Microchip Technology 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO

Overview

25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO 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 range (–40°C to +125°C). It operates at up to 10 MHz clock frequency with 5 mA read/write current at 5.5 V and supports hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control. It is used in automotive body control modules for storing calibration data and configuration parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO datasheet, 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO pinout, 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO application, or 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 125°C, block-level write protection granularity, HOLD pin interrupt-suspend capability, and automotive-grade endurance (>1M cycles) and data retention (>200 years).

Technical Context

The 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, and VCC/VSS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generation circuitry for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read, byte/page write, and STATUS register access with self-timed internal write cycles (≤5 ms). The HOLD pin enables mid-sequence suspension without resetting the SPI state, and the WP pin-when enabled via WPEN bit-blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits while allowing full array operation otherwise.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (SN) package - narrow body, 3.90 mm width, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, footprint compliant with Microchip Drawing C04-2057-SN Rev F.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO, the 25AA320AT-I/SN offers lower-voltage operation but sacrifices automotive qualification and extended temperature support, while the AT25DF321A-SHN-T provides greater density and speed at the cost of HOLD functionality and STATUS register hardware write protection-making the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO optimal for safety-critical, interrupt-sensitive automotive storage.

Availability

25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial programmable logic controllers, and medical infusion pump calibration systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO 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 25LC320A family delivers AEC-Q100 qualified serial EEPROMs optimized for automotive subsystems requiring reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage with hardware-assisted data integrity features.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO at 125°C?

The 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO supports up to 5 MHz SPI clock frequency at VCC ≥ 2.5 V and TA = –40°C to +125°C (Extended grade), as specified in Table 1-2 AC Characteristics. At 5.5 V and +125°C, timing margins remain compliant per TCSH, TCSS, and THD requirements. This ensures deterministic communication in high-temperature engine bay deployments where the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO is commonly used.

Does the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO require external pull-up resistors on its SI, SO, or HOLD pins?

No, the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO does not require external pull-ups on SI, SO, or HOLD. SI and HOLD have internal weak pull-ups (typical 100 kΩ) per functional description; SO is actively driven or tri-stated and relies on host-side termination. External pull-ups may interfere with HOLD timing (THS/THH) or SO disable behavior and are not recommended unless system-level noise analysis dictates otherwise.

How does the HOLD function interact with an ongoing internal write cycle in the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO?

The HOLD pin has no effect on an active internal write cycle in the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO. Once CS rises after a valid WRITE sequence, the self-timed 5 ms write cycle begins and proceeds independently. HOLD only suspends serial communication (READ/WREN/RDSR) - it cannot pause or abort an in-progress EEPROM programming operation. The WIP bit remains set until completion, and SO stays high-Z during HOLD assertion regardless of write state.

Can the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO be used in a 1.8 V system?

No, the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO is not rated for 1.8 V operation. Its specified VCC range is 2.5 V to 5.5 V (per Device Selection Table and DC Characteristics). For 1.8 V systems, Microchip's 25AA320A variant (1.8–5.5 V, Industrial grade) is the appropriate alternative. Using the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO below 2.5 V risks timing violations, incomplete writes, and undefined STATUS register behavior.

What package type does the suffix "SN16KVAO" indicate for the 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO?

The "SN" in 25LC320AT-E/SN16KVAO denotes Microchip's 8-Lead Plastic Small Outline (Narrow) package (SOIC-N), 3.90 mm body width, per drawing C04-057-SN. "16KVAO" is a date/lot code (2016, week 16, vendor AO), not a package variant. This SN package is pin-compatible with other 8-lead SOIC devices and matches the land pattern in Microchip's C04-2057-SN Rev F recommendation.