Microchip Technology 25LC512-I/SM
- Part No.:
- 25LC512-I/SM
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC512-I/SM.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 512KBIT SPI 8SOIJ
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,367
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Product details
Overview
25LC512-I/SM from Microchip Technology is a 512 Kbit (64 KB) SPI serial EEPROM with byte- and page-write capability, 128-byte page size, 20 MHz max clock speed, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD function for bus arbitration, and deep power-down mode consuming only 1 µA at 2.5V - used in embedded control systems for firmware parameter storage and calibration data retention.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC512-I/SM datasheet, 25LC512-I/SM pinout, 25LC512-I/SM application, or 25LC512-I/SM equivalent, key selection considerations include SPI timing compliance at 20 MHz, sector-level write protection granularity (16 KB per sector), endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles, and compatibility with PIC® and other SPI-capable microcontrollers in space-constrained industrial designs.
Technical Context
The 25LC512-I/SM implements a true SPI-compatible interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, supporting Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 clock polarity/phase configurations. Its internal architecture includes a 128-byte page latch, status register with WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1 bits, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.
It supports four erase modes - byte/page write (no pre-erase), page erase (5 ms typical), sector erase (10 ms typical), and chip erase (10 ms typical) - all self-timed and initiated by CS high transition after valid instruction/address/data sequence. Write enable latch (WEL) must be set via WREN before any write or erase operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 512 Kbit (65,536 bytes), organized as 64 KB addressable space - enables storage of configuration tables, device IDs, or sensor calibration coefficients without external memory management logic. |
| Interface | SPI-compatible 4-wire serial bus (CS, SCK, SI, SO) - interoperable with standard SPI peripherals on ARM Cortex-M, PIC®, and ESP32 microcontrollers without protocol translation. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V - supports high-throughput parameter updates in real-time control loops with ≤50 ns clock timing margins. |
| Page Size & Write Time | 128-byte page; 5 ms max internal write cycle - allows burst writes up to 128 bytes per transaction, reducing host CPU overhead versus byte-by-byte writes. |
| Write Protection | Hardware WP pin + software BP0/BP1 bits enabling 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array protection - prevents accidental overwrites of critical boot parameters during field firmware updates. |
| Endurance & Retention | 1 million erase/write cycles; >200 years data retention at 25°C - suitable for lifetime logging in industrial meters and automotive ECUs where field replacement is impractical. |
| Power Modes | Standby current ≤10 µA at 85°C; deep power-down current ≤1 µA at 2.5V - extends battery life in portable diagnostic tools and wireless sensor nodes. |
Pinout & Package
25LC512-I/SM uses an 8-lead SOIJ (Small Outline Integrated Circuit, J-bend) package with 1.27 mm pitch, lead-free and RoHS-compliant. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; exposed pad is not present in SOIJ.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: drives device into standby when high; required low level before any instruction; enables multi-device SPI bus sharing via tri-state SO. |
| SO | Serial Data Output | CMOS-compatible output: data shifted out MSB-first on falling edge of SCK; enters high-impedance state when CS high or HOLD low. |
| WP | Write-Protect Input | Hardware lock: disables STATUS register writes when WP = low and WPEN = 1; no effect on read or non-STATUS operations unless enabled. |
| VSS | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all I/O and core logic; must be connected directly to system ground plane to meet ESD and noise immunity specs (>4 kV HBM). |
| SI | Serial Data Input | CMOS input: latches instruction, address, and data on rising edge of SCK; sampled first after CS goes low; ignored during HOLD assertion. |
| SCK | Serial Clock Input | Asynchronous master clock: defines timing for SI sampling (rising edge) and SO update (falling edge); max 20 MHz with ≤20 ns rise/fall times. |
| HOLD | Bus Hold Control | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer: SO tri-states immediately on HOLD low; resumes from exact bit position on HOLD high while SCK low - enables interrupt servicing without retransmission. |
| VCC | Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V operation: supports single-supply designs across 3.3V and 5V logic families; internal regulation ensures stable EEPROM programming voltage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Page Erase / Sector Erase / Chip Erase | Enables targeted memory management: 5 ms page erase preserves adjacent data; 10 ms sector erase clears 16 KB blocks; chip erase resets full 64 KB - eliminates need for external flash controllers. |
| Deep Power-Down Mode | Reduces ICCSPD to ≤1 µA at 2.5V/85°C - extends shelf life and battery runtime in always-on IoT edge devices without sacrificing SPI accessibility via RDID command. |
| Electronic Signature (RDID) | 8-bit manufacturer ID (0x30) readable in deep power-down - enables automated BOM verification and counterfeit detection during production programming. |
| Hardware + Software Write Protection | Combines physical WP pin with nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits to enforce hierarchical protection: e.g., lock bootloader sector while allowing runtime parameter updates in unprotected regions. |
| HOLD Function with Zero-Bit-Loss Resume | Preserves exact bit position during pause - eliminates re-synchronization logic in interrupt-driven hosts like RTOS-based motor controllers requiring deterministic SPI latency. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping tables, PID tuning constants, and calibration offsets in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory automation environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter repository accessed via SPI during boot and runtime; HOLD pin suspends reads during motion-control interrupt servicing. Use Value: 1M-cycle endurance ensures 10+ years of daily recalibration without wear-out; sector protection prevents corruption of safety-critical I/O configuration during firmware updates. |
Use Scenario: Retaining seat position memory, mirror angle presets, and lighting profiles in 12V automotive BCMs operating across –40°C to +85°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU; deep power-down mode reduces quiescent current to <1 µA during vehicle sleep mode. Use Value: AEC-Q100 qualification guarantees reliability under automotive thermal cycling; WP pin hard-locks factory-set parameters against unintended overwrite during dealership reprogramming. |
| Medical Infusion Pump Calibration | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Parameters |
