Microchip Technology 25LC160AT-E/MS

Overview

25LC160AT-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 16-byte page size, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles. Used in embedded systems for firmware parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160AT-E/MS datasheet, 25LC160AT-E/MS pinout, 25LC160AT-E/MS application, or 25LC160AT-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include page-write boundary handling, VCC-dependent clock frequency (up to 10 MHz at 4.5–5.5 V), WPEN-controlled hardware write-protection behavior, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 25LC160AT-E/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS assertion, SCK synchronization, and precise timing for instruction/address/data transfer. 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 limited to 16 bytes within a single 16-byte-aligned physical page (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.). The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial communication while preserving internal state, enabling host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without retransmission.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160AT-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.15 inch body width, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and exposed pad option not present - suitable for automated SMT assembly and thermal management in compact designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160AT-E/MS, the 25LC160DT-E/MS offers improved manufacturability and qualification margin without design change, while the AT25DF041A-MAU-T trades hardware safety features for density and speed - making it unsuitable for safety-critical parameter storage but viable for non-volatile program storage where WP/HOLD are managed in software.

Availability

25LC160AT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body control modules, medical infusion pumps, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160AT-E/MS 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 and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160A/B family was designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing write-cycle predictability, hardware-level data protection, and broad VCC tolerance for mixed-voltage board designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160AT-E/MS?

The 25LC160AT-E/MS 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 are defined in Table 1-2 of DS21807D and directly impact achievable read/write throughput in host MCU firmware - for example, a 10 MHz clock enables full 16-byte page read in under 30 μs.

How does the HOLD function operate in the 25LC160AT-E/MS?

The HOLD pin in the 25LC160AT-E/MS suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting internal state: it must be driven low while SCK is low, and brought high while SCK remains low to resume. During HOLD, SI/SO/SCK inputs are ignored except CS, and SO enters high-impedance - enabling deterministic MCU interrupt servicing in real-time systems using the 25LC160AT-E/MS.

What page size does the 25LC160AT-E/MS use, and why does it matter?

The 25LC160AT-E/MS uses a 16-byte page size, meaning up to 16 contiguous bytes can be written in a single page-write command. Crossing a 16-byte boundary (e.g., writing to address 000Fh then 0010h) causes wraparound to 0000h - this requires firmware to align writes and validate address ranges before issuing WRITE instructions to avoid unintended overwrites in the 25LC160AT-E/MS.

Can the 25LC160AT-E/MS be used in automotive applications?

The 25LC160AT-E/MS is rated for Industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C), not Automotive (–40°C to +125°C). For automotive use, Microchip specifies the 25LC160B variant (e.g., 25LC160BT-E/MS) with E-grade qualification. Using the 25LC160AT-E/MS in under-hood environments risks parametric shift and reduced endurance - always verify ambient temperature profile against the 25LC160AT-E/MS datasheet limits.

How is hardware write protection implemented in the 25LC160AT-E/MS?

Hardware write protection in the 25LC160AT-E/MS requires both WPEN bit = 1 (set via WRSR) and WP pin = low. When enabled, it blocks writes to the STATUS register only - memory array writes remain functional. This allows safe field updates of calibration data while preventing accidental corruption of BP0/BP1 protection bits, a key safeguard in deployed 25LC160AT-E/MS installations.