Microchip Technology 25AA160DT-I/MNY

Overview

25AA160DT-I/MNY from Microchip Technology Inc. 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, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in embedded control systems for parameter storage and firmware configuration.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160DT-I/MNY datasheet, 25AA160DT-I/MNY pinout, 25AA160DT-I/MNY application, or 25AA160DT-I/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range compatibility, page size alignment for firmware update logic, HOLD/CS timing margins in multi-peripheral SPI buses, and nonvolatile block protection granularity for secure configuration data.

Technical Context

The 25AA160DT-I/MNY implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) interface 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 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array protection without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160DT-I/MNY is housed in an 8-lead 2×3 mm TDFN package (MN suffix), featuring wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection and compact footprint ideal for portable and high-density PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160T-I/SN, the 25AA160DT-I/MNY saves >70% board area and enables higher component density; versus AT25DF021-SSH-T, it offers simpler SPI protocol, deterministic 5 ms writes, and dedicated hardware write protection - critical for safety-critical parameter storage.

Availability

25AA160DT-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 25AA160DT-I/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, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The 25XX160 family delivers SPI EEPROMs optimized for robust, low-power, and secure nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing endurance, data retention, and ease of integration with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25AA160DT-I/MNY across its full voltage range?

The 25AA160DT-I/MNY supports up to 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V. These graded limits ensure setup/hold timing compliance across process and temperature variations - verified per Table 1-2 AC Characteristics in DS22150B. The 25AA160DT-I/MNY maintains full functionality across this range without mode switching or configuration overhead.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction in the 25AA160DT-I/MNY?

The HOLD pin on the 25AA160DT-I/MNY suspends SPI communication when pulled low while SCK is low, placing SI, SO, and SCK in high-impedance state without resetting the internal address pointer or instruction state. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low - enabling the host MCU to service time-critical interrupts and resume exactly where the transaction paused. This behavior is electrically characterized in Figures 1-1 and 2-1 of DS22150B.

Can the 25AA160DT-I/MNY be used in automotive applications requiring operation up to +125°C?

No - the 25AA160DT-I/MNY is rated for Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) only. For automotive applications requiring +125°C operation, Microchip specifies the 25AA160D-E/MNY variant (E-temp grade), which shares identical pinout and functionality but undergoes extended qualification per AEC-Q100. Using the 25AA160DT-I/MNY beyond +85°C violates its specified operating conditions and may compromise data retention or endurance.

What happens if a page write command crosses a 32-byte boundary in the 25AA160DT-I/MNY?

If a page write command attempts to cross a 32-byte physical page boundary (e.g., writing bytes at addresses 0x001F–0x0020), the 25AA160DT-I/MNY wraps the data to the start of the current page (0x0000), overwriting previously written bytes in that page. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 2.3 and Note under Table 2-3 of DS22150B - application firmware must enforce page-aligned write boundaries to prevent unintended data corruption.

How is hardware write protection implemented on the 25AA160DT-I/MNY?

Hardware write protection on the 25AA160DT-I/MNY requires both the WP pin to be driven low AND the WPEN bit (bit 7 of STATUS register) to be set high. When both conditions are met, writes to nonvolatile STATUS register bits (BP0, BP1, WPEN) are blocked - but memory array reads, writes, and STATUS register reads remain fully functional. This dual-condition scheme prevents accidental lockout during development while ensuring field security when WPEN is programmed.