Microchip Technology 25AA160D-E/ST

Overview

25AA160D-E/ST 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, HOLD suspend functionality, and block-level software write protection for industrial control, automotive body electronics, and embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160D-E/ST datasheet, 25AA160D-E/ST pinout, 25AA160D-E/ST application, or 25AA160D-E/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive-qualified operation, and real-world use context for reliable BOM selection and design-in.

Technical Context

The 25AA160D-E/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0/Master-Slave interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring only CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes a 32-byte page latch, status register with WIP/WEL/BP bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read, byte/page write, and status register access with deterministic timing: max 5 ms internal write cycle, 10 MHz clock at 4.5–5.5 V, and HOLD latency under 160 ns. Write enable latch reset occurs on power-up, WRDI, WRSR, or successful WRITE - ensuring robust data integrity during brown-out or interrupt-driven host operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160D-E/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix), 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm footprint, 1.2 mm height, Pb-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160D-E/ST and AT25DF041A-MAHN-T, the 25AA160D-E/ST uniquely supports 1.8 V operation and HOLD functionality within the 16 Kbit class, making it optimal for low-power automotive sensors and battery-backed industrial nodes where voltage flexibility and deterministic interrupt handling are essential.

Availability

25AA160D-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC configuration backup, and medical device setup parameter storage requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160D-E/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, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 25AA160D-E/ST belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in harsh-environment applications demanding AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160D-E/ST?

The 25AA160D-E/ST supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These graded limits ensure signal integrity and timing margin across its full 1.8–5.5 V operating range. The 25AA160D-E/ST datasheet specifies AC characteristics per voltage bin, and all timing values for 25AA160D-E/ST are validated under automotive temperature conditions.

Does the 25AA160D-E/ST support hardware write protection?

Yes, the 25AA160D-E/ST supports hardware write protection via the WP (Write-Protect) pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit in its STATUS register. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to the nonvolatile STATUS register bits are disabled - protecting critical configuration like block protection settings. This dual-layer mechanism is fully documented for 25AA160D-E/ST in DS22150B, Section 2.6 and Table 2-4.

What package type does the 25AA160D-E/ST use?

25AA160D-E/ST uses an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix), measuring 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm with 0.65 mm lead pitch. This package is Pb-free, RoHS compliant, and listed in Microchip's DS22150B packaging table. The 'ST' in the part number explicitly denotes the TSSOP variant - distinct from PDIP (P), SOIC (SN), MSOP (MS), or TDFN (MN) options.

How many write/erase cycles does the 25AA160D-E/ST guarantee?

The 25AA160D-E/ST guarantees more than 1 million erase/write cycles per memory location, as specified in DS22150B Table 1-3, Parameter No. 21. This endurance rating is characterized at 25°C and VCC = 5.5 V, and applies uniformly across the entire 2048-byte array of the 25AA160D-E/ST - enabling reliable field updates over multi-year deployments.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25AA160D-E/ST?

The HOLD pin on the 25AA160D-E/ST suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the transaction state - allowing the host microcontroller to service higher-priority interrupts and then resume exactly where it left off. This function is electrically validated for 25AA160D-E/ST with timing parameters THS, THH, THZ, and THV defined in DS22150B Table 1-2, ensuring deterministic behavior in real-time systems.