Microchip Technology 25AA160B-I/P

Overview

25AA160B-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 32-byte page write capability, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles. Used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring low-power, reliable data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160B-I/P datasheet, 25AA160B-I/P pinout, 25AA160B-I/P application, or 25AA160B-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range (1.8–5.5 V), 32-byte page size, SPI Mode 0,0/1,1 compatibility, HOLD/CS timing margins, and block-level write protection granularity (none/¼/½/all).

Technical Context

The 25AA160B-I/P implements a standard SPI interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, supporting clock frequencies up to 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports byte and page write operations with automatic address increment during sequential reads, and uses a write enable latch (WEL) that must be set via WREN instruction before any write. Block protection is controlled by BP0/BP1 bits in the STATUS register, enabling selective write-disable of upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or entire memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160B-I/P is housed in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3 inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160B-I/P, 25LC160B-I/P offers identical functionality at higher minimum VCC, while AT25160B-PU trades HOLD/WP hardware for higher speed and removes a pin - making 25AA160B-I/P optimal for low-voltage, interrupt-driven, or safety-critical configurations.

Availability

25AA160B-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration, automotive body control modules, and smart home gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and robust SPI interface performance.

Supply support for 25AA160B-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160B-I/P belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI EEPROMs, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing reliable nonvolatile storage with flexible voltage operation and hardware-assisted data protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160B-I/P?

The 25AA160B-I/P supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges, as specified in Table 1-2 of DS21807D.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25AA160B-I/P?

When HOLD is pulled low while SCK is low, the 25AA160B-I/P pauses the ongoing SPI sequence, tri-states SO, and ignores SI/SCK transitions until HOLD is returned high (also while SCK is low). The internal state - including address pointer and instruction context - is preserved, allowing seamless resumption without retransmission.

Can the 25AA160B-I/P be used in a 1.8 V system without level shifters?

Yes, the 25AA160B-I/P operates natively from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Its VIH1/VIL1 thresholds scale with VCC (e.g., VIH ≥ 0.7×VCC), and DC/AC characteristics are fully characterized down to 1.8 V, enabling direct connection to 1.8 V MCUs without external level translation circuitry.

What happens if a page write crosses a 32-byte boundary on the 25AA160B-I/P?

If a page write command attempts to cross a 32-byte boundary (e.g., writing 32 bytes starting at address 0x001F), data wraps around to the start of the same page (0x0000) instead of advancing to the next page. This overwrites earlier bytes in the page - a behavior explicitly documented to require firmware-enforced boundary checking before issuing WRITE commands.

How is write protection implemented on the 25AA160B-I/P?

Write protection on the 25AA160B-I/P uses dual layers: (1) hardware via WP pin (active-low) enabled only when WPEN bit = 1 in STATUS register, and (2) software-configurable block protection (BP0/BP1 bits) locking memory segments. Both mechanisms operate independently - WP protects STATUS register writes; BP bits protect memory array regions.