Microchip Technology 25AA160A-I/P

Overview

25AA160A-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V supply range, 16-byte page size, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles. Used in microcontroller-based systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and firmware configuration in embedded control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160A-I/P datasheet, 25AA160A-I/P pinout, 25AA160A-I/P application, or 25AA160A-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CC compatibility down to 1.8 V, SPI clock support up to 10 MHz at 4.5–5.5 V, page-write capability within 16-byte boundaries, built-in power-on write-disable logic, and PDIP-8 packaging for through-hole prototyping and legacy industrial PCBs.

Technical Context

The 25AA160A-I/P implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and optional HOLD/HP suspension. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, status register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and page latches enabling burst writes limited to 16 bytes per physical page (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.).

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by WRITE command and address; the write enable latch resets automatically after each successful write or power-up. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to lock 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array, while WPEN bit enables hardware-level protection when WP pin is low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160A-I/P is supplied in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3 inch body width, compatible with standard through-hole sockets and manual soldering workflows. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; leads are tin-plated, Pb-free, and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160A-I/P, the 25LC160A-I/P sacrifices low-voltage operation for marginally lower cost in fixed 3.3/5 V systems, while the AT25160B-PU removes HOLD support and alters protection register semantics - both require validation of timing margins and firmware compatibility before substitution.

Availability

25AA160A-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer appliance configuration, embedded firmware bootloader storage, medical device audit logs, and legacy through-hole design-in requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 25AA160A-I/P 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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design, manufacturing, and sales operations.

The 25AA160A-I/P belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, pin-compatible nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications where reliability and wide V_CC range are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 25AA160A-I/P?

The 25AA160A-I/P operates reliably from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. At 1.8 V, maximum clock frequency is 3 MHz, and DC/AC timing parameters scale accordingly (e.g., T_CSH = 150 ns min). Below 1.8 V, functionality is not guaranteed per DS21807D specifications, and write cycles may fail or corrupt data.

Does the 25AA160A-I/P support page write operations, and what is the maximum byte count per page?

Yes, the 25AA160A-I/P supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size. Up to 16 bytes can be written in a single transaction provided they reside entirely within one physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0000h–000Fh). Crossing boundaries causes wraparound, not automatic page increment.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25AA160A-I/P?

When HOLD is pulled low during an active SPI transaction (with CS low and SCK low), the 25AA160A-I/P pauses communication: SI, SO, and SCK inputs are ignored, SO enters high-impedance, and internal state is preserved. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low - then transmission continues from the exact bit position where it paused.

Can the 25AA160A-I/P be used in automotive applications requiring extended temperature range?

No. The 25AA160A-I/P is rated for Industrial temperature range only (–40°C to +85°C). For automotive applications requiring –40°C to +125°C, Microchip specifies the 25AA160B-E/P or 25LC160B-E/P variants - the 'E' suffix denotes Automotive grade, and 'B' indicates 32-byte page size.

What happens to the write enable latch after a successful write operation on the 25AA160A-I/P?

After any successful WRITE, WRSR, or WRDI instruction, the write enable latch (WEL bit in STATUS register) is automatically reset to '0'. This prevents unintended writes and mandates reissuing WREN before each new write sequence - a hardware-enforced safety mechanism confirmed in Section 2.4 of DS21807D.