Microchip Technology 25AA160DT-E/MNY

Overview

25AA160DT-E/MNY from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 32-byte page size, and 1.8–5.5 V supply range. It supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency at 4.5–5.5 V, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and operates across -40°C to +125°C for automotive applications.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160DT-E/MNY datasheet, 25AA160DT-E/MNY pinout, 25AA160DT-E/MNY application, or 25AA160DT-E/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive-grade temperature rating, 32-byte page write capability, HOLD pin support for interrupt-safe SPI pausing, and block-level write protection (none/1/4/1/2/all array).

Technical Context

The 25AA160DT-E/MNY implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 or Mode 1,1 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. 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 5 ms max self-timed write cycle; reads support sequential addressing with automatic address roll-over at 07FFh. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transfers while maintaining internal state, enabling host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without retransmission.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160DT-E/MNY is housed in an 8-lead 2×3 mm TDFN package (MN suffix), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, with wettable flank option for automated optical inspection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-E/MNY, the 25AA160DT-E/MNY adds 1.8 V operation for ultra-low-power microcontrollers, while AT25DF021-MAHN-T trades EEPROM simplicity for higher density at the cost of erase complexity and loss of HOLD functionality.

Availability

25AA160DT-E/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, ADAS sensor modules, body electronics, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25AA160DT-E/MNY 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, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 25AA160DT-E/MNY belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of automotive-grade SPI EEPROMs, designed specifically for robust, low-power, and secure nonvolatile data storage in harsh-environment electronic control units.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160DT-E/MNY?

The 25AA160DT-E/MNY supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. At 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, the maximum is 5 MHz; at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V, it drops to 3 MHz. These limits ensure setup/hold timing compliance across voltage and temperature ranges, and are specified in Table 1-2 of the DS22150B datasheet. The 25AA160DT-E/MNY maintains full functionality across all three speed grades without configuration changes.

Does the 25AA160DT-E/MNY support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25AA160DT-E/MNY supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size, as confirmed by the Device Selection Table and Section 2.3 of the datasheet. This allows up to 32 bytes to be loaded into the page buffer and written in a single 5 ms internal cycle, provided all addresses reside within the same physical page boundary (e.g., 0000h–001Fh). Attempting to cross page boundaries causes data wraparound, so application firmware must enforce alignment. The 25AA160DT-E/MNY does not support partial-page writes smaller than one byte.

How does the HOLD pin function on the 25AA160DT-E/MNY, and what are its timing requirements?

The HOLD pin on the 25AA160DT-E/MNY pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state, allowing the host MCU to service interrupts and resume from the exact point of suspension. To activate HOLD, the pin must be driven low while SCK is low; asserting HOLD during SCK high may delay response until the next SCK falling edge. Resuming requires HOLD high while SCK is low. During HOLD, SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance states. This behavior is fully documented in Figures 1-1 and Section 3.6 of the 25AA160DT-E/MNY datasheet.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25AA160DT-E/MNY?

The 25AA160DT-E/MNY implements dual-layer write protection: hardware-based via the WP pin (active-low) combined with the WPEN bit in the STATUS register, and software-configurable block protection using BP0/BP1 bits to lock none, upper 1/4, upper 1/2, or the entire 2048-byte array. WP only affects STATUS register writes when WPEN = 1; memory writes remain subject to BP bits. All protection settings persist through power cycles. This architecture is detailed in Tables 2-3, 2-4 and Section 2.6 of the DS22150B datasheet for the 25AA160DT-E/MNY.

Is the 25AA160DT-E/MNY qualified for automotive applications, and what temperature range does it support?

Yes, the 25AA160DT-E/MNY is explicitly qualified for automotive use with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C (E grade), as indicated by the "E" suffix and confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Section 1.0 Electrical Characteristics. It meets AEC-Q100 stress test requirements for ambient temperature under bias and is packaged in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 2×3 mm TDFN (MN) package. This makes the 25AA160DT-E/MNY suitable for engine control, transmission, and ADAS modules where extended thermal performance is mandatory.