Microchip Technology 25LC160DT-I/SN

Overview

25LC160DT-I/SN 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, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and supports HOLD for interrupt-safe bus suspension - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160DT-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160DT-I/SN pinout, 25LC160DT-I/SN application, or 25LC160DT-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 bytes), VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), endurance (>1M cycles), data retention (>200 years), and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy SPI-based microcontroller designs.

Technical Context

The 25LC160DT-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) with separate SI (input) and SO (output) lines, requiring 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 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 allows selective write-disable of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array via BP0/BP1 bits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160DT-I/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160DT-I/SN, the 25LC160DT-I/SN offers tighter VCC lower limit (2.5 V vs. 1.8 V) but identical timing, packaging, and endurance - making it optimal for 3.3 V/5 V systems where low-voltage operation is unnecessary. Versus AT25160B-MAU-1.8, it provides pin- and command-compatible drop-in replacement only if STATUS register usage is limited to WIP polling; full BP functionality requires code changes.

Availability

25LC160DT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded firmware parameter storage, and automotive body control module designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 25LC160DT-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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160 series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems across industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160DT-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V or higher. At 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 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges per DS22150B AC characteristics Table 1-2.

Does the 25LC160DT-I/SN support page write operations, and what is its page size?

Yes, the 25LC160DT-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size, as confirmed by the Device Selection Table and functional description in DS22150B. Page writes allow up to 32 bytes to be loaded before initiating the internal write cycle, improving efficiency over byte-by-byte writes - but crossing physical page boundaries causes wraparound, not auto-advance.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160DT-I/SN?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160DT-I/SN requires both the WP pin to be low and the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set high. When enabled, this combination blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits only; memory array writes remain functional unless also restricted by BP0/BP1 bits. The WP pin has no effect when WPEN = 0.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25LC160DT-I/SN?

The 25LC160DT-I/SN is specified for >1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention at +25°C, as stated in Table 1-3 of DS22150B. These values are characterized and ensured per Microchip's Total Endurance™ model; actual field performance may vary with temperature, voltage, and usage pattern.

Is the 25LC160DT-I/SN compatible with standard SPI Mode 0,0 interfaces?

Yes, the 25LC160DT-I/SN is fully compatible with SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0): data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK and output on the falling edge, with CS active-low. This matches standard SPI peripherals in PIC®, AVR, ARM Cortex-M, and most other microcontrollers without requiring mode configuration changes.