MAU-T introduces architectural divergence with quad SPI and higher density - making it unsuitable as a direct replacement without hardware and firmware redesign.

Availability

25LC160D-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, automotive sensor calibration data logging, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160D-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160D-E/MS belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI simplicity, write protection integrity, and automotive reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160D-E/MS, and how does it vary with supply voltage?

The 25LC160D-E/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5V to <4.5V, and 3 MHz at 1.8V to <2.5V - though its specified VCC range starts at 2.5V. These speed grades ensure timing compliance across operating conditions without violating setup/hold windows, and are validated per AC Characteristics Table 1-2 in DS22150B.

Does the 25LC160D-E/MS support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25LC160D-E/MS supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size - confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Functional Description section. This allows up to 32 sequential bytes to be loaded before initiating the internal 5 ms write cycle, improving throughput versus byte-write mode. Crossing page boundaries wraps data to the start of the current page.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160D-E/MS, and what pins and registers control it?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160D-E/MS is controlled jointly by the WP pin (Pin 3) and the WPEN bit (bit 7) in the STATUS register. Protection activates only when WP is low AND WPEN = 1 - blocking writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits. The 25LC160D-E/MS datasheet defines this behavior in Table 2-4 and Section 2.6, ensuring secure configuration lockdown.

What package type is used for the 25LC160D-E/MS, and what are its key mechanical features?

The 25LC160D-E/MS uses an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 150-mil body width, gull-wing leads, and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating. Its compact footprint (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm) and 0.65 mm lead pitch support high-density PCB layouts, and package drawings are documented in Microchip's Packaging Specification (DS22150B, pages 14–28).

Can the 25LC160D-E/MS be used in automotive applications, and what temperature grade does it carry?

Yes, the 25LC160D-E/MS carries the 'E' temperature grade, rated for −40°C to +125°C ambient operation and qualified per AEC-Q100 requirements - explicitly stated in the Device Selection Table and Electrical Characteristics sections. This makes it suitable for engine control, transmission, and ADAS subsystems where extended thermal resilience is mandatory.