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25LC256T-I/SN

256Kbit SPI EEPROM, 32Kx8, 10MHz, 2.5-5.5V, SOIC-8, >1M cycles, >200yr retention

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Manufacturer Part：

25LC256T-I/SN

Package：

SOIC-8 (4.90 x 3.91 x 1.58 mm, 200mil)

Description

Product Overview

The 25LC256T-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 256-Kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 32K x 8 bits, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with clock rates up to 10 MHz. Available in an SOIC-8 package, it supports SPI modes 0 and 3, features block write protection, and delivers over 1 million erase/write cycles with greater than 200-year data retention, making it ideal for reliable nonvolatile storage in industrial and consumer applications.

Key Specifications

Density	256 Kbit (32K x 8)
Interface	SPI (Mode 0 and 3)
Max Clock Frequency	10 MHz
Supply Voltage	2.5 V to 5.5 V
Page Size	64 bytes
Write Cycle Time	5 ms (max)
Erase/Write Endurance	> 1,000,000 cycles
Data Retention	> 200 years
Operating Temperature	-40C to +85C

Features

SPI-compatible serial interface (modes 0 and 3) for simple microcontroller connection
Block write protection: 1/4, 1/2, or entire array
Self-timed erase and write cycle with 5 ms max write time
Over 1 million erase/write cycle endurance
Greater than 200-year data retention
Hardware write protect pin (WP)
Low power CMOS technology with 5 uA max standby current

Applications

Industrial control parameter storage and calibration data
Consumer electronics configuration and user preference storage
Automotive system settings and fault logs
Medical device calibration and patient data storage
Networking equipment MAC address and configuration storage

Product Introduction:25LC256T-I/SN Product Introduction

The 25LC256T-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 256-Kbit SPI bus serial EEPROM organized as 32,768 x 8-bit, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with clock frequencies up to 10 MHz. The device supports SPI modes 0 and 3, providing flexible interface compatibility with most microcontrollers. Page size is 64 bytes with self-timed erase and write operations completing in 5 ms maximum. The device features block write protection selectable for 1/4, 1/2, or the entire array, a hardware write protect pin (WP), and status register with write-in-progress and write-enable latch bits. Endurance exceeds 1 million erase/write cycles with data retention greater than 200 years.

Working Principle:25LC256T-I/SN Working Principle

The 25LC256T-I/SN uses a standard SPI serial interface with four signal lines: CS (chip select), SCK (serial clock), SI (serial input), and SO (serial output). (1) Read Operation: The master asserts CS, sends the READ opcode (03h) followed by a 16-bit address, and the device shifts out data on SO starting from the addressed location. Sequential reads continue automatically incrementing the address. (2) Write Operation: Before writing, the WRITE ENABLE (WREN, 06h) opcode must be sent to set the write enable latch. Then the master sends the WRITE opcode (02h) with a 16-bit starting address and up to 64 bytes of data (one page). The device self-times the internal erase and write cycle, completing within 5 ms. The status register WIP bit indicates when the write is complete. (3) Write Protection: The WP pin protects the status register, while the BP0 and BP1 bits in the status register select the protected portion of the memory array.

Pin Description:25LC256T-I/SN Pin Definition and Functions

Pin	Name	Type	Function
1	CS	Input	Chip select (active low)
2	SO	Output	Serial data output (MISO)
3	WP	Input	Write protect pin (active low)
4	VSS	Power	Ground
5	SI	Input	Serial data input (MOSI)
6	SCK	Input	Serial clock input
7	HOLD	Input	Suspend serial communication (active low)
8	VCC	Power	Supply voltage (2.5-5.5V)

Application Scenarios:In which products and applications is25LC256T-I/SN used

Industrial control parameter storage and calibration data retention exceeding 200 years
Consumer electronics configuration and user preference storage with SPI interface
Automotive system fault log and configuration storage with block write protection
Medical device calibration data with >1M cycle endurance for frequent updates
Networking equipment MAC address and serial number storage with write protect

Alternative Models:What chips are recommended as replacements for 25LC256T-I/SN

Manufacturer	Part Number	Package	Notes
Microchip	25AA256T-I/SN	SOIC-8	1.8V to 5.5V version
STMicroelectronics	M95256-WMN6	SOIC-8	Pin-compatible, 2.5-5.5V
onsemi	CAT25C256WI	SOIC-8	Pin-compatible alternative
Rohm	BR25H256FVM-W	TSSOP-8	Smaller package option