Use Scenario: Storing flow-rate calibration coefficients, dose history logs, and user-defined therapy profiles in Class II medical infusion pumps requiring FDA audit trails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration store with electronic signature verification (RDID) during pre-deployment QA; page-write minimizes write time during patient setup. Use Value: >200-year data retention meets ISO 13485 long-term recordkeeping requirements; 4 kV ESD rating withstands clinical environment handling. |
Use Scenario: Holding tariff schedules, metering constants, and communication keys in ANSI C12.22-compliant smart electricity meters deployed in utility substations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tamper-resistant parameter vault; sector erase isolates firmware update region from revenue-critical calibration data. Use Value: Hardware write protection (WP + BP bits) enforces regulatory separation between utility-accessible and customer-accessible memory zones. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT25DF512C-SSH-T | 512 Kbit SPI DataFlash with 256-byte pages; supports dual/quad I/O; no HOLD pin; 8-pin SOIC package. | Optimized for firmware code storage with execute-in-place (XIP) support; lacks hardware write protection and deep power-down. | Choose for boot code shadowing in resource-constrained MCUs; avoid where HOLD arbitration or low-power sleep is required. |
| BR25H512FJ-WE2 | 512 Kbit SPI EEPROM; 128-byte page; 2.5–5.5V; -40°C to +125°C; 8-pin TSSOP; built-in error correction (ECC). | Higher temperature grade and ECC enable use in under-hood automotive sensors; slightly higher write time (6 ms vs. 5 ms). | Prefer for extended-temperature deployments where data integrity under radiation or voltage glitch is critical; same pinout but different package footprint. |
Compared with AT25DF512C-SSH-T and BR25H512FJ-WE2, the 25LC512-I/SM offers unique HOLD functionality for deterministic SPI interruption handling, industrial-grade temperature stability with proven 1M-cycle endurance, and integrated deep power-down - making it optimal for real-time embedded systems requiring robust, low-latency parameter storage.
Availability
25LC512-I/SM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 25LC512-I/SM 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive certifications.
The 25LC512-I/SM belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI EEPROM product line designed for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive embedded systems requiring simple firmware-upgradeable configuration.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC512-I/SM?
The 25LC512-I/SM supports a maximum clock frequency of 20 MHz when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V, and 10 MHz when VCC is 2.5V to less than 4.5V. This is specified in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) of the DS20002065D datasheet. The timing margins (e.g., TCSS, TCSH, Tsu) are validated across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments. The 25LC512-I/SM maintains full functionality at both speeds without configuration changes.
Does the 25LC512-I/SM require external erase commands before writing data?
No, the 25LC512-I/SM does not require pre-erase for byte or page writes - the internal write cycle automatically handles erase-and-program in a single self-timed operation. Page, sector, and chip erase instructions (PE, SE, CE) are optional and only needed for bulk reinitialization. This simplifies firmware design compared to traditional flash devices. The 25LC512-I/SM's architecture eliminates erase latency during normal parameter updates, enabling deterministic write response within 5 ms for page operations.
How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC512-I/SM?
Hardware write protection on the 25LC512-I/SM requires both the WP pin held low *and* the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) set high. When active, it disables writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) but allows normal reads, writes to memory array, and writes to volatile bits. If WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored entirely - enabling flexible deployment in systems where WP is grounded but STATUS register configuration is still needed. This dual-layer control is documented in Section 2.3 and Table 3-4 of the datasheet.
Can the 25LC512-I/SM be used in automotive applications?
Yes - the 25LC512-I/SM is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications and rated for extended temperature operation (–40°C to +125°C) in its 'E' grade variants. While the 25LC512-I/SM specifically carries the 'I' (industrial) suffix and is rated for –40°C to +85°C, its underlying die and qualification testing meet AEC-Q100 stress requirements. It is widely deployed in automotive body control modules, infotainment settings storage, and ADAS calibration data retention where industrial-grade reliability suffices and extended temperature is not required.
What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25LC512-I/SM?
The HOLD pin on the 25LC512-I/SM suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address pointer or losing bit position. When pulled low while SCK is low, SO immediately tri-states and all inputs (except CS) are ignored. Resuming requires pulling HOLD high while SCK is low - after which transmission continues from the exact bit where it paused. This enables deterministic interrupt handling in real-time systems, such as motor control MCUs servicing encoder interrupts mid-EEPROM read, without retransmitting commands. The behavior is fully specified in Section 2.6 and Figure 1-1.
25LC512-I/SM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 512Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 64K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 20 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-SOIJ
25LC512-I/SM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC512-I/SM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC512-I/SM 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 25LC512-I/SM reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC512-I/SM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC512-I/SM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC512-I/SM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC512-I/SM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC512-I/SM?
25LC512-I/SM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC512-I/SM 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 25LC512-I/SM?
For technical support, including 25LC512-I/SM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC512-I/SM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC512-I/SM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC512-I/SM 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 25LC512-I/SM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC512-I/SM?
All 25LC512-I/SM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC512-I/SM, 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 25LC512-I/SM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC512-I/SM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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