Microchip Technology 25AA160A-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 25AA160A-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25AA160A-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 10MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
25AA160A-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 16-byte page size, and 1.8–5.5 V supply range. It operates across industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), supports up to 10 MHz clock at 4.5–5.5 V, and delivers 1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention - used for firmware storage, calibration data logging, and configuration backup in embedded control systems.
For engineers reviewing the 25AA160A-I/SN datasheet, 25AA160A-I/SN pinout, 25AA160A-I/SN application, or 25AA160A-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8 V minimum VCC, hardware write-protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe SPI pauses, and SOIC-8 (SN) package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 25AA160A-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE, and CS must go high after final data bit to trigger self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle. Block protection supports four configurations (none, upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or full array) via nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits, while hardware write protection engages only when WP is low *and* WPEN = 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit) - sufficient for bootloader parameters, sensor calibration tables, or device ID storage in microcontroller-based systems. |
| Page Size | 16 bytes - limits maximum atomic write burst; crossing page boundary wraps data to start of same page, requiring software address alignment. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V - enables fast read/write throughput up to 1.25 MB/s in high-VCC systems; drops to 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V. |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms max - defines minimum interval between successive write commands; status polling (RDSR) required to detect completion. |
| VCC Range | 1.8–5.5 V - supports direct interfacing with 1.8 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V logic domains without level shifters. |
| Data Retention | >200 years - ensures long-term integrity of stored configuration or calibration data in unpowered equipment. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - suitable for applications with frequent parameter updates, such as energy meter tariff logs or industrial actuator counts. |
Pinout & Package
25AA160A-I/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN), with 150 mil width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC outline. Pin 1 is marked by beveled corner or dot; device is top-side marked with date code, traceability, and "5AAA" identifier per Microchip marking spec.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: drives device into active mode; rising edge after valid write sequence initiates internal write cycle. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output: data shifted out on falling edge of SCK; enters high-impedance when CS high or HOLD low. |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect Input | Hardware lock: disables STATUS register writes only when WPEN = 1; no effect on memory reads or byte/page writes. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Return path for all digital I/O and internal charge pump; must be low-impedance connection to system GND plane. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Instruction/address/data input: sampled on rising edge of SCK; requires clean signal with <30 ns setup/hold times at 10 MHz. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronization source: controls timing of SI sampling and SO updating; duty cycle must be 40–60% for reliable operation. |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Hold Input | Pause control: suspends ongoing SPI transfer without resetting state; must be asserted while SCK is low to avoid metastability. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply Voltage | Power rail: decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF ceramic) required within 5 mm of pin to suppress switching noise during write cycles. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-byte page write capability | Enables efficient burst writes within aligned 16-byte boundaries; reduces SPI transaction overhead vs. byte-by-byte writes. |
| Hardware + software write protection | Combines WP pin and STATUS register (BP0/BP1/WPEN) to prevent accidental overwrites of critical calibration or security data. |
| HOLD pin for interrupt-safe operation | Allows host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer without losing SPI context or reinitializing communication. |
| Low-power standby current | 1 µA typical at 2.5 V - minimizes quiescent power draw in battery-backed or energy-harvesting systems. |
| Industrial temperature range | Rated for −40°C to +85°C ambient - validated for use in automotive body controllers, industrial PLCs, and outdoor IoT gateways. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Node | Medical Device Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated gain/offset coefficients and sensor linearization tables in a wireless temperature/humidity node. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration storage accessed during boot and runtime via SPI; no timing-critical interaction with analog front-end. Use Value: Enables field-replaceable sensor modules with unique calibration data preserved across power cycles and firmware updates. |
Use Scenario: Retaining user-adjusted therapy parameters and usage history in a portable infusion pump. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant data log; write-protected via WP pin during normal operation to prevent corruption. Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class B software safety requirements by isolating critical settings from volatile RAM and main MCU flash. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Energy Meter |
