Microchip Technology 25AA160CT-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 25AA160CT-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25AA160CT-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 10MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,900
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
25AA160CT-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 size, and Industrial temperature grade (−40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in embedded control modules for parameter storage and firmware configuration.
For engineers reviewing the 25AA160CT-I/SN datasheet, 25AA160CT-I/SN pinout, 25AA160CT-I/SN application, or 25AA160CT-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC min (1.8 V), page write capability (16 bytes), HOLD/CS timing margins, and block protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array).
Technical Context
The 25AA160CT-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and MSB-first data framing. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate internal 5 ms erase/write cycle; STATUS register (WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1) enables real-time monitoring and configurable 1/4–100% array protection without external logic.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8 bits) - supports up to 2 KB of nonvolatile configuration or calibration data. |
| Interface | SPI-compatible serial bus (Mode 0,0) - interoperable with PIC® and ARM® microcontrollers without protocol translation. |
| VCC Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - enables direct integration into 1.8 V logic systems or mixed-voltage industrial controllers. |
| Page Size | 16 bytes - constrains burst writes to boundaries at 0x0000, 0x0010, ..., 0x07F0; crossing triggers wrap, not overflow. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V - supports ≤100 ns SCK period for high-throughput read/write in time-critical logging. |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms max - defines minimum interval between consecutive page writes; impacts firmware update latency. |
| Endurance | >1 million erase/write cycles - ensures ≥10 years of daily 300-write operation in data-logging applications. |
Pinout & Package
25AA160CT-I/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN), with 150 mil body width, Pb-free matte tin finish, and RoHS compliance. Pin mapping follows standard SPI EEPROM layout with dedicated HOLD and WP terminals.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: drives device into active mode only when low; forces SO to high-Z when high for multi-device SPI bus sharing. |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output updated after SCK falling edge; requires external pull-up for open-drain compatibility in shared-bus systems. |
| WP (Pin 3) | Hardware Write-Protect | Blocks STATUS register writes when WPEN=1 and WP=low; allows selective lock of critical configuration sectors without software overhead. |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance connection to avoid noise-induced read errors. |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Latches instruction/address/data on SCK rising edge; accepts 0.2 VCC–0.3 VCC low threshold for 1.8 V operation. |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Master-generated clock with ≤2 µs rise/fall time; timing margins (Tsu, THD) tighten as VCC drops below 2.5 V. |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Bus Hold Control | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer when pulled low during SCK low phase; resumes from same byte without reinitialization after release. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply Voltage | Power input with 5 µA standby current at 5.5 V; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required within 10 mm of pin for stable 10 MHz operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Configurable via BP0/BP1 bits to protect none, upper 1/4 (0600h–07FFh), upper 1/2 (0400h–07FFh), or entire array - prevents accidental overwrite of boot code or calibration tables. |
| Power-On Write Disable | Write enable latch resets at power-up, eliminating risk of spurious writes during brown-out or reset sequences without software intervention. |
| HOLD Functionality | Enables host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer; preserves internal address pointer and command state without bus re-synchronization. |
| Low-Voltage Operation | Full functionality down to 1.8 V VCC - supports battery-backed systems and ultra-low-power sensor nodes where 3.3 V rails are unavailable. |
| Data Retention | >200 years at +85°C - guarantees integrity of stored parameters across product lifetime without refresh cycles or backup power. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Medical Device Calibration Data |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing I/O mapping, PID tuning constants, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers with frequent field updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter store accessed via SPI during boot and runtime; HOLD used during interrupt-driven analog sampling. Use Value: 16-byte page writes minimize update time; 1.8 V operation enables direct connection to 2.0 V ADC reference domains without level shifters. | Use Scenario: Holding factory-calibrated sensor offsets and gain coefficients in portable ECG monitors requiring FDA-compliant data persistence. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration vault with hardware WP pin tied low and WPEN set - blocks runtime modification of calibration values. Use Value: >200-year data retention meets medical device shelf-life requirements; ESD rating >4 kV protects against handling damage during assembly. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Patching |
