Microchip Technology 25LC160DT-I/MNY

Overview

25LC160DT-I/MNY from Microchip Technology Inc. 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 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 25LC160DT-I/MNY datasheet, 25LC160DT-I/MNY pinout, 25LC160DT-I/MNY application, or 25LC160DT-I/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe SPI pauses, and block write protection granularity (none/¼/½/all array).

Technical Context

The 25LC160DT-I/MNY implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD for full protocol compliance. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, nonvolatile STATUS register (BP0/BP1/WPEN/WEL/WIP), and page latches enabling atomic 32-byte writes within aligned physical pages.

It features dual-level write protection: software-controlled via WRSR and hardware-enforced when WP = low and WPEN = 1. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transfers without resetting the internal address pointer, allowing host MCU interrupt servicing while preserving transaction state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160DT-I/MNY uses an 8-lead 2×3 mm TDFN package (MN suffix), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, with wettable flank geometry for automated optical inspection (AOI) and improved solder joint reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-E/MNY, the 25LC160DT-I/MNY trades extended temperature tolerance for cost optimization in industrial environments; versus 25AA160DT-I/MNY, it sacrifices 1.8 V compatibility for higher speed (10 MHz vs. 5 MHz at 2.5 V) and larger page writes - directly impacting firmware update throughput.

Availability

25LC160DT-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 25LC160DT-I/MNY 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 25LC160DT-I/MNY belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI EEPROMs, engineered for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in space-constrained embedded systems where reliability and SPI interoperability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160DT-I/MNY?

The 25LC160DT-I/MNY supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At lower supply voltages (2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V), the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V, it is limited to 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet and ensure reliable setup/hold timing margins. The 25LC160DT-I/MNY does not operate at 10 MHz below 4.5 V.

Does the 25LC160DT-I/MNY support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25LC160DT-I/MNY supports hardware write protection via the WP pin (Pin 3) in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is held low and WPEN = 1, writes to the nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked. Memory array writes remain enabled unless also restricted by BP0/BP1 settings. This dual-layer protection prevents accidental corruption during power transitions or firmware bugs. The 25LC160DT-I/MNY implements this per Section 2.6 and Table 2-4 of DS22150B.

What is the page size of the 25LC160DT-I/MNY, and why does it matter?

The 25LC160DT-I/MNY has a 32-byte page size, meaning up to 32 consecutive bytes can be written in a single page-write command - provided they reside within the same physical page boundary (addresses 0000h–001Fh, 0020h–003Fh, etc.). Exceeding the boundary causes wraparound within the page. This matters because page writes are significantly faster than individual byte writes (one 5 ms cycle vs. 32 × 5 ms), improving firmware update efficiency. The 25LC160DT-I/MNY's 32-byte page distinguishes it from 'C'-suffix variants (16-byte page).

How does the HOLD pin function on the 25LC160DT-I/MNY?

The HOLD pin (Pin 7) on the 25LC160DT-I/MNY pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address pointer or transaction state. When asserted low during SCK low, it places SI, SO, and SCK in high-impedance and ignores further input transitions (except CS). This allows the host MCU to service urgent interrupts and resume exactly where it left off. Resume occurs when HOLD is raised while SCK is low. This behavior is fully documented in Figure 1-1 and Section 2.1 of DS22150B for the 25LC160DT-I/MNY.

What temperature range is specified for the 25LC160DT-I/MNY?

The 25LC160DT-I/MNY is rated for the industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the 'I' in its part number suffix. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table (DS22150B, page 1) and Electrical Characteristics section (Table 1-1). It is not qualified for automotive (–40°C to +125°C) operation - that requires the 'E'-suffixed variant (e.g., 25LC160DT-E/MNY). The 25LC160DT-I/MNY's thermal specification ensures stable performance in factory automation, building controls, and industrial HMI applications.