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Microchip Technology 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO
- Part No.:
- 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 256KBIT SPI 5MHZ 8SOIJ
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,515
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Product details
Overview
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 256 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 32,768 × 8-bit organization, 64-byte page size, and 10 MHz max clock frequency. It operates across 2.5–5.5V supply and -40°C to +125°C (Extended temperature grade), featuring hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control, and self-timed 5 ms write cycles. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in automotive infotainment boot loaders.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO datasheet, 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO pinout, 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO application, or 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include extended-temperature SPI EEPROM endurance (1M cycles), low standby current (1 µA), block-level write protection granularity (0/¼/½/all array), and TSSOP-8 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/Multi-Master-compatible serial interface with dedicated CS, SCK, SI, SO, HOLD, and WP pins. 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 internal 5 ms erase/write cycle; reads support sequential addressing with automatic address rollover at 7FFFh. HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting state, enabling interrupt servicing on shared SPI buses.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 256 Kbit (32,768 × 8-bit) - supports full firmware parameter tables or calibration data sets in compact embedded systems. |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0) - interoperable with PIC, ARM Cortex-M, and RISC-V microcontrollers without protocol translation. |
| Page Size | 64 bytes - constrains burst writes to single physical page boundaries; requires software alignment to avoid wraparound corruption. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V - enables 1.25 MB/s theoretical read throughput; scales down to 5 MHz at 2.5–4.4V for low-voltage operation. |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms max - deterministic latency for critical configuration updates; allows host polling of WIP bit instead of fixed delays. |
| Endurance & Retention | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles / >200 years data retention - qualified for automotive AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C) life-cycle requirements. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5–5.5V - compatible with 3.3V and 5V logic domains; eliminates need for level-shifting in mixed-voltage designs. |
Pinout & Package
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO uses an 8-lead TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, body width 4.4 mm), marked "25LC256I" with "E" temperature suffix and reel code "16KVAO". Pin 1 is located at top-left corner with notch or dot marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; must be held low for entire SPI transaction; rising edge initiates internal write cycle after valid command sequence. |
| SO | Serial Data Output | Tri-state open-drain output; data valid after falling SCK edge; high-impedance when CS high or HOLD low. |
| WP | Write-Protect Pin | Hardware lock for STATUS register writes when WPEN=1; no effect on memory writes unless combined with BP bits. |
| VSS | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all I/O and core circuitry; requires low-inductance connection to minimize noise during write cycles. |
| SI | Serial Data Input | Latches data/instructions on rising SCK edge; accepts READ/WRITE/WREN/RDSR/WRSR commands and 16-bit addresses. |
| SCK | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all data transfers; timing constraints tighten at lower VCC (e.g., 3 MHz max at 1.8V). |
| HOLD | Hold Input | Suspends ongoing SPI transfer when pulled low while SCK is low; resumes from same byte/bit position upon release. |
| VCC | Supply Voltage | Power input for core logic and EEPROM array; bypass capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 5 mm for stable 5 ms write operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect none, upper 1/4 (6000h–7FFFh), upper 1/2 (4000h–7FFFh), or entire array - enables secure bootloader partitioning. |
| Hardware Write Enable Latch | WREN/WRDI instructions control volatile write permission; latch resets automatically after power-up, write completion, or WRSR - prevents accidental writes during brown-out. |
| Low-Power Standby | 1 µA max ICCS at 5.5V/125°C - suitable for always-on automotive modules where quiescent current directly impacts battery drain. |
| HOLD Functionality | Pauses active SPI transfers without losing state or requiring re-synchronization - essential for real-time OS contexts with priority-based interrupt handling. |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Qualified for Extended temperature range (−40°C to +125°C) per AEC-Q100 Rev G - validated for under-hood and display module deployments. |
Applications
| Automotive Instrument Cluster | Industrial PLC Configuration Storage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing calibrated speedometer offsets, odometer values, and warning thresholds across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register holding persistent runtime parameters accessible via SPI during MCU boot. Use Value: 1M endurance ensures >10-year field life at 274 writes/day; 125°C rating survives dashboard thermal cycling. |
Use Scenario: Retaining I/O mapping tables, PID tuning coefficients, and network node IDs after power loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable memory mapped into controller's peripheral address space for deterministic parameter reload. Use Value: Block protection isolates firmware update region from user-configurable sections, preventing corruption during field upgrades. |