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and door lock configurations in a BCM. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable memory mapped to MCU's peripheral bus; accessed during initialization and user input events. Use Value: Supports EEPROM wear-leveling algorithms in firmware to extend lifetime beyond 10-year vehicle service life. |
Use Scenario: Logging tariff schedules, demand peaks, and meter firmware version history in DIN-rail mounted electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability data archive with 1M endurance; written infrequently but read continuously during display updates. Use Value: Eliminates need for external FRAM or battery-backed SRAM, reducing BOM cost and board area in cost-sensitive utility designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25LC160A-I/SN | Requires 2.5–5.5 V VCC; lacks 1.8 V support; otherwise identical pinout, timing, and feature set. | Not suitable for 1.8 V logic systems; acceptable where 3.3 V or 5 V supply is guaranteed and lower VCC headroom is unnecessary. | Select 25LC160A-I/SN only if system VCC never falls below 2.5 V and cost sensitivity outweighs 1.8 V flexibility. |
| AT25DF021-SSH-T | 2 Mbit density, quad-SPI interface, 85 MHz max clock; different command set and write-protect scheme; SOIC-8 compatible footprint. | Targeted at firmware code storage rather than small-parameter storage; requires driver rewrite and lacks HOLD pin. | Choose AT25DF021-SSH-T only when migrating to larger memory capacity and faster read speeds, accepting SPI protocol changes and loss of HOLD functionality. |
Compared with 25AA160A-I/SN, 25LC160A-I/SN offers identical functionality at higher minimum VCC, while AT25DF021-SSH-T trades simplicity and HOLD support for higher density and speed - making 25AA160A-I/SN optimal for low-voltage, interrupt-resilient, small-data embedded storage.
Availability
25AA160A-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 25AA160A-I/SN 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
The 25AA160A-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-compatible nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 25AA160A-I/SN?
The 25AA160A-I/SN operates reliably down to 1.8 V across its full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Below 1.8 V, read/write functionality is not guaranteed per DS21807D specifications. This makes the 25AA160A-I/SN suitable for battery-powered or ultra-low-power systems where other 25LC-series EEPROMs would fail to initialize.
Does the 25AA160A-I/SN support page write operations, and what is the maximum page size?
Yes, the 25AA160A-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size - consistent across all 'A' versions (25AA160A/25LC160A). Attempting to write more than 16 bytes or crossing a 16-byte boundary causes wraparound within the same page, so firmware must enforce address alignment to avoid unintended overwrites.
How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25AA160A-I/SN?
The HOLD pin on the 25AA160A-I/SN suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting internal state: SI, SO, and SCK enter high-impedance, and the device retains its position in the instruction/address/data sequence. To resume, HOLD must be raised while SCK is low; asserting HOLD at other times delays resumption until the next SCK low-to-high transition.
Can the 25AA160A-I/SN be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification?
No, the 25AA160A-I/SN is rated for industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive applications, Microchip offers the 25LC160B-E/SN variant (rated −40°C to +125°C, Automotive grade), which shares the same pinout and instruction set but requires validation per AEC-Q100 test plan before deployment in safety-critical systems.
What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25AA160A-I/SN?
The 25AA160A-I/SN implements three layered protections: (1) Write-enable latch (WEL) reset on power-up or WRDI; (2) Software block protection (BP0/BP1 bits) for 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array lock; and (3) Hardware write protection via WP pin enabled only when WPEN = 1 in STATUS register - preventing STATUS register writes while allowing memory reads and writes.
25AA160A-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 16Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 2K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 10 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
25AA160A-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25AA160A-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25AA160A-I/SN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 25AA160A-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25AA160A-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25AA160A-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25AA160A-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25AA160A-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25AA160A-I/SN?
25AA160A-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25AA160A-I/SN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 25AA160A-I/SN?
For technical support, including 25AA160A-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25AA160A-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25AA160A-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25AA160A-I/SN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 25AA160A-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25AA160A-I/SN?
All 25AA160A-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25AA160A-I/SN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 25AA160A-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25AA160A-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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