Microchip Technology 25AA160CT-I/MS

Overview

25AA160CT-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI 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, HOLD suspend functionality, and supports up to 10 MHz clock at 4.5–5.5 V. Used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring low-power, reliable data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160CT-I/MS datasheet, 25AA160CT-I/MS pinout, 25AA160CT-I/MS application, or 25AA160CT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CC operating range compatibility, page-write boundary handling, WPEN/WP interaction, and MSOP-8 package footprint constraints in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The 25AA160CT-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion for device selection and supporting HOLD-driven transaction suspension without sequence restart. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, STATUS register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and page latches enabling burst writes within 16-byte boundaries.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed internal erase/write cycles (≤5 ms), while read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address rollover. Block protection is configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to lock 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160CT-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (150 mil) package, measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm, with exposed pad option not specified. Pin numbering follows standard MSOP orientation (pin 1 = CS, counterclockwise).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160T-I/SN, the 25AA160CT-I/MS offers identical functionality in a 44% smaller footprint-critical for compact modules-while AT25DF021-SSH-T delivers higher bandwidth and density at the cost of software compatibility and lack of HOLD support.

Availability

25AA160CT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, automotive body control modules, and smart home gateways requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160CT-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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160C/D family was designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power serial EEPROM applications in space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with hardware security features.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160CT-I/MS across its full voltage range?

The 25AA160CT-I/MS supports up to 10 MHz at V_CC = 4.5–5.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These stepped limits ensure reliable timing margin across process/voltage/temperature corners. The 25AA160CT-I/MS datasheet specifies AC characteristics in Table 1-2, with test conditions explicitly tied to V_CC ranges.

How does the HOLD pin function during an ongoing SPI transaction in the 25AA160CT-I/MS?

The HOLD pin pauses communication without resetting internal state: when pulled low while SCK is low, SI/SO/SCK inputs are ignored except CS, and SO enters high-impedance. Resuming requires HOLD high while SCK is low. This behavior is verified in Figure 1-1 and Section 2.1 of the 25AA160CT-I/MS datasheet.

Can the 25AA160CT-I/MS be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller that lacks a dedicated SPI peripheral?

Yes-the 25AA160CT-I/MS supports bit-banged SPI using GPIOs because it uses standard Mode 0,0 timing with clear setup/hold requirements (e.g., T_su = 20 ns min at 3.3 V). Its 1.8–5.5 V V_CC range and level-tolerant inputs (VIH1 = 0.7×V_CC) ensure compatibility with 3.3 V logic without external level shifters. This is confirmed in DC Characteristics Table 1-1 of the 25AA160CT-I/MS datasheet.

What happens if a page write crosses a 16-byte boundary in the 25AA160CT-I/MS?

If a page write command attempts to cross a 16-byte boundary, data wraps around to the start of the same page instead of advancing to the next page-overwriting previously written bytes in that page. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 2.3 and Note under "Page Write" in the 25AA160CT-I/MS datasheet, mandating software-enforced boundary checks.

Is the 25AA160CT-I/MS pin-compatible with the 25LC160C series?

No-while both share the same 8-pin MSOP package and pinout (CS/SO/WP/VSS/SI/SCK/HOLD/VCC), the 25AA160CT-I/MS operates down to 1.8 V and has different DC/AC specs (e.g., lower VIH/VIL thresholds, slower max clock at low V_CC). Substituting without validation risks timing violations or logic-level misreads; the 25AA160CT-I/MS datasheet confirms distinct V_CC ranges and test conditions in the Device Selection Table.