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Microchip Technology 25AA160C-I/ST

Name: 25AA160C-I/ST
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: 25AA160C-I/ST
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 25AA160C-I/ST

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Memory

Package:: 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)

Datasheet:: 25AA160C-I/ST.pdf

Description:: IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 8TSSOP

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Product details

Overview

25AA160C-I/ST 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 Pb-free TSSOP-8 package. It supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency at 4.5–5.5 V, delivers 5 mA max read/write current, and provides hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register control - used for firmware parameter storage in embedded controllers.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160C-I/ST datasheet, 25AA160C-I/ST pinout, 25AA160C-I/ST application, or 25AA160C-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (1.8 V min), page size constraint (16 bytes), HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe SPI pauses, and block protection granularity (none/¼/½/all array).

Technical Context

The 25AA160C-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD for full protocol support. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - all managed by on-chip control logic that enforces write-enable latch (WEL) state and STATUS register-based block protection (BP0/BP1).

Communication is MSB-first; read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh, while write operations require explicit WREN before each WRITE command and strict CS high assertion after final data bit to trigger internal 5 ms max self-timed write cycle. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting the sequence, provided it's asserted while SCK is low.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Memory Size	16 Kbit (2048 × 8 bits); sufficient for bootloader configuration, calibration data, or device identity storage in resource-constrained systems.
Interface	SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0); requires only four signal lines (CS, SCK, SI, SO) plus optional WP/HOLD - minimal GPIO overhead.
Page Size	16 bytes; limits contiguous writes to within a single physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0000h–000Fh), requiring software alignment to avoid wraparound.
Max Clock Frequency	10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V; enables fast read/write bursts in high-throughput microcontroller applications without timing margin violations.
Write Cycle Time	5 ms maximum; deterministic erase-and-write latency allows predictable system-level timeout handling during nonvolatile updates.
Endurance & Retention	>1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention; validated for long-life deployments in industrial control and metering equipment.
Supply Voltage Range	1.8 V to 5.5 V; supports direct interfacing with 1.8 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V logic domains without level-shifting circuitry.
Temperature Range	Industrial (−40°C to +85°C); qualified for operation in factory automation, HVAC, and automotive body electronics environments.

Pinout & Package

25AA160C-I/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix), measuring 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.2 mm, with gull-wing leads and RoHS-compliant matte tin plating.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
CS (Pin 1)	Chip Select Input	Active-low enable; must be held low for entire SPI transaction; rising edge initiates internal write cycle after valid WRITE command.
SO (Pin 2)	Serial Data Output	Tri-state open-drain output; data shifted out on falling edge of SCK; enters high-Z when CS high or HOLD low.
WP (Pin 3)	Write-Protect Pin	Hardware lock for STATUS register writes when WPEN=1; no effect on memory writes unless enabled via BP0/BP1 bits.
VSS (Pin 4)	Ground Reference	Primary return path for all internal circuits; must be connected to system ground plane with low-inductance layout.
SI (Pin 5)	Serial Data Input	Data, address, and instruction latched on rising edge of SCK; accepts MSB-first 8-bit commands per SPI frame.
SCK (Pin 6)	Serial Clock Input	Master-generated clock; defines timing for SI sampling and SO updates; requires monotonic edges ≤2 µs rise/fall time.
HOLD (Pin 7)	Transfer Pause Control	Active-low suspend signal; must be asserted while SCK is low to freeze ongoing SPI sequence without reinitialization.
VCC (Pin 8)	Power Supply	Core voltage input (1.8–5.5 V); requires local 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling placed within 5 mm of pin.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Block Write Protection	Selectable protection of none, upper 1/4 (0600h–07FFh), upper 1/2 (0400h–07FFh), or entire array (0000h–07FFh) via BP0/BP1 bits - prevents accidental overwrites of critical firmware sections.
Power-On Write Protection	Write enable latch resets automatically at power-up, ensuring memory remains read-only until explicit WREN command - eliminates spurious writes during brown-out or reset conditions.
HOLD Functionality	Pauses active SPI transfers mid-sequence (e.g., during MCU interrupt servicing) without losing byte alignment or requiring retransmission - improves real-time system responsiveness.
Low-Power Operation	Standby current ≤5 µA at 5.5 V and +85°C; enables battery-backed operation in energy-sensitive applications such as smart sensors and portable diagnostics tools.
ESD Robustness	≥4 kV HBM ESD rating on all pins; withstands handling and board-level transients common in industrial assembly and field service environments.
Pb-Free & RoHS Compliance	Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU; uses matte tin finish on TSSOP leads - supports environmentally compliant manufacturing and global market access.

Applications

Industrial Sensor Calibration Storage	Medical Device Configuration Memory
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated sensor offset/gain coefficients and linearization tables in programmable temperature/humidity transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter repository accessed during power-up initialization and runtime correction routines via SPI from host MCU. Use Value: Enables field-replaceable sensor modules with unique calibration data retained across power cycles and firmware updates - eliminating need for external calibration hardware.	Use Scenario: Holding user-configurable therapy parameters (e.g., dosage limits, alarm thresholds) in portable infusion pumps and diagnostic monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage element interfaced to safety-critical MCU via isolated SPI bus with WP pin grounded for hardware lock. Use Value: Guarantees persistent settings survive battery replacement and software resets while supporting audit-trail logging through STATUS register monitoring.
Automotive Body Control Module NVM	Smart Energy Meter Firmware Settings
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and door lock configurations in 12 V automotive BCMs operating across −40°C to +85°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM integrated into CAN-connected subsystem; accessed during wake-up sequence with HOLD used to defer writes during CAN arbitration. Use Value: Provides reliable, low-power storage immune to vehicle battery voltage fluctuations (1.8–5.5 V range) and meets AEC-Q100 stress test requirements for endurance.	Use Scenario: Storing tariff schedules, demand-response flags, and communication credentials in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters deployed in utility grids. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary configuration store accessed by metrology SoC during cold start; protected via BP1/BP0 bits to prevent corruption during firmware OTA updates. Use Value: Ensures regulatory compliance data integrity over 20+ year field life with >1M write cycles - exceeding ANSI C12.19 lifetime validation thresholds.

