CAT25256XIC EEPROM Memory IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CAT25256XIC is a 256Kbit Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EEPROM memory integrated circuit manufactured by onsemi in an 8-SOIC surface mount package. This device provides non-volatile memory storage with a 10 MHz clock frequency and operates across a supply voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V. The CAT25256XIC is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for ongoing design support, production continuity, and long-term component availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Memory Type	Non-Volatile EEPROM
Memory Size	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8
Memory Interface	SPI
Clock Frequency	10 MHz
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Supply Voltage Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type	8-SOIC Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The CAT25256VI-GT3 qualifies as a direct substitute for the CAT25256XIC based on the following substitution criteria:

Matching Parameters:

Memory Type: Non-Volatile EEPROM
Memory Size: 256Kbit
Memory Organization: 32K x 8
Memory Interface: SPI
Write Cycle Time: 5ms
Supply Voltage Range: 1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type: 8-SOIC Surface Mount
Base Product Number: CAT25256

Enhanced Parameters:

Clock Frequency: 20 MHz (versus 10 MHz on CAT25256XIC)
Product Status: Active (versus Obsolete on CAT25256XIC)
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited) versus 3 (168 Hours)

The CAT25256VI-GT3 maintains full backward compatibility with all critical electrical and functional parameters while offering improved performance specifications and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	CAT25256XIC	CAT25256VI-GT3
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi
Memory Type	Non-Volatile EEPROM	Non-Volatile EEPROM
Memory Size	256Kbit	256Kbit
Memory Organization	32K x 8	32K x 8
Memory Interface	SPI	SPI
Clock Frequency	10 MHz	20 MHz
Write Cycle Time	5ms	5ms
Supply Voltage Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type	8-SOIC	8-SOIC
Product Status	Obsolete	Active
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The CAT25256VI-GT3 is the appropriate substitute for the obsolete CAT25256XIC. Selection is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status Alignment: The CAT25256XIC is classified as obsolete, creating supply chain risk and limiting long-term availability. The CAT25256VI-GT3 maintains active product status with substantial inventory availability (47,300 pieces in stock versus 1,058 pieces for the obsolete part).

Electrical Compatibility: Both devices share identical memory capacity, organization, interface protocol, supply voltage range, and operating temperature specifications. The CAT25256VI-GT3 provides enhanced clock frequency performance (20 MHz versus 10 MHz), which is backward compatible with applications designed for the lower frequency specification.

Regulatory Compliance: The CAT25256VI-GT3 carries ROHS3 compliance certification and maintains REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements. Both parts are REACH Unaffected.

Packaging and Moisture Sensitivity: Both devices utilize 8-SOIC surface mount packaging. The CAT25256VI-GT3 features improved moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1 with unlimited shelf life versus MSL 3 with 168-hour limitation), reducing handling and storage constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CAT25256VI-GT3 directly replace the CAT25256XIC in existing designs?

A: Yes. The CAT25256VI-GT3 maintains full electrical and functional compatibility with the CAT25256XIC across all critical parameters including memory capacity, interface protocol, supply voltage range, and operating temperature specifications. The enhanced 20 MHz clock frequency is backward compatible with applications designed for 10 MHz operation.

Q: What are the key differences between these two parts?

A: The primary differences are product status (Active versus Obsolete), clock frequency (20 MHz versus 10 MHz), and moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1 versus MSL 3). The CAT25256VI-GT3 offers improved performance and regulatory compliance while maintaining identical core memory functionality.

Q: Are there any package differences between the CAT25256XIC and CAT25256VI-GT3?

A: Both devices use 8-SOIC surface mount packaging. The CAT25256XIC specifies 0.209" (5.30mm) width, while the CAT25256VI-GT3 specifies 0.154" (3.90mm) width. Both are standard 8-SOIC packages suitable for the same PCB footprints and assembly processes.

Q: What is the significance of the MSL rating difference?

A: The CAT25256XIC carries MSL 3 (168-hour shelf life limitation), requiring controlled storage conditions and limiting the time components can remain in inventory before use. The CAT25256VI-GT3 carries MSL 1 (unlimited shelf life), eliminating moisture sensitivity constraints and simplifying component handling and storage procedures.

Q: Is the CAT25256VI-GT3 available in the same packaging options?

A: The CAT25256VI-GT3 is available in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel packaging formats, providing flexibility for both small-quantity and production-volume applications. The CAT25256XIC packaging format is not specified in the provided data.

Q: What is the inventory status for each part?

A: The CAT25256XIC has 1,058 pieces in stock (obsolete status). The CAT25256VI-GT3 has 47,300 pieces in stock (active status), providing significantly greater availability for current and future production requirements.

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