Microchip Technology 25LC160A-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 25LC160A-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
25LC160A-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 16KBIT SPI 10MHZ 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:141
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Product details
Overview
25LC160A-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, and supports sequential read, hold functionality, and block-level array protection for embedded microcontroller systems.
For engineers reviewing the 25LC160A-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160A-I/SN pinout, 25LC160A-I/SN application, or 25LC160A-I/SN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI timing constraints, package-confirmed pin functions, endurance/reliability data, and real-world use cases in power management, sensor calibration, and firmware configuration storage.
Technical Context
The 25LC160A-I/SN 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 an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, HV generator for EEPROM programming, and status register with WIP, WEL, BP0/BP1, and WPEN bits.
Write operations require explicit WREN instruction before WRITE or WRSR, and CS must be raised after final data bit to trigger self-timed 5 ms internal write cycle. Page boundaries are fixed at 16-byte intervals (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.), and crossing boundaries wraps data within the current page - a constraint enforced by hardware logic.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit organization), directly addressable via 11-bit internal pointer |
| Page Size | 16 bytes - limits maximum contiguous write per CS low assertion without wraparound |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V - enables high-throughput configuration reads in resource-constrained hosts |
| Write Cycle Time | 5 ms max - defines minimum interval between successive write commands or page writes |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - supports long-life logging or field-updatable parameter storage |
| Data Retention | > 200 years at +25°C - ensures nonvolatile state preservation across product lifecycle |
| VCC Range | 2.5V to 5.5V - compatible with 3.3V and 5V microcontroller I/O domains without level shifting |
Pinout & Package
25LC160A-I/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN), with 1.27 mm pitch, body size 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm, and Pb-free matte tin finish per JEDEC J-STD-609.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable: drives device into active mode; rising edge initiates internal write cycle after valid write sequence |
| SO (Pin 2) | Serial Data Output | Tri-state open-drain output; data shifted out on SCK falling edge during READ/RDSR |
| WP (Pin 3) | Write-Protect Pin | Hardware lock: disables STATUS register writes when WPEN = 1 and WP = low; no effect on memory reads or active writes |
| VSS (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Return path for all digital and internal charge-pump circuits; must be low-impedance connection |
| SI (Pin 5) | Serial Data Input | Latches instruction, address, and data on SCK rising edge; accepts MSB-first 8-bit sequences |
| SCK (Pin 6) | Serial Clock Input | Synchronizes all SPI transactions; timing critical for setup/hold compliance per VCC voltage grade |
| HOLD (Pin 7) | Hold Input | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer (CS low, SCK low required); tri-states SO and ignores SI/SCK until released |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Supply Voltage | Power source for logic and EEPROM programming; internal charge pump derives programming voltage from VCC |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Block Write Protection | Selectable via BP0/BP1 bits: protect none, upper 1/4 (0600h–07FFh), upper 1/2 (0400h–07FFh), or full array (0000h–07FFh) |
| Built-in Write Protection | Power-on reset of WEL latch, WREN/WRDI instruction control, and WP pin + WPEN bit hardware lock |
| Self-Timed Erase/Write | No external timing control needed; internal circuitry manages 5 ms write duration and verifies completion |
| Sequential Read Mode | Auto-incrementing address pointer allows continuous byte streaming up to 2048 bytes without reissuing address |
| HOLD Functionality | Enables host CPU to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transaction without losing SPI state or reinitializing |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Microcontroller Firmware Configuration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-trimmed ADC offset/gain coefficients and temperature compensation tables in programmable sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter store accessed at power-up or during calibration routines via SPI. Use Value: Enables one-time calibration during manufacturing and field updates without requiring external programming hardware. |
Use Scenario: Holding boot-time configuration flags, communication protocol settings, and user-defined I/O mappings for PIC® and other SPI-capable MCUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable memory mapped into MCU's peripheral address space for runtime parameter access. Use Value: Allows field-upgradable system behavior without firmware reflashing; leverages 1M endurance for frequent setting changes. |
| Power Supply Sequencing Control | Consumer Device Settings Storage |
Use Scenario: Maintaining power-on delay values, rail enable order, and fault recovery thresholds in multi-rail DC/DC controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated configuration memory for PMIC or sequencer ICs, read during startup initialization. Use Value: Ensures deterministic power-up behavior across voltage tolerances and temperature ranges using >200-year data retention. |
