Microchip Technology 25AA160BT-I/SN

Overview

25AA160BT-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V supply, 16-byte page size, and Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN). It supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and delivers 1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention for nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160BT-I/SN datasheet, 25AA160BT-I/SN pinout, 25AA160BT-I/SN application, or 25AA160BT-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.8 V minimum VCC, 16-byte page write limit, HOLD pin support for interrupt-safe SPI pausing, and block-level write protection covering 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array.

Technical Context

The 25AA160BT-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/Motorola-compatible 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 a write-enable latch, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1 bits, and page latches enabling atomic 16-byte writes within aligned boundaries.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE, followed by CS high to trigger self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle; reads support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers while preserving internal state, allowing host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without reinitializing the transaction.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead SOIC package (SN), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160AT-I/SN, the 25AA160BT-I/SN adds essential HOLD functionality for real-time systems, while versus AT25DF021-SSH-T it provides true pin-and-command compatibility with legacy Microchip SPI EEPROM firmware at lower density and broader VCC range.

Availability

25AA160BT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and consumer appliance settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160BT-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 leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160BT-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B SPI EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage, page-organized nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems requiring long-term data integrity.

FAQ

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

The 25AA160BT-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. At 2.5–4.5 V, the maximum is 5 MHz, and at 1.8–2.5 V, it drops to 3 MHz. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing across voltage and temperature ranges as specified in DS21807D AC Characteristics Table 1-2.

Does the 25AA160BT-I/SN support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25AA160BT-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size. All bytes written in a single CS low cycle must reside within the same physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0000h–000Fh); crossing boundaries causes wraparound instead of spanning pages.

How does the HOLD pin function on the 25AA160BT-I/SN during an active SPI transaction?

The HOLD pin on the 25AA160BT-I/SN pauses an ongoing SPI transfer when asserted low while SCK is low. SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states, and the device retains internal state. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low - enabling deterministic interrupt handling without re-synchronizing the entire command sequence.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25AA160BT-I/SN?

The 25AA160BT-I/SN implements three-tiered write protection: (1) software-controlled STATUS register bits (BP0/BP1) for 0%/25%/50%/100% array locking, (2) hardware WP pin activation when WPEN=1, and (3) automatic write-enable latch reset on power-up or after each write operation - preventing unintended writes.

Is the 25AA160BT-I/SN compatible with 1.8 V microcontrollers, and what is its minimum operating voltage?

Yes, the 25AA160BT-I/SN operates down to 1.8 V VCC, making it fully compatible with 1.8 V logic families. Its DC characteristics (e.g., VIH1, VIL2) and AC timing (e.g., FCLK=3 MHz, TCSS=150 ns) are explicitly characterized across 1.8–5.5 V, ensuring robust interoperability without level shifters.