Microchip Technology 25LC160DT-I/MS

Overview

25LC160DT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI-compatible 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 years data retention - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160DT-I/MS datasheet, 25LC160DT-I/MS pinout, 25LC160DT-I/MS application, or 25LC160DT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), HOLD/CS timing margins, WPEN-controlled hardware write protection, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160DT-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring only CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. 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 before WRITE, and CS must go high after final data bit to trigger the self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transfers without resetting the sequence, enabling interrupt servicing while preserving bus state - critical for real-time firmware execution.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160DT-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.15 inch body width, 0.5 mm lead pitch, and exposed pad option (not electrically connected). This thermally enhanced, RoHS-compliant package supports reflow soldering and fits high-density PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-I/SN and AT25DF021-SSH-T, the 25LC160DT-I/MS uniquely balances compact MSOP-8 packaging, industrial temperature support, hardware write protection, and proven SPI EEPROM interoperability - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-aware embedded designs requiring predictable, low-overhead nonvolatile storage.

Availability

25LC160DT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160DT-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 microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 25LC160DT-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile data storage in embedded systems with stringent longevity and qualification requirements.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160DT-I/MS 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 across operating conditions. The 25LC160DT-I/MS must be operated within these AC specifications to guarantee correct read/write behavior.

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

Yes, the 25LC160DT-I/MS supports hardware write protection using the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN is set to '1', writes to the nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked - preventing accidental changes to memory protection settings. Array writes remain enabled unless BP bits are also configured. This dual-layer protection is confirmed in Tables 2-3 and 2-4 of the DS22150B datasheet. The 25LC160DT-I/MS implements this feature without external components.

What package type is used for the 25LC160DT-I/MS?

The 25LC160DT-I/MS uses an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.15 inch body width and 0.5 mm lead pitch. This package is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, and its compact footprint (approximately 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm) is optimized for high-density PCB layouts. Package markings include "5LADT" per DS22150B-page 15, and mechanical drawings are available in Microchip's official packaging specification documents. The 25LC160DT-I/MS MSOP variant differs from SOIC (SN) and TSSOP (ST) versions in thermal profile and mounting requirements.

How many write/erase cycles can the 25LC160DT-I/MS endure?

The 25LC160DT-I/MS is rated for >1,000,000 erase/write cycles per memory location, as specified in Table 1-3 (Param. No. 21) of the DS22150B datasheet. This endurance is characterized at 25°C and VCC = 5.5 V, and applies uniformly across the full 2048-byte array. Field reliability is further ensured by Microchip's Total Endurance™ Model, which allows application-specific lifetime estimation. The 25LC160DT-I/MS maintains this spec across its industrial temperature range without derating.

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the 25LC160DT-I/MS?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160DT-I/MS suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts and resume exactly where the transfer left off. To activate HOLD, the pin must be driven low while SCK is low; releasing HOLD (pulling high while SCK is low) resumes transmission. During HOLD, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states. This behavior is fully documented in Section 2.1 and Figure 1-1 of DS22150B. The 25LC160DT-I/MS HOLD functionality is independent of CS level.