Microchip Technology 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO
- Part No.:
- 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 32KBIT SPI 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,157
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 32-Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 4096 × 8-bit organization, 32-byte page size, and AEC-Q100 qualified Extended temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It operates at up to 10 MHz clock frequency, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control, and is used in automotive body control modules for storing calibration data and configuration parameters.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO datasheet, 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO pinout, 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO application, or 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, HOLD/CS/WP functional behavior, and automotive-grade reliability metrics including >1M erase/write cycles and >200-year data retention.
Technical Context
The 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS low and SCK transitions synchronized to MSB-first instruction/address/data framing. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits controlling block protection and hardware write-enable logic.
It supports self-timed internal write cycles (≤5 ms), sequential read with automatic address increment, and HOLD pin suspension of ongoing SPI transfers without sequence reset. The device enforces voltage-dependent AC timing - e.g., max clock frequency drops from 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V to 3 MHz at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V - and requires strict setup/hold timing on CS, SCK, SI, and HOLD relative to VCC level.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 32 Kbit (4096 × 8-bit array), enabling storage of firmware patches or sensor calibration tables in space-constrained ECUs. |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0), compatible with PIC® and other microcontrollers without requiring additional protocol translation logic. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V; enables fast parameter loading during vehicle startup or diagnostics. |
| Page Size | 32 bytes; defines maximum contiguous write length before internal write cycle initiation - critical for minimizing write latency in real-time logging. |
| Write Endurance | >1 million erase/write cycles at +25°C, 5.5V; supports frequent recalibration in adaptive systems like HVAC or lighting control. |
| Data Retention | >200 years at +25°C; ensures long-term validity of safety-critical configuration data across vehicle lifetime. |
| Temperature Range | Extended (E): –40°C to +125°C; validated for under-hood and powertrain applications per AEC-Q100 Grade 1. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V; interfaces directly with 3.3V or 5V automotive MCU I/O domains without level-shifting. |
Pinout & Package
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO uses an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix per Device Selection Table), with exposed pad not present in this variant. Pin functions are electrically identical across SOIC, MSOP, PDIP, and TSSOP packages per Microchip DS20001828H.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: must be held low for entire SPI transaction; rising edge after valid write initiates internal 5 ms write cycle. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output updated on SCK falling edge; enters high-Z when CS high or HOLD low - enables multi-device SPI bus sharing. |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect Input | Hardware lock: disables STATUS register writes when WP = low and WPEN = 1; does not affect memory reads or byte writes. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all digital I/O and internal charge pump; must be low-impedance to ensure reliable 4 kV ESD immunity. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Latches instruction/address/data on SCK rising edge; accepts 8-bit opcodes (e.g., 0x03 for READ, 0x02 for WRITE) and 16-bit addresses. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Master-generated clock synchronizing all data transfers; timing constraints (e.g., THI/TLO min 50 ns at 5.5V) define maximum achievable throughput. |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Communication Suspend | Pauses active SPI sequence when pulled low while SCK is low; SO tri-states immediately, allowing host to service higher-priority interrupts. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5V operation; supply current peaks at 5 mA during 10 MHz read/write, drops to 5 µA standby - critical for low-quiescent-power modules. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Selectable via BP0/BP1 bits: protects none, upper 1/4 (0xC00–0xFFF), upper 1/2 (0x800–0xFFF), or full array (0x000–0xFFF) - prevents accidental overwrites of critical boot code. |
| Power-On Write Protection | Automatic WEL reset at power-up and after every successful WRITE/WRSR/WRDI - eliminates spurious writes during brown-out or reset conditions. |
| HOLD Functionality | Enables deterministic pause/resume of multi-byte SPI transfers without retransmission; SO enters high-Z within 30 ns of HOLD low - meets real-time interrupt latency requirements. |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 certified (–40°C to +125°C), with >4 kV HBM ESD rating and >200-year data retention - satisfies ISO 26262 ASIL-B supporting functions. |
| Page Write Efficiency | Accepts up to 32 bytes per write command if within same 32-byte physical page boundary - reduces SPI overhead vs. byte-write for bulk configuration updates. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Unit (BCU) | Industrial PLC I/O Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing seat position memory, mirror angle presets, and door lock configuration across ignition cycles in 12V vehicle electrical systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter storage with AEC-Q100 compliance; accessed via SPI during MCU initialization or user input events. Use Value: Enables personalized settings persistence without backup battery; 125°C rating ensures reliability near fuse boxes or junction blocks. | Use Scenario: Holding fieldbus node addressing, calibration coefficients, and fault history logs in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable EEPROM for configuration retention across power cycles and firmware updates. Use Value: >1M endurance supports daily recalibration; 5 µA standby current extends uptime in battery-backed remote I/O nodes. |
| Medical Infusion Pump | Smart Energy Meter |