Industrial Sensor Calibration Storage

Medical Device Configuration Memory

Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated sensor offset/gain coefficients and linearization tables in programmable temperature/humidity transmitters.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter repository accessed during power-up initialization and runtime correction routines via SPI from host MCU.

Use Value: Enables field-replaceable sensor modules with unique calibration data retained across power cycles and firmware updates - eliminating need for external calibration hardware.

Use Scenario: Holding user-configurable therapy parameters (e.g., dosage limits, alarm thresholds) in portable infusion pumps and diagnostic monitors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage element interfaced to safety-critical MCU via isolated SPI bus with WP pin grounded for hardware lock.

Use Value: Guarantees persistent settings survive battery replacement and software resets while supporting audit-trail logging through STATUS register monitoring.

Automotive Body Control Module NVM

Smart Energy Meter Firmware Settings

Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and door lock configurations in 12 V automotive BCMs operating across −40°C to +85°C.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM integrated into CAN-connected subsystem; accessed during wake-up sequence with HOLD used to defer writes during CAN arbitration.

Use Value: Provides reliable, low-power storage immune to vehicle battery voltage fluctuations (1.8–5.5 V range) and meets AEC-Q100 stress test requirements for endurance.

Use Scenario: Storing tariff schedules, demand-response flags, and communication credentials in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters deployed in utility grids.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary configuration store accessed by metrology SoC during cold start; protected via BP1/BP0 bits to prevent corruption during firmware OTA updates.

Use Value: Ensures regulatory compliance data integrity over 20+ year field life with >1M write cycles - exceeding ANSI C12.19 lifetime validation thresholds.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
25LC160C-I/ST	Requires minimum 2.5 V VCC; identical pinout, timing, and feature set except wider voltage tolerance not needed in 1.8 V systems.	Not suitable for 1.8 V logic domains; otherwise drop-in compatible in 3.3 V/5 V designs where lower VCC headroom isn't required.	Select when existing design already operates at ≥2.5 V and cost sensitivity favors Microchip's LC-series pricing tier.
AT25160B-SSHL-T	Same 16 Kbit density and TSSOP-8 package; supports 20 MHz max clock but requires 2.5–5.5 V supply and lacks HOLD pin.	Cannot pause SPI transfers mid-sequence; unsuitable for real-time systems needing interrupt-safe EEPROM access.	Choose only if higher-speed reads are prioritized and HOLD functionality is unused in target application.

Compared with 25LC160C-I/ST and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25AA160C-I/ST uniquely supports 1.8 V operation and HOLD functionality - making it the only option among the three for ultra-low-voltage or deterministic-interrupt embedded systems.

Availability

25AA160C-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, medical device configuration memory, and automotive body control module NVM requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 25AA160C-I/ST 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, serving industrial, automotive, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 25AA160C-I/ST belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in space- and cost-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 25AA160C-I/ST?

The 25AA160C-I/ST operates reliably down to 1.8 V across its full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and DC CHARACTERISTICS section of DS22150B, where VCC min is explicitly specified as 1.8 V - enabling direct interface with 1.8 V microcontrollers without level shifters. Below 1.8 V, read/write functionality is not guaranteed.

Does the 25AA160C-I/ST support page write operations, and what is the maximum page size?

Yes, the 25AA160C-I/ST supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size, as indicated by the "C" suffix in its part number and confirmed in the Device Selection Table. Each page spans contiguous addresses (e.g., 0000h–000Fh), and attempting to write across a page boundary causes data to wrap within the same page - requiring firmware to enforce alignment.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25AA160C-I/ST?

The HOLD pin on the 25AA160C-I/ST suspends ongoing SPI communication when pulled low while SCK is low, placing SI, SCK, and SO in high-impedance states. The internal state (address pointer, instruction phase) is preserved, allowing seamless resumption upon returning HOLD to high - essential for servicing higher-priority MCU interrupts without retransmitting commands.

Can the 25AA160C-I/ST be used in automotive applications requiring extended temperature operation?

No - the 25AA160C-I/ST is rated only for the industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). For automotive applications requiring −40°C to +125°C, Microchip offers the 25AA160D-I/ST (16-byte page) or 25AA160D-E/ST (automotive grade), both explicitly listed in the Device Selection Table with "E" temperature designation.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25AA160C-I/ST?

The 25AA160C-I/ST implements three layered write protections: (1) a volatile write enable latch (WEL) reset on power-up and after each write, (2) nonvolatile block protection (BP0/BP1) controlling 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array lock, and (3) hardware write-protect via WP pin when enabled by WPEN bit - all documented in Tables 2-3 and 2-4 of DS22150B.

25AA160C-I/ST Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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-TSSOP

25AA160C-I/ST FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 25AA160C-I/ST through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25AA160C-I/ST 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 25AA160C-I/ST reliable?

The price and inventory of 25AA160C-I/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25AA160C-I/ST is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 25AA160C-I/ST?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25AA160C-I/ST transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 25AA160C-I/ST?

25AA160C-I/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 25AA160C-I/ST 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 25AA160C-I/ST?

For technical support, including 25AA160C-I/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25AA160C-I/ST requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 25AA160C-I/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 25AA160C-I/ST 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 25AA160C-I/ST meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25AA160C-I/ST?

All 25AA160C-I/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25AA160C-I/ST, 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 25AA160C-I/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 25AA160C-I/ST:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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