Microchip Technology 25AA160DT-I/SN

Overview

25AA160DT-I/SN 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, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles - deployed in embedded control systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and firmware configuration.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160DT-I/SN datasheet, 25AA160DT-I/SN pinout, 25AA160DT-I/SN application, or 25AA160DT-I/SN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints across voltage ranges, package-confirmed terminal roles, real-world use cases in power management and sensor nodes, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and protection-level differences.

Technical Context

The 25AA160DT-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and optional HOLD/ WP control. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and a high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read with automatic address increment, byte/page write with boundary-aware page wrap behavior, and STATUS register access (RDSR/WRSR) for monitoring WIP/WEL bits and configuring BP0/BP1 block protection levels - all while maintaining SO tri-state during CS high or HOLD low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160DT-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150 mil body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and JEDEC-standard pinout. The package supports surface-mount reflow and meets industrial thermal cycling requirements.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160DT-I/SN, 25AA160T-I/SN offers identical electrical and functional behavior with minor marking variance, while AT25DF021-SSH-T provides greater density and speed at the cost of command-set incompatibility and loss of HOLD functionality - making it unsuitable for direct replacement in existing HOLD-dependent systems.

Availability

25AA160DT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical diagnostics, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for 25AA160DT-I/SN 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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25AA160DT-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI EEPROMs, engineered for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where deterministic timing and data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25AA160DT-I/SN?

The 25AA160DT-I/SN 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 limits ensure setup/hold timing margins are met across voltage and temperature ranges - critical for error-free communication in noise-prone industrial environments. Always verify actual timing using TCSS, TCSH, and Tsu values from the datasheet for your specific VCC and temperature condition. The 25AA160DT-I/SN does not support clock rates beyond these specifications.

Does the 25AA160DT-I/SN support page write across address boundaries?

No, the 25AA160DT-I/SN does not support crossing page boundaries during a single page write. With its 32-byte page size, writes must remain within addresses aligned to 0x00, 0x20, 0x40, etc. Attempting to write across a boundary causes data to wrap to the start of the same page, overwriting prior bytes. Application firmware must explicitly split writes at page boundaries - a requirement confirmed in Section 2.3 of the DS22150B datasheet. This behavior applies strictly to the 25AA160DT-I/SN and is not configurable.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25AA160DT-I/SN?

Hardware write protection on the 25AA160DT-I/SN requires both the WP pin (Pin 3) to be 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 - though memory array writes remain permitted unless also disabled by BP bits. If WP is high or WPEN is low, hardware protection is inactive. This dual-condition mechanism allows safe installation in systems with grounded WP pins while retaining STATUS register configurability. The 25AA160DT-I/SN implements this exact logic per Table 2-4.

What happens to the 25AA160DT-I/SN during power-up?

At power-up, the 25AA160DT-I/SN enters Standby mode with CS high, SO in high-impedance, and the write enable latch (WEL) reset to '0'. No internal write cycles are active, and the STATUS register reflects default BP0/BP1 = 00 (no block protection). A low-to-high transition on CS is required to exit Standby and begin communication. This power-on state prevents spurious writes during voltage ramp-up and aligns with the device's built-in power-on write protection - a behavior explicitly defined in Section 2.8 of the DS22150B datasheet for the 25AA160DT-I/SN.

Can the HOLD pin be used to pause a write operation on the 25AA160DT-I/SN?

No, the HOLD pin cannot pause an active internal write cycle on the 25AA160DT-I/SN. HOLD only suspends serial communication (instruction/address/data transfer) while a transaction is in progress - it has no effect once the internal 5 ms write cycle has started (triggered by CS high after write data). During that period, the WIP bit remains set and the device ignores all inputs except CS. This limitation is inherent to the 25AA160DT-I/SN's architecture and is documented in Section 2.3 and Figure 2-2 of DS22150B.