Microchip Technology 25AA010AT-I/MC

Overview

25AA010AT-I/MC from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V supply, 10 MHz max clock, 16-byte page write capability, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection (WP pin), HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and block protection covering none/¼/½/all memory array - used in microcontroller-based embedded systems for configuration storage and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA010AT-I/MC datasheet, 25AA010AT-I/MC pinout, 25AA010AT-I/MC application, or 25AA010AT-I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range compatibility, SPI timing compliance at target clock frequency, WP/HOLD signal integration, page boundary handling in firmware, and industrial-grade reliability requirements for nonvolatile parameter storage.

Technical Context

The 25AA010AT-I/MC implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 or Mode 1,1 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS connections. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, status register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and page latches enabling up to 16-byte writes within aligned 16-byte boundaries.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal write cycle (≤5 ms). Read operations support sequential addressing with automatic rollover at address 7Fh. HOLD suspends ongoing transfers without resetting state, and WP disables all writes when low - both functions are active during standby and active modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA010AT-I/MC is housed in an 8-lead 2×3 mm DFN (Dual Flat No-lead) package with exposed pad, marked "MC" per Microchip's package coding. Pin 1 is laser-marked; exposed pad may be connected to VSS or left floating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 25AA010A-I/SN, the 25AA010AT-I/MC saves >70% board area and enables better thermal dissipation via exposed pad, while matching all functional and timing specifications. Versus AT25010B-SSHL-T, it retains HOLD and exact BP protection behavior critical for interrupt-driven or safety-critical firmware.

Availability

25AA010AT-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 25AA010AT-I/MC includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA010A family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing reliable, SPI-compatible nonvolatile storage - emphasizing industrial temperature operation, hardware write protection, and seamless integration with PIC® and other MCU platforms.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA010AT-I/MC across its full voltage range?

The 25AA010AT-I/MC supports up to 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V. These limits ensure setup/hold timing compliance per Table 1-2 AC Characteristics; exceeding them risks read/write corruption. The 25AA010AT-I/MC must be configured in firmware to throttle SCK based on actual VCC level.

How does the HOLD function behave during an active write cycle in the 25AA010AT-I/MC?

The HOLD pin has no effect on an ongoing internal write cycle (TWC) in the 25AA010AT-I/MC - once initiated by CS rising edge, the write proceeds to completion regardless of HOLD state. HOLD only pauses serial communication (read/write instructions, address, data) during active SPI transfers, not self-timed internal operations. The 25AA010AT-I/MC remains unresponsive to new commands until TWC finishes and WIP clears.

Can the 25AA010AT-I/MC be used with a 1.8 V microcontroller SPI interface?

Yes - the 25AA010AT-I/MC operates down to 1.8 V and specifies DC and AC characteristics at that voltage, including VIH1 = 0.7×VCC (1.26 V min) and VOL = 0.4 V max at IOL = 2.1 mA. Its 1.8 V compatibility makes it suitable for ultra-low-power IoT nodes and battery-operated sensors, provided the host MCU's SPI pins meet these voltage thresholds. The 25AA010AT-I/MC maintains full timing compliance (e.g., 3 MHz max SCK) at 1.8 V.

What happens if a page write command crosses a 16-byte boundary in the 25AA010AT-I/MC?

If a page write command attempts to cross a 16-byte boundary (e.g., writing 10 bytes starting at address 76h), the 25AA010AT-I/MC wraps the excess data to the start of the same page (address 70h), overwriting previously written bytes. This behavior is documented in Section 2.3 and requires firmware to validate address alignment before issuing page writes. The 25AA010AT-I/MC does not auto-increment to the next page - incorrect alignment corrupts data within the current page.

Is the exposed pad on the 25AA010AT-I/MC's DFN package required to be connected to VSS?

No - the exposed pad on the 25AA010AT-I/MC's 2×3 mm DFN package (marked "MC") may be connected to VSS or left electrically floating, as stated in Note 1 of Table 3-1. Connecting it to VSS improves thermal performance and ground integrity, but is not mandatory for electrical functionality. PCB layout should follow Microchip's recommended land pattern (DS21832H-page 25) regardless of pad connection choice.