Use Scenario: Saving volume levels, display brightness, network credentials, and language preferences in smart home hubs and audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power SPI EEPROM interfaced to application processor during idle or suspend states. Use Value: Achieves sub-1 μA standby current (ICCS = 1 μA at 2.5V) to extend battery life while preserving user experience across reboots. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25LC160B-I/SN | 32-byte page size vs. 16-byte; identical VCC range, timing, and package | Enables larger burst writes without boundary checks; requires firmware adaptation for page alignment | Choose for higher write throughput where memory layout permits 32-byte alignment |
| AT25160B-MAU-10 | Same 16 Kbit density and SOIC-8 package; 5 MHz max clock (vs. 10 MHz); 2.5–5.5V supply | Lower SPI bandwidth limits real-time parameter updates; identical endurance and retention specs | Acceptable where host SPI clock ≤ 5 MHz and no timing-critical writes are required |
Compared with 25LC160B-I/SN, the 25LC160A-I/SN trades page size for stricter boundary control in constrained firmware; versus AT25160B-MAU-10, it delivers double clock speed and proven Microchip SPI compatibility for PIC-based designs.
Availability
25LC160A-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, microcontroller firmware configuration, and power supply sequencing control requiring stable component supply, long-term traceability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 25LC160A-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with emphasis on embedded control and low-power design.
The 25LC160A-I/SN belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B SPI EEPROM family, engineered for reliable, low-voltage, high-endurance nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive industrial and automotive-qualified systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160A-I/SN?
The 25LC160A-I/SN supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V to 5.5V. At 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8V ≤ VCC < 2.5V (not applicable to 25LC160A-I/SN due to its 2.5V min VCC), it would be 3 MHz. These limits ensure setup/hold timing compliance per AC characteristics table in DS21807D.
Does the 25LC160A-I/SN require external components for basic SPI operation?
No, the 25LC160A-I/SN operates stand-alone with only VCC, VSS, CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, and HOLD connections. No external pull-ups, capacitors, or voltage regulators are required for standard read/write sequences. Pull-up resistors on CS, WP, and HOLD may be used for default logic states but are not mandatory per datasheet recommendations.
How does the HOLD function behave during an active write cycle in the 25LC160A-I/SN?
The HOLD pin has no effect during an internal write cycle (WIP = 1). Once initiated, the 5 ms self-timed write proceeds to completion regardless of HOLD state. HOLD only suspends ongoing SPI communication (READ/WRITE/RDSR) - not background programming - and must be asserted while SCK is low to take effect.
What is the page write limit for the 25LC160A-I/SN, and what happens if exceeded?
The 25LC160A-I/SN has a 16-byte page buffer. Attempting to write more than 16 bytes in a single CS-low transaction - or crossing a 16-byte boundary (e.g., writing from 000Fh to 0010h) - causes data to wrap to the start of the same page (0000h), overwriting prior bytes. This behavior is hardware-enforced and requires firmware to manage page alignment.
Is the 25LC160A-I/SN pin-compatible with the 25AA160A-I/SN?
Yes, the 25LC160A-I/SN and 25AA160A-I/SN share identical 8-pin SOIC (SN) package, pinout, and SPI command set. However, they differ in VCC range (2.5–5.5V vs. 1.8–5.5V) and temperature grading (I-grade only for 25LC160A-I/SN), so direct substitution requires verification of supply voltage and operating temperature constraints.
25LC160A-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 16Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 2K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 10 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
25LC160A-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 25LC160A-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 25LC160A-I/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 25LC160A-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 25LC160A-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 25LC160A-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 25LC160A-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 25LC160A-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 25LC160A-I/SN?
25LC160A-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 25LC160A-I/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 25LC160A-I/SN?
For technical support, including 25LC160A-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 25LC160A-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 25LC160A-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 25LC160A-I/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 25LC160A-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 25LC160A-I/SN?
All 25LC160A-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 25LC160A-I/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 25LC160A-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 25LC160A-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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