Microchip Technology 25LC160D-I/P

Overview

25LC160D-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) 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 5 mA read/write current at 5.5V - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-I/P datasheet, 25LC160D-I/P pinout, 25LC160D-I/P application, or 25LC160D-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC range (2.5–5.5V), HOLD/CS timing margins, block protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), and Pb-free PDIP package compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-I/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS low and HOLD high for active operation. 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); reads support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh. Block protection is implemented via nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits controlling write access to upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or entire memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-I/P is packaged in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and standard through-hole mounting footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-I/P, the 25LC160D-I/SN offers identical functionality in a smaller surface-mount package, while the AT25160B-10PU-2.7 trades HOLD support and larger page size for broader VCC compatibility - making 25LC160D-I/P optimal for legacy through-hole designs needing robust interrupt-aware SPI control.

Availability

25LC160D-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, automotive body control modules, and consumer appliance settings requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

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

The 25LC160D-I/P belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive embedded systems where pin count, board space, and firmware simplicity are critical.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160D-I/P supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At lower supply voltages (2.5V–4.5V), the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V–2.5V it is 3 MHz - ensuring timing compliance across its full 2.5V–5.5V operating range. This graded specification is defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet.

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

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/P supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Section 2.3 of the datasheet. Page writes allow up to 32 bytes to be loaded before initiating the internal write cycle, improving throughput versus byte-by-byte writes - provided all addresses reside within the same physical page boundary.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160D-I/P?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160D-I/P requires both the WP pin to be held low *and* the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set high. When both conditions are met, writes to the nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked - preserving critical protection settings. Memory array writes remain unaffected unless additionally restricted by BP0/BP1 configuration.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160D-I/P?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160D-I/P suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts and resume transmission from the exact point of suspension. It must be asserted while SCK is low and released under the same condition to ensure deterministic behavior, as detailed in Figure 1-1 and Section 3.6 of DS22150B.

Is the 25LC160D-I/P compatible with standard SPI Mode 0,0?

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/P operates in SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0): data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK and output on the falling edge. This is explicitly stated in Section 2.1 and verified by timing diagrams in Figures 1-2 and 1-3 of the DS22150B datasheet, ensuring drop-in compatibility with most microcontroller SPI peripherals without mode configuration changes.