Microchip Technology 25AA160DT-I/MS

Overview

25AA160DT-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM with 2048 × 8-bit organization, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and 32-byte page write capability. It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus pausing, and operates across industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) in an 8-lead MSOP package.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160DT-I/MS datasheet, 25AA160DT-I/MS pinout, 25AA160DT-I/MS application, or 25AA160DT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include page size compatibility (32-byte), low-voltage operation (1.8 V min), SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz, and hardware-based block protection configuration.

Technical Context

The 25AA160DT-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data-in) and SO (data-out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, and HOLD control signals. Its internal architecture includes a write-enable latch, nonvolatile STATUS register (with BP0/BP1, WPEN, WEL, WIP bits), and page latches enabling atomic 32-byte writes within aligned physical pages.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by WRITE command and address; CS high after final data bit triggers self-timed 5 ms max internal write cycle. During active write, memory reads return undefined data while STATUS register remains readable - supporting real-time WIP polling without bus interruption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (150 mil) package, RoHS-compliant, with exposed pad option not specified for this variant. Pin pitch: 0.5 mm; body dimensions: 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm max height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-I/MS and AT25DF041A-MAU-T, the 25AA160DT-I/MS uniquely supports 1.8 V operation and 32-byte page writes within the same industrial-temp MSOP footprint - making it optimal for battery-powered or mixed-voltage embedded systems requiring proven reliability and minimal firmware changes.

Availability

25AA160DT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for 25AA160DT-I/MS 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, serving industrial, automotive, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 25AA160DT-I/MS belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI Serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where SPI interface simplicity and proven endurance are critical.

FAQ

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

The 25AA160DT-I/MS 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 AC timing limits are defined in Table 1-2 of DS22150B and must be respected to ensure reliable read/write operation. The 25AA160DT-I/MS does not support 10 MHz operation at 1.8 V.

Does the 25AA160DT-I/MS support SPI Mode 1,1 or other clock polarity/phase configurations?

No, the 25AA160DT-I/MS supports SPI Mode 0,0 only (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0), meaning data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK and output on the falling edge. This is explicitly confirmed in Section 2.1 and Figure 1-2 of DS22150B. Attempting Mode 1,1 will result in communication failure. The 25AA160DT-I/MS requires strict adherence to Mode 0,0 timing.

How does the HOLD function behave during an active write cycle in the 25AA160DT-I/MS?

The HOLD pin has no effect during an internal write cycle (TWC) in the 25AA160DT-I/MS. Once CS goes high to initiate the 5 ms self-timed write, the device ignores HOLD transitions until the write completes and it returns to standby. HOLD is only functional during active SPI transactions (read/write instruction phases), as stated in Section 3.6 and Figure 1-1 of DS22150B.

Can the 25AA160DT-I/MS be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q200 qualification?

No, the 25AA160DT-I/MS is rated for Industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) only. For automotive applications, Microchip offers the 25AA160DT-E/MS variant, which is qualified to AEC-Q200 Grade 2 (−40°C to +105°C) and marked with 'E' suffix. The 25AA160DT-I/MS lacks automotive qualification documentation and is not recommended for under-hood or safety-critical vehicle systems.

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

If a page write command attempts to cross a 32-byte boundary (e.g., starting at address 0x01F0 and writing 32 bytes), the 25AA160DT-I/MS wraps the excess data back to the start of the same page (0x01F0), overwriting previously written bytes in that page. This behavior is documented in Section 2.3 and prevents unintended writes to adjacent pages. Software must enforce page-aligned addresses for multi-byte writes.