Microchip Technology 25LC160DT-I/ST

Overview

25LC160DT-I/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 32-byte page size, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, and features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control - used for nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160DT-I/ST datasheet, 25LC160DT-I/ST pinout, 25LC160DT-I/ST application, or 25LC160DT-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include page-write capability (32 bytes), HOLD pin support for interrupt-safe SPI pausing, block write protection granularity (none/¼/½/all), endurance (>1M cycles), and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160DT-I/ST 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 followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms). The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial transfers without resetting the sequence, enabling host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts while preserving transaction state - critical for real-time firmware updates and configuration logging.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160DT-I/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix), measuring 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.2 mm, RoHS-compliant and Pb-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-I/ST, the 25LC160DT-E/ST offers identical functionality with extended temperature qualification, while the AT25160B-SSHL-T trades HOLD support and 32-byte page efficiency for higher clock speed and different packaging - making the original part optimal for interrupt-aware, space-constrained industrial designs.

Availability

25LC160DT-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160DT-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 25LC160 series belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and robust write protection are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160DT-I/ST, and how does it vary with supply voltage?

The 25LC160DT-I/ST supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V–5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5V–4.5V, and 3 MHz at 1.8V–2.5V. Since the 25LC160DT-I/ST operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, its maximum usable clock is 10 MHz under nominal 5V conditions. This voltage-dependent scaling ensures signal integrity and timing margin compliance across its full operating range.

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

Yes, the 25LC160DT-I/ST supports page write operations with a 32-byte page size - confirmed by the 'D' suffix in its part number per Microchip's Device Selection Table. Page writes allow up to 32 bytes to be loaded before initiating the internal write cycle, improving write throughput compared to byte-wise programming. Crossing page boundaries causes data wraparound, so firmware must enforce alignment.

How does the HOLD pin function on the 25LC160DT-I/ST, and what are its timing requirements?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160DT-I/ST pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address pointer or instruction state. To activate HOLD, the pin must be pulled low while SCK is low; resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. Timing specs require minimum HOLD setup (20–80 ns) and hold (20–80 ns) times depending on VCC, ensuring glitch-free suspension in real-time systems.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25LC160DT-I/ST?

The 25LC160DT-I/ST implements three-tiered write protection: (1) software-controlled WREN/WRDI instructions, (2) STATUS register bits (BP0/BP1) for 0%/25%/50%/100% array protection, and (3) hardware-level WP pin gating enabled by WPEN bit. All mechanisms are active simultaneously, and protection persists through power cycles due to nonvolatile STATUS register storage.

Is the 25LC160DT-I/ST RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, and which package type does it use?

Yes, the 25LC160DT-I/ST is RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, as explicitly stated in the datasheet's "Features" and "Packaging Information" sections. It uses an 8-lead TSSOP package (indicated by the 'ST' suffix), with dimensions 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.2 mm, optimized for automated assembly and high-density PCB layouts.