25LC256T-E/SM EEPROM Memory IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 25LC256T-E/SM is a 256Kbit Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EEPROM memory IC manufactured by Microchip Technology. This non-volatile memory device operates across a supply voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V and supports a clock frequency of 10 MHz with a 5ms write cycle time. The device is housed in an 8-SOIJ surface mount package and maintains an operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. The part is currently in active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1).

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part number becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required for manufacturing processes, or when design specifications allow for enhanced performance characteristics such as higher clock frequencies or extended temperature ranges.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Memory Size	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8
Memory Interface	SPI
Clock Frequency	10 MHz
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Voltage Supply Range	2.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C
Package Type	8-SOIC/8-SOIJ
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 25LC256T-E/SM is determined by the following critical parameters:

Core Compatibility Requirements:

Memory capacity: 256Kbit (32K x 8 organization)
Interface protocol: SPI
Package classification: 8-SOIC or 8-SOIJ surface mount
Non-volatile EEPROM technology

Performance Compatibility Criteria:

Clock frequency: 10 MHz minimum (higher frequencies are backward compatible)
Write cycle time: 5ms maximum
Supply voltage range: Must encompass or exceed 2.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating temperature: Must support -40°C minimum and 125°C maximum, or a subset thereof

Regulatory and Quality Criteria:

RoHS3 compliance required
Product status: Active or equivalent active status
Moisture sensitivity: MSL 1 or MSL 3 acceptable for standard applications

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: direct equivalents (identical packaging and specifications), performance-enhanced substitutes (higher clock frequency or extended voltage range), and alternative packaging formats (different tape/reel or tube configurations).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Memory Size	Clock Frequency	Voltage Supply	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	Packaging Format
25LC256T-E/SM	Microchip Technology	256Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIJ	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
25LC256-E/SM	Microchip Technology	256Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIJ	Active	Tube
AT25256B-SSHL-B	Microchip Technology	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	Tube
AT25256B-SSHL-T	Microchip Technology	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
CAT25256VI-G	onsemi	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Obsolete	Not Specified
CAT25256VI-GT3	onsemi	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
CAT25256XI-T2	onsemi	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
CAV25256VE-GT3	onsemi	256Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIC	Active	Tape & Reel
M95256-DFMN6TP	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
M95256-DRMN3TP/K	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
M95256-RMN6TP	STMicroelectronics	256Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Identical Specifications): The 25LC256-E/SM is a direct equivalent available in tube packaging format. This part maintains identical electrical specifications and memory organization. Selection of this variant depends solely on packaging format requirements for assembly processes.

Performance-Enhanced Substitutes (Higher Clock Frequency): The AT25256B-SSHL-T, CAT25256VI-GT3, CAT25256XI-T2, M95256-DFMN6TP, M95256-DRMN3TP/K, and M95256-RMN6TP all operate at 20 MHz clock frequency, providing double the performance of the primary part. These devices are backward compatible in applications where the 10 MHz specification is not a limiting factor. All are in active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Specification-Matched Substitute (Automotive Grade): The CAV25256VE-GT3 maintains the original 10 MHz clock frequency and 2.5V ~ 5.5V supply range with extended temperature support (-40°C ~ 125°C). This part carries AEC-Q100 automotive qualification and is suitable for automotive applications requiring equivalent performance characteristics.

Extended Temperature Range Substitute: The M95256-DRMN3TP/K supports the full -40°C ~ 125°C operating temperature range while providing 20 MHz clock frequency. This part includes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification and is suitable for applications requiring both extended temperature operation and enhanced performance.

Obsolete Part Consideration: The CAT25256VI-G is marked as obsolete product status. While electrically compatible, this part should not be selected for new designs or long-term supply requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute the 25LC256T-E/SM with a part operating at 20 MHz clock frequency?

A: Yes. The 20 MHz variants (AT25256B-SSHL-T, CAT25256VI-GT3, CAT25256XI-T2, M95256-DFMN6TP, M95256-DRMN3TP/K, M95256-RMN6TP) are backward compatible. Higher clock frequency capability does not affect operation in circuits designed for 10 MHz. Verify that your application does not depend on the specific 10 MHz timing specification.

Q: What is the difference between 8-SOIC and 8-SOIJ packages?

A: Both are 8-pin surface mount packages with identical pin configurations and electrical compatibility. The primary difference is physical dimensions: 8-SOIJ has a width of 5.30mm, while 8-SOIC has a width of 3.90mm. Package selection depends on PCB layout constraints and assembly equipment compatibility.

Q: Is the CAV25256VE-GT3 suitable for automotive applications?

A: Yes. The CAV25256VE-GT3 carries AEC-Q100 qualification and is designated as automotive grade. It maintains the original 10 MHz clock frequency and 2.5V ~ 5.5V supply range with full -40°C ~ 125°C temperature support.

Q: Can I use the M95256-DRMN3TP/K in place of the 25LC256T-E/SM?

A: Yes. The M95256-DRMN3TP/K is electrically compatible with enhanced specifications: 20 MHz clock frequency, 1.8V ~ 5.5V supply range, and extended -40°C ~ 125°C operating temperature. It includes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification. Verify PCB layout compatibility with the 8-SOIC package (3.90mm width).

Q: Why should I avoid the CAT25256VI-G?

A: The CAT25256VI-G is marked as obsolete product status. While electrically compatible, obsolete parts present supply chain risk and should not be selected for new designs or applications requiring long-term component availability.

Q: What packaging formats are available for the 256Kbit SPI EEPROM substitutes?

A: Available packaging formats include Cut Tape & Digi-Reel (standard for high-volume assembly), Tube (for lower-volume or manual assembly), and Tape & Reel (for automated pick-and-place systems). Selection depends on your manufacturing process and volume requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, consistent with the primary 25LC256T-E/SM specification.

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