Microchip Technology 25AA160C-I/SN

Overview

25AA160C-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V supply range, 16-byte page write capability, industrial temperature rating (−40°C to +85°C), and hardware write protection via WP pin. It interfaces directly with microcontroller SPI peripherals for nonvolatile data storage in embedded control, sensor calibration, and configuration retention applications.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160C-I/SN datasheet, 25AA160C-I/SN pinout, 25AA160C-I/SN application, or 25AA160C-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 10 MHz max clock frequency, 5 µA standby current at 5.5 V, self-timed 5 ms write cycle, block-level write protection (0/¼/½/all array), and compatibility with standard SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 timing.

Technical Context

The 25AA160C-I/SN implements a standard SPI interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, CS-controlled device selection, and HOLD pin for transaction suspension without reset. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read with automatic address increment, byte/page write with CS-high-triggered internal write cycle, and STATUS register access (RDSR/WRSR) for monitoring WIP/WEL bits and configuring BP0/BP1 block protection. Write enable latch (WEL) must be set via WREN before any write, and resets automatically after power-up or successful WRITE/WRSR/WRDI.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160C-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150 mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160C-I/SN, the 25LC160C-I/SN offers identical functionality at higher minimum VCC, while the AT25160B-SSHL-T omits HOLD and requires STATUS register revalidation-making 25AA160C-I/SN optimal for 1.8 V–5.5 V systems needing transaction pause capability and consistent block protection behavior.

Availability

25AA160C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160C-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160C-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160C-I/SN?

The 25AA160C-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, the maximum is 5 MHz, and at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V, it is 3 MHz. These graded limits ensure signal integrity and timing margin across its full 1.8–5.5 V operating range, and are specified in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet.

Does the 25AA160C-I/SN support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25AA160C-I/SN supports hardware write protection using the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits are disabled. This feature is fully documented in Section 2.6 and Table 2-4 of the DS22150B datasheet, and applies to the 25AA160C-I/SN without modification.

What package type does the 25AA160C-I/SN use?

25AA160C-I/SN uses an 8-lead SOIC package (suffix "SN"), with 150 mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Package dimensions and marking details are confirmed in Section 4.1 and Figure 4-1 of the DS22150B datasheet, and match Microchip's standard SN packaging for this device family.

How many bytes can be written in a single page operation for the 25AA160C-I/SN?

The 25AA160C-I/SN has a 16-byte page size, meaning up to 16 consecutive bytes can be written in one page write command-as long as all addresses fall within the same 16-byte boundary (e.g., 0000h–000Fh). Attempting to cross a page boundary wraps data to the start of the page. This behavior is explicitly defined for 'C' versions in the Device Selection Table and Section 2.3 of DS22150B.

What is the endurance and data retention specification for the 25AA160C-I/SN?

The 25AA160C-I/SN is rated for > 1 million erase/write cycles and > 200 years of data retention at 25°C, as stated in Table 1-3 (Param. No. 21) and Section 1.0 of the DS22150B datasheet. These values are characterized and ensured per Microchip's Total Endurance™ model, and apply directly to the 25AA160C-I/SN under industrial temperature conditions.