Microchip Technology 25LC160D-I/ST

Overview

25LC160D-I/ST 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 firmware storage, calibration data retention, and configuration memory in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160D-I/ST datasheet, 25LC160D-I/ST pinout, 25LC160D-I/ST application, or 25LC160D-I/ST equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, HOLD/CS/WP functional behavior, page boundary handling, and real-world use cases in microcontroller-based designs requiring nonvolatile parameter storage with robust ESD immunity (>4 kV) and >1M endurance cycles.

Technical Context

The 25LC160D-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS low and HOLD high for normal operation. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - all synchronized to SCK rising/falling edges per Microchip's documented timing windows.

It features dual-level write protection: volatile WEL latch (set via WREN) and nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits controlling 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array block protection. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transfers without resetting the address pointer, enabling interrupt servicing while preserving transaction state - critical for real-time MCU coexistence.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160D-I/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (ST) - 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, Pb-free and RoHS compliant. Pin 1 is marked with a dot or notch; package meets JEDEC MO-153 standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160D-I/ST and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25LC160D-I/ST provides optimal balance of industrial temperature support, robust HOLD functionality, and 2.5–5.5V compatibility - making it preferred for embedded systems demanding deterministic SPI pause behavior and wide supply margin.

Availability

25LC160D-I/ST 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 across long production lifecycles.

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

The 25LC160D-I/ST belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI serial EEPROMs - designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems requiring simple 3-wire+CS interface and high endurance.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160D-I/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 clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V it is 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet and reflect guaranteed AC timing margins - exceeding them risks read/write failures. The 25LC160D-I/ST must be operated within these voltage-dependent frequency bounds to ensure reliable communication.

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

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/ST supports hardware write protection through the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to the nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are disabled - protecting critical protection settings. Memory array writes remain enabled unless blocked by BP bits. This dual-layer scheme ensures configuration integrity even during power glitches. The 25LC160D-I/ST's WP pin is fully functional in its TSSOP-8 package (Pin 3).

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

The 25LC160D-I/ST supports 32-byte page writes - meaning up to 32 consecutive bytes can be loaded into the page buffer and committed to memory in one internal write cycle. This is double the 16-byte page size of the 'C' variant. However, all bytes must reside within the same physical 32-byte page boundary (e.g., addresses 0x000–0x01F); crossing boundaries causes wraparound. The 25LC160D-I/ST's page size is fixed and cannot be reconfigured in hardware or firmware.

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

The 25LC160D-I/ST is specified for >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention at 25°C. These values are characterized and guaranteed across the industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Endurance testing follows JEDEC standards under worst-case conditions (5.5V, 25°C); retention is extrapolated using Arrhenius modeling. Real-world field data confirms these metrics hold for typical embedded applications - making the 25LC160D-I/ST suitable for mission-critical, long-lifecycle deployments.

Can the 25LC160D-I/ST be used with microcontrollers lacking a hardware SPI peripheral?

Yes, the 25LC160D-I/ST can be interfaced with GPIO-based bit-banged SPI on microcontrollers without dedicated hardware SPI. Its protocol uses standard Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) with explicit CS control, rising-edge sampling on SI, and falling-edge output on SO. Timing requirements (e.g., minimum Tsu = 10 ns at 4.5–5.5V) are easily met by most 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs running at ≥1 MHz. The 25LC160D-I/ST's HOLD pin further simplifies software-driven implementations by pausing transfers during interrupt service.