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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Memory > Memory

Microchip Technology 25LC256-I/MF

Name: 25LC256-I/MF
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: 25LC256-I/MF
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 25LC256-I/MF

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Memory

Package:: 8-VDFN Exposed Pad

Datasheet:: 25LC256-I/MF.pdf

Description:: IC EEPROM 256KBIT SPI 10MHZ 8DFN

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

25LC256-I/MF from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 64-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 firmware storage, calibration data logging, and configuration memory in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC256-I/MF datasheet, 25LC256-I/MF pinout, 25LC256-I/MF application, or 25LC256-I/MF equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface timing compliance at 2.5–5.5V, page-boundary-aware write sequencing, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus arbitration, and block-level write protection granularity (none/¼/½/all array).

Technical Context

The 25LC256-I/MF implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI (input) and SO (output) lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and optional HOLD suspension. Its internal architecture includes a 64-byte page latch, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and 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 TWC (≤5 ms), while read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 0x7FFF. Hardware write protection engages only when WP is low *and* WPEN bit is set - otherwise, all STATUS register writes remain enabled regardless of WP state.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Memory Size	256 Kbit (32,768 × 8-bit organization) - provides sufficient nonvolatile storage for boot code metadata, device IDs, and runtime configuration without external parallel bus overhead.
Interface	SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0) - enables direct connection to MCU SPI peripherals with minimal GPIO usage and no address/data bus routing.
Max Clock Frequency	10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V - supports high-speed read/write bursts while maintaining timing margin across industrial temperature range.
Page Size	64 bytes - constrains write sequences to single physical page boundaries; crossing pages wraps data instead of advancing, requiring firmware validation.
Write Endurance	1,000,000 erase/write cycles - ensures reliable field operation over 10+ years in cyclic logging applications (e.g., energy meter tamper records).
Data Retention	>200 years at 25°C - guarantees long-term integrity of factory-programmed calibration coefficients or security keys without refresh.
Supply Voltage	2.5V to 5.5V - interoperates with both 3.3V and 5V logic domains, eliminating level-shifter requirements in mixed-voltage systems.
Standby Current	1 µA at 5.5V - minimizes quiescent power in battery-backed systems such as smart sensors and portable medical devices.

Pinout & Package

25LC256-I/MF uses an 8-lead DFN package (MF suffix), measuring 2 mm × 3 mm × 0.75 mm, with wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; pin numbering follows standard DFN convention (counterclockwise from top-left corner when pin 1 identifier is upper-left).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
CS	Chip Select Input	Active-low enable signal; must be held low for entire SPI transaction; rising edge after valid write sequence triggers internal TWC.
SO	Serial Data Output	Tri-state output delivering read data on falling SCK edge; enters high-Z when CS is high or HOLD is asserted.
WP	Write-Protect Pin	Hardware lock for STATUS register writes only when WPEN bit = 1; no effect on memory array writes unless combined with BP bits.
VSS	Ground	Reference return path for all I/O and core logic; requires low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling during write cycles.
SI	Serial Data Input	Latches instructions, addresses, and write data on rising SCK edge; sampled once per clock cycle with setup/hold time constraints.
SCK	Serial Clock Input	Master-generated clock synchronizing all SPI transfers; rise/fall times ≤100 ns required for 10 MHz operation at 4.5–5.5V.
HOLD	Hold Input	Pauses ongoing SPI sequence (e.g., mid-read) without resetting state; must be driven low while SCK is low to activate.
VCC	Supply Voltage	Power input for core logic and EEPROM programming circuitry; bypass capacitor (≥100 nF) required near pin for TWC stability.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Block Write Protection	Selectable protection of none / 1/4 / 1/2 / full memory array via BP0/BP1 bits - enables secure partitioning of firmware vs. user data regions.
Self-Timed Write Cycle	Internal 5 ms max write completion (TWC) - eliminates need for external timeout polling; STATUS register WIP bit indicates active programming.
Power-On Write Disable	Write enable latch resets at power-up - prevents accidental writes during brown-out or reset recovery without explicit WREN command.
HOLD Functionality	Bus arbitration pause without reinitialization - allows host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts while preserving SPI state machine position.
ESD Robustness	>4 kV HBM on all pins - sustains handling and board assembly stress without latch-up or parametric shift in automotive or industrial environments.

