Microchip Technology 25AA160T/SN
- Part No.:
- 25AA160T/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25AA160T/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
25AA160T/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 1.8–5.5 V supply range, 1 MHz max clock frequency, industrial temperature rating (−40°C to +85°C), and 8-pin SOIC (SN) package. It provides nonvolatile data storage for microcontroller-based systems requiring low-power, page-write capability, hardware write protection, and HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe serial communication.
For engineers reviewing the 25AA160T/SN datasheet, 25AA160T/SN pinout, 25AA160T/SN application, or 25AA160T/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8 V minimum operating voltage, 16-byte page write limit, 5 ms max internal write cycle time, block-level write protection (0/¼/½/all array), and compatibility with standard SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 interfaces.
Technical Context
The 25AA160T/SN implements a SPI-compatible serial interface with separate SI (data in) and SO (data out) lines, CS-controlled device selection, and dedicated HOLD input to suspend ongoing transfers without resetting the sequence. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and EEPROM array organized as 2048 bytes with automatic address rollover during sequential reads.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction activation of the write enable latch, followed by WRITE command, 16-bit address, and up to 16 data bytes within the same page boundary (aligned to 16-byte boundaries). The Status register supports real-time monitoring of WIP (Write-In-Process) and WEL (Write Enable Latch) states, plus BP0/BP1-configurable block protection and WPEN-enabled hardware write protection via the WP pin.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8 bits); sufficient for firmware parameter storage, calibration data, or small configuration tables in resource-constrained embedded systems. |
| Supply voltage | 1.8–5.5 V; enables direct interfacing with 1.8 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V microcontrollers without level shifting. |
| Max clock frequency | 1 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V; defines maximum SPI transaction throughput for read/write operations in timing-critical applications. |
| Page size | 16 bytes; constrains burst write length and requires software management of page boundaries to avoid wraparound corruption. |
| Write cycle time | 5 ms maximum; determines minimum interval between write commands and impacts system responsiveness during nonvolatile updates. |
| Endurance & retention | 1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention; ensures long-term reliability in infrequently updated but mission-critical storage roles. |
| ESD protection | 4 kV HBM; provides robustness against handling and board-level electrostatic discharge in industrial environments. |
Pinout & Package
25AA160T/SN is housed in an 8-pin Plastic Small Outline (SOIC-N, 150 mil body), JEDEC MS-012 compliant package with gull-wing leads, 1.27 mm pitch, and dimensions 4.90 mm × 3.91 mm × 1.55 mm (L × W × A).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable signal; selects device on SPI bus and initiates internal write cycle when brought high after valid write sequence. |
| SO | Serial Data Output | Tri-state output delivering memory contents on falling edge of SCK; enters high-impedance state when CS is high or HOLD is asserted. |
| WP | Write-Protect Pin | Hardware lock for Status register nonvolatile bits when WPEN = 1; grounded to disable writes to BP0/BP1/WPEN, high to allow full Status register modification. |
| VSS | Ground Reference | Primary return path for all internal circuitry and I/O signals; must be connected to system ground plane for stable operation. |
| SI | Serial Data Input | Accepts instructions, addresses, and data on rising edge of SCK; requires clean setup/hold timing per AC specs to prevent command corruption. |
| SCK | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all SPI transactions; rising edge clocks data into device, falling edge clocks data out; must remain low before/after HOLD assertion/deassertion. |
| HOLD | Transfer Suspend Input | Pauses active SPI sequence without resetting internal state; must be driven low while SCK is low to activate, and high while SCK is low to resume. |
| VCC | Supply Voltage | Power source for EEPROM core and interface logic; decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required near pin to suppress switching noise and ensure reliable write completion. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage operation | 1.8 V minimum VCC enables integration into battery-powered and ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes without voltage translation. |
| Page write capability | 16-byte page buffer allows efficient bulk data programming while minimizing host MCU intervention and SPI bus occupancy. |
| Hardware write protection | WP pin + WPEN bit combination provides tamper-resistant configuration locking, preventing accidental overwrites during field firmware updates. |
| HOLD function | Enables deterministic pause/resume of SPI transfers, allowing host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without losing transaction context or requiring reinitialization. |
| Block protection granularity | BP0/BP1 bits support four protection modes (none, upper ¼, upper ½, or full array), enabling flexible partitioning of configuration vs. runtime data regions. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Node | Medical Diagnostic Device |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing calibrated sensor offsets, linearization coefficients, and device-specific identification in a battery-operated environmental monitor deployed in remote locations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration storage element interfaced to an ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU via SPI, accessed only during power-up or recalibration events. Use Value: 1.8 V operation extends battery life; 1 M endurance supports decades of field recalibrations; hardware WP prevents corruption during brown-out conditions. | Use Scenario: Retaining patient history logs, diagnostic thresholds, and user preferences in a portable ultrasound probe with limited PCB space and strict ESD requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, low-footprint data logger co-located with the imaging SoC, using HOLD to defer EEPROM access during real-time image acquisition bursts. Use Value: SOIC-SN package fits tight layouts; 4 kV ESD rating meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 3; page write reduces SPI overhead during log updates. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Energy Meter |
