Product Overview
The 25LC256T-I is a 256 Kbit (32 K x 8) SPI serial EEPROM from Microchip Technology in tape and reel packaging, operating at 2.5 V to 5.5 V with industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C). The ‘T’ suffix indicates tape and reel packaging for automated SMT assembly. Part of the widely used 25-series EEPROM family, this mid-density device offers a balance of capacity and cost for general-purpose non-volatile storage.
Organized as 32,768 bytes (32 KB), the 25LC256 features byte write and 64-byte page write capability with typical 3 ms write cycle time (5 ms max). The device supports SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 at clock frequencies up to 10 MHz (20 MHz for FC variant), providing high data throughput for configuration data, firmware backup, and event logging.
Advanced features include hardware Write-Protect (WP) pin, software-configurable block protection (BP0, BP1, BP2) with quarter/half/full array protection, and a /HOLD pin for pausing SPI communication. The device offers over 1 million erase/write cycles and greater than 200-year data retention. The industrial temperature rating and compact SOIC/TSSOP package options make it suitable for a wide range of industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Memory Type | SPI Serial EEPROM |
| Density | 256 Kbit (32 Kbyte) |
| Organization | 32,768 x 8 bits |
| Interface | SPI (Modes 0,0 and 1,1) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz (LC series, 2.5-5.5 V) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Page Size | 64 bytes |
| Page Write Time | 5 ms max (typical 3 ms) |
| Read Current (max) | 3 mA @ 5.5 V |
| Standby Current (max) | 5 µA |
| Write Protect | Hardware WP pin + software block protection |
| Block Protection | BP0, BP1, BP2 (0, 1/4, 1/2, all array) |
| HOLD Function | Yes (/HOLD pin) |
| Sequential Read | Yes (entire 32 KB array) |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles |
| Data Retention | > 200 years |
| ESD Protection | > 4,000 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC/TSSOP (tape & reel) |
Features
- 256 Kbit (32 K x 8) SPI serial EEPROM
- 10 MHz maximum SPI clock frequency
- SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 supported
- 2.5 V to 5.5 V operating voltage
- 64-byte page write buffer
- Self-timed auto-erase write cycle
- Block write protection (BP0, BP1, BP2)
- Hardware Write-Protect (WP) pin
- /HOLD pin for pausing communication
- Sequential read support
- Power-on reset and brown-out detection
- Low power CMOS operation
- 3 mA active, 5 µA standby current
- > 1M erase/write cycles
- > 200-year data retention
- > 4 kV ESD protection
- Industrial temperature: -40 to +85 °C
- Tape and reel packaging for automated assembly
- RoHS compliant, Pb-free
Applications
- Industrial control configuration and logging
- Consumer electronics firmware storage
- Automotive sensor calibration data
- Networking equipment parameter storage
- Medical device configuration
- Smart meter data logging
- Display and touch controller parameters
- Battery management system data