Microchip Technology 25AA160D-I/P

Overview

25AA160D-I/P 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 Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and supports up to 10 MHz clock at 4.5–5.5 V. It is used in embedded systems for nonvolatile storage of calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160D-I/P datasheet, 25AA160D-I/P pinout, 25AA160D-I/P application, or 25AA160D-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include page size (32 B), VCC min (1.8 V), HOLD/CS timing margins, WPEN-controlled hardware write protection, and compatibility with SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 microcontrollers.

Technical Context

The 25AA160D-I/P implements a standard SPI-compatible serial 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 an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and high-voltage generation circuitry for EEPROM programming.

It supports byte and page write operations (up to 32 bytes within one physical page), automatic address incrementing during sequential reads, and real-time status monitoring via RDSR (WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1 bits). Write cycles complete in ≤5 ms, and the device resets its write enable latch after each successful WRITE or WRSR command.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160D-I/P is packaged in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3 inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, and standard through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160D-I/P, the 25AA160D-I/SN offers identical functionality in a smaller surface-mount package, while the AT25DF041A-SSH-T trades pin compatibility and HOLD support for higher density and speed-requiring driver redesign and layout changes.

Availability

25AA160D-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, smart energy metering, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant through-hole packaging.

Supply support for 25AA160D-I/P 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, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160D-I/P belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage, high-endurance nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160D-I/P?

The 25AA160D-I/P supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. At 2.5–4.5 V, the maximum is 5 MHz, and at 1.8–2.5 V, it drops to 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet and ensure setup/hold timing compliance across voltage and temperature ranges. The 25AA160D-I/P must be operated within these AC specifications to guarantee reliable read/write operation.

Does the 25AA160D-I/P support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25AA160D-I/P supports page write operations with a fixed page size of 32 bytes. This is a key distinction from the 'C' version (16-byte pages). Page writes must remain within a single physical page boundary-crossing boundaries causes data to wrap to the start of the same page. The 25AA160D-I/P uses this capability to reduce total write cycles and improve update efficiency in applications like configuration storage.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25AA160D-I/P?

Hardware write protection on the 25AA160D-I/P is controlled jointly by the WP pin (Pin 3) and the WPEN bit (bit 7) in the STATUS register. Protection activates only when WP is low AND WPEN = 1. If WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored-allowing safe use in systems where WP is permanently grounded. This dual-control mechanism ensures flexible, field-serviceable protection for the 25AA160D-I/P's nonvolatile STATUS register bits.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the 25AA160D-I/P, and how is it used?

The HOLD pin (Pin 7) on the 25AA160D-I/P allows the host MCU to temporarily suspend an ongoing SPI transaction without resetting the internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, it places SO, SI, and SCK in high-impedance mode and pauses communication. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. This feature is essential for servicing time-critical interrupts in real-time systems using the 25AA160D-I/P.

What temperature range is specified for the 25AA160D-I/P, and what does the 'I' suffix indicate?

The 'I' in 25AA160D-I/P denotes Industrial temperature grade, specifying operation from –40°C to +85°C. This rating is validated per Microchip's qualification standards and applies across the full 1.8–5.5 V supply range. The 25AA160D-I/P is not rated for automotive (–40°C to +125°C) use-the 'E' variant (e.g., 25AA160D-E/P) is required for that environment. Thermal performance data is provided in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 of DS22150B.