Microchip Technology 25LC160-I/P

Overview

25LC160-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), 2 MHz max clock frequency at VCC = 2.5–4.5 V, and 8-pin PDIP package. It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe serial pauses, and 16-byte page write capability - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160-I/P datasheet, 25LC160-I/P pinout, 25LC160-I/P application, or 25LC160-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated SPI timing constraints, confirmed pin functions, and real-world use cases aligned to Microchip's DS21231E documentation.

Technical Context

The 25LC160-I/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits, enabling configurable block-level write protection (none/¼/½/all array).

It supports self-timed internal write cycles (max 5 ms), sequential read with automatic address rollover, and power-on reset of the write enable latch. The device operates across 2.5–5.5 V supply and guarantees 1 million endurance cycles with >200 years data retention - validated under industrial temperature conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP), 300 mil body width, JEDEC MS-001 compliant. Through-hole mounting with 2.54 mm pitch; suitable for prototyping, legacy PCBs, and low-volume industrial assemblies.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160-I/P, the 25LC160-I/P offers higher SPI speed (2 MHz vs. 1 MHz) at 2.5–4.5 V but lacks 1.8 V operation; versus 25LC160A-I/P, it has lower ESD rating (4 kV vs. 6 kV) and is the baseline version referenced in DS21231E.

Availability

25LC160-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, programmable logic controllers, medical diagnostic equipment, and energy meter firmware requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycle commitments.

Supply support for 25LC160-I/P 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 microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160-I/P belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in industrial and automotive-adjacent embedded systems where pin compatibility and long-term data integrity are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160-I/P?

The 25LC160-I/P supports up to 2 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is between 2.5 V and 4.5 V. At VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, the maximum clock frequency increases to 3 MHz - however, the 25LC160-I/P is rated for 2.5–5.5 V operation and its specified 2 MHz limit applies across its full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). This timing is validated per DS21231E AC characteristics Table 1-2.

Does the 25LC160-I/P support page write operations?

Yes, the 25LC160-I/P supports 16-byte page write operations. Data written within the same 16-byte boundary (e.g., addresses 0x000–0x00F) can be loaded sequentially before initiating the internal write cycle. Exceeding the page boundary causes wraparound and potential data corruption. This behavior is explicitly defined in DS21231E Section 3.3 and enables faster bulk writes than single-byte programming.

How does the HOLD pin function on the 25LC160-I/P?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160-I/P suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, SI/SO/SCK enter high-impedance and all inputs except CS are ignored. Communication resumes from the exact bit position when HOLD is raised low-to-high while SCK remains low. This allows host MCUs to service urgent interrupts without losing transaction context - a feature confirmed in DS21231E Sections 2.6 and 3.1.

What write protection mechanisms does the 25LC160-I/P provide?

The 25LC160-I/P provides dual-layer write protection: (1) software-controlled block protection (BP0/BP1 bits) enabling 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array lock, and (2) hardware write protection via the WP pin when WPEN bit is set. The WP pin disables writes to nonvolatile Status register bits only - memory array writes remain enabled unless BP bits are set. This hierarchy is fully documented in DS21231E Tables 3-2 and 3-3.

Is the 25LC160-I/P suitable for new designs?

No - Microchip explicitly states "Not recommended for new designs" in DS21231E page 1, advising migration to enhanced variants like 25AA160A/B or 25LC160A/B. While the 25LC160-I/P remains functional and supported for legacy refresh, new designs should evaluate pin-compatible successors offering improved ESD (6 kV), tighter AC specs, and extended lifecycle assurance.