Use Scenario: Recording drug delivery profiles, operator audit trails, and safety-critical alarm thresholds in Class II medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant nonvolatile storage with hardware write-protection enabled via WP pin and STATUS register. Use Value: Block protection prevents unauthorized modification of dose limits; >200-year retention meets FDA long-term device lifecycle requirements. | Use Scenario: Storing tariff schedules, metering constants, and cryptographic keys in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters deployed in outdoor enclosures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM interfacing with metrology SoC for secure parameter storage and firmware update staging. Use Value: Extended temperature range handles desert or arctic deployments; 4 kV ESD rating survives utility-grade surge environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA320A-I/ST | Wider VCC range (1.8–5.5V); Industrial temp only (–40°C to +85°C); same pinout and instruction set. | Suitable for cost-sensitive industrial controls where extended temperature is unnecessary. | Select when operating below 2.5V or requiring broader voltage flexibility without automotive qualification. |
| AT25DF321A-SHB-T | 32-Mbit density, quad SPI interface, 100 MHz max clock; different command set and no HOLD pin. | Used in firmware code storage where higher bandwidth and density justify interface redesign. | Choose only when migrating to quad-SPI architecture and needing >10× capacity; not drop-in compatible. |
Compared with 25AA320A-I/ST, the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO trades 1.8V operation for AEC-Q100 qualification and 125°C capability - essential for automotive under-hood use. Versus AT25DF321A-SHB-T, it offers proven SPI simplicity and lower system-level validation risk at the cost of density and speed.
Availability
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO 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 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO belongs to Microchip's AEC-Q100-qualified serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for automotive subsystems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with deterministic timing and hardware-based data protection.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
The 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum is 5 MHz; at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V, it drops to 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of DS20001828H and reflect actual timing margins required for reliable SI sampling and SO output validity - the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO must meet these AC specs to guarantee operation across its rated voltage and temperature range.
Does the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?
No external pull-ups are required on SI, SO, SCK, or CS for normal operation of the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO. All inputs (CS, WP, HOLD, SI, SCK) have internal weak pull-downs or are CMOS-compatible with rail-to-rail logic levels. SO is actively driven or tri-stated - never open-drain - so bus termination depends solely on host-side design. The 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO datasheet specifies VIH/VIL thresholds and leakage currents that validate direct connection to standard MCU GPIOs.
How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
Hardware write protection on the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO requires both the WP pin low and the WPEN bit (STATUS register bit 7) set to 1. When enabled, it blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits only - memory array reads, writes, and byte/page operations remain fully functional. The 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO allows WP to be grounded permanently in systems where STATUS register immutability is required, while still permitting memory writes via software-controlled WREN/WRSR sequences.
Can the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO be used in SPI Mode 1,1 or Mode 3,0 configurations?
No, the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO only supports SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0): SCK idles low, data sampled on rising edge, output changed on falling edge. This is explicitly defined in the Functional Description section and timing diagrams of DS20001828H. Attempting Mode 1,1 or Mode 3,0 will result in misaligned instruction decoding and failed communication - the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO does not implement alternate clock polarity or phase modes.
What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
The HOLD pin on the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting the internal state - allowing the host MCU to service time-critical interrupts and resume communication from the exact byte position. When HOLD goes low while SCK is low, SO immediately enters high-impedance, and SI/SCK transitions are ignored. Resuming requires HOLD high while SCK is low. This behavior is electrically specified in Table 1-2 (THS, THH, THZ, THV) and guarantees deterministic latency for the 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO in real-time systems.
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 32Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 4K 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 ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO 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 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO 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 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
For technical support, including 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO 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 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO?
All 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO, 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 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
25LC320A-E/ST16KVAO Tags

-
M24C02-WMN6TP
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24C02C-XHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
AT21CS01-STUM10-T
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C02C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
24LC01BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
M24C02-FMC6TG
STMicroelectronics

-
AT24CS02-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
93LC46BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C04C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
24LC01BT-I/SN
Microchip Technology

-
24AA02UIDT-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C08C-STUM-T
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

