Microchip Technology 25LC160D-I/MS

Overview

25LC160D-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 32-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-year data retention - used for firmware storage, calibration data logging, and configuration backup in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-I/MS datasheet, 25LC160D-I/MS pinout, 25LC160D-I/MS application, or 25LC160D-I/MS equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, HOLD/CS/WP functional behavior, package-confirmed pin mapping, and real-world use cases aligned to Microchip's DS22150B documentation.

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) with separate SI and SO 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 self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms), while READ supports sequential addressing with automatic address rollover at 07FFh. HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transfers without resetting state, enabling interrupt servicing on host microcontrollers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (150 mil) package, Pb-free and RoHS compliant, with 0.65 mm lead pitch and exposed pad option not specified in DS22150B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-I/SN, the 25LC160D-I/MS offers identical functionality in a smaller MSOP package for space-constrained boards, while the AT25160B-MAHL-T trades page size and register compatibility for higher clock rate - making it suitable only where timing headroom justifies firmware adaptation.

Availability

25LC160D-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, smart metering, and embedded control applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS compliance.

Supply support for 25LC160D-I/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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 25LC160D-I/MS belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with demanding environmental and longevity requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160D-I/MS?

The 25LC160D-I/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. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of DS22150B and ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25LC160D-I/MS does not operate above 10 MHz under any condition.

Does the 25LC160D-I/MS support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/MS supports hardware write protection via the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN is high, writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits are blocked - protecting configuration settings even if firmware is compromised. This dual-control mechanism is fully documented in Table 2-4 and Section 2.6 of DS22150B.

How many bytes can be written in a single page write operation for the 25LC160D-I/MS?

The 25LC160D-I/MS supports 32-byte page writes, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Section 2.3 of DS22150B. Attempting to write across a 32-byte boundary causes wraparound within the current page - so software must enforce alignment to addresses 0000h, 0020h, 0040h, etc. This differs from the 'C' version (16-byte pages) and is a key identifier for the 'D' suffix.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25LC160D-I/MS?

The 25LC160D-I/MS is rated for >1,000,000 erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention at +25°C, per Table 1-3 and Section 1.0 of DS22150B. These values are characterized, not tested per unit, and assume standard operating conditions (VCC = 5.5V, TA = 25°C). Real-world endurance may vary with voltage, temperature, and usage pattern.

Is the 25LC160D-I/MS pin-compatible with other devices in the 25XX160 family?

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/MS shares identical pinout and SPI protocol with all 25XX160C/D variants including 25AA160C/D and 25LC160C, as shown in Figure 3-1 and Table 3-1 of DS22150B. All use the same 8-pin arrangement (CS, SO, WP, VSS, SI, SCK, HOLD, VCC), enabling direct substitution where voltage range and page size requirements align.