Microchip Technology 25LC160T/SN

Overview

25LC160T/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 2.5–5.5 V supply range, 2 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). It features 16-byte page write, hardware write protection via WP pin, and HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe serial communication - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160T/SN datasheet, 25LC160T/SN pinout, 25LC160T/SN application, or 25LC160T/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range compatibility, SPI timing margins at 2 MHz, page write endurance (1 M cycles), and SOIC-8 package footprint integration with microcontroller SPI peripherals.

Technical Context

The 25LC160T/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, and VCC/VSS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and EEPROM array with X/Y decoding and high-voltage generation for write/erase.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms); read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh. Status register bits (WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, WPEN) enable real-time monitoring and configurable block protection (none, 1/4, 1/2, or full array).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160T/SN is housed in an 8-pin narrow SOIC (SN) package per JEDEC MS-012, 150 mil width, with gull-wing leads and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked with a beveled corner or dot; package conforms to RoHS and lead-free reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160T/SN, 25AA160T/SN offers broader VCC support but reduced speed, while 25LC160A-I/SN provides identical performance with enhanced robustness and official design-in recommendation - making it the preferred upgrade path for new projects.

Availability

25LC160T/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160T/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160T/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with SPI-capable hosts.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC160T/SN?

The 25LC160T/SN supports up to 2 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 2.5 V or higher. At lower VCC (1.8–2.5 V), maximum clock drops to 1 MHz - verified in DS21231E AC Characteristics Table. This timing directly impacts read/write throughput and must be configured in the host MCU's SPI peripheral registers accordingly. The 25LC160T/SN does not support 3 MHz operation like the 25C160 variant.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC160T/SN?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160T/SN suspends an ongoing SPI sequence without resetting the internal state - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts and resume exactly where it left off. HOLD must be asserted while SCK is low; SO, SI, and SCK enter high-impedance during hold, and communication resumes only after HOLD returns high while SCK remains low. This behavior is electrically defined in DS21231E Figure 1-1 and Section 2.6.

Can the 25LC160T/SN be used in a 1.8 V system?

No, the 25LC160T/SN has a minimum VCC specification of 2.5 V and is not guaranteed to operate reliably below that threshold. For 1.8 V systems, Microchip specifies the 25AA160T/SN, which supports 1.8–5.5 V operation. Attempting to power the 25LC160T/SN at 1.8 V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or excessive current draw - as confirmed by the Absolute Maximum Ratings and DC Characteristics tables in DS21231E.

What protection mechanisms prevent accidental writes to the 25LC160T/SN memory array?

The 25LC160T/SN employs multiple hardware and protocol-level protections: (1) Power-on reset clears the write enable latch; (2) WREN instruction must be issued before each write; (3) CS must go high after final data bit to trigger internal write; (4) WP pin disables Status register writes when WPEN = 1; (5) BP0/BP1 bits allow configurable block-level write lock. These are documented in Sections 3.3–3.7 of DS21231E and enforced in silicon.

Is the 25LC160T/SN pin-compatible with the 25LC160A-I/SN?

Yes, the 25LC160T/SN and 25LC160A-I/SN share identical 8-pin SOIC (SN) package dimensions, pinout, electrical characteristics, and instruction set - making them drop-in replacements. The 'A' suffix denotes an enhanced revision with improved ESD rating (6 kV vs. 4 kV), tighter AC timing tolerances, and updated reliability data. Microchip explicitly recommends 25LC160A-I/SN for new designs, as noted on page 1 of DS21231E.