| Medical Infusion Pump Calibration | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Parameters |
Use Scenario: Securing flow-rate calibration constants and safety limits that require regulatory traceability and tamper resistance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Write-protected memory segment storing immutable calibration data referenced during dose calculation routines. Use Value: Hardware WP pin + WPEN bit enforces dual-layer protection; ESD rating >4 kV withstands clinical environment handling. |
Use Scenario: Holding tariff schedules, metering constants, and communication keys updated remotely over PLC or RF links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-accessible nonvolatile store for field-upgradable operational parameters decoupled from main MCU flash. Use Value: 64-byte page writes optimize OTA update packet size; 5 ms write time aligns with sub-second firmware validation windows. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPI Serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT25DF041A-SSH-T | 4 Mbit density, quad-SPI interface, 8-pin SOIC only; no HOLD pin; 100k endurance. | Higher density for firmware image storage; lacks HOLD for interrupt-safe transfers; not AEC-Q100 qualified. | Select when needing larger capacity and quad-I/O speed, but accept reduced endurance and no automotive qualification. |
| BR25H256FJ-WE2 | Rohm 256 Kbit SPI EEPROM; 1.7–5.5V VCC; 1.8V min operation; 100k endurance; JEDEC TSSOP-8 pinout identical. | Lower voltage capability suits battery-powered sensors; 1/10 endurance limits high-write-frequency use cases. | Choose for ultra-low-voltage systems where 1.7V start-up is required, accepting shorter lifetime in write-intensive roles. |
Compared with AT25DF041A-SSH-T and BR25H256FJ-WE2, the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO uniquely balances AEC-Q100 Extended temperature compliance, 1M endurance, HOLD functionality, and 2.5–5.5V flexibility - making it optimal for automotive and industrial control applications demanding long-term reliability and real-time SPI robustness.
Availability
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, industrial PLCs, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO belongs to Microchip's legacy 25XX256 SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for automotive, industrial, and medical applications requiring high-reliability nonvolatile storage with extended temperature operation and robust write protection.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
The 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO is rated for the Extended temperature range of −40°C to +125°C, meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements. This specification is validated across the full 2.5–5.5V supply range and applies to all electrical characteristics including write endurance, read timing, and standby current. The "E" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes this extended-grade qualification.
Does the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO support SPI Mode 1,1 or only Mode 0,0?
The 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO supports SPI Mode 0,0 exclusively - meaning CPOL = 0 (clock idle low) and CPHA = 0 (data sampled on first clock edge). It does not support Mode 1,1 or other phase/polarity variants. This is confirmed by the AC timing diagrams and functional description in DS20001822H, which define setup/hold times relative to SCK rising edge for input sampling and falling edge for output validity.
How does the HOLD pin function during an active write cycle in the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
The HOLD pin has no effect during an active internal write cycle (TWC) in the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO. Once CS rises after a valid WRITE command, the device enters autonomous 5 ms programming mode; HOLD assertions during this period are ignored. HOLD only pauses ongoing serial transactions (READ/WREN/RDSR) - never interrupts committed write operations.
Can the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO be used with a 1.8V microcontroller SPI interface?
No - the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V and is not specified for 1.8V operation. While its logic thresholds scale with VCC (VIH = 0.7×VCC), the absolute minimum VCC is 2.5V per the Device Selection Table and DC Characteristics table. For 1.8V systems, Microchip's 25AA256 (1.8–5.5V) variant is required.
What happens if a page write crosses a 64-byte boundary in the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
If a page write command attempts to cross a 64-byte boundary in the 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO, data wraps around to the start of the current page instead of advancing to the next page. This overwrites previously loaded bytes in that page. The datasheet explicitly warns against this behavior and requires firmware to enforce page-aligned address boundaries before initiating multi-byte writes.
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- 5 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIJ
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO 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 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO 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 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
For technical support, including 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO 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 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO?
All 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO, 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 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC256T-E/SM16KVAO:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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