Microchip Technology 25LC160D-E/P

Overview

25LC160D-E/P 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 features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and operates across 2.5–5.5 V supply. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring robust data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-E/P datasheet, 25LC160D-E/P pinout, 25LC160D-E/P application, or 25LC160D-E/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, page-write boundary behavior, WPEN/BP bit mapping, and real-world use cases - all confirmed against DS22150B and Microchip's official packaging & marking documentation.

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-E/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI/SO lines and active-low CS. 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 activation, followed by WRITE instruction + 16-bit address + up to 32 bytes within a single 32-byte physical page (boundaries at 0x000, 0x020, 0x040, etc.). The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting the internal state, enabling deterministic interrupt handling in time-critical firmware.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-E/P is supplied in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, and standard JEDEC MO-017AC outline. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; orientation follows industry-standard DIP numbering (counterclockwise from notch).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-E/P, the 25LC160D-I/P offers identical functionality at lower cost for non-automotive use, while the AT25DF021-SSH-T trades random-write flexibility for higher density and lower $/Mbit - but demands architectural changes to accommodate erase-before-write and lack of hardware write protection.

Availability

25LC160D-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive powertrain control, industrial PLC configuration, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160D-E/P 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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160D-E/P belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, byte-addressable nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where firmware simplicity and data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160D-E/P?

The 25LC160D-E/P supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V to <4.5 V, max frequency drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8 V to <2.5 V, it is 3 MHz - though 25LC160D-E/P's minimum VCC is 2.5 V, so the 3 MHz case does not apply. These limits ensure setup/hold timing margins per Table 1-2 of DS22150B.

Does the 25LC160D-E/P support page write across address boundaries?

No, the 25LC160D-E/P does not support crossing physical page boundaries during a single page write. With a 32-byte page size, boundaries occur every 32 bytes (e.g., 0x000–0x01F, 0x020–0x03F). Attempting to write past 0x01F in one command wraps data back to 0x000, overwriting prior bytes - a behavior explicitly documented in Section 2.3 of DS22150B.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transfer on the 25LC160D-E/P?

When HOLD is pulled low while SCK is low, the 25LC160D-E/P immediately tri-states SO and ignores further SI/SCK transitions, pausing the transfer at the current bit position. The internal state (address pointer, instruction decode) is preserved. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low - then normal SPI communication continues from the exact suspended point.

What is the purpose of the WPEN bit in the STATUS register of the 25LC160D-E/P?

The WPEN bit (bit 7) in the 25LC160D-E/P STATUS register enables or disables hardware write protection via the WP pin. When WPEN = 1 and WP = low, writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked - protecting critical protection settings. When WPEN = 0, the WP pin has no effect, allowing full STATUS register writes regardless of WP state.

Is the 25LC160D-E/P pin-compatible with the 25AA160D-E/P?

No, the 25LC160D-E/P is not pin-compatible with the 25AA160D-E/P. While both are 8-pin PDIP EEPROMs sharing identical pin functions (CS, SO, WP, VSS, SI, SCK, HOLD, VCC), the 25AA160D-E/P operates down to 1.8 V and uses different DC/AC timing specs - making direct substitution unsafe without verifying voltage compatibility and timing margins in the target system.