Microchip Technology 25AA160T-I/SN

Overview

25AA160T-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI-compatible serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V supply range, 1 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features 16-byte page write capability, hardware write protection via WP pin, and HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension - deployed in embedded control systems for parameter storage and firmware configuration.

For engineers reviewing the 25AA160T-I/SN datasheet, 25AA160T-I/SN pinout, 25AA160T-I/SN application, or 25AA160T-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CC compatibility down to 1.8 V, 5 ms max internal write cycle time, 1 M endurance cycles, and SOIC-8 (SN) package footprint suitability for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25AA160T-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, V_CC, and V_SS. Its internal architecture includes a status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits enabling configurable block write protection (none, 1/4, 1/2, or full array).

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate self-timed erase-and-write cycles; read operations support sequential addressing with automatic address rollover at 07FFh. HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting the internal state, preserving synchronization during host interrupt servicing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25AA160T-I/SN is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (SN) package - narrow body, 150 mil width, JEDEC MS-012 compliant - with standard 1.27 mm pitch and surface-mount footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25AA160T-I/MC and 25LC160T-I/SN, the 25AA160T-I/SN uniquely supports 1.8 V operation in the familiar SOIC-8 footprint - making it optimal for legacy-compatible upgrades and mixed-voltage systems where lowest supply voltage and proven manufacturability are prioritized.

Availability

25AA160T-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, medical device configuration memory, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for 25AA160T-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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design, manufacturing, and sales operations.

The 25AA160T-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160 family of SPI serial EEPROMs, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage nonvolatile data storage in cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 25AA160T-I/SN?

The 25AA160T-I/SN operates reliably from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. At 1.8 V, it maintains full functionality including 1 MHz SPI communication, 5 ms write cycles, and all status register features - verified across the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). This makes the 25AA160T-I/SN suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications where supply rails dip below 2.5 V.

Does the 25AA160T-I/SN support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25AA160T-I/SN supports page write operations with a fixed 16-byte page size. Up to 16 consecutive bytes can be loaded into the internal page buffer before initiating the internal write cycle. Writes crossing page boundaries automatically wrap to the start of the same page, so proper address alignment is required to avoid unintended overwrites - a behavior explicitly defined in the 25AA160T-I/SN datasheet.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25AA160T-I/SN?

The HOLD pin on the 25AA160T-I/SN suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state. When pulled low while SCK is low, SI/SO/SCK enter high-impedance and all inputs except CS are ignored. To resume, HOLD must be raised while SCK remains low. This preserves the exact byte/position in the sequence - essential for interrupt-driven hosts managing time-critical tasks alongside EEPROM access.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25AA160T-I/SN?

The 25AA160T-I/SN implements three layered write protections: (1) software-controlled WREN/WRDI commands, (2) status register BP0/BP1 bits enabling 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array lock, and (3) hardware WP pin + WPEN bit that disables Status Register writes when both are active. All mechanisms are nonvolatile and persist across power cycles - ensuring robust defense against accidental or malicious memory corruption in the 25AA160T-I/SN.

Is the 25AA160T-I/SN pin-compatible with other members of the 25XX160 family, such as the 25LC160T-I/SN?

Yes, the 25AA160T-I/SN is pin-compatible and functionally identical in SOIC-8 (SN) packaging with the 25LC160T-I/SN and 25C160T-I/SN. All share identical pinout, SPI protocol, instruction set, and timing structure. The primary differences lie in V_CC range (1.8–5.5 V vs. 2.5–5.5 V vs. 4.5–5.5 V) and maximum clock frequency (1 MHz vs. 2 MHz vs. 3 MHz), making them drop-in replacements where voltage and speed requirements align.