Microchip Technology 25LC160A-I/ST

Overview

25LC160A-I/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI-compatible serial EEPROM with 16-byte page write capability, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature support (–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 and firmware configuration.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160A-I/ST datasheet, 25LC160A-I/ST pinout, 25LC160A-I/ST application, or 25LC160A-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI timing compliance at 10 MHz, page-write boundary handling, VCC-dependent AC specs, and hardware/software write-protection interaction across temperature grades.

Technical Context

The 25LC160A-I/ST implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI/SO lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization on rising edge for input, and data output valid after falling edge. 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 followed by CS high-to-low transition to initiate internal erase/write; page writes are constrained to 16-byte boundaries (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.), and crossing boundaries wraps data within the current page. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers while preserving internal state, enabling interrupt servicing without reinitialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160A-I/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant, and Pb-free/RoHS certified. Pin 1 is marked with a dot or beveled corner; package dimensions: 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.1 mm height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160B-I/ST and AT25160B-SSHL-T, the 25LC160A-I/ST offers optimal balance of industrial temperature support, 16-byte page efficiency for small-parameter writes, and HOLD-enabled interrupt resilience - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, MCU-constrained embedded controllers.

Availability

25LC160A-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy meter firmware requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160A-I/ST 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 25LC160A-I/ST belongs to Microchip's 25XX160A/B serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive, and medical applications demanding high endurance and long data retention.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC160A-I/ST?

The 25LC160A-I/ST supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. At 2.5–4.5 V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8–2.5 V (not applicable to this 'LC' variant), it would be 3 MHz. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 AC Characteristics and must be respected to ensure setup/hold timing compliance.

Does the 25LC160A-I/ST have a HOLD pin, and how is it used?

Yes, the 25LC160A-I/ST includes a dedicated HOLD pin (Pin 7). When pulled low while SCK is low, it pauses ongoing SPI communication - preserving internal address and state - allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low; violating this timing may corrupt the transfer.

How does write protection work on the 25LC160A-I/ST?

Write protection on the 25LC160A-I/ST operates through two independent mechanisms: software-controlled block protection (BP0/BP1 bits in STATUS register) and hardware-enabled write-disable via WP pin + WPEN bit. The WP pin only affects STATUS register writes when WPEN = 1; memory array writes remain permitted unless blocked by BP bits.

What is the page size of the 25LC160A-I/ST, and why does it matter?

The 25LC160A-I/ST has a fixed 16-byte page size. This means up to 16 consecutive bytes can be written in a single CS-low cycle - but attempting to write across a 16-byte boundary (e.g., address 000Fh → 0010h) causes data to wrap to the start of the same page. Firmware must align page writes and check boundaries to avoid unintended overwrites.

Is the 25LC160A-I/ST compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes, the 25LC160A-I/ST operates across 2.5–5.5 V, making it fully compatible with 3.3 V MCUs. Its VIH/VIL thresholds scale with VCC (e.g., VIH ≥ 0.7×VCC), and DC/AC specs are guaranteed across this range. No level-shifting is needed when interfacing with 3.3 V SPI masters, provided VCC is stabilized at 3.3 V ±10%.