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25LC256-I/P

MCHP25LC256-I/P

Microchip Technology
EEPROM 32kx8 - 2.5V
179 in stock
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Overview

The 25LC256-I/P is a 256 Kbit (32k x 8) Serial Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) that communicates via a high-speed SPI bus. It operates across a wide voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V and supports clock speeds up to 10 MHz. This device is packaged in a standard 8-pin PDIP, making it ideal for prototyping and through-hole assembly applications requiring non-volatile data storage.

Why Choose This Part

The 25LC256-I/P features a 64-byte page write capability and self-timed erase/write cycles for efficient data handling. It is rated for over 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and has a data retention period exceeding 200 years, providing high reliability for long-term deployments. The SPI interface allows for much faster data throughput compared to I2C-based EEPROMs in the same density class.

Applications

Configuration Storage
Maintaining system calibration data, user settings, and network configuration parameters that must persist through power cycles.
Data Logging
Recording periodic sensor readings or event logs in industrial or consumer electronics where data retention is critical.
Firmware Patching
Storing small firmware updates or bootloader parameters for microcontrollers with limited internal NVM.

Getting Started

To use this part, connect the SPI lines (SCK, SI, SO, CS) to a microcontroller and ensure the WP and HOLD pins are tied high for standard operation. Developers can use standard SPI libraries, such as the Arduino SPI library or Microchip's MCC (MHC), to interface with the device. Since this is a PDIP package, it can be directly inserted into a breadboard for rapid prototyping.

Part of 25LCxx / AT25 SPI EEPROM family » 25LC256

25LC256 Family

Comparing specs that differ across variants. The current part is highlighted.

Part Number Clock Frequency Temp Range Write Cycle Time - Word, Page Stock
25LC256-I/P (this part) — — — 179
25LC256-I/SN 10 M -40degC ~ 85degC (.. 5m 6,642
25LC256 5 M -40degC ~ 150degC .. 6m 2,912

Also Consider

24LC256-I/P MCHPMicrochip Technology - A suitable alternative if the system design requires an I2C (Two-Wire) interface instead of SPI to save on microcontroller I/O pins.