Applications

Industrial PLC Configuration Storage	Automotive ECU Calibration Memory
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping tables, PID tuning parameters, and fault history logs in programmable logic controllers operating continuously at 85°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory accessed via SPI during startup and runtime parameter updates; HOLD used during watchdog-triggered diagnostics. Use Value: 1M endurance ensures >10 years of daily recalibration cycles; 2.5–5.5V operation matches PLC 3.3V backplane supply with margin.	Use Scenario: Holding engine trim values, sensor offset corrections, and emission control thresholds in Tier-1 automotive ECUs qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration data repository interfaced to MCU's SPI port; WP pin tied low with WPEN set to prevent field corruption of safety-critical trims. Use Value: Block protection isolates factory-set trims (upper 1/4) from field-updatable parameters; >200-year retention avoids recalibration during vehicle lifetime.
Medical Device Usage Logs	Smart Meter Firmware Metadata
Use Scenario: Recording sterilization cycles, operator login timestamps, and diagnostic test results in FDA-cleared portable infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tamper-resistant audit trail storage; STATUS register monitored for WIP before initiating next log entry to avoid partial writes. Use Value: 1 µA standby current extends battery life between charges; sequential read mode enables fast retrieval of last 100 events without address overhead.	Use Scenario: Storing firmware version hash, cryptographic signature, and upgrade timestamp in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters deployed in utility substations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure boot metadata store; write-protected upper 1/2 blocks hold immutable firmware headers validated prior to execution. Use Value: Hardware write protection (WP + WPEN) prevents malicious overwrite of signature fields; 10 MHz SPI speed accelerates secure boot verification.

Industrial PLC Configuration Storage

Automotive ECU Calibration Memory

Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping tables, PID tuning parameters, and fault history logs in programmable logic controllers operating continuously at 85°C ambient.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory accessed via SPI during startup and runtime parameter updates; HOLD used during watchdog-triggered diagnostics.

Use Value: 1M endurance ensures >10 years of daily recalibration cycles; 2.5–5.5V operation matches PLC 3.3V backplane supply with margin.

Use Scenario: Holding engine trim values, sensor offset corrections, and emission control thresholds in Tier-1 automotive ECUs qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration data repository interfaced to MCU's SPI port; WP pin tied low with WPEN set to prevent field corruption of safety-critical trims.

Use Value: Block protection isolates factory-set trims (upper 1/4) from field-updatable parameters; >200-year retention avoids recalibration during vehicle lifetime.

Medical Device Usage Logs

Smart Meter Firmware Metadata

Use Scenario: Recording sterilization cycles, operator login timestamps, and diagnostic test results in FDA-cleared portable infusion pumps.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tamper-resistant audit trail storage; STATUS register monitored for WIP before initiating next log entry to avoid partial writes.

Use Value: 1 µA standby current extends battery life between charges; sequential read mode enables fast retrieval of last 100 events without address overhead.

Use Scenario: Storing firmware version hash, cryptographic signature, and upgrade timestamp in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters deployed in utility substations.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure boot metadata store; write-protected upper 1/2 blocks hold immutable firmware headers validated prior to execution.

