Microchip Technology 25AA160BT-I/MS

Overview

25AA160BT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI-compatible 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 and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in embedded microcontroller systems for configuration storage and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160BT-I/MS datasheet, 25AA160BT-I/MS pinout, 25AA160BT-I/MS application, or 25AA160BT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC compatibility down to 1.8 V, MSOP-8 package footprint constraints, SPI Mode 0,0/1,1 timing compliance, and block-level write-protection granularity across 1/4 or 1/2 of memory array.

Technical Context

The 25AA160BT-I/MS implements a standard SPI interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, CS-controlled selection, and SCK-synchronized transfers on rising/falling edges respectively. 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 followed by WRITE command and address; page writes are limited to 16 bytes within a single physical page boundary (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.). The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial sequences without resetting internal state, enabling host interrupt servicing while preserving transaction context.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160BT-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 3.0 mm × 4.9 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and exposed pad option not present - compatible with automated SMT assembly and IPC Class 2/3 reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160BT-I/MS, 25AA160AT-I/MS omits HOLD support limiting interrupt-safe operation, while 25LC160BT-I/MS raises minimum VCC to 2.5 V and doubles page size - making 25AA160BT-I/MS the sole choice for 1.8 V systems requiring both page-level efficiency and deterministic bus hold capability.

Availability

25AA160BT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical calibration storage, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160BT-I/MS 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, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160BT-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B family of SPI EEPROMs, engineered for robust nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where low-voltage operation, deterministic timing, and hardware write security are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160BT-I/MS?

The 25AA160BT-I/MS 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 for SI and SO signals across voltage and temperature ranges specified in Table 1-2 of DS21807D. Exceeding these frequencies risks data corruption during read/write operations.

Does the 25AA160BT-I/MS support SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1?

Yes, the 25AA160BT-I/MS supports both SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and Mode 1,1 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1), as confirmed by Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3 in DS21807D. Data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK in Mode 0,0 and on the falling edge in Mode 1,1, with SO updated accordingly - enabling interoperability with diverse microcontroller SPI peripherals.

How does the HOLD function operate in the 25AA160BT-I/MS?

The HOLD pin in the 25AA160BT-I/MS pauses an ongoing SPI transaction when asserted low during SCK low time, placing SI, SO, and SCK in high-impedance state while preserving internal address and instruction state. Resuming requires HOLD high while SCK remains low - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without restarting the sequence. This behavior is detailed in Section 1.0 and Figure 1-1 of DS21807D.

What is the page size of the 25AA160BT-I/MS and why does it matter?

The 25AA160BT-I/MS has a fixed 16-byte page size, meaning up to 16 bytes can be written in a single page-write cycle before triggering an internal 5 ms write cycle. Crossing page boundaries (e.g., writing byte 15 then 16) wraps data to the start of the same page instead of advancing - requiring firmware to enforce alignment. This constraint directly impacts buffer management in bootloader and configuration update routines.

Can the 25AA160BT-I/MS be used in systems powered by 1.8 V logic?

Yes, the 25AA160BT-I/MS is explicitly rated for 1.8–5.5 V VCC operation per the Device Selection Table and DC Characteristics section of DS21807D. At 1.8 V, it maintains full functionality including 3 MHz max clock, 16-byte page writes, and hardware write protection - making it suitable for ultra-low-power applications such as battery-operated IoT sensors and portable medical devices where 25AA160BT-I/MS replaces higher-VCC alternatives.