Use Scenario: Storing seat position memory, mirror presets, and lighting profiles in 12 V automotive systems with wide-input DC-DC converters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU; BP1/BP0 bits lock user preferences while allowing firmware updates to executable flash. Use Value: −40°C to +85°C rating matches under-hood thermal envelope; 5 mA read current at 10 MHz avoids excessive load on 3.3 V LDOs. | Use Scenario: Storing delta patches for firmware upgrades in utility-grade electricity meters deployed in remote substations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Field-upgradable code repository accessed over isolated RS-485; HOLD suspends transfers during metering interrupt servicing. Use Value: 5 ms write cycle enables sub-second patch commits; 1M endurance supports 10+ years of quarterly updates without wear leveling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPI EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25LC160CT-I/SN | Same 16 Kbit capacity and SOIC-8 package, but 2.5–5.5 V VCC range and no 1.8 V support. | Not suitable for 1.8 V or mixed-voltage systems; otherwise identical timing, pinout, and instruction set. | Select only if system VCC never falls below 2.5 V and legacy 25LC part qualification is required. |
| AT25DF021-SSH-T | 2 Mbit density, 2.7–3.6 V VCC, quad SPI interface, and 25 ns access time - no HOLD or WP pins. | Higher density and faster reads, but lacks hardware write protection and bus hold; requires different driver stack. | Choose for high-speed logging where density >16 Kbit is needed and software-controlled protection suffices. |
Compared with 25AA160CT-I/SN, the 25LC160CT-I/SN sacrifices 1.8 V operation but maintains full pin and functional compatibility, while the AT25DF021-SSH-T trades hardware safety features for speed and density - making 25AA160CT-I/SN optimal for cost-sensitive, low-voltage, safety-critical parameter storage.
Availability
25AA160CT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body controllers, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 25AA160CT-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, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 25AA160C/D family delivers cost-optimized, low-voltage SPI EEPROMs targeting embedded systems needing reliable, small-footprint nonvolatile storage for configuration, calibration, and event logging.
FAQ
What is the minimum VCC voltage supported by the 25AA160CT-I/SN?
The 25AA160CT-I/SN operates down to 1.8 V, enabling direct integration into 1.8 V logic domains and battery-powered systems where higher-voltage regulators are impractical. This specification is validated across the full Industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and is not a typical or derated value - it is a guaranteed operational limit per DS22150B.
Does the 25AA160CT-I/SN support page write operations, and what is the maximum page size?
Yes, the 25AA160CT-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size. Writes crossing a 16-byte boundary (e.g., starting at 0x000F) wrap to the start of the same page rather than advancing to the next - requiring firmware to validate address alignment before initiating multi-byte writes. This behavior is inherent to the 'C' version silicon and documented in Section 2.3 of DS22150B.
How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25AA160CT-I/SN?
The HOLD pin on the 25AA160CT-I/SN pauses an ongoing SPI sequence when asserted low during an SCK low phase, tri-stating SO and ignoring SI/SCK transitions until HOLD is returned high while SCK remains low. The internal address pointer and command state are preserved, allowing seamless resumption - a critical feature for interrupt-driven microcontrollers managing time-sensitive analog sampling alongside EEPROM access.
Can the 25AA160CT-I/SN be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification?
No, the 25AA160CT-I/SN carries Industrial (I) temperature grade (−40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive use, Microchip offers the 25AA160DT-E/SN variant (E-temp, −40°C to +125°C) with appropriate qualification - the 'T' suffix in 25AA160CT-I/SN explicitly denotes Industrial grade, not automotive.
What protection mechanisms prevent unintended writes to the 25AA160CT-I/SN memory array?
The 25AA160CT-I/SN employs four layered protections: (1) power-on reset of the write enable latch, (2) mandatory WREN instruction before any write, (3) automatic latch reset after each WRITE/WRSR command, and (4) hardware WP pin + WPEN bit enforcement. These ensure that accidental writes due to noise, brown-out, or software bugs are physically blocked at both logic and circuit levels - a requirement verified in DS22150B Sections 2.4 and 2.7.
25AA160CT-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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-SOIC
25AA160CT-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25AA160CT-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25AA160CT-I/SN 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 25AA160CT-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25AA160CT-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25AA160CT-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25AA160CT-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25AA160CT-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25AA160CT-I/SN?
25AA160CT-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25AA160CT-I/SN 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 25AA160CT-I/SN?
For technical support, including 25AA160CT-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25AA160CT-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25AA160CT-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25AA160CT-I/SN 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 25AA160CT-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25AA160CT-I/SN?
All 25AA160CT-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25AA160CT-I/SN, 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 25AA160CT-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25AA160CT-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
25AA160CT-I/SN Tags

-
M24C02-WMN6TP
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24C02C-XHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
AT21CS01-STUM10-T
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C02C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
24LC01BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
M24C02-FMC6TG
STMicroelectronics

-
AT24CS02-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
93LC46BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C04C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology

-
24LC01BT-I/SN
Microchip Technology

-
24AA02UIDT-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
AT24C08C-STUM-T
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
