Microchip Technology 25AA160D-E/SN

Overview

25AA160D-E/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 32-byte page write capability, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in engine control units, battery management systems, and industrial sensor calibration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160D-E/SN datasheet, 25AA160D-E/SN pinout, 25AA160D-E/SN application, or 25AA160D-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 B), VCC min (1.8 V), automotive temp rating, WPEN-controlled hardware write protection, and SO high-impedance behavior during HOLD/CS high states.

Technical Context

The 25AA160D-E/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface with separate SI (input) and SO (output) lines, requiring CS assertion for device selection and SCK synchronization. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and a STATUS register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate internal write cycle; page writes are bounded to 32-byte physical pages (000h–01Fh, 020h–03Fh, etc.), and crossing boundaries causes wraparound. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial transfers while preserving internal state, enabling host MCU interrupt servicing without reinitialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160D-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150 mil width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 (CS) is marked by a beveled corner or dot; package dimensions: 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.75 mm (max height).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-E/SN and AT25DF021-MAHN-T, the 25AA160D-E/SN uniquely combines 1.8 V operation, automotive temperature range, 32-byte page efficiency, and HOLD functionality - making it optimal for low-voltage, interrupt-sensitive, and safety-critical embedded storage where supply headroom and deterministic bus control are constrained.

Availability

25AA160D-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, battery management systems, and industrial sensor calibration requiring stable component supply across automotive and industrial lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160D-E/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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160D-E/SN belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, engineered for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and medical applications demanding extended temperature operation and robust data integrity.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 25AA160D-E/SN?

The 25AA160D-E/SN operates reliably down to 1.8 V across its full −40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. At 1.8 V, maximum clock frequency is 3 MHz (per Table 1-2), and write current is reduced to 3 mA (per D011). This enables direct interfacing with ultra-low-power MCUs without level shifters - a key differentiator from 25LC-series variants that require ≥2.5 V.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI read sequence on the 25AA160D-E/SN?

During an active SPI read, pulling HOLD low places the 25AA160D-E/SN into hold mode: SO, SI, and SCK enter high-impedance states, and the internal address pointer and transaction state are preserved. Communication resumes from the exact bit position when HOLD is returned high while SCK is low - ensuring deterministic interrupt handling without data loss or re-synchronization overhead in the 25AA160D-E/SN.

Can the 25AA160D-E/SN be used in systems requiring AEC-Q100 qualification?

Yes - the 25AA160D-E/SN carries the "E" suffix denoting Automotive grade, and is specified for −40°C to +125°C operation per DS22150B revision B. While Microchip does not publish standalone AEC-Q100 reports for this part, its E-temp rating, 200-year data retention, >1M endurance, and >4 kV ESD protection align with AEC-Q100 stress test expectations for Grade 1/Grade 0 components used in automotive ECUs and BMS modules.

What happens if a page write command crosses a 32-byte boundary on the 25AA160D-E/SN?

If a page write command attempts to cross a 32-byte boundary (e.g., writing 32 bytes starting at address 0x01F0), the 25AA160D-E/SN wraps the excess bytes to the start of the same page (0x01F0–0x01FF), overwriting previously written data in that page. The device does not auto-advance to the next page. This behavior is documented in Section 2.3 and requires firmware to enforce page alignment - a critical design constraint unique to the 25AA160D-E/SN's 32-byte page architecture.

How is hardware write protection implemented on the 25AA160D-E/SN?

Hardware write protection on the 25AA160D-E/SN requires both the WP pin to be driven low AND the WPEN bit (STATUS register bit 7) to be set to '1'. When both conditions are met, writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked - preventing accidental modification of block protection settings. If WP is high or WPEN is '0', all STATUS register writes proceed normally, enabling flexible field reconfiguration of protection levels in the 25AA160D-E/SN.