25LC020A-I/MS

Overview

The Microchip Technology 25LC020A-I/MS is a 2 Kbit (256 x 8-bit) Serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). It interfaces via a standard SPI-compatible serial bus with SCK, SI, SO, and CS signals. The device supports a maximum clock frequency of 10 MHz at VCC levels between 4.5V and 5.5V. Operating voltage ranges from 2.5V to 5.5V. Key electrical characteristics include a maximum write current of 5 mA at 5.5V and 10 MHz, and a standby current of 5 µA at 5.5V. The internal write cycle time is a maximum of 5 ms.

Feature Summary

• Supports sequential read operations with automatic address pointer incrementation across the memory array.
• Features self-timed erase and write cycles initiated by raising the Chip Select pin after data transmission.
• Includes hardware write protection via the WP pin and software block protection through the STATUS register.
• Provides a HOLD function to pause serial communication without resetting the sequence or losing state.

Applications

• Storage of device unique identification numbers and production batch codes
• Persistence of calibration parameters and user configuration settings
• Logging of operational status or fault records in embedded systems

Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific ordering suffix matches the required package type, as the MSOP variant differs physically from PDIP or SOIC options. Confirm the temperature grade corresponds to industrial specifications (-40°C to +85°C). Ensure supply chain documentation aligns with RoHS compliance requirements for lead-free manufacturing processes.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a low-pin-count non-volatile memory solution is required for small data sets. The 25LC020A is suitable for applications needing simple SPI integration without complex controller overhead. Consider the 2.5V minimum operating voltage constraint compared to lower-voltage alternatives if system power rails are strictly regulated below this threshold.

Part Context

This part belongs to the 25XX020A family, which shares identical memory arrays and instruction sets. The 'LC' designation indicates a 2.5V to 5.5V operating range, distinguishing it from the 'AA' variant which supports 1.8V operation. The '-I' suffix specifies the industrial temperature rating, while '/MS' denotes the 8-lead MSOP surface-mount package.

Replacement Considerations

The 25AA020A serves as a functional substitute within the same family, offering identical pinouts and commands but supporting a wider voltage range down to 1.8V. Other capacity variants like the 25LC040A require different address handling due to increased memory size.