Microchip Technology 25LC160D-E/ST

Overview

25LC160D-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit 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, delivers 5 mA read/write current at 5.5V, and provides hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control for embedded microcontroller systems requiring nonvolatile configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-E/ST datasheet, 25LC160D-E/ST pinout, 25LC160D-E/ST application, or 25LC160D-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), automotive-grade temp range (−40°C to +125°C), SPI timing compliance (T_CSS, T_SU, T_WC), and hardware/software write-protection granularity (BP0/BP1 bits).

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-E/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD pin for transaction suspension without reset. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP, WEL, BP0, BP1, and WPEN bits.

It supports byte and page writes (up to 32 bytes within one physical page), automatic address increment during sequential reads, and self-timed internal write cycles completing in ≤5 ms. Block protection covers none, upper 1/4 (0600h–07FFh), upper 1/2 (0400h–07FFh), or full array (0000h–07FFh), configurable via WRSR instruction.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-E/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (ST suffix), Pb-free and RoHS compliant, with 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body and 0.65 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-I/ST and AT25DF021-SSH-T, the 25LC160D-E/ST uniquely combines automotive temperature rating, dedicated HOLD functionality for interrupt handling, and hardware write protection - making it optimal for safety-aware, real-time embedded systems where deterministic timing and data integrity are mandatory.

Availability

25LC160D-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive ECUs, medical device settings backup, and smart energy meter firmware parameter storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

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

The 25LC160D-E/ST belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, nonvolatile data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems demanding AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term reliability.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160D-E/ST 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 are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet and reflect guaranteed AC timing margins across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25LC160D-E/ST must operate within these bounds to ensure reliable read/write sequencing and hold/setup time compliance.

Does the 25LC160D-E/ST have built-in power-on write protection?

Yes, the 25LC160D-E/ST resets the write enable latch (WEL = 0) on power-up, preventing unintended writes during power ramp-up. Additionally, its built-in power-on/off data protection circuitry disables write operations until a valid WREN instruction is issued. This behavior is confirmed in Section 2.7 and Table 2-4 of the DS22150B datasheet. The 25LC160D-E/ST thus guarantees safe default state without external supervision.

How does page write operation work in the 25LC160D-E/ST?

The 25LC160D-E/ST supports page writes of up to 32 bytes, constrained to a single physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0x0000–0x001F). If a write crosses that boundary, data wraps to the start of the same page instead of advancing to the next. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 2.3 and Figure 2-3 of DS22150B. Software must align starting addresses and limit byte count to avoid corruption - the 25LC160D-E/ST does not auto-segment across pages.

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160D-E/ST?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160D-E/ST suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, it tri-states SO, SI, and SCK inputs are ignored (except CS), allowing the host MCU to service interrupts and resume exactly where paused. This is detailed in Section 3.6 and Figure 1-1 of DS22150B. The 25LC160D-E/ST requires HOLD to remain asserted until SCK is low before release to guarantee clean resumption.

Can the 25LC160D-E/ST be used in automotive applications?

Yes, the 25LC160D-E/ST is explicitly qualified for automotive applications with an operating temperature range of −40°C to +125°C (E-grade) and compliance with AEC-Q100 stress testing requirements. Its packaging (TSSOP-8, ST suffix), endurance (>1M cycles), and data retention (>200 years) meet automotive reliability standards. The "E" in 25LC160D-E/ST denotes this automotive qualification, distinguishing it from the industrial-grade 25LC160D-I/ST variant.