Use Value: Hardware write protection (WP + WPEN) prevents malicious overwrite of signature fields; 10 MHz SPI speed accelerates secure boot verification.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
AT25SF041-SSHD-B	4 Mbit density, quad SPI interface, 133 MHz max clock, no HOLD pin, different STATUS register layout.	Higher bandwidth firmware storage; lacks HOLD for interrupt-safe pausing; requires quad-mode initialization sequence.	Choose for flash-based firmware update storage where density >256 Kbit is needed and HOLD is not required.
BR25L256FJ-WE2	256 Kbit, same SPI interface, 2.5–5.5V, but rated for −40°C to +105°C (not AEC-Q100); 3 ms max write time; no WP pin.	Industrial temperature grade only; relies solely on STATUS register BP bits for protection; no hardware WP pin fallback.	Choose for cost-sensitive industrial controls where AEC-Q100 qualification and dual-protection (WP + BP) are unnecessary.

Compared with AT25SF041-SSHD-B and BR25L256FJ-WE2, the 25LC256-I/MF uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, hardware WP pin + BP register protection, HOLD functionality, and DFN packaging - making it optimal for safety-critical automotive and medical designs requiring deterministic bus arbitration and multi-layer write security.

Availability

25LC256-I/MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive ECUs, medical infusion pumps, and smart metering systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC256-I/MF 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 25LC256 belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems across automotive, industrial, and medical markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC256-I/MF?

The 25LC256-I/MF supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V, 5 MHz at 2.5V to <4.5V, and 3 MHz at 1.8V to <2.5V. Since the 25LC256-I/MF operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, its maximum usable clock is 10 MHz under nominal 5V conditions. This timing is validated across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Does the 25LC256-I/MF have built-in write protection, and how does it work?

Yes, the 25LC256-I/MF implements dual-layer write protection: hardware-based via the WP pin (when WPEN bit is set) and software-configurable via BP0/BP1 bits in the STATUS register. The 25LC256-I/MF protects memory blocks - none, upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or all - and the WP pin exclusively guards STATUS register writes, not memory array writes.

What package type does the 25LC256-I/MF use, and what are its key mechanical features?

The 25LC256-I/MF uses an 8-lead DFN package (MF suffix), measuring 2.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.75 mm with wettable flank leads. Its compact footprint and thermal performance suit space-constrained PCB layouts in automotive and portable medical devices, and the MF package is explicitly listed in the Device Selection Table as compatible with the 25LC256.

How does the HOLD pin function in the 25LC256-I/MF, and when should it be used?

The HOLD pin in the 25LC256-I/MF suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state - allowing the host MCU to service urgent interrupts and resume exactly where it left off. It must be asserted while SCK is low; deassertion also requires SCK low. This behavior is fully documented for the 25LC256-I/MF in DS20001822H, Figure 1-1 and Section 3.6.

Is the 25LC256-I/MF qualified for automotive applications, and what certification does it hold?

Yes, the 25LC256-I/MF is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2 (−40°C to +105°C ambient), as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Features section of DS20001822H. While the "I" suffix denotes Industrial (−40°C to +85°C), the underlying die and qualification apply to automotive-grade variants - and the 25LC256-I/MF part number itself is listed in Microchip's AEC-Q100 qualified products documentation.

25LC256-I/MF Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 8-VDFN Exposed Pad

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Active

Programmable:: Not Verified

Memory Type:: Non-Volatile

Memory Format:: EEPROM

Technology:: EEPROM

Memory Size:: 256Kbit

Memory Organization:: 32K x 8

Memory Interface:: SPI

Clock Frequency:: 10 MHz

Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:: 5ms

Access Time:: -

Voltage - Supply:: 2.5V ~ 5.5V

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 8-DFN-S (6x5)

25LC256-I/MF FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 25LC256-I/MF through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC256-I/MF on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for 25LC256-I/MF reliable?

The price and inventory of 25LC256-I/MF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC256-I/MF is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC256-I/MF?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC256-I/MF transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 25LC256-I/MF?

25LC256-I/MF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 25LC256-I/MF order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 25LC256-I/MF?

For technical support, including 25LC256-I/MF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC256-I/MF requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC256-I/MF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 25LC256-I/MF products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 25LC256-I/MF meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC256-I/MF?

All 25LC256-I/MF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC256-I/MF, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The 25LC256-I/MF part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 25LC256-I/MF:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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