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and fault codes in a LIN-connected vehicle subsystem operating across −40°C to +85°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI slave EEPROM integrated into the BCM's 3.3 V domain, accessed asynchronously by the main MCU during initialization and error recovery sequences. Use Value: Industrial temp rating ensures reliability under hood conditions; block protection isolates factory-set parameters from user-modifiable settings. | Use Scenario: Recording tariff schedules, billing cycles, and tamper-detection timestamps in a Class 0.5S electricity meter certified to IEC 62053-21 and ANSI C12.20. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trusted configuration store synchronized with metrology ASIC via isolated SPI, leveraging HOLD to maintain timing integrity during power-line disturbance events. Use Value: >200-year data retention guarantees compliance with 20+ year utility asset lifecycles; low standby current (<1 µA) minimizes auxiliary supply loading. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPI Serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25AA160A-I/SN | Successor revision with enhanced ESD performance (6 kV HBM), improved AC timing margins, and updated qualification per AEC-Q100 Grade 2 for automotive use. | Supports extended temperature range (−40°C to +125°C) and automotive-grade reliability testing; not required for industrial-only deployments. | Select 25AA160A-I/SN if new designs require longer product lifecycle assurance, higher ESD immunity, or automotive qualification. |
| AT25DF021-SSH-T | Dual/quad SPI interface, 2 Mbit density, 3.3 V only (2.7–3.6 V), no HOLD pin, different instruction set and status register layout. | Lacks HOLD functionality and 1.8 V support; suited for higher-density, faster-read applications where interrupt-safe pausing is unnecessary. | Choose AT25DF021-SSH-T only when migrating to dual/quad SPI for bandwidth scaling and 1.8 V operation is not required. |
Compared with 25AA160T/SN, the 25AA160A-I/SN offers verified automotive qualification and stronger ESD resilience, while the AT25DF021-SSH-T trades HOLD and low-voltage support for higher density and quad-SPI speed-making each alternative suitable only when those specific trade-offs align with system architecture goals.
Availability
25AA160T/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical diagnostic devices, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 25AA160T/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, serving industrial, automotive, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.
The 25AA160T/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI Serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing reliable, byte-addressable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the 25AA160T/SN?
The 25AA160T/SN operates reliably down to 1.8 V, as specified in its DC characteristics table for industrial temperature range. Below this threshold, read/write functionality and internal voltage regulation may become unstable, potentially causing data corruption or failed write cycles. Always verify VCC remains within 1.8–5.5 V during all operational modes-including power-up, active, and standby-to ensure full compliance with the 25AA160T/SN datasheet specifications.
Does the 25AA160T/SN support SPI Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 simultaneously?
Yes, the 25AA160T/SN supports both SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and Mode 1,1 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1) as confirmed by timing diagrams Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3 in the DS21231E datasheet. The device samples SI on the rising edge and drives SO on the falling edge of SCK in both modes, making it compatible with common microcontroller SPI peripherals without mode-switching firmware overhead. This dual-mode support is intrinsic to the 25AA160T/SN's physical interface design.
How does the HOLD function behave during an active write cycle in the 25AA160T/SN?
The HOLD function has no effect on an ongoing internal write cycle in the 25AA160T/SN. Once CS is raised to initiate the self-timed 5 ms write, the device ignores HOLD transitions until the write completes and the Status register WIP bit clears. HOLD only suspends serial instruction/data transfer-not internal EEPROM programming-so asserting HOLD mid-write will not abort or delay the write operation. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 2.6 and Figure 3-2 of the 25AA160T/SN datasheet.
Can the 25AA160T/SN be used in automotive applications requiring −40°C to +125°C operation?
No, the 25AA160T/SN is rated only for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), as indicated in the Device Selection Table and Section 1.1 DC Characteristics. For automotive-grade operation up to +125°C, Microchip specifies the 25C160-E/SN variant, which supports 4.5–5.5 V supply and extended temperature range. Using the 25AA160T/SN outside its qualified temperature envelope risks parametric failure, reduced endurance, or data retention loss-making it unsuitable for under-hood or other high-temperature automotive deployments.
What happens to the write enable latch after a successful WRITE instruction completes in the 25AA160T/SN?
After a successful WRITE instruction completes-including internal 5 ms write cycle-the write enable latch in the 25AA160T/SN is automatically reset, disabling further writes until a new WREN instruction is issued. This reset occurs regardless of whether the write was byte- or page-based, and is part of the device's inherent data protection scheme. The WEL bit in the Status register reflects this cleared state, and attempting subsequent writes without reissuing WREN will result in ignored commands, as defined in Section 3.4 and Table 3-1 of the 25AA160T/SN datasheet.
25AA160T/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 16Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 2K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 1 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
25AA160T/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25AA160T/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25AA160T/SN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 25AA160T/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25AA160T/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25AA160T/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25AA160T/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25AA160T/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25AA160T/SN?
25AA160T/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25AA160T/SN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 25AA160T/SN?
For technical support, including 25AA160T/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25AA160T/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25AA160T/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25AA160T/SN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 25AA160T/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25AA160T/SN?
All 25AA160T/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25AA160T/SN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 25AA160T/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25AA160T/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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