Microchip Technology 25LC160D-I/SN

Overview

25LC160D-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 32-byte page write capability, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V across -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and housed in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) package. It supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers >1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160D-I/SN pinout, 25LC160D-I/SN application, or 25LC160D-I/SN equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, page boundary behavior, HOLD/CS interaction logic, and real-world use cases for embedded firmware storage, calibration data logging, and configuration parameter retention.

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and optional HOLD suspension. Its internal architecture includes a 32-byte page latch, status register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM cell programming.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by WRITE command and address/data; page writes are bounded strictly within 32-byte physical pages (000h–01Fh, 020h–03Fh, etc.), with wraparound on boundary violation. The device enters low-power standby (<5 µA) when CS is high and supports seamless interrupt handling via HOLD pin while preserving serial state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160D-I/SN and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25LC160D-I/SN provides optimal balance of industrial temperature support, 32-byte page efficiency, and HOLD-enabled interrupt resilience - making it preferred for resource-constrained embedded controllers requiring deterministic SPI bus management.

Availability

25LC160D-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, automotive body control modules, and smart energy metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 25LC160D-I/SN 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/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in space-constrained embedded systems requiring simple 4-wire interface and robust write protection.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160D-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz 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. Since the 25LC160D-I/SN operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, its practical maximum is 10 MHz. This allows high-speed reads and writes in microcontroller-based systems without requiring clock dividers or wait states.

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

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size. This means up to 32 sequential bytes can be written in a single WRITE instruction, provided they reside entirely within one physical page (e.g., addresses 0x000–0x01F). Crossing a 32-byte boundary causes wraparound, so firmware must validate address alignment before initiating page writes.

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

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160D-I/SN requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) to be driven low AND the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set high. When both conditions are met, writes to the STATUS register are blocked - protecting BP0/BP1 configuration and WPEN itself. Memory array writes remain enabled unless blocked by block protection bits. The 25LC160D-I/SN defaults to WPEN=0 at power-up, allowing initial STATUS register configuration even with WP grounded.

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160D-I/SN?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160D-I/SN suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state - allowing the host MCU to service time-critical interrupts and resume exactly where it left off. To activate HOLD, the pin must be pulled low while SCK is low; resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. During HOLD, SI, SO, and SCK are tri-stated and ignored, but CS must stay low to maintain selection.

What are the endurance and data retention specifications for the 25LC160D-I/SN?

The 25LC160D-I/SN is rated for >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention at 25°C, validated under worst-case conditions (VCC = 5.5V). These figures are guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), making the 25LC160D-I/SN suitable for mission-critical applications where field replacement